I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?

On 1/25/2014 1:48 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?



Certainly doable but let me mention some things you need to think about.

The telescoping legs will need to fit relatively snug so that a gap
between the outer and inner leg does not show, unless there is not
concern for that.

The closer the fit, the more you will need to insure that all legs are
perfectly parallel to each other, inner and outer legs.

The closer the tolerances the more the need for raising and lowering to
be a two person operation. The upper unit will bind if only one person
lifts and does not lift straight up.


That said, the raised unit should not sag as long as you are working
with a hard wood apron and it is at least 2" wide.

On 1/25/2014 2:57 PM, Leon wrote:
On 1/25/2014 1:48 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?



Certainly doable but let me mention some things you need to think about.

The telescoping legs will need to fit relatively snug so that a gap
between the outer and inner leg does not show, unless there is not
concern for that.

I figured to make them pretty loose, maybe an eighth all around, for the
reasons you mention.

The closer the fit, the more you will need to insure that all legs are
perfectly parallel to each other, inner and outer legs.

Exactly. And I think I have a reasonably accurate assessment of my own
skills, which is why I'd leave some slop.

The closer the tolerances the more the need for raising and lowering to
be a two person operation. The upper unit will bind if only one person
lifts and does not lift straight up.

Definitely a two-person job, yes.


That said, the raised unit should not sag as long as you are working
with a hard wood apron and it is at least 2" wide.

Thanks. A slightly wider apron. Check.

I just did some more thinking about your "parallel" comment above and
have altered the drawing a bit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

On 1/25/2014 2:35 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
On 1/25/2014 2:57 PM, Leon wrote:
On 1/25/2014 1:48 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?



Certainly doable but let me mention some things you need to think about.

The telescoping legs will need to fit relatively snug so that a gap
between the outer and inner leg does not show, unless there is not
concern for that.

I figured to make them pretty loose, maybe an eighth all around, for the
reasons you mention.

The closer the fit, the more you will need to insure that all legs are
perfectly parallel to each other, inner and outer legs.

Exactly. And I think I have a reasonably accurate assessment of my own
skills, which is why I'd leave some slop.

The closer the tolerances the more the need for raising and lowering to
be a two person operation. The upper unit will bind if only one person
lifts and does not lift straight up.

Definitely a two-person job, yes.


That said, the raised unit should not sag as long as you are working
with a hard wood apron and it is at least 2" wide.

Thanks. A slightly wider apron. Check.

I just did some more thinking about your "parallel" comment above and
have altered the drawing a bit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

I was going to suggest that but did not want to alter your design.
Those stretchers will certainly keep thing from becoming rickety.

Another word of caution it will work best if you attach the lower
stretchers with the upper table section fully down. Test clamp the
stretcher is place and make a trial run lifting the table up and down.

On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:35:01 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

On 1/25/2014 2:57 PM, Leon wrote:
On 1/25/2014 1:48 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?



Certainly doable but let me mention some things you need to think about.

The telescoping legs will need to fit relatively snug so that a gap
between the outer and inner leg does not show, unless there is not
concern for that.

I figured to make them pretty loose, maybe an eighth all around, for the
reasons you mention.

The closer the fit, the more you will need to insure that all legs are
perfectly parallel to each other, inner and outer legs.

Exactly. And I think I have a reasonably accurate assessment of my own
skills, which is why I'd leave some slop.

The closer the tolerances the more the need for raising and lowering to
be a two person operation. The upper unit will bind if only one person
lifts and does not lift straight up.

Definitely a two-person job, yes.


That said, the raised unit should not sag as long as you are working
with a hard wood apron and it is at least 2" wide.

Thanks. A slightly wider apron. Check.

I just did some more thinking about your "parallel" comment above and
have altered the drawing a bit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/
Could be made simpler. Don't need to drill the outside legs for the
pegs. Drill inside legs right at top to store the pins, and at right
position for pins to rest on top of the frame when extended - no more
problem trying to get the $%# & pins lined up!!!!

