Mechanisms and components for sliding tables

What you need to know about sliding table mechanisms

The sliding table mechanism allows you to turn a small dining table into a large piece of furniture for entertaining guests. The service life of the table depends on the quality of the fittings and its operational capabilities. There are different types of mechanisms - drawer, drawerless and others, but they have approximately the same function.

In some cases it is a neat table with a vase, in others it is a meeting place for a large company.

The essence of the mechanism is to expand the tabletop in order to insert an additional element into the resulting opening and thus increase the length of the table. Different people may find different mechanisms convenient, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with them all before purchasing.

To anticipate possible life scenarios and be prepared for any options, it makes sense to purchase a folding table.

Design and principle of operation

The design of a sliding table consists of a table top, fastening elements and legs. The tabletop has two parts; a third part can be inserted between them. With the help of additional elements, the parts are moved apart, another component is inserted, the two side ones are pressed tightly against it and you get a long table at which you can seat guests. The table top can move, or the collet – the supporting part of the table – can move. This already depends on the type of mechanism.

The mechanism of such a table will allow you to turn a small table into a large one.

Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the parts and materials that were used to make the mechanisms. In this case, you need to take into account the purposes of purchase and use in everyday life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Extendable tables are widely popular among city residents, because it is not always possible to fit bulky furniture in an apartment. The advantages include:

• Durability, reliability and structural stability.
• Resistance to external factors.
• Ability to withstand fairly large loads.
• Large range of colors and tabletop materials.

When folding the tabletop multiple times, it is important to distribute the load symmetrically across all parts.
This is the key to long service life of furniture. There are also some disadvantages:

• Tables can look massive due to their size, so they are not very suitable for a minimalist interior.
• Some models are not very comfortable for tall people, because it is difficult to cross your legs.
• Due to the complexity of the design, the price may be high. But it meets the quality.

Dining room furniture must withstand heavy loads, because many plates of food, bottles and other utensils are stacked on it. That is why the fastening mechanisms must be as strong as possible.

The synchronous mechanism for sliding tables will allow you to balance the tension in one action and avoid jamming and distortion.

DIY round table transformer

Category: Furniture 3,969

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Do-it-yourself round transformer table, design drawings, where the area of ​​the table top increases 1.8 times by simply turning it.

Let's look at the table drawing:

• assembled table area – 1,767 (m2) • disassembled – 3,231 (m2)

Components or device of an extendable table.

LEGS WITH BASE

1. Right leg. 2. Left leg. 3. Tsarga. 4. Base.

ROTARY KING

5. Rotary plate 6. Rails. 7. Guide for lifting the central tabletop. 8. The drawer is circular.

RING

9. Restrictor ring.

SLIDING TABLETOP SEGMENT

10. Sliding bearing. 11. Support. 12. Tabletop segment. 13. Tenon strip. 14. Carriage. 15. Axis.

MECHANISM FOR EXPANDING TABLETOP SEGMENTS

16. Bottom washer. 17. Pipe. 18. Upper washer. 19. Lever axis.

LEVER ARM

20. Lever.

CENTRAL TABLE TOP LIFT PIPE

21. Support washer. 22. Support pipe.

CENTRAL TABLETOP WITH FOLDING SEGMENTS

23. Support. 24. Central tabletop. 25. Folding tabletop segment (additional element). 26. Thorn strip.

Assembly order:

 Using universal self-tapping screws, we attach the base (4) to the drawers (3) of the legs.  Place the rotating drawer in the center on the base (4).  We fasten the limiter ring (9) to the rotary plate (5) with screws, thereby achieving concentricity of the base (4) with the rotary plate (5).  We install bearings (10) on the rails (6), mounted on the carriage plate (14).  We move the carriage (14) along the rails (6) as far as it will go from the center of the base (4), repeat this operation with each sliding segment.  We fasten the lower washer (16) of the mechanism for sliding the tabletop segments with screws to the base (4).  We fasten the lever (20) using nuts: one end to the axis (15); the second end to the axis (19).  Place the support washer (21) on the base (4) so ​​that the tenon of the support washer (21) fits into the groove of the lower washer (16).  We place the supports (23) of the central tabletop on the support pipe (22).

How it works:

When the tabletop rotates, the lever presses on the carriage and the tabletop segments move away from the center of the table. When a certain width between the segments is reached, the central tabletop rises up. After the upper plane of the central tabletop coincides with the upper plane of the sliding segments, additional elements of the central tabletop are laid out (they are rotated 180 degrees around their axis). As you continue to rotate in the same direction, all segments of the table top tightly interlock with each other. The table is dismantled. Assembly is carried out by analogy in reverse order.

