Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jun 07, 2007 01:12am | #1

   Chuck

   You are there.  You have 14" of overhang on each side already.  When I build pedestal tables (and I'm building one now with a 20" leaf) I try to keep the base within 15" of the overhang with the leaf in.  I'm building a round table that will become an oval with the leaf in.  It's 38" closed, and 58" open.  It has a 35" base spread, and isn't tippy.  (I built a mockup in poplar before committing to the curly maple). 

   Your dimensions leave you with a 29" overhang, which is definately going to have a problem.  You need to enlarge the base.

   Jeff

2. 
   Ed | Jun 07, 2007 02:56pm | #2

   Whether a table is tippy or not depends on the top and base dimensions, table weight and what you mean by 'tippy'.

   It is easy to calculate an answer to your question if a few simple assumptions are made.  The situation is essentially a see-saw or teeter-totter. 

   For balance, weight times distance from the fulcrum on on side equals weight times distance from the fulcrum on the other side.

   The fulcrum or pivot point is the outside edge of the pedestal which is 13 inches from the center of the table.

   Table weight can be assumed to act on or be concentrated on the center of the table.

   The other side of the see-saw is the distance from the fulcrum to the table edge, 19 inches in this case without the leaves. Tipping weight is to be determined.

   Assume a table weight of 150 pounds.

   150 times 13 = tipping weight times 19.

   Tipping weight = 150 x 13 / 19 = 100 pounds.

   With an additional 20" leaf the equation is

   150 x 13 = tipping weight x (19 + 20)

   tipping weight then = 50 pounds.

   So, without the leaf if an adult rests his butt on the table edge, upsy daisy.  With the leaf in, if a child sits on the table edge it will flip.

   Ed