On 1/25/2014 4:57 PM, wrote:
On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:35:01 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

On 1/25/2014 2:57 PM, Leon wrote:
On 1/25/2014 1:48 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?



Certainly doable but let me mention some things you need to think about.

The telescoping legs will need to fit relatively snug so that a gap
between the outer and inner leg does not show, unless there is not
concern for that.

I figured to make them pretty loose, maybe an eighth all around, for the
reasons you mention.

The closer the fit, the more you will need to insure that all legs are
perfectly parallel to each other, inner and outer legs.

Exactly. And I think I have a reasonably accurate assessment of my own
skills, which is why I'd leave some slop.

The closer the tolerances the more the need for raising and lowering to
be a two person operation. The upper unit will bind if only one person
lifts and does not lift straight up.

Definitely a two-person job, yes.


That said, the raised unit should not sag as long as you are working
with a hard wood apron and it is at least 2" wide.

Thanks. A slightly wider apron. Check.

I just did some more thinking about your "parallel" comment above and
have altered the drawing a bit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/
Could be made simpler. Don't need to drill the outside legs for the
pegs. Drill inside legs right at top to store the pins, and at right
position for pins to rest on top of the frame when extended - no more
problem trying to get the $%# & pins lined up!!!!

Thanks. I just thought of that while looking at the drawing. Harder to
move the unit though; grabbing it by the apron would just pull the top
right out. And I do SO hate bending down.

On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 17:31:31 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

On 1/25/2014 4:57 PM, wrote:
On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:35:01 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

On 1/25/2014 2:57 PM, Leon wrote:
On 1/25/2014 1:48 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?



Certainly doable but let me mention some things you need to think about.

The telescoping legs will need to fit relatively snug so that a gap
between the outer and inner leg does not show, unless there is not
concern for that.

I figured to make them pretty loose, maybe an eighth all around, for the
reasons you mention.

The closer the fit, the more you will need to insure that all legs are
perfectly parallel to each other, inner and outer legs.

Exactly. And I think I have a reasonably accurate assessment of my own
skills, which is why I'd leave some slop.

The closer the tolerances the more the need for raising and lowering to
be a two person operation. The upper unit will bind if only one person
lifts and does not lift straight up.

Definitely a two-person job, yes.


That said, the raised unit should not sag as long as you are working
with a hard wood apron and it is at least 2" wide.

Thanks. A slightly wider apron. Check.

I just did some more thinking about your "parallel" comment above and
have altered the drawing a bit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/
Could be made simpler. Don't need to drill the outside legs for the
pegs. Drill inside legs right at top to store the pins, and at right
position for pins to rest on top of the frame when extended - no more
problem trying to get the $%# & pins lined up!!!!

Thanks. I just thought of that while looking at the drawing. Harder to
move the unit though; grabbing it by the apron would just pull the top
right out. And I do SO hate bending down.
So put a small braket on the inside of the outer leg to hold the pin.
Doesn't have to be much, or very strong - even a little cable loop.
Just enough to hold the legs when you pick it up.

On 1/25/2014 1:48 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.


Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Basically what Leon said.

I rather like your concept, and any leg issue can be dealt with handily.
Perhaps stout pins which are installed from the inside of the leg
instead of showing on the outside?

On another, and IMO, most important note:.

What you, and others like Bill, are doing with SketchUp amply
illustrates the amazing value and utility to the woodworker of having
this free, readily available means to get his ideas and thoughts down in
form that can be shared, as well as inestimably beneficial in both
design and build.

Just a few years back it was hard to find anyone who grasped the
benefits of SketchUp, and most had to be brought kicking and screaming
to the table.

Really nice to see you guys make such good use of this particular bit of
technology as a tool in their arsenal. To me, just as important a tool
for the ultimate success of the end product as the finest tool and skill
you possess.

Kudos in the regard, Greg and Bill! Well done.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On 1/25/2014 3:25 PM, Swingman wrote:
Basically what Leon said.

I rather like your concept, and any leg issue can be dealt with handily.
Perhaps stout pins which are installed from the inside of the leg
instead of showing on the outside?

