Foldover, shrinkable table

[fallguy1000]

Okay, this is another question for Richard really, but any ideas are really welcomed.

I want to build a table for the saloon. This table serves two purposes and requires a bit of wild functionality.

First, it is the base for the bed middle section. It will be on a drop pedestal.

The dimensions fully opened are 32x40.

The table will be on a mechanical lift or gas shock and become the dinette table when the dinette is not a bed.

But

I want to make the table so it can fold in on each side to make it more open if we are not having a meal. Just to make it easier to get in and out. The sides are 40" long or so.

So, I was thinking about making it so the middle of the table is 16" wide and each side can lift up and over 8" and fold over the middle section if we just wanted to leave it at 16" wide, or perhaps even have it be 24" wide in the middle with 4" wide flip ups, so it would be 24" by 40".

Unfortunately, I have never seen this done anywhere.

I don't want hinges to show on the top of the table in the fully open or hinged open position.

I can do a sketch, but basically, think of a 24" by 40" piece of table with two 4"x40" pieces sitting on top of each side. Probably be 3/4" thick unless some hardware requirement needed thicker material. I really like the stability of walnut for tables, so leaning to nut as well; despite the weight.

[fallguy1000]

I can try a drawing tomorrow. Pretty tired now, but doing better today despite some still minor lung crackles and less coughing and no fever, but tons of headache.

[fallguy1000]

This would be okay, hinges show open, I don't mind.


https://www.homelement.com/Homelegance- ... 25906.html

[piperdown]

https://www.kpetersen.com/economytablesdropleaf.htm

You can use different hinges to keep them hidden. I think you'll need some type of support bars. I don't think the hinges from the link you showed will support the load when using it as a bed.

How thick will it be?

[fallguy1000]

https://www.kpetersen.com/economytablesdropleaf.htm

You can use different hinges to keep them hidden. I think you'll need some type of support bars. I don't think the hinges from the link you showed will support the load when using it as a bed.

How thick will it be?

Hoping 3/4" as I have a lot of it.

[piperdown]

Smaller version of this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvTT849ld4M

[terrulian]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvTT849ld4M

I've seen a ton of different solutions to this problem which is common to all boats. His solution is very elegant but requires a base to mount the arms on, which won't work for your application, since you have to lower it for a bed.
How about this? You use the hinges he does, but instead of a base, you mount the table on a pedestal which can be removed to lower the top for the bed. To support the wings, mount a length of lumber, or better yet, two on each side, that extend to support the extra 4" and that are attached underneath the top with a swivel. An added possibility here is that the table top could be entirely removed and placed in a holder on a bulkhead so that the area would be completely open.
I'll be interested in what you decide. I've never seen any solution that completely solves all the issues and people have been doing this for decades.

[fallguy1000]

Smaller version of this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvTT849ld4M

Similar size or a bit smaller.

Yup. That is the wish.

I think I could do slides.

I doubt 3/4" thick nut would support those hinges....

[Aripeka Angler]

I would like to see a sketch of the table.
I might be able to help you with the hardware.

[Dan_Smullen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvTT849ld4M

FWIW, I think the hinges are Tectus. Maybe Soss.

High level finish for sure.

Do the brackets stow elsewhere when the leaves are