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Forum topic by lambinHI | posted 05-09-2018 08:02 PM | 934 views | 0 times favorited | 11 replies | ![]() |
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05-09-2018 08:02 PM |
Topic tags/keywords: question I’m trying to build a murphy style dining room table. I recently built a wall-mounted folding table (see pictures) but I’m concerned about the safety of putting the table up and down. I’m also concerned about the latch failing and the table opening up unexpectedly. To resolve the safety issue, I’m thinking a murphy style system might work… box (frame) out the table and the bench seats and use gas struts to ensure the table opened slowly. I’ve included a photo of how I’d like this to work…minus the bed frame. Substitute the bed frame for a (nominal) 1” board. I want the struts to stay behind the pivot hinge in the frame. Three questions. 1. Does anyone know where I can find individual components, i.e. gas struts and a variety of pivot hinges? (I’ve seen the hardware kits for murphy beds but I don’t need the “legs” in the hardware kit.) 2. How would I determine the tpye/size of gas strut needed? 3. What are some of the challenges I’ll face when constructing the table as described? I’m a novice and I’ve had someone ask me to build one of these tables for their family…thus the post. Safety is my biggest concern but I want the table to be functional (work properly) too. In advance, thanks for any and all constructive comments. |
11 replies so far
#1 posted 05-10-2018 12:47 AM |
Lambin – oddly enough, I just went through this similar scenairio for my Steamer Trunk. . . -- I am a painter. That's what I do. I paint things -- |
#2 posted 05-10-2018 03:23 AM |
To determine the strut strength, first you’re going to need to determine the force needed to allow the table to drop slowly. Too little strength, it’ll still drop quick. Too much strength and you’ll be having to put a latch on the floor to hold the table down. Also, how are you planning on mounting the strut to the wall? It better be in studs, or blocking because drywall won’t hold up the table. I’d actually try to solve the issue a different way. Just some ideas… -- Brian Famous :: Charlotte, NC :: http://www.FamousArtisan.com |
#3 posted 05-10-2018 03:31 AM |
I built a murphy bed recently and I was surprised |
#4 posted 05-10-2018 07:24 PM |
John, BFamous, and Loren, Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate your time and thoughts. BFamous, I was going to follow the last picture in the original post and mount the struts to the frame. The frame would be mounted to a block wall or studs. With Aloha, Lee |
#5 posted 05-11-2018 12:09 PM |
Lee – I looked at the website listed in your profile. and – stay away from Kilauea ~ it can mess you up bad. . I just bought a small house and table space is pretty limited in the living room filled with large furniture. . -- I am a painter. That's what I do. I paint things -- |
#6 posted 05-11-2018 12:36 PM |
If you can figure out how this is made and make something similar, you won’t have to worry about it falling on someone. -- Nathan, TX -- Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way. |
#7 posted 05-11-2018 12:57 PM |
THAT is AWESOME. -- Brian Famous :: Charlotte, NC :: http://www.FamousArtisan.com |
#8 posted 05-11-2018 01:21 PM |
Lazy – I am thinking the Ollie Table telescoping design (patent pending) is sort of like . -- I am a painter. That's what I do. I paint things -- |
#9 posted 05-11-2018 01:50 PM |
The other mystery is the horizontal support. There has to be some sort of telescoping support under the table as well. A poor man’s version could be made using this plan which is an adaptation of a Popular Woodworking design. A foldable top for it could be pretty easy to make and could even be made with hinges so that it folds up flat against the wall when you push it in. -- Nathan, TX -- Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way. |
#10 posted 05-11-2018 01:57 PM |
I can (kind of) understand the horizontal support, as I’m assuming the hinge mechanisms just do not allow it to fold past the parallel mark. But when they go up the wall, they should have the opportunity to roll forward since the hinges obviously allow flexing in that direction as the slats go from horizontal to vertical. So far, the best thing I can think of is that there is some latch near the corner that unlocks/locks the hinges as they enter and leave the corner. But I can’t actually picture how that would work, and I assume there has to be a better solution, such as some form of cable or chain maintaining tension. -- Brian Famous :: Charlotte, NC :: http://www.FamousArtisan.com |
#11 posted 05-11-2018 09:02 PM |
The original photo is the Poplar table I installed in my apartment. I’m trying to lock down a safe design before I go retail. My risk aversion for others is not the same as it is for myself/family. I’ll definitely keep you posted on the progress. Also, for what it’s worth, I’m playing around with an accordion design as well. I’d like to lock down one or two concepts before I go “public.” PS – sorry the website wasn’t much to look at. Just put it up the other day and I’ll add content once I get closer to proof of concept. Mahalo for all the input. And yes, Kilaeaua is not to be trifled with. |
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