I could do that, although I feel like I'd need to bore halfway into the
second side of the leg to support that end of the pin. I think it might
be a nice visual element to leave it visible, though.

On another, and IMO, most important note:.

What you, and others like Bill, are doing with SketchUp amply
illustrates the amazing value and utility to the woodworker of having
this free, readily available means to get his ideas and thoughts down in
form that can be shared, as well as inestimably beneficial in both
design and build.

Just a few years back it was hard to find anyone who grasped the
benefits of SketchUp, and most had to be brought kicking and screaming
to the table.

There's still a fair amount of screaming over here, you just can't hear
it.

I just discovered something as I was adding leg braces to the drawing,
something I remember worked on various CAD programs. I wanted to copy
the braces from the "down" drawing to the "up" drawing, but there was no
"defined" point on the legs that touches the braces. I selected the
three "brace" components, clicked "move" and then chose a point at the
bottom corner of one of the legs (a point NOT on the object being moved)
as the reference. I dragged the group until that point met the
corresponding point on the other drawing, and voila, perfect
positioning. Just a few hours ago I was still drawing a "disposable"
line to do that task.

Really nice to see you guys make such good use of this particular bit of
technology as a tool in their arsenal. To me, just as important a tool
for the ultimate success of the end product as the finest tool and skill
you possess.

The problem now is that I can draw things with relative ease that I may
not be able to build.

On 1/25/2014 2:53 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:

There's still a fair amount of screaming over here, you just can't hear
it.

Times have changed. When I first started touting SU in this forum you'd
sworn I ****ed in someone's Wheaties.

The problem now is that I can draw things with relative ease that
I may not be able to build.

That's a good thing ... you can now design things that you know you
can't build, _before_ getting halfway through a project in the shop and
having to design your way out of an expensive corner.

This was an all too common occurrence in the old days, and why even good
woodworkers, or those who have yet to snap to the benefits of 3D
modeling software, often used someone elses plans for all their projects.

Now, as an increasingly accomplished SU user, you can leverage the
learning new skills and techniques, and put that plan money toward a
tool, or project supplies.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On 1/25/2014 2:53 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
Snip



The problem now is that I can draw things with relative ease that I may
not be able to build.


Well you seem to be doing wonders with out a TS. ;~) You may be
unstoppable if you get one. LOL

With your above comment in mind, I have been using CAD programs for damn
near 30 years now. With out a doubt Sketchup is so ideally suited for
wood workers that I finally dropped the use of AutoCAD.
This drawing program works so well that you will absolutely become a
better woodworker. I have been doing serious woodworking for 30+ years
but until I started using Sketchup exclusively I seldom embarked on
complicated projects. Now most of my projects would be considered
pretty complex and large. With the aid of Sketchup and it's ability to
show me every detail from any angle that I want I don't give these
complicated projects a second thought, once I am happy with the design,
before going to the shop and starting..

On 1/25/2014 4:33 PM, Leon wrote:
On 1/25/2014 2:53 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
Snip



The problem now is that I can draw things with relative ease that I may
not be able to build.


Well you seem to be doing wonders with out a TS. ;~) You may be
unstoppable if you get one. LOL

Thanks for the (over-generous) compliment. Keep them coming.
Encouragement is always welcome. But I am making strides; each project
looks a little nicer than the one before.

Sometimes you can turn lemons into lemonade. Without a TS, the hardest
thing is to rip narrow stock, so I try to "design" for standard
dimensions. I just had an(other) idea for how to make the legs on my
bench/serving table.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguarino/12156402766/

I was thinking to rip down the wider pieces to close to the right width,
make the dadoes and then trim the edges flush with a router after
assembly. But while I was drawing it, I wondered if it might be a nice
design element to leave the "excess" width as-is. I'll have to copy the
"new" leg design into the full drawing, but so far I think it might work.

On 1/26/2014 12:01 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
On 1/25/2014 4:33 PM, Leon wrote:
On 1/25/2014 2:53 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
Snip



The problem now is that I can draw things with relative ease that I may
not be able to build.


