Hi! The other day i was really pleased. I'd finished the refectory table. But that final step didn't go as smooth as anticipated. I was at this stage i'd done all the carving, finished the main assembly and had the slide construction mounted. Making a test table before helped tremendously during construction and i'd avoided all the pitfalls i'd encountered back then. 
All that was left was to cut two holes in the base and 2 recesses in the underside of the main table top. Those would hold the brackets that keep the top attached to the frame. Somehow i'd not calculated space was more tight with this table and the slide stops were positioned a bit different cos of that. It turned out I'd cut them in ánd on the wrong side of the middle section. When i was done and test fitted i found out they interfered with the slides... argh!
The only option was to make a new middle section and reposition the holes. Ooh well, learned my lesson :) But after that, the mechanism run smooth and it could receive its final finishes.
And here it is, next to its big brother. These pictures from an antique dealer in Great Britain were my sole reference when it came to the design. I'd already researched this type of extendable table. There i'd learned it's also called a 'Dutch pullout' table, but i haven't found a specific reason why it is referred to as Dutch. Thomas Sheraton described this mechanism as well in his Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, calling it The Universal Table.
I really like this table for it's sturdiness when the leaves are retracted, and for how the leaves are stowed when they're not needed. You can even pull them out while the table is set, making it the perfect companion for anyone who has friends spontaneously dropping in :D
ps. The color in the last few pictures don't match its real color (due to the back ground?) It's far more darker, the upper ones taken in the workshop represent the proper tone, making it a match with the original.
Thanks for your attention, have a wonderful weekend!
Nice to see the mechanism too, you didn't show that on FB and I was curious. Calling the table Dutch, probably to refer to it's country of origin, in SA in antique shops things are often labeled with both the country of origin and the style for example a British George III corner cabinet or an American Colonial candlestand.
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing this table unfold, looking forward to your next project!
Un trabajo impresionante,la mesa es perfecta!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBesos.
Muchos Gracias Pilar!
DeleteThank you Elga, that one will 'unfold itself' too soon
ReplyDeleteI am in love with your carving Debora! Beautifully done!:)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ewa.
DeleteAnother astounding work of art, Debora --are you sure there wasn't a shrink-ray-gun involved in the process of creating this mini masterpiece?
ReplyDeleteShhhht John! How did you know!?! ;)
DeleteHello Deobra,
ReplyDeleteOnce again I am enchanted by your work. the table is just wonderful and the finish beautiful. I am glad you were able to correct the sliding mechanism. Absolutely fantastic.
Big hug,
Giac
Hi Giac! Thank you! Good to hear from you, hope you can soon start turning to miniatures again?
DeleteYou have become a master! I agree with John, it is a work of art, just beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Catherine! You're favorite armoire has been, and still is a huge inspiration :)
DeleteHi Debora! I never cease to be amazed at your work. Everything you do turns into a beautiful work of art! The detailing is gorgeous. Kind regards, Brian.
ReplyDeleteThank you Brian! It was a fun table to make. The leaves on the skirting reminded me of tobacco leaves. I might be wrong but combined with it's age it it makes me think it was the table of an English plantation owner, somewhere overseas in the colonies? Who knows? I mailed the antique dealer for provenance and details but unfortunately never heard back.
Deleteune merveille !
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup Catherine!
DeleteEs una maravilla, las patas, el mecanismo para su ampliación y el trabajo de tallado. Excelente.
ReplyDeleteGracias Isabel! I love dynamics in furniture as well so it was fun to make :)
DeleteWhat a masterpiece! that's all I can say
ReplyDeleteGroetjes, Roeie
Dank je wel Roelie!
Deletehele mooie tafel is het geworden, Debora, en zó leuk, dat de tafel vergroot kan worden dmv de bladen.
ReplyDeleteals je de mini ziet lijkt hij wel gekrompen. Mooi werk!
groet,
Gee
Hi Gee! Ja leuk hè, die bladen? Dat vind ik ook zo fijn bij grote meubels. Ik woon vrij klein en dan is het erg handig als je op die manier eigenlijk meerdere meubels in 1 hebt.
DeleteMagnifique travail ! Votre table est sublime et le mécanisme bluffant. Bravo !
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup Lila. Je suis fier que le mécanisme fonctionne en douceur.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love it, sorry about the mishap...but nevermind that, it came out perfect :)
ReplyDeleteWow Deborah, you always amaze me! Not that I'm surprised, I'm well aware of your great skills for a long time now, but I love the way you evolve to even higher levels of greatness! Improving your skills and your equipment makes you better and better at what you do, with each piece you make. And it leaves me in awe and admiration, time and time again: GREAT WORK!
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ReplyDeleteCompletely stunning piece of art work.The refectory table are just amazing. i am also planning to buy it.Good work:-)
ReplyDelete