Table for fourteen?

davidheim1 · 15 Sept 2014, 16:04

The 1stdibs.com web site recently listed this banquet table, built in about 1790. It's made of mahogany and consists of three sections: two demilune end pieces, with a center section that has two large drop leaves. A forest of square molded legs--fourteen in all--support the enterprise. The center section has four legs that pivot out to hold up the drop leaves, plus two stationary legs. When opened fully, the table is 10 ft. 7-1/2 in. long, and 5 ft. wide. I've detailed the model with joinery, but not the hinges for the rule joints on the drop leaves.
Best,
dh

Dave R · 15 Sept 2014, 20:06

Nice work on that table. My brother needs one like that for his Thanksgiving dinners. He's usually got three different tables pushed together.

davidheim1 · 15 Sept 2014, 20:24

Thanks, Dave.
This table wouldn't be that difficult to build, although I think it would get really boring to make all 14 legs.
Best,
dh

Dave R · 15 Sept 2014, 20:29

True that. If they were turned legs, you'd get pretty good at making duplicate turnings.

davidheim1 · 16 Sept 2014, 13:58

I can barely manage to make four passable duplicates. I can't imagine making fourteen.
There's a wonderful woodworker/artist/woodturner named Beth Ireland, who lives near Boston and who started a woodworking business several years ago. A client hired her to make something like 500 balusters for a staircase, and that's how she learned to turn.