Drop Leaf Table Design and the Square Root of 3.

The previous post of a table showed a top that when folded in half remained the same length to width ratio.  When folded up the table top took up 50% of the area it did when unfolded.  

This alternate design pushes the concept to a practical limit by using the square root of 3 to make a table that is 1/3 of it's unfolded size when folded up.  A table base that is inset just a little more than 20% but not more than 25%  will support 3 table sections when unfolded but allow the two outer sections to fold down when rotated 90 degrees.  The base length to width ratio is the same as the unfolded table top above it. 

This 1/3 design starts with a wood panel that is 24" x 96" (or 2' x 8').  Using 1/3 of the length as the maximum width of our table top, we can determine the largest possible table top we can make using the square root of 3 ratio.

1/3 of 96 is 32. The square root of 3 is 1.732. 32/1.732 = 18.48".  So the dimensions of each table top section will be 32" x 18.48" .  This will also be the maximum footprint of the table base. Three of these sections will make up the unfolded table top at 32" x (18.48 x 3) or 32" x 55.4".  This table top should seat 6. 

Top ends folded down

Top ends lifted up before rotating

Rotated over the legs for support

Square Rt. of 3 Proportions.

The top pivots around the center of the base.  The pinwheel stretcher configuration makes room for a center plate where the pivot can be placed.

Obviously the legs could be more interesting. The top would have a nice edge profile. A classic drop leaf connection and hinges would be used to allow the top ends to hinge down after rotating 90 degrees. Tops of the legs have a teflon t-peg in them to allow the top to rotate smoothly over them. The center section of the top has a metal post that slips into a bronze bushing in the wood plate between the stretchers. It is held in with a spring, washer and wing nut to allow some tensioned lift when rotating.

Final details needed can only be determined if I ever make such a table. This post is simply a parking place for ideas I've had over the past 4 decades.

Question?  Leave a comment.

4D