Making an extendable table with your own hands is more difficult than a regular one, but sometimes it is necessary. Yes, for the average family a small table with up to four seats is usually enough, but the problem arises when guests arrive, who, of course, should be seated at the table. It is in such a situation that a sliding structure comes in handy.
A similar product can be purchased at any furniture store, but it is much more exciting to make a table with your own hands. Where to start, which table to choose for manufacturing, step-by-step instructions - you will find all this in our text today.
DIY extendable table
How to choose the right table with a transformation mechanism
A table with a folding mechanism can differ in many ways - material of manufacture, shape of the tabletop, style, model and features of the mechanism itself.
The reliable mechanism for the folding table is characterized by high performance guides.
Depending on the shape of the tabletop, tables should be chosen as follows:
- Square. Typically, these tables are small in size and are great for small spaces. On an unfolded tabletop you can accommodate 4 people, and on a double tabletop 6 or even 8. For a small family and people who do not like feasts, this is more than enough.
- Rectangular. It is logical that it is larger even when folded. Suitable for use in the kitchen, living room or dining room. Accommodates from 6 to 12 people.
- Round. Looks more original and aesthetically pleasing. It takes up little space, and the number of people that can sit at such a table may vary.
- Oval. It is similar to a rectangular one, because it is very roomy, but takes up a little less space.
- Octagonal. This is a rather original and rarely seen form. Despite the fact that the table has many angles, it is very comfortable and seats 8 people when folded.
When creating large massive dining options, you cannot do without a mechanism for an extendable table.
If we take into account the material of manufacture, the tables are:
- From chipboard. The most common material due to its cost. It is not very durable, but with careful use it can last for more than one year.
- From MDF. This material, of course, is stronger, moisture resistant, and has an attractive appearance.
- Made of plastic. Due to their ease of use, they are perfect for the kitchen. They have a lightweight design, but are quite durable and shock-resistant.
- Made from natural wood. Undoubtedly, this is the best option among all, because real wood is the strongest, most beautiful and durable. Natural beauty does not require any additional means to tidy up the table.
- From glass. Only the tabletop can be glass. It looks elegant, unusual, but also has an appropriate price.
When choosing a table, you should also consult with a specialist on the issue of fittings. Because everyone can choose a color or material, relying on their own tastes, but you need to understand the mechanisms. The durability of their use depends on the quality of the mechanism for sliding tables. You definitely shouldn’t skimp on this element, because it is the basis of the table.
The material must be durable and of high quality. Before purchasing, you can try the mechanism in action - laying out the table should not require much effort.
What materials are best to make a table from?
Most craftsmen who manufacture various furniture designs at home strive to choose the most durable, but at the same time budget-friendly material. Let's look at the most common options in table form.
Table 3. Materials for making a retractable table.
| Material | Description |
| Perhaps this is the most suitable option for making such structures - a wooden table of any shape will look very noble and expensive. However, it is worth considering that products made from solid wood are heavy, and it will not always be convenient to move and lay out such a table. In addition, not every person can afford natural wood - solid wood is quite expensive. A budget option is furniture panels. If they are tightly connected to each other and painted, then no one will be able to distinguish them from a solid canvas. When choosing wood, you should be careful - there is a high probability of purchasing material affected by fungus. It is necessary to carefully inspect the cut, make sure that there are no cracks or any stains on it. However, any structure made from natural solid wood will have to be additionally treated with an antiseptic. |
| This group includes chipboard, MDF, plywood. This is also not the worst option for making structures, because most modern furniture is made from laminated chipboard or MDF. Of course, compared to natural wood, such materials will be less durable, but for a simple dining table this will be quite enough. When choosing chipboard, you should be careful, because this material contains dangerous synthetic resin. When making a countertop, it is better to abandon such material in favor of a more environmentally friendly option. So, you can combine MDF and chipboard to get reliable furniture. The main advantage of materials of this type is good resistance to humidity and temperature changes. |
| This is also a fairly popular material used in the manufacture of structures of varying complexity. The main advantage of plastic is its low cost; in addition, plastic surfaces do not require maintenance. However, at home it will be difficult to make a large table from this material, but small country or children’s options are quite possible. |
| Glass is often used in the manufacture of various pieces of furniture, but it is important to remember that it must be very durable. The finished structure will be airy and very beautiful. The main disadvantage is the difficulty of working with such material, so it is definitely not recommended for beginners. In addition, the table will turn out to be quite fragile and is completely unsuitable for a family with small children. |
Important point! An extendable table must have reliable legs. They can be purchased ready-made at a furniture store or made yourself. Most often the legs are made of wood or metal.
