Folding Cutting Table Question????

[ovrszd]

Yeah upon further reflection (staring in my beer) I did some quick math in my head and it would be very hard to flip that. Just need solid support/brace back to the attaching legs. I am liking that table more and more. One thing I would want to be sure of, would be a nice flat platform across the entire length when extended.

Yep. That's where my OCD mentality causes me struggle. When I'm done I want the cutting table to be a perfect flat/level extension of the welding table top. I left a 1/4" space between the cutting top and the end of the table top so it can be folded above level a little. This allows me to raise it past level to latch whatever method I design. Then when resting securely on the latch it's back to flat/level.

 

[ovrszd]

Ok, 2 hours later. Trying to build hinged braces that fold in the middle like a card table system. I'm totally not mathematically when it comes to "drawing" a solution. I just start fabbing.

My brackets don't fold in the center, it's off by 3". So when the table is folded down the leg bracket and the table top bracket are separated 3" vertically. Won't fold. If I remove the center fold bolt and let the top down the holes in each piece are now off by about 3/4".

Is there a mathematical reason that the two pieces need to be the exact same length with the fold bolt exactly in the center??? Then the bracket on the leg and the bracket on the table top would be exactly the same elevation when folded??

 

[LD1]

Is there a mathematical reason that the two pieces need to be the exact same length with the fold bolt exactly in the center??? Then the bracket on the leg and the bracket on the table top would be exactly the same elevation when folded??

Simple answer...yes it has to be the same. Or it wont work as you found out. And the distance "out" on the table needs to be the exact same as the "drop" distance on the table leg.

 

[ovrszd]

Thanks LD1. I'll gather this knowledge and attack again.

Really appreciate everyone's help!!!

 

[Big Barn]

Not too practical, but a 12v linear actuator with proper bracing would be cool....

Terry

 

[ovrszd]

Not too practical, but a 12v linear actuator with proper bracing would be cool....

Terry

That would be wayyyyy cool...:thumbsup:

 

[Big Barn]

Maybe utilizing the same actuator - unpin end from cutting table extension, swing down to attach to (newly engineered) wheel framework to "raise" the table for moving around.

Terry

 

[downsizingnow48]

Looking at the first photo in the background I see some good equipment for sitting and drinking beer at the end of the day while looking at what has been done.

 

[ovrszd]

Looking at the first photo in the background I see some good equipment for sitting and drinking beer at the end of the day while looking at what has been done.

Caught me.... That's where I'm at right now.

 

[ovrszd]

Maybe utilizing the same actuator - unpin end from cutting table extension, swing down to attach to (newly engineered) wheel framework to "raise" the table for moving around.

Terry

Now wait a minute Terry..... I just now finished building the folding braces. Only took 4 hours.....

I wanted to create a lever system that you could step on with your foot and lower the casters. Some sort of locking method that only required another step on the peddle to release and let the table down on the leg pads.

Then I thought about it and decided I would want adjustable pads so I could level the table wherever I parked it. So I took the easy way out.