Small Folding Table

[Luke Dupont]

Hi guys.

My wife requested a small folding table similar to this:

477140

So, I'm in the process of designing it now.

I've got the wood and dimensions worked out, but my question is what to do about the hinges.

I don't have a production piece to examine. It seems to me that bolts and nuts would be used, but I'm afraid that they will loosen as it's opened and closed, and we'll constantly be re-tightening the nuts.

Is this not an issue? What would you do if making this?

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I stole that design from a couple that were built by a neighbor's Dad. I used screws and T-nuts. They (Q ty. 4) were built about 15 years ago and are still in use today. I did use blue Loc-Tite on the screws when I assembled them. I am unware if any of the 4 family members have had problems with them.

[Luke Dupont]

I stole that design from a couple that were built by a neighbor's Dad. I used screws and T-nuts. They (Q ty. 4) were built about 15 years ago and are still in use today. I did use blue Loc-Tite on the screws when I assembled them. I am unware if any of the 4 family members have had problems with them.


Do you suppose a simple screw would be sufficient, so long as the piece which the head rests has a hole sufficiently large to allow it to rotate freely, and the screw isn't too tightly screwed down?

[Ken Fitzgerald]

If you are talking about using just wood screws into the wood, I'd be concerned that over time the screws wood chew up the wood , enlarging the hole and result in a repair having to be made.

[Jim Koepke]

There are a few of these in my home. I'll try to make time tomorrow to take some pictures of the underside.

The legs use a dowel through one side's legs and across the top for the hinge if my memory is working.

jtk

[Mel Fulks]

Removable Lock - Tite

[steven c newman]

Sold every day at Walmart..buy one as a Prototype...

[chuck van dyck]

I made a folding camp chair about 5 years ago. Similar design as far as the leg assembly. I used a carriage bolt with thread glue on the nut. Been on many trips and still going strong.

[Jim Ritter]

Possibly it uses a Roto-hinge like this from Rockler.
i had I link but it didn’t work. Just look up Roto-hinge.


Jim

[steven c newman]

Details, details..
477199
Something like this?
477200
Nylon washers were used between parts...
477201
Pins were "peened over" onto steel washers..

Details, details....can use a "Sex Bolt" instead...just remember the nylon washers...

[Jim Koepke]

Pretty much the same:

477222

477221

jtk

[Tom M King]

You can get AN bolts (aircraft) with any length smooth shaft you need, that have short threads on the end. Wicks Aircraft Supply is quick to ship, and ships them in envelopes for minimum shipping cost. They usually come in a couple of days after ordering.

[steven c newman]

Luke wanted some good clear pictures of the workings under these sort of Tray Tables...and I tried to get the ones he was looking for....

[Luke Dupont]

Thanks a lot guys!

I think I have what I need now! Now to get to work...

[Keith Outten]

The click on the png file it is the drawing for the two folding tables and the chair.