In this
section we will be showing you how to build a very sturdy table
with a novel method of pedestal attachment. We have braced our pedestals
with a trestle. Note that there are two large pieces of wood on
top of the assembly. These are securely fastened to the top of the
pedestal and will be attached to the bottom of the table. We will
refer to this piece as a batten from now on.
This is the Cabriole Foot used with the Pedestal.
There
are pre-drilled holes in the feet. However, you will need to pre-drill
the pedestal.
The next few steps are helpful in locating where
you need to drill the holes in your pedestal. If you already know
where you are going to drill, you can skip these steps. Begin
by lining up the bottom of the foot with the edge of a table.
Determine
the height you want your table to be (most dining tables are around
30 inches tall). It may be helpful to hook the end of your tape
measure to the edge of the table beside the pedestal. This will
allow you to measure the length as you move the pedestal to the
correct height (in relation to the foot). Keep in mind the thickness
of the top, and the thickness of the batten.
Once you
have laid out the pedestal and foot, you are ready to mark where
to drill the holes in the pedestal. A square may be helpful in making
the marks.
You can figure it with the above method, or you can use this formula: tabletop height - top thickness - batten thickness - 7 ¼" = where you should drill the bottom hole. This is measured from the top. Drill another hole 3" above it.
Mark the center of the side of the pedestal. Keep in mind that
when you are using four feet, the holes will be drilled on every
other face. If you decide to brace with a trestle, you will need
to figure its location at this point.
After
pre-drilling your holes you can figure out the location of the holes
for the trestle. It may be easiest to make this the size of the
cabriole feet. However, you may do this whichever way you want.
Make sure that all the holes are properly marked on the pedestal
before you start to drill. Our standard hanger bolts are 5/16.
The holes you drill need to be about 3/8.
It is
helpful to trace the pedestal outline onto the batten. Make sure
it is centered and squared before you start :-). This needs to be
on the bottom of the batten (the good side).
It is
a good idea to pre-drill the batten with a small pilot hole. Be
sure that the holes are centered so the screws go into the wood
in the pedestal. This is especially helpful in hardwoods.
You need
to drill a wider "counter sink" hole (so the head of the
screw will not protrude). This will need to be done on the top of
the batten (the side that is against the bottom of the tabletop).
You are
now ready to assemble the batten and the pedestal. Set the pedestal
on the ground, with the batten on top. This joint is the main support
of the table. Keep this in mind when deciding what length of screw
to use. Line up the pedestal with the marks, and screw it in.
This is
the completed pedestal-batten assembly, ready for the feet to be
attached.
This is
a Hanger Bolt with Nut and Washer, used in attaching the feet to the pedestal.
Lock two nuts together on the machine threads. This will let you
easily attach the bolt with a wrench.
It is time
to insert the bolts into the cabriole feet. You should turn the
bolt until only the machine threads show.
This is
the end of the trestle with the bolts inserted.
Hold the
feet in place while you put on the washer and nut. Finger tighten
only at this point.
This is
a close-up of the three feet and trestle attached to the pedestal.
This is
the entire assembly. If you want to finish sand or stain, you might
want to disassemble it now that you have determined that all of
the parts fit properly.
When you
are assembling it for the last time, be sure that all the feet are
touching the ground. Tighten the nuts firmly with a wrench or deep
well socket. You are now ready to attach the battens to the tabletop.
If you have a small table using only one pedestal and four feet,
the same steps apply throughout except for the trestle.
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