Table top hinges?

**Peter36** · 9th February 2011, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by pugwash

I'm contemplating making a new dining table with a top which swivels and then opens like a book to effectively double its size.
.

Is [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0JfKKH4g6g"]this[/ame] type of table suitable as a dining table. The area will double but the side dimension increases by 41% . For a table that is 1 meter square the extended dimension will be 1.4 meters which will accomdate 8 people but each perso would have to "straddle" a leg .
I would be interested to see how you go because my son wants am extending table of some sort down the track . I had been thinking of something like this but not as big.

**ian** · 9th February 2011, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by Woodwould

Nice table! However, those hinges aren't what Pugwash needs for the envelope table he describes. The toggle will stand proud of the surface when his leaves are open.

The table Pugwash describes "[a] dining table with a top which swivels and then opens like a book to effectively double its size"
sounds very similar to this one built by William Krase An Expandable Table - Fine Woodworking Article which was in Fine Woodworking issue #165
Krase used SOSS hinges

more detail here (WARNING 6.3 MB file)
http://www.finewoodworking.com/uploa...y/99927850.pdf

**pugwash** · 10th February 2011, 01:56 AM

Thank you for that link Ian. That is exactly the table I intend to build. I remember my Gran having a table with a top just like that. Good info on how to work out where the pivot point goes too.

**Woodwould** · 10th February 2011, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by ian

The table Pugwash describes "[a] dining table with a top which swivels and then opens like a book to effectively double its size"
sounds very similar to this one built by William Krase An Expandable Table - Fine Woodworking Article which was in Fine Woodworking issue #165
Krase used SOSS hinges

Originally Posted by pugwash

What sort of hinges can I get that will be unobtrusive when the top is closed and flush with the surface when it's open?

Those SOSS hinges are anything but unobtrusive! The FWW article even apologises for them and states the table is placed against a wall to hide the hinges! Why bother with such ugly hinges when ones are available that are specifically designed for the purpose? Counter hinges are unobtrusive and flush with the surface when installed and fill Pugwash's bill 100%.

**ian** · 10th February 2011, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Woodwould

Those SOSS hinges are anything but unobtrusive!
snip
Why bother with such ugly hinges when ones are available that are specifically designed for the purpose? Counter hinges are unobtrusive and flush with the surface when installed.

Hi Woodwould

I agree that counter top hinges are unobstrusive, especially when the leaf is closed, however, my personal asethic favours a hinge that is hidden when the leaf is open – I don't like metal fittings on the top of dining tables. Besides, in most situations, tables have a rarely seen side to which hinges can be orientated when the top is closed.

at this juncture I'm going to withdraw from the lists and leave the decision to Pugwash

I'd love to discuss the construction of folding tables with you, both current and historical, but it might be more appropriate to do so in another thread

**pugwash** · 11th February 2011, 04:46 PM

I have decided to go with the counter hinges as they are less obtrusive when the leaf is closed (most of the time). I am unconcerned that the hinges are visible when the table is open as long as they are flush. In any case when the top is opened for dining it will have a tablecloth on it.

Thank you Woodwould for suggesting the counter hinges.
Thank you Ian for the link which describes the pivot position.

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