Sliding glass table - a rare but aesthetic design
Tips for choosing a countertop shape
Review of sliding doors for wardrobes, tips for choosing
On the one hand, the variety of shapes offered can really complicate the choice, but on the other hand, it allows you to choose the optimal model specifically for your room. The shape of the countertop should be in harmony with the overall design of the room and selected depending on its area. It is also necessary to take into account how many people will most often sit at the table. Let's take a closer look at all the possible options:
- Square shape. Such tables can have both quite compact dimensions when assembled, and quite large ones. The first option will be optimal for placement in a small kitchen. Larger models look natural in spacious dining rooms or living rooms combined with a kitchen. The average standard dimensions of a square tabletop allow you to simultaneously accommodate 4 people when assembled and from 6 to 8 when unfolded. This is more than enough for a small family. Disadvantages include a reduced level of comfort and a limited number of seats. This is due to the presence of legs at each corner, which makes it possible to fully accommodate only one person at the end of the table;
- A rectangular tabletop is considered the optimal solution and fits perfectly into both modern and classic interior styles. Such tables are suitable for use in both spacious and small rooms. When assembled, they can accommodate up to 6 people, and when unfolded - all 12, which is very convenient for large companies.
- Round tables are an original and non-standard choice. They look harmonious both in small and spacious rooms. Their peculiarity is that they take up much less space than square or rectangular ones due to the absence of corners. This fact makes it easier to move around the room. Round tables are recommended for families with small children. This will reduce the possibility of injury from an accidental impact on a sharp corner to a minimum. The standard diameter of a round tabletop is 90-110 cm when assembled. When unfolded, it either turns into an oval shape or increases the usable area by 30-50%;
- Oval tables are also considered more compact and safer. In terms of their capacity, they are practically not inferior to rectangular models, which makes them very popular, but they still take up less space. We can say that this shape is intermediate between a circle and a rectangle;
- The octagonal shape is not found in every manufacturer. This unusual solution, despite the presence of a large number of corners, is very roomy and convenient. This shape clearly defines the number of seats at the table and provides a high level of comfort. And thanks to its extraordinary appearance, an octagonal table can become a real decoration and highlight of the interior.
Which countertop shape should you choose?
It is important at the stage of designing the table to decide on the shape of the tabletop that will suit the specific type of room. We will take a closer look at the most common options.
Table 2. Shapes of table tops for an extendable table.
| Shape, illustration | Description |
| Square | When assembled, such products can be miniature or large - this will depend on the size of the kitchen and dining room. The extendable table can accommodate 6 to 8 people. The only downside is that due to the presence of all four legs at the end, only one person can be seated, and this is not always convenient. |
| A table of this type can be installed in both small and large rooms; it can accommodate up to 12 people. This type of countertop should be chosen by large families or those owners who often invite a large group to visit. |
| This is a rather unusual shape for an extendable table. This design is also suitable for rooms of various sizes - due to the lack of corners, the table will not take up too much free space, and thanks to this feature it can be moved around the room if necessary. In addition, such a model is ideal for an apartment where small children live, because the risk of injury by hitting a sharp corner is minimized. When assembled, the diameter of such a tabletop is about 90-110 centimeters. When unfolded, the structure becomes oval. |
| This is an unusual version of an extendable table top. It is more difficult to make such a design, so it is better for novice craftsmen not to choose it. However, the finished table will be very functional. When assembled, it can accommodate six to eight people; when disassembled, it can accommodate twice as many. This is an excellent option for a large family, in which it is customary to have breakfast at different times, and have dinner all together, at a large table. |
Video – Custom extendable table
Blueprints
Tips for choosing table models for your office interior
The basis of any design work is a competent, carefully thought out and calculated drawing. You can get such a drawing in three ways:
- The first way (the easiest) is to find it on the Internet. However, just as the simplest path rarely leads to the desired result, so here, at the end of the work, you can get something that is not what you wanted at first - such drawings are rarely reliable and accurate.
