Shopsmith Forums

I am doing a resto job on a 100 year old oak table, with a split pedestal. My problem is getting the two table halves to be in alignment when closed, and then to STAY aligned when fully open for leaves. The new slides are parrallel to each other, but when fully open, the leaves will be cocked about 1/2 an inch. What is the proper way to lay out the slide location? The customer wants 3 leaves made, because the originals were lost. Thanks, and Happy Holidays! jimsjinx

jimsjinx wrote:I am doing a resto job on a 100 year old oak table, with a split pedestal. My problem is getting the two table halves to be in alignment when closed, and then to STAY aligned when fully open for leaves. The new slides are parrallel to each other, but when fully open, the leaves will be cocked about 1/2 an inch. What is the proper way to lay out the slide location? The customer wants 3 leaves made, because the originals were lost. Thanks, and Happy Holidays! jimsjinx

It is real hard to assist, Jim without seeing what you are working with.

How do the slides interface with one another. I would assume wooded dovetails.

Ok, the table is a 54" round(when closed) table, with a beautiful clawed pedistal, that splits and opens when you open the top. There (was) a center leg, hidden iside the split pedestal, and that relieves the stress on the center slides when fully open. The replacement slides are maple and dovetailed. There are 3 sections to each slide assembly. The originals were 5 sections each!!!! Way too big for this clients needs, and all were cracked and sloppy. I have done restos like this before, but this table was nearly ruined by a shadetree hack somewhere in its lifetime. I intend on utilizing the center leg thing, and I have made the leaf sections, ready to drill alignment pins. When I laid out the slides, they were dead on parrallel, but it looks as though I have a tweek in the angle of the slides, in relation to the split in the top. I should get a pic or two up, so you can better see what I'm up against. I thank you profusely for your reply!!! jimsjinx

Sight unseen, I would open up the 'halves', place the leaves in position they will be in when used, close the 'opening' and then locate the slides perpendicular to the 'opening' as well as parallel to each other.

Then mark the adjoining pieces for reference so the dowel pin holes can be drilled accurately. A 'v' shaped mark allows more precise alignment later. The open part of the 'v' is on one side of the joint, and the point of the 'v' is on the other side. The slide edge may be used as reference lines as well.

This is more easily done with the table top off the pedestal and upside down if possible. Big flat surface required!;)