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Forum topic by DaveSJ | posted 03-21-2013 07:04 AM | 59491 views | 3 times favorited | 14 replies | ![]() |
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03-21-2013 07:04 AM |
Topic tags/keywords: dining table extension slides table Hi All, I like the idea of making my own table extension slides like the ones mentioned in the article. I was wondering if anyone out here on Lumberjocks has had any experience with this type of shop made table extension slide using heavy duty drawer slides…. or should I just order the prefab traditional slides from Rockler and save the time? As I am still working through my design process, any suggestions or other ideas are welcome. |
14 replies so far
#1 posted 03-25-2013 01:19 AM |
I’ve refurbished a few antique extension tables (wooden slides) and mid-century extension tables (all-metal slides), and built and installed some cabinetry with long, heavy duty drawer slides. I’ve seen that some wooden slides seem to get a little looser over the years (a lot of years though – these were antiques) probably mostly due to contraction which causes some sag when you extend the table. Fifth leg to the rescue! And the all-metal slides I’ve seen were perfectly rigid and kept the table beautifully straight when extended though they make the tables “feel cheap”. I think the choice to make your own custom extension slides using the heavy duty extension sliders will give you the best of both worlds (attractive wood/design and smooth bearing action and metal rigidity) but doing so will double your total time in making the table. If you think your table will end up somewhere else (not in your family) in less than 20 years for whatever reason, then maybe installing some prefab wooden slides will be fine, and your table will be done sooner by a week or two – or a day or two if you are some kind of half-man/half-machine with no kids or job or social life. :p -- Perfection is the difference between too much and not enough. |
#2 posted 03-25-2013 01:45 AM |
Dave, Have you checked with Van Dykes Restorations: http://www.vandykes.com/search.aspx?query=table+slides They handle both wooden and metal table extension slides. Never tried making my own, but don’t see why it wouldn’t work as long as you get good heavy duty 32” bearing slides. My only concern would be that long of an extension without any sag. -- John @ http://www.thehuffordfurnituregroup.com |
#3 posted 03-25-2013 01:58 AM |
+1 on Van Dykes, I bought extensions from them and they worked great. |
#4 posted 03-25-2013 11:22 AM |
I have never used metal table top hardware or built my own wooden ones but I build our dining room table using the wooden slides from Rockler and I have no complaints. -- A tube of calk and a gallon of paint will make a carpenter what he ain't |
#5 posted 06-10-2013 09:25 PM |
Hi All, |
#6 posted 06-10-2013 09:51 PM |
Looks like you solved your issue with shop made slides. For anyone else looking for slides, I found tablelegs.com has the best selection. They offer longer slides than most other retailers. I used their 52” equalizer slides on my dining table, and they work great. http://www.tablelegs.com/Parts/TableSlides.aspx -- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush |
#7 posted 12-31-2018 04:51 PM |
Dave, This is a few years down the road from your original post but I’m hoping in the intervening time you’ve had a chance to verify the functionality of your table slide design. I have built a table for a particular client and need to use a very smooth acting, heavy duty and good looking equalized table extension slide and what you have made looks to fit the bill. From what I can see your design was not used as an equalized slide but could easily be made to do so with the addition of a rack and pinion. Would you be willing to share anything that you have learned in the making and using of your slides? I had originally planned to use the Watertown metal slide for durability and lack of sag but found that it is far too difficult to operate in addition to an objectionable noise. Therefore I changed plans midstream, so I’d be grateful for any input that might provide more certainty going forward. Thanks so much. -- Ken Irish, D'Ireys Cabinetmakers, http://www.direys.com |
#8 posted 12-31-2018 05:42 PM |
Ken – the table slides are still working well after several years of use, although they only get used a few times a year when we have guests over and need to add a leaf. |
#9 posted 12-31-2018 06:07 PM |
Dave, Thanks for the speedy reply. In the pedestal style table I built the weight of the slides is not an issue since they are not hanging from the bottom of the table top but, instead, sitting on top of the pedestal. I’m glad to hear they have worked well for you. Now I just need to find the rack and pinion hardware. It doesn’t seem to be available on the web other than buying a set of equalized slides to cannibalize. Thanks for your help. I can move ahead with confidence! -- Ken Irish, D'Ireys Cabinetmakers, http://www.direys.com |
#10 posted 02-11-2019 12:51 AM |
Ken – I am beginning a project similar and was wondering if you were successful in locating a supplier of just the rack/pinion for your project to act as the equalizer? Dave – You did an awesome job on the table extension slides! Thanks |
#11 posted 02-11-2019 10:02 PM |
Good morning Jeff, -- Ken Irish, D'Ireys Cabinetmakers, http://www.direys.com |
#12 posted 02-12-2019 12:33 AM |
Ken, Any information or photos you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your input and assistance. Jeff |
#13 posted 02-12-2019 03:17 AM |
Jeff, -- Ken Irish, D'Ireys Cabinetmakers, http://www.direys.com |
#14 posted 02-12-2019 06:55 PM |
Looks nice |
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