- The second way (the most reliable) is to seek help from a specialist. At the moment, there are many construction companies, as well as individual craftsmen who are ready to provide you with any advice and services at your expense. Before contacting them, make a complete list of wishes, in particular regarding dimensions, material and design.
- The third way (at your own peril and risk) is to make the drawing yourself. Suitable only if you yourself are the master mentioned above. You can always find all possible help on the Internet, on forums and websites of construction stores.
Frankly speaking, it is difficult to provide any universal instructions for making a lifting table - there are too many varieties, modifications and configurations, ranging from the simplest to complex multi-sectional structures with a large number of moving elements.
However, the transforming table is a reliable design that allows you to ergonomically use the workspace, providing comfort, ease of use and wide functionality.
Drawings and assembly diagram
Work on making a table begins with the development or selection of a project. Assembly drawing and detailing required.
Schematic diagram of an extendable table
General drawing of an extendable table
Unlike a regular table, in a sliding design the base of the tabletop is firmly fixed to the legs, and the main tabletop is mounted movably on it and consists of two halves . The base is made in the form of a frame connecting the legs together with collets.
To ensure the movement of the tabletop, guides are permanently installed on it. It is recommended to use standard guide strips for full rollout drawers. Additional elements that slide along guides are attached to the main tabletop below. Depending on the length of the maximum rollout, the number of additional elements is 1-3 pieces .
Important : the length of the slats must be at least 35 cm.
After fixing the tabletop halves in the extreme position, the resulting gap is filled with rectangular inserts. In the simplest design, they are simply removed from storage and installed manually. To prevent displacement, furniture pins are used. In more complex designs, lifting mechanisms are installed that automatically raise the inserts to the level of the countertop surface.
Features of choosing accessories
Making a carpentry workbench with your own hands
Not only the durability of sliding tables, but also the ease of their use will depend on the quality of the fittings. High-quality guides can ensure easy and smooth movement of the mechanism, the absence of jamming, backlash and distortion, which can lead to premature failure. If you save money and purchase more affordable fittings, you risk spending additional money annually on repairing individual elements
Therefore, pay attention to the following points:
- The guide material must be reliable and durable. It is better if it is metal combined with plastic;
- Be sure to try the mechanism in action. Make sure that the layout process does not require excessive physical effort;
- Manufacturers who guarantee the factory quality of their products often put appropriate markings on them. This could be a combination of letters and numbers, a store number or a company logo. Carefully inspect individual elements for the presence of such symbols;
In a word, fittings are that element of sliding structures on which it is not recommended to save.
Features of round shape
For small spaces where a dining table is installed (kitchen, living room or separate dining room), the round design looks practical and attractive . It takes up less space and allows you to comfortably fit around.
Problems begin when a significant number of family members and guests gather around the dinner table. Oversized furniture simply does not fit in a cramped room.
The sliding design eliminates the problem . Its essence is as follows. In its normal state it looks like a small round table for 3-4 people. It is easy to move and install in a new location.
If necessary, the table top is transformed - it moves apart, taking on an oval shape.
Inserts help create a significantly larger surface area. Help : this table can already accommodate 8-10 people.
The simplest system has a tabletop divided in half, the halves of which can move along guide elements in opposite directions.
The gap in the area where the halves diverge is filled with special inserts to preserve the integrity of the tabletop. When assembled, the inserts are located inside and are invisible to others .
Important : the final capacity of the extended table depends on the distance by which the elements can be moved without compromising its stability.
In order for the design in question to work reliably, the following requirements :
- sufficient strength of the tabletop with maximum expansion;
- ensuring the required capacity and ease of use;
- assembly and disassembly without unnecessary effort by one person;
- the possibility of practical use of the entire surface of the extended tabletop;
- mobility;
- ease of making with your own hands;
- low cost;
- external attractiveness.
Lifting mechanism
There are three types of table lifting mechanisms used in enterprises and at home:
- Transformation of the tabletop. At the same time, its dimensions change - length, width, height, and in some cases, configuration. Perfect for the situation already described, when you need to make a large table out of a small one.
- Raising/lowering table top. In such models, the shape and dimensions remain unchanged; Only the height of the table changes, which allows, for example, to quickly turn a small coffee table into a dining table and vice versa.
