Replies

1. 
   Pd5190 | Apr 14, 2004 06:18pm | #1

   Saw horses would be better than PVC. Better yet I would get a set of folding table legs from either an old table or I have seen them at Home Depot.  Reinforce the door where you will attach the legs with 3/4 inch ply from edge to edge on the door and about 6 inches wide. Glue the ply to the door and screw the edges of the ply to the outer frame of the door. This will give you a solid base to attach the folding legs to. this should still fit under the bed for storage.

2. 
   MichaelPB | Apr 14, 2004 06:26pm | #2

   If fitting over the bed is critical to the design, then the folding legs won't work as most have a brace that comes down at an angle from the center of the table.  That would prevent it from stradling the bed.

   At Home Depot they sell round spindle table legs that screw into a metal base.  The base just screws to the table.  Since you have a hollow door, you should glue a small square of pine, say 6" to 8" square at each corner and then screw the leg to that.

   However, that will still wobble somewhat as well.  Making a table solid isn't easy, that is why workbenches are so massive.  Perhaps there is a way to secure it to the bedposts if there are any?

   Michael

3. 
   darbywoods | Apr 14, 2004 06:32pm | #3

   go to home depot and get 4 of the "things" for a toilet in the floor and get the matching PVC size for legs. Screw the "things" to the bottom of your wood and then place the legs inside the holes. If this is not secure enough without screws you could attach some to each side to hold it more secure. This should work for you

   David

   http://www.darbynwoods.com

1. 
   aksophie | Apr 14, 2004 07:23pm | #4

   Following up on David's advise: The things he referred to are a toilet flange; made to fit 3" ABS pipe (in my neck of the woods). The problem with your existing setup is probably pvc pipe that is too small in diameter. I would guess that you will need 3" diameter in either pvc or abs. Personnally I'd use the abs because it is stiffer. Also, do yourself a favor and go to a regular plumbing store instead of home depot. I have found by experience that you will get better service and cheaper prices at a plumbing shop. Go to where both pros and home users shop.

4. 
   WayneL5 | Apr 15, 2004 01:21am | #5

   You need diagonal bracing ("X" bracing) between the legs.  There's not an easy way to do it without the base being bulky and complicated, though.

1. 
   darbywoods | Apr 15, 2004 02:35am | #6

   why?  if you use strong pvc and then screws to hold tight you do not need x bracing.

1. 
   WayneL5 | Apr 15, 2004 04:01am | #7

   PVC is fairly flexible.  Even if the tops could be anchored rigidly, the legs themsleves would flex.  Whether or not the amount of flex is acceptable depends on the expectations of the user and the intended use.

1. 
   aksophie | Apr 15, 2004 04:49am | #8

   Correction: 1" dia pvc is flexible, large dia., say 6", pvc is not. And 3" dia for this application will probably work just fine.

5. 
   Elaray | Apr 15, 2004 06:24pm | #9

   Thanks to all for your suggestions and advice. I've decide to use sawhorses. I've seen several items on constructiong sawhorse desks at various web sites. If a sawhorse is stable enough for sawing, it ought to be stable enough for pinning and cutting.

   thanks again.

   I sew, therefore I am

6. 
   notDusty | Apr 16, 2004 05:49am | #10

                Elaray ,

            One more option would be to use one inch pipe with pipe flanges fastened to the bottom of the top. Thread both ends and put pipe caps on the bottoms and screw the tops into the flanges . Put some in the center also if needed.

                               happy stitching               dusty