Walnut Drop-down Table

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Overview

  • Made for a small kitchen
  • Seats four
  • Wall mounted and folds down
  • Dual support arms are spring loaded; they push into place as the table is lifted

Lumber Selection and Glue-up

  • Every project starts with a need and a rough sketch to caputre some ideas.
  • Not all ideas survive scrutiny.
  • The hinges are unlacquered with a slightly oxidised finish; a little wax stabilizes it.
  • Jointing the edges for a tight fit for glue-up done by hand.
It starts with a concept
Selecting boards for the table top
Jointed by hand and glued up
Hinges

Fold-down Action



Video 1: Testing the fit of the apron when the table folds down.

 


Video 2: Spring-loaded table supports

Small Details

  • The support arms are held back with small brass ball catches until the table is ready to be lifted.
  • Torsion springs push the supports into place. The hinges are offset so oppposing screws don't collide.
  • Half-lap joints create a mechanical interlock.
  • Brass machine screws allow fine adjustments to level the table top.
Support arms locked back with small ball catches
Left and right torsion springs
Brass machine screws for refined levelling

The Finished Table

  • The color was custom matched to a flooring sample for the customer.
  • A process of shellac, dye, oil stain, and polyurethane offered a good match.