- Widespread transformation. Suitable for complex structures that only professionals can make. Here, all parts of the table are movable - both the table top and the legs, which allows you to significantly expand its functionality.
How to assemble a factory product
The set of factory furniture includes a tabletop, a drawer, a pair of guides with a lock, legs, and a central insert. The products are completed with a motor, Fasteners: Screws, washers, Barrels, as well as a hex key and shock-absorbing bearings. Assemble a new building according to the following algorithm:
- The package is opened with all the elements, the tabletop is placed face down on the cardboard.
- Fasteners are sorted for ease of use.
- The knives are mounted and secured with screws and washers.
- Furniture is overturned.
- The mechanism is checked, the tabletop halves are measured, and the lock is removed.
- The additional insert is placed in special grooves; care must be taken that the parts
- The table parts are foldable. They should fit snugly against each other, forming a smooth surface.
The furniture set always includes diagrams to facilitate the assembly process. They contain details about each element, place of attachment, and sequence of actions.
A table that can be expanded is a universal option for spacious and small spaces. It’s great to make furniture on your own; you just need to choose the appropriate drawing, materials and tools. Experienced carpenters and beginners will work together.
Rules for operating sliding tables
When buying a table, it is important to familiarize yourself with some features for caring for it, especially if it is not cheap. There are some general tips for using individual tables, based on the material they are made of:
- Wooden tables should be wiped using polish and a soft cloth. Hard sponges and various cleaning products can damage the wood and ruin its elegant appearance.
- Glass countertops should be treated with special glass products specified in the instructions.
- Tables made of stone must be protected from mechanical stress so as not to break the coating. Wipe carefully using soft cloths.
- Plastic tables should not be exposed to high temperatures.
Such furniture is popular not only at home, but also in cafes and restaurants, especially during banquet service.
Sliding table mechanisms made from high quality materials should and can last a long time. Proper care and careful attitude contribute to this. Experts will help you choose a mechanism for a specific situation, but everyone will find something for their home.
When choosing a table lifting mechanism or other type of fittings, they pay attention to technical characteristics, endurance and prefer to buy products from well-known brands
Recommendations for selection
If you have realized the beauty of transforming tables, as I did in my time, then I will give you a few additional recommendations for choosing. For reference, I’ll add that when assembling my own table, I used the OZMF 587 mechanism. It’s not the cheapest pleasure when compared with Chinese analogues, but everything is reliable and durable. When unfolding, there is no feeling that the table is about to fall apart.
- Mechanism material. The choice is between plastic, wood and metal. I advise you to avoid plastic products. Metal and wood are much better;
- Simplicity and reliability. Do not buy tables with a very complex folding mechanism. The more moving elements there are in a structure, the higher the likelihood of experiencing breakdowns;
- Wheels. The presence of wheels makes the table more convenient and practical;
- Strength. Choose only the most durable and high-quality mechanisms. Otherwise, you will soon be disappointed in transforming furniture;
- Cleaning. The materials used for the table must be easy to handle any contaminants;
- Appearance. Here, focus on the interior of the room and the colors used. With the current range of tables, it won’t be difficult to find a model that fully satisfies your personal preferences.
Do not forget that furniture can always be ordered according to an individual project. And if you love and know how to work with your hands, it won’t be too difficult to make a transforming table yourself.
Again, the mechanism used to change the design will play a key role in obtaining all the previously listed benefits. The price should be reflected in its quality, materials used and ease of use.
It is strongly advised not to buy furniture where you need to spend a lot of time and effort to transform it. The simpler the design, the better, more reliable and durable it is. This is the golden rule that should never be forgotten.
What do you think about transformable tables? Did you have a book table as a child? It seems to me that almost every family had similar furniture for the holidays, behind which adults and children gathered. Oh, this nostalgia!
For now I have everything. Thank you all for your attention! Don't forget to subscribe, leave your comments and ask your questions!
How to properly use sliding tables
Each model of an extendable table will necessarily have instructions that indicate the operating rules. Compliance with them will extend the life of the product. Depending on the material of manufacture, there are also general recommendations:
- Wooden tables should be wiped using special polishes and only with a soft cloth. It is prohibited to use aggressive cleaning agents, hard metal sponges, or expose the surface to prolonged exposure to moisture;
- Glass tables require the use of special cleaning agents, which are listed in the instructions. End impacts and contact with cookware that has just been removed from the heat are prohibited;
- Countertops made of natural or artificial stone should be protected from impacts. The surface can only be wiped with a soft cloth. Do not use hard scrapers to remove stains.