For a better understanding of the mechanism, we present to your attention a video

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Types of sliding mechanisms and their characteristics

Among the huge variety of mechanisms, there are tables with a drawer and a retractable middle, with a rotating central part, with a double tabletop and movable legs, as well as a drawerless mechanism. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages, and are used in a particular case.

An indispensable thing for such solutions has become a transformable sliding table, which is useful in any room and allows you to easily change the parameters of the table.

Table with drawer and rotating central part

The drawer is the frame on which the tabletop will stand. It must be strong and massive in order to withstand the heavy weight of the tabletop itself and what lies on it. This design is similar to the one with a retractable middle, but the method of transformation is slightly different. The additional insert here is divided into two parts and hidden at the bottom.

It will be possible to completely remove the table for the period when it is not needed and free up space.

To expand the table, you need to pull the side components to the sides so that they move apart - this happens synchronously on both sides. Two inserts will be hidden under the tabletop, which are also connected to each other. They are turned 180 degrees and laid out in the opening. Then the side parts are connected until they click. The system seems simple, but it requires knowledge from specialists so that the furniture is as reliable as possible.

Such transformation systems and mechanisms for tables can be used for both cabinet and built-in furniture.

Extendable table with drawer and extendable center

When the table is assembled, there is a joint seam in the center, and under the tabletop there is a compartment where the pull-out part is located. It stays there until needed. To unfold the table, the two halves of the tabletop are pulled apart, the spare part is taken out and inserted into the resulting opening. The halves that were pulled apart are pushed back until the person hears the tabletop click. This means that all three components of the furniture are connected and the table is assembled.

Typically, with this option, the table becomes longer by about a third.

The advantages of this model are its high durability; in both possible states, the table can withstand any load placed on it. The only downside is the slightly rough appearance.

Transformation systems for tables are indispensable for small spaces and for those who prefer minimalism in the interior.

With double table top

Looking at such a table from above, it is impossible to notice that it can be folded out. It does not contain any joints, it just has a double tabletop. If you look at it from the side, it just seems thick. To increase the area of ​​such a table, you need to do the following:

• Remove the top of the double tabletop and set it aside.
• Below it you will see the same one, but divided into two parts by a joining seam.
• They need to be moved apart in opposite directions until the opening is large enough to accommodate the top tabletop.
• The deferred part is inserted into the opening and the side parts are moved back.

The table transformation system is equipped with a special lightweight aluminum guide mechanism and, in some cases, there are options for supporting the edge of the tabletop.
In this case, the table becomes twice as large. The slight downsides to this table are that the sides are not supported enough, so the design is a bit flimsy. The upper removable tabletop has a lot of weight, so not every person can cope with the expansion of this table.

When choosing a table transformation system, it is important to consider the possible load on the surface.

With adjustable legs

This is the most modern mechanism. In previous models, only the tabletop moved, but here the table legs can also move. There are two types of mechanism:

• Sliding. If guests come, you need to take the drawer with your hands and pull it towards you. When it moves to the side, a spare tabletop will be located under it. It needs to either be simply pulled out, or lifted and deployed. The table becomes larger by as much as 50%.
• Folding. Here you also need to grab the drawer and pull it in your direction. When she has moved away, the double tabletop needs to be opened, as if turning the page of a book. Then the table area doubles. The seam between the parts will be located exactly in the middle.

The maximum you can count on is 100 kg.
In this case, it is necessary to choose a model with support on the edge of the table for stability and weight support. There are models that are equipped with additional lifting mechanisms to unfold the table without much effort. The disadvantage is that this type of mechanism is the least durable and the table itself does not look very aesthetically pleasing.

Such systems allow not only to increase the usable surface of the countertop, but also, in some cases, to increase functionality.

Tsargless mechanism

This table does not have a supporting part - a drawer, so it looks very elegant and attractive. The table top is often made of tempered glass, so this table has a very attractive appearance.

Transformable tables most often find their place in those rooms where it is necessary to combine functionality and ease of use with space saving.

The mechanism for a folding home table in this case is represented by metal guides that are fixed under the tabletop. Due to the fact that the tabletop is glass, the mechanism will be visible, but since the whole structure looks aesthetically pleasing, this will not spoil the appearance of such a table. The layout does not require much effort, the parts of the table top move apart very smoothly and synchronously - even a child can handle it.

A high-quality mechanism for a transforming dining table is made of steel or metal alloys that are resistant to temperature changes, damage, and heavy weight.

