Woodworking question

[Ridgewalker]

I want to build a couple of 8' long quilt racks that I can display quilts on.
(My mom hand sews quilts that are amazingly beautiful).

I have been thinking about using a 1 x 3 furring strip as the rail to hang them on and would like to make a simple "X" type support for the legs. To do this I plan to bolt two more 30 to 36" long furring strips together about 8" from the top and then swivel them open to create the legs. I will set the rail on the top of the X I created by opening the legs.

Here's where I need help...assuming the "legs" are 30 to 36" tall how do I determine the angle I need to cut the bottoms so they are flush to the floor?

Is there a simple way to lock the legs open so it stays upright?

Thanks in advance.

Don

 

[Pete Judd]

Ridgewalker, take a look at lumberjocks.com I just did a search, and some of these blogs might help.


Search Results @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I want to build a couple of 8' long quilt racks that I can display quilts on.
(My mom hand sews quilts that are amazingly beautiful).

I have been thinking about using a 1 x 3 furring strip as the rail to hang them on and would like to make a simple "X" type support for the legs. To do this I plan to bolt two more 30 to 36" long furring strips together about 8" from the top and then swivel them open to create the legs. I will set the rail on the top of the X I created by opening the legs.

Here's where I need help...assuming the "legs" are 30 to 36" tall how do I determine the angle I need to cut the bottoms so they are flush to the floor?

Is there a simple way to lock the legs open so it stays upright?

Thanks in advance.

Don

If I understand your question, Here's what I would do: create the "X" exactly as it will exist in the open configuration, and set it on a level floor. Place a straight edge (yardstick, or carpenter's level) on the floor next to the legs. Make a mark on the legs at the top of the straight edge; this will be the angle of the legs as they meet the floor. If the legs of the "X" are longer in the amount of the width of the straight edge, it will just be a matter of cutting them off at the mark.

 

[SandburRanch]

I want to build a couple of 8' long quilt racks that I can display quilts on.
(My mom hand sews quilts that are amazingly beautiful).

I have been thinking about using a 1 x 3 furring strip as the rail to hang them on and would like to make a simple "X" type support for the legs. To do this I plan to bolt two more 30 to 36" long furring strips together about 8" from the top and then swivel them open to create the legs. I will set the rail on the top of the X I created by opening the legs.

Here's where I need help...assuming the "legs" are 30 to 36" tall how do I determine the angle I need to cut the bottoms so they are flush to the floor?

Is there a simple way to lock the legs open so it stays upright?

Thanks in advance.

Don

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A lid support of the correct scale (size) that locks in the open position might work for you. There are all kinds of variations of these such as might be found on folding utility step ladders etc.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Actually, after thinking about your question, why don't you just round off the bottom of the legs and then the angle will not be a problem; the rounded ends will accommodate whatever angle you end up with.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Ridgewalker, take a look at lumberjocks.com I just did a search, and some of these blogs might help.


Search Results @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community

They were! I looked at a few photos, it will be easy enough to tack another strip at the bottom completing the triangle.

The tip on using a level to cut the bottoms was what I needed to hear as well. I love simple solutions!

Thanks for all the replies... I am curious to see what others have done so keep them coming!

 

[reb]

I like 2lanecruzer's suggestion. I tend to dig out the trig tables and calculate the angles. After cutting the pieces I would have to make adjustments to correct for errors.