If all requirements are met, sliding tables can justify their high cost with a long service life and excellent appearance.
How to make and assemble?
The dimensions of the finished table are determined by the number of people planned to be accommodated. The standard height is 72-75 cm .
Assembly diagram
The size of the tabletop is selected based on the condition - 60-65 cm per “eater”. Manufacturing and assembly is carried out in the following order:
- Making the base of the table .
The legs are made of wooden beams measuring at least 4x4 cm. The larger the size of the table, the more powerful the legs are needed. So, when the length of the table when extended is about 2 m, it is recommended to use 8x8 cm timber. The legs are strengthened and connected into a single structure by the base frame. Their connection is ensured by wooden collets made of boards about 20-25 mm thick and 9-11 cm wide. The collets are secured in the grooves. To increase strength, the joints are treated with glue and reinforced with self-tapping screws. If the table has significant weight, then “kerchiefs” or slopes are installed in the areas where the collets are attached. - Laying the base surface . The basis for attaching the sliding mechanism is a plywood sheet or chipboard with a thickness of at least 12 mm. The sheet is attached with self-tapping screws to the base frame. After laying it, a rough round table of a fixed structure is formed.
- Making a countertop . 2 identical semicircles are cut from the selected material. The straight end is processed, and 2 holes are drilled in it for inserting the insert pins. The hole diameter is 8-10 mm.
Manufacturing a U-shaped additional element .
It has the shape of a box and is made from a board 2 cm thick and 10-11 cm wide. You can use a similar strip of chipboard. The corners of the box are reinforced with aluminum furniture corners. Narrow guides are fixed on the inside of the box walls, raised to a height of 2-4 mm from the edge.- Fastening the box to the tabletop . In the middle of the semicircle of the tabletop, a box is fixed so that its free ends are adjacent to the straight cut of the semicircle. The box is secured with aluminum corners.
- Installation of guides . The bases for them are made of an aluminum profile (angle) with a height of more than 4 cm. The length of the guides is 5 cm. The guide strips themselves are attached to the corner. The distance between them must exactly match the distance between the guides on the tabletop box.
- Manufacturing of removable elements (inserts). Their size should correspond to the width of the gap when the tabletop halves are moved apart as much as possible. Each insert is made up of 2 identical rectangular plates with a length equal to half the diameter of the tabletop. Holes are drilled at their ends and connecting pins are inserted.
Final assembly involves inserting the tabletop guides into the grooves of the base guides. Next, if necessary, extension limiters are installed.
Features of choosing accessories
Not only the durability of sliding tables, but also the ease of their use will depend on the quality of the fittings. High-quality guides can ensure easy and smooth movement of the mechanism, the absence of jamming, backlash and distortion, which can lead to premature failure. If you save money and purchase more affordable fittings, you risk spending additional money annually on repairing individual elements
Therefore, pay attention to the following points:
- The guide material must be reliable and durable. It is better if it is metal combined with plastic;
- Be sure to try the mechanism in action. Make sure that the layout process does not require excessive physical effort;
- Manufacturers who guarantee the factory quality of their products often put appropriate markings on them. This could be a combination of letters and numbers, a store number or a company logo. Carefully inspect individual elements for the presence of such symbols;
Automatic pallet packers
The most widely used models on the packaging market, the main advantage of which is productivity and quality of work. The device is fully automated and does not require direct operator control - he just needs to place the load on the working platform, check for the presence of film and film and press a button on the remote control.
After this, the device turns on; at the same time, a movable mechanical “arm” begins to rotate, at the base of which rolls of film are fixed, carrying out a smooth and widespread winding of the load. At the same time, it is possible to adjust both the speed of movement of the “hand” and the level of film tension, which allows you to significantly reduce its costs (two to three times!). After which the load is removed from the platform, a new one is installed and the process is repeated.
Automatic pallet packers operate both autonomously and as part of a conveyor belt - this is especially beneficial when working in large industries with a large turnover of goods.