Well you seem to be doing wonders with out a TS. ;~) You may be
unstoppable if you get one. LOL

Thanks for the (over-generous) compliment. Keep them coming.
Encouragement is always welcome. But I am making strides; each project
looks a little nicer than the one before.

Sometimes you can turn lemons into lemonade. Without a TS, the hardest
thing is to rip narrow stock, so I try to "design" for standard
dimensions. I just had an(other) idea for how to make the legs on my
bench/serving table.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguarino/12156402766/

I was thinking to rip down the wider pieces to close to the right width,
make the dadoes and then trim the edges flush with a router after
assembly. But while I was drawing it, I wondered if it might be a nice
design element to leave the "excess" width as-is. I'll have to copy the
"new" leg design into the full drawing, but so far I think it might work.



OK, seriously, you need to get a decent TS. I really like the way you
are experimenting with Sketchup. I think your skills would slingshot
ahead with the ideas you are coming up with. That last design is really
unique.

Now take another look at it again and consider the possible forces that
the outer pieces will be having to resist. I am absolutely not saying
that the strength is not adequate so much as to get you to consider that
possibility. Just something to watch out for when thinking outside of
the box. Keep it up.

On 1/26/2014 12:01 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:

Sometimes you can turn lemons into lemonade. Without a TS, the hardest
thing is to rip narrow stock, so I try to "design" for standard dimensions.

In the span of time I've been woodworking I've had use of a table saw
less than 50% of that time, but was fortunate to have learned early how
to use a handsaw to rip, then finish up with a hand plane.

It takes longer, as dimensioning stock to project dimensions with hand
tools takes a good deal of practice, but it is by no means an
insurmountable limitation for building one off pieces of
furniture/cabinetry.

If you've got the time, go for it.

AAMOF, were I were a hobbyist today in a shop as small as mine, in lieu
of a table saw I would consider either a good band saw, and/or a plunge
saw and guide rail/MFT system, like the Festool.

AAMOF, I take my TS-75 plunge saw to the job site, in lieu of a table
saw, these days.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 14:48:33 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?
Piece of cake, and plenty strong.

On 1/25/2014 3:34 PM, wrote:
On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 14:48:33 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?
Piece of cake, and plenty strong.

Thanks, but I find cakes to be a challenge too.

On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:59:54 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

On 1/25/2014 3:34 PM, wrote:
On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 14:48:33 -0500, Greg Guarino
wrote:

I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to take me a year to
build at my usual pace. But we (now that my wife has found the benefits
of custom - if amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.

She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating against a wall, but
something that could also be used to serve buffet-style. This is what I
came up with. Keep in mind this is all schematic so far; all of the
dimensions would likely change and I have left out many details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could build this. The
legs would certainly present a challenge. But does it raise any red
flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern. I figure that
it would be plenty strong in the "down" position for people to sit on,
but I wonder if the top would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving
pieces on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4" ply. I
suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border around it anyway.

Comments?
Piece of cake, and plenty strong.

Thanks, but I find cakes to be a challenge too.

Very simple to make funtional
Not too hard to make pretty.
But functional AND pretty can be a stretch!!

"Greg Guarino" wrote in message

I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to
take me a year to build at my usual pace. But we (now
that my wife has found the benefits of custom - if
amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.
She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating
against a wall, but something that could also be used to
serve buffet-style. This is what I came up with. Keep in
mind this is all schematic so far; all of the dimensions
would likely change and I have left out many details:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could
build this. The legs would certainly present a challenge.
But does it raise any red flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern.
I figure that it would be plenty strong in the "down"
position for people to sit on, but I wonder if the top
would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving pieces
on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4"
ply. I suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border
around it anyway.
Comments?

1. It isn't going to sag.

2. 20" is on the high side for a seat.


