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I had long wanted to build a "flip-leaf" table. Drop-leaf tables are very handy, but when down, the leaves interfere with your knees. I began this project as a way to utilize all the short scraps that perpetually litter the shop and to try out a flip-leaf design, but quickly became excited as the table took shape.
Each of the four leaves close by folding over the table surface and replicating (with species variations) the pattern of the part now hidden. The table can be used with one, two, three, or all four leaves open or closed. When open, the leaves are supported by wood braces that pivot out from the apron, but remain flush when not in use.
The table is small when closed, but more than big enough for two to dine at when open. I imagine it as a breakfast table in a well lit room. One could also keep it closed, against a wall, as an occasional table, opening the leaves when necessary (for entertaining etc.).
I like the relationship between the rectangular (closed) and rhomboid (open) shapes. Although its a very basic geometrical relationship, I've never seen it used in furniture. I also like the way the repeating rhomboid pattern is broken by different species of wood, drawing your eye across the pattern through similar and contrasting colors.
Those familiar with wood working may note that although the top is constructed from many boards of numerous species, all the glue lines are edge to edge or 30° end grain to 30° end grain, etc. This, coupled with the narrow board widths, makes for surprisingly stable construction that to date has shown absolutely no warping, despite being only 3/4" thick.
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Rhomboid Table, 1998
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Maple, Red Oak, White Oak, Cherry, Purpleheart, Padouk, Ipe, Walnut, Poplar, Indian Silver-Grey, Boire, Fir, Brass Hinges
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(29 x 70 x 41 inches)
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NFS
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