The only disadvantages of this type of device are the inability to work with cargo of non-standard, too small and large dimensions, as well as the high price (however, this will not be a problem for wealthy enterprises - besides, the initial costs will undoubtedly quickly pay off).
We recommend to buy
Materials
No less important than the drawings and mechanisms is the material from which the lifting table parts are made. Its strength and reliability, resistance to damage and climatic influences, weight and dimensions of the structure depend on this. So, the most popular types of materials in manufacturing are:
Chipboard. Combines low price, functionality and pleasant appearance. The material is easy to process, the lightest working surface for a circular saw. Fiberboard. Choose slabs with at least a middle plane! Then the material will be as easy to process as chipboard, which will make it possible to produce parts of any shape and size. Environmentally friendly. Natural wood. Significantly more durable, although expensive, material. Suitable only for the appropriate interior. Glass. Looks original and stylish, takes up little space, wide possibilities for decoration
However, it is very important to choose durable glass, otherwise the final structure will be too fragile; Tempered glass is not inferior in strength to hard wood. Metal
The most durable and heaviest material, harder than others to process. Not recommended for home installation; although some small models are relevant for such modern stylistic trends as loft and high-tech.
What you need to know about sliding table mechanisms
The sliding table mechanism allows you to turn a small dining table into a large piece of furniture for entertaining guests. The service life of the table depends on the quality of the fittings and its operational capabilities. There are different types of mechanisms - drawer, drawerless and others, but they have approximately the same function.
In some cases it is a neat table with a vase, in others it is a meeting place for a large company.
The essence of the mechanism is to expand the tabletop in order to insert an additional element into the resulting opening and thus increase the length of the table. Different people may find different mechanisms convenient, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with them all before purchasing.
To anticipate possible life scenarios and be prepared for any options, it makes sense to purchase a folding table.
Design and principle of operation
The design of a sliding table consists of a table top, fastening elements and legs. The tabletop has two parts; a third part can be inserted between them. With the help of additional elements, the parts are moved apart, another component is inserted, the two side ones are pressed tightly against it and you get a long table at which you can seat guests. The table top can move, or the collet – the supporting part of the table – can move. This already depends on the type of mechanism.
The mechanism of such a table will allow you to turn a small table into a large one.
Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the parts and materials that were used to make the mechanisms. In this case, you need to take into account the purposes of purchase and use in everyday life.
Advantages and disadvantages
Extendable tables are widely popular among city residents, because it is not always possible to fit bulky furniture in an apartment. The advantages include:
- Durability, reliability and structural stability.
- Resistance to external factors.
- Ability to withstand fairly large loads.
- Large range of colors and tabletop materials.
When folding the tabletop multiple times, it is important to distribute the load symmetrically across all parts. This is the key to long service life of furniture
There are also some disadvantages:
- Tables can look massive due to their size, so they are not very suitable for a minimalist interior.
- Some models are not very comfortable for tall people, because it is difficult to cross your legs.
- Due to the complexity of the design, the price may be high. But it meets the quality.
Dining room furniture must withstand heavy loads, because many plates of food, bottles and other utensils are stacked on it. That is why the fastening mechanisms must be as strong as possible.
The synchronous mechanism for sliding tables will allow you to balance the tension in one action and avoid jamming and distortion.
Making an extendable table with your own hands
Today we will look at a simple option for making a structure with your own hands. This is not a difficult job, even a beginner can handle this process. This table can seat eight people when fully extended.
The finished table must meet the following criteria:
- good strength of the tabletop even when fully extended;
- optimal capacity and ease of use;
- the ability to disassemble and assemble the structure without any obstacles;
- attractive appearance;
- possibility of using the entire surface of the tabletop.
To make a table, you will need durable chipboard sheets.
In addition, when distributing seats, it is necessary to take into account that there should be a space of about 60-65 centimeters for each person.
In the process we will need the following:
- Chipboard sheets with a processed edge 25 millimeters thick (width 70 centimeters and length 60 centimeters). Two parts will make up the tabletop itself, and one of them will be placed in the middle. It is not necessary to buy new sheets; in our case, parts of the old structure will be used.
- Aluminum corner with a cross section of 50×50 millimeters. You need to take a corner 2 meters long and prepare four parts 50 centimeters long from it.
- Telescopic guides - 2 pieces (length should be 50 centimeters).