--

dadiOH
____________________________

Winters getting colder? Tired of the rat race?
Taxes out of hand? Maybe just ready for a change?
Check it out... http://www.floridaloghouse.net

On Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:51:43 -0500, "dadiOH"
wrote:

"Greg Guarino" wrote in message

I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to
take me a year to build at my usual pace. But we (now
that my wife has found the benefits of custom - if
amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.
She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating
against a wall, but something that could also be used to
serve buffet-style. This is what I came up with. Keep in
mind this is all schematic so far; all of the dimensions
would likely change and I have left out many details:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could
build this. The legs would certainly present a challenge.
But does it raise any red flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern.
I figure that it would be plenty strong in the "down"
position for people to sit on, but I wonder if the top
would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving pieces
on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4"
ply. I suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border
around it anyway.
Comments?

1. It isn't going to sag.

2. 20" is on the high side for a seat.
It's comfortable for guys with long legs like mine.

On 1/25/2014 6:51 PM, dadiOH wrote:
"Greg Guarino" wrote in message

I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to
take me a year to build at my usual pace. But we (now
that my wife has found the benefits of custom - if
amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.
She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating
against a wall, but something that could also be used to
serve buffet-style. This is what I came up with. Keep in
mind this is all schematic so far; all of the dimensions
would likely change and I have left out many details:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could
build this. The legs would certainly present a challenge.
But does it raise any red flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern.
I figure that it would be plenty strong in the "down"
position for people to sit on, but I wonder if the top
would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving pieces
on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4"
ply. I suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border
around it anyway.
Comments?

1. It isn't going to sag.

Thanks

2. 20" is on the high side for a seat.

I quickly measured down from the office chair I was sitting in while I
was drawing it. It's probably more like 19. But that drawing is far from
a finished design in any case. It would be a good idea to try out some
heights, measure some chairs, etc.

Greg Guarino wrote:

I quickly measured down from the office chair I was sitting in while I
was drawing it. It's probably more like 19. But that drawing is far from
a finished design in any case. It would be a good idea to try out some
heights, measure some chairs, etc.


Except for ADA requirements, there are no real standards, but the following
offers some good guidelines that are important when designing furniture for
use by others:

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/l...dimensions.pdf

http://www.brezlin.com/design/chairguidelines.html

--
www.ewoodshop.com (Mobile)

On 1/26/2014 1:13 AM, Greg Guarino wrote:
On 1/25/2014 6:51 PM, dadiOH wrote:
"Greg Guarino" wrote in message

I've been drawing a lot of different things, enough to
take me a year to build at my usual pace. But we (now
that my wife has found the benefits of custom - if
amateur-built - furniture) are entertaining a bunch of
ideas that would need to work together.
She tossed out the idea of a bench for extra seating
against a wall, but something that could also be used to
serve buffet-style. This is what I came up with. Keep in
mind this is all schematic so far; all of the dimensions
would likely change and I have left out many details:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...n/photostream/

Let's leave aside the question of whether or not I could
build this. The legs would certainly present a challenge.
But does it raise any red flags that I'm not seeing?

At 70" long (which could change), the span is a concern.
I figure that it would be plenty strong in the "down"
position for people to sit on, but I wonder if the top
would tend to bow with a bunch of (full) serving pieces
on it when raised. The top as I've drawn it would be 3/4"
ply. I suppose I could double it up; I plan on a border
around it anyway.
Comments?

1. It isn't going to sag.

Thanks

2. 20" is on the high side for a seat.

I quickly measured down from the office chair I was sitting in while I
was drawing it. It's probably more like 19. But that drawing is far from
a finished design in any case. It would be a good idea to try out some
heights, measure some chairs, etc.



Is your office chair padded? Padding will be more comfortable if the
height is a bit high. If your legs are hanging over a hard edge you
might not be so comfortable. Any way our wooden dining room chairs with
no padding are just under 17.75" high. Just something to think about.
Furniture that you sit on/in needs to have more focus on comfort than
aesthetics if you plan to use it for that purpose.

On 1/26/2014 12:43 PM, Leon wrote:
Is your office chair padded?

Yes. Definitely needs some more thinking. Luckily, it will probably be
months before I get to actually build it.