A small drawback is the high cost. Only high-quality materials are used for such furniture, so it is almost impossible to find a cheap table of this type.

Types of sliding mechanisms

Transforming tables can have different types of layout mechanisms. The most durable and most common are the following options.

Extendable table with drawer and pull-out central part

The drawer is a massive base or frame to which the tabletop is attached. One of the most popular and simple designs of tables with manual layout is a model with a retractable central part. When assembled, there is a joining seam in the center of the tabletop, and under the tabletop itself there is a compartment for placing the sliding part. In order to unfold such a table, you need to move both halves of the tabletop to the sides, and then take out the central part and insert it into the grooves. Then slide the side halves back until you hear a characteristic click. This means that all parts of the structure are fixed in the correct and motionless position. With this layout method, the length of the table can increase by 1/3 or 1/2 of the length when folded.

Such models have the following advantages:

• It is worth noting that this is one of the most durable, durable and reliable designs;
• Most tables are made this way for a reason, but because this solution is truly time-tested. Please note that old Soviet tables that could be folded out had just such a frame.
• Both assembled and disassembled, they provide a high degree of stability and can withstand heavy loads. Most often, the material used is natural wood, and the guides are made of metal.

The disadvantages of such tables are the following:

• Massive appearance. Depending on the style of the interior, this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. After all, it’s impossible to call such a model airy and weightless;
• The inconvenience is due to the fact that in most cases, when sitting, you will rest your feet on the drawer.

Extendable table with drawer and rotating central part

This type of design differs from the previous one only in the configuration of the middle retractable part and the method of its installation. Models with a rotating central part are considered more modern and functional. This is explained by the fact that the increase in the dining area is ensured by two inserts in the center, which are hidden in the underframe. To decompose such a mechanism, it is necessary:

• Move the side parts apart by pulling the edges;
• Under the tabletop you will see two swivel inserts;
• They need to be turned 180 degrees, spread out and the sides moved towards them.

After the transformation, there will be several joining seams in the center of the table. Using this simple method, the useful surface area can increase by 30-40% of the original length. Regarding the complexity of handling such a design, we can say that the rotary mechanism is more convenient than the retractable one.

Extendable table with double top

This is the easiest to use and most primitive layout mechanism. When folded, it is an ordinary small table without visible joints on the tabletop, since it has a double tabletop. Thus, it seems that the thickness of the tabletop is very large. This design unfolds very simply:

• It is necessary to remove the top part of the tabletop;
• Below it you will see the same one, but with a joining seam in the middle;
• It is necessary to pull the sides in different directions;
• A frame and a free space are formed in the middle, the size of which is exactly equal to the first layer. Here you need to return the top part of the table that was removed before.

The advantage of this design is that the area increases exactly twice the original size. However, there are also disadvantages:

• Depending on the material and size, the tabletop, which must be completely removed for layout, can have an impressive weight. Therefore, the assistance of a second person may be required;
• When unfolded, the edges of the table have virtually no support or support. This makes the design less reliable and imposes restrictions on the placement of objects on the table. It is recommended to place heavy items closer to the edge.

Extendable table with adjustable legs

This is a completely new mechanism that is radically different from all of the above. If in previous cases only the tabletop was involved in the transformation process, now the legs are also involved in the layout. There are two modifications of this mechanism – sliding and folding. When folded, the table has no distinctive features from the usual one. In order to expand the sliding structure you need:

• Grab the drawer from below with your hands and pull it towards you;
• It will move apart and you will see an additional tabletop;
• In some models you need to remove it and turn it, while in others you just need to pull it out.

At the same time, the countertop area increases by 30-50% without much effort.

The folding modification looks like a regular table with a two-layer tabletop when folded. The mechanism works as follows:

• Pull it towards you, holding the drawstring;
• After the legs have completely moved out, you need to lay out the tabletop like a book;
• When unfolded, it must be moved to the center of the table.

As a result, you will get a tabletop with an area much larger than the size of the assembled table. Sometimes, to facilitate the layout process, the structure is equipped with an additional lifting mechanism, which helps to pull out the tabletop with the least effort. Such tables can already be classified as designs with semi-automatic layout. However, they have one significant drawback:

• The lowest strength indicator in comparison with other mechanisms;
• When unfolded, the tabletop itself does not have a very aesthetic appearance, since the border between the main element and the additional element is clearly visible.

Tsargless mechanism

A distinctive feature of such tables is the absence of a massive support for the tabletop. This allows you to visually make the design more elegant and not so bulky, which is sometimes simply necessary. Often, manufacturers use tempered glass as a tabletop material, which makes the table even “lighter” and gives it a