- Metal legs - 4 pieces (each length is 71 centimeters).
- Furniture locks – 4 pieces.
- 10mm long screws and nuts.
- Self-tapping screws.
- Drill.
- Drill diameter 4.2 centimeters.
- Screwdriver with a set of attachments.
- Hacksaw.
- Roulette.
- Hammer.
Also prepare the appropriate tools
Step-by-step instruction
Step one: First we should measure the chipboard parts. All three parts should be the same length, the width of one part will be slightly different. To begin, the parts should be laid out on the workbench in the correct order. The length of our table when assembled will be 120 centimeters, and when fully extended it will be about 170 centimeters.
Sliding table design diagram
Step two: now we should place a telescopic guide between the two metal corners. It is necessary to cut off the sharp corners from the metal corners, then they should be sanded well so that there are no burrs left. This is done for safety reasons to protect those sitting at the table, especially small children, from possible injuries.
Cutting off the corners
Step three: next you need to make markings for attaching the guide. To do this, you will need to measure 2.5 centimeters (middle) on one side of the corner and draw a line.
Start of marking
Step four: then you need to disconnect the guide and attach one of the parts (wide) to the metal corner. Through the holes you can see the line we drew. Here you should make markings for future fastenings.
Now, using a nail and a hammer, you need to mark the fastening points, and then drill them - in this way we prepared holes for fastening the wide part of the guide. Using the same principle, you should mark the location of the holes for the narrow part of the guide. It is better to pre-grind the holes to remove burrs using a drill.
Process of working with guides
Step five: now most of the guide and the corner must be connected using screws and nuts. This is not difficult to do, because all the prepared holes are already there - all that remains is to tighten our fasteners tightly.
Next, you need to screw the narrow part of the guide to the other part of the corner. It is important to be careful here to attach it the correct way (otherwise the mechanism will not function at all). Otherwise, it should be fixed in the same way using screws and nuts.
The result should be a sliding mechanism like this, and using the same principle, you need to prepare another one
Step six: now you need to make holes in the guides for attaching to the table. It is necessary to lay them out so that the sides with the wide guide are on the outside, so they will be fixed to the table. In this case, holes must be made on both sides.
As a result, on each side we should have four holes for screws
Step seven: Next, you should secure the corners with guides on the chipboard sheets. The first step is to use a tape measure to find the middle of our corner, and then install it at the junction of the two parts of the tabletop. You will need to retreat about 8 centimeters from the edge.
It is important to align the location of our corner before drilling the hole
Step eight: now the corners need to be screwed to the parts of the tabletop using self-tapping screws. Using the same principle, you should secure the corner on the other side of the table.
Ready-made sliding elements
Step nine: check the operation of the structure. The table should slide apart easily, so you need to check the operation of the sliding parts several times and make sure that the mechanism functions without obstacles.
Fastening the lock
Step ten: next, at the indentation from the edge, you need to secure a metal lock; first, it should be aligned in the center. The lock is secured using self-tapping screws.
Trying on the central part of the table
Step eleven: you need to separate the lock parts and move the table parts apart on the guides. Next, an additional part of the table should be inserted in the center. Then the table should be moved, leveled and one more lock installed on each side. Finally, we need to secure all four legs at the edges.
Carefully screw the table legs
The degree of load on the legs should be taken into account, and for a large extendable table it is recommended to choose iron ones. Of course, it is almost impossible to make them at home, but finished products are sold in hardware stores. You can choose the optimal height and thickness of the legs. Experienced craftsmen do not recommend choosing thin legs for a large table, so it is better to take those that are more massive.
If you decide to make the legs yourself, it is recommended to take thick wooden blocks to make them. Then they will need to be trimmed and sanded, then painted in the desired shade and secured to the table.
The photo shows how to attach the legs to the tabletop
Next, the finished structure should be placed on the floor and make sure that the table is level, without distortions. Before placing dishes on the countertop, you should make sure that the table is strong - you should put something heavy on it and watch it for a while. If necessary, the structure will have to be strengthened.
Checking the finished structure
The last step is to decorate the table. Of course, this step is optional and if you are happy with the look of the laminated chipboard, then you can skip it. If you want to paint the table, you will first need to sand it with sandpaper, after which the surface can be coated with acrylic paint. In this case, you can show your creative abilities, especially if you know how to draw beautifully - then the table can not only be painted, but also painted.
