Replies

1. 
   user-148830 | Nov 15, 2007 09:29pm | #1

   There are a hundred ways to answer your question or to design a table. For instance, how wide are the Italians who will be visiting? The Polish people at my table are for the most part midsized. But occasionally a wide body will descend. This calls for new place settings and maybe just three plates on a side that evening instead of four. Maybe just two. It all depends, as you might imagine.

   So, standard proportions for six people call for 24" in width per place setting, plus your two ends. This makes your table about 5 1/2' to 6' long just for six. Add one 12" leaf and you can squeeze in two more mid-sized Italians. But if one's a wide body then you have problems.

   Two leaves would be better making your table about 8' long. Now you can try to squeeze in ten bodies into this 8' length but feed them salads. No seven course Italian meals that go on forever and make you think you will never eat again.

   What I would do is measure out for a standard comfortable setting at your table now. Add another 12" at each end for the heads of the table. More leaves, in the 12-18" width, can always be added depending on the holiday.

   I have always used metal hardware for my expanding tables. And four legs will work fine as long as no one dances on the table before, during, or after the meal. Best of luck. Gary

1. 
   T.D. | Nov 15, 2007 10:17pm | #2

   Gary,
   Thanks a million for your response. I have always enjoyed your articles and would love to attend your school, time being the problem.
   The dancing on the table might be a problem bcause one of the sister-in-laws does usually drink too much. As long as there are no grapes to smash on the table we will probably be OK.
   I assume that since I want to add leaves, this dictates the grain direction of the table top. Since it will probably be a large table to seat ten, in all sizes, I was thinking of doing bread-board ends. Probably would not work on a table with leaves?
   1. Do you think that larger apron and buttons will be OK on a table this size for wood movement?
   2. I like to use a natural finish on my work because I love the natural wood grain and never use stain. If I have the grain oriented so it runs from side to side, is it best to lay out for the leafs to maintain a nice grain pattern so the grain looks consistant when the leaves are being used?
   Thanks again
   I am going to check out your school
   Tim

1. 
   user-148830 | Nov 20, 2007 04:22am | #3

   Hey Tim,
   Yeah your grain direction has to run across the short way of the table so that your top and your leaves are well supported at their ends while still allowing for wood movement. The breadboard ends would work but you'd have to use them along the long sides. This is a bunch of work for an effect. Just go with the buttons as you mention. As for aligning grain, go for it, make it perfect, line it up with care, as all of us furniture makers do, going to extra trouble to make the piece look seamless. Then watch your wife or mother or cousin or brother or dear friend cover the whole thing with plates and place settings and trivets and a table cloth to protect the precious heirloom. Or if you're my aunt on the South side of Chicago you would have heavy pads as well under the table cloths. My god man you'll never see the wood! But go ahead do what's right. The furniture refinisher or antique guy in 50 years will notice that someone did things right back then. Do pay attention to the coloring of the leaves and top however. So if you're using really most any wood, let the leaves age for the first 6 to 8 months out in the open with the table top and with nothing on top of the table. This way they'll all age the same. But put a vase in the middle of a cherry table top and it will have to be a permanent fixture or you'll have to do some serious refinishing to remove the untanned spot. Good luck. Do come and visit the school. We keep classes small so you can get some real face time with the instructor. Gary

1. 
   user-231372 | Nov 22, 2007 04:56am | #4

   I can't believe that nobody said anything about the Italian vs. Polish thing, Mr. Rogowski. I was appalled (sp??) at the lack of diversity training you have not gone thru (not really, since I have Italian and Polish in me). In my long life I have also found that the only people who talk about dancing on tables are those who once danced on tables themselves and all became clear.The Bears stink and then I find out your aunt is from the south side (both of my folks are north sider's)and that explains everything. I'm done golfing for the year and now turn to my woodworking. Thanks for the thoughts on incorporating Japanese style influences into my work, the books you suggested were helpful. Dan