Dining room Table

Connections are marked clearly to simplify assembly. The rails fit tightly into each of the four connections and are bolted in place by carriage bolts. Two bolts are used at each connection to ensure that it acts more as a moment connection rather than a pinned connection, better resisting forces applied in the direction parallel to the rails. Tightening of the carriage bolts clamps the two raised edges of the legs tightly on each side of a rail. This is designed to increase friction at the joint, preventing any unwanted movement from occurring.

The table surface was constructed using 3/4" hardwood around a plywood base. The guides for the rail system were installed on the plywood first, before the top surface was assembled, to ensure a strong connection. The top surface and edges were then assembled above the plywood, glued securely, and carefully fastened with screws from below.

The table surface pieces fit securely on the rails. Metal plates along the edges of each piece connect them together using frictional force.

The rail system allows the table to expand from a six foot table to an eight foot table with the placement of a two foot wide leaf.