Video - DIY sliding table
Video – Extendable round oak table
What is
To provide the doors of various types of furniture with the ability to swing open, facade fastening mechanisms with hinged hinges are used. In the case of a standard swing angle, the facade opens 95 degrees. In the case of corner cabinets with roll-out or rotating storage systems, sofas, dining tables with a swivel with a transformation mechanism, it is important to use fittings with a non-standard installation angle (180, 270 degrees). It provides a person with the opportunity to transform one piece of furniture into another or change one of its functional states to another.
Mechanisms of this type are easily transformed, as a result of which the appearance of the furniture and its functionality change. For example, a kitchen cabinet or hanger
This is extremely important for the comfort of furniture users; however, such fittings become even more important in small-sized housing. Small spaces must be furnished with highly functional furniture, otherwise they will not be comfortable to live in.
For sitting
For the table
For the cabinet
For facades
What types of sliding tables are there?
It should be noted that both dining and work tables are of sliding or folding type. However, most often they are installed in the kitchen or dining room.
According to the method of increasing the area, tables for small rooms are:
- folding;
- sliding.
The first option is quite simple - the tabletop is secured here using ordinary furniture hinges. When it is necessary to increase the area, it is moved back and secured to the leg.
If you wish, you can create a large folding table with your own hands
Sliding tables are a structure whose area increases thanks to a built-in mechanism or guides.
Table 1. Types of transformable tables.
| View, illustration | Description |
Folding book table | This is the most famous folding table, which was popular back in Soviet times. When assembled, it looks like a cabinet, and if necessary, you can quickly unfold the tabletop and leg. Modern models can already have a different appearance, many of them are distinguished by the presence of small folding parts on both sides, making the table more functional both when folded and disassembled. |
Folding table with swivel top | This is another unusual folding table model. When it becomes necessary to unfold it, the tabletop rotates 90 degrees. This is a very simple mechanism that will function for many years - there is simply nothing to break here. |
Extendable kitchen table | In this case, the tabletop is divided into two equal parts in the middle using telescopic guides. In the normal position, these parts are fixed, and when the need arises to increase the area of the structure, it will be enough to pull the table by the edges on both sides. The guides move apart very quickly without any extra effort. In Soviet models there was only one additional board, thanks to which it was possible to increase the dimensions of the table; modern products require the presence of two central tabletops. |
Table with folding mechanism | There are various sliding mechanisms for tables. They are usually made of aluminum or galvanized. If you choose the second option, the possibility of rust cannot be ruled out, because liquid may leak from the table onto the mechanism. The principle of the mechanism is that you just need to pull it, and it will expand the table itself. The main disadvantage of this option is the too high cost of the structure. |
Advantages and disadvantages of sliding tables
Tables with a sliding mechanism have the following advantages:
- unusual appearance - you can create a product of any shape;
- when assembled, the table will not take up extra space, which is especially important for owners of one-room apartments;
- the design has good stability provided it is assembled well, so the table can withstand quite a lot of weight;
- it is possible to provide additional functional elements in such a table in the form of drawers;
- if desired, you can make several transformation options at once;
- These are universal products that can be installed not only in the kitchen or dining room, because the extendable table will fit perfectly into the interior of a children’s room, study room, and even hallway.
An extendable table is a functional element of furniture that will not be out of place in any home.
The only downside is that such a design will cost more – if we are talking about a purchased table. If you manufacture an extendable table yourself, the cost is significantly reduced. In addition, some people consider the disadvantage that the table is too heavy, so it is not convenient to use in all cases.
Ramp for pallet wrapper
What is a pallet wrapper? This is equipment that almost no enterprise involved in the storage and transportation of various goods can do without; it is used to wrap products in a special protective stretch film, while the cargo itself is placed on a wooden pallet or pallet.
You've probably seen the products of such packers in stores, although hardly anyone paid any serious attention to it - just think, boxes or bottles in film on a wooden box!
Meanwhile, proper winding helps protect the cargo from climatic and shock influences, and rigid fastening on the pallet will not allow the goods to spill onto the ground and get lost during transportation.
But let's be consistent. So, first of all, there are two types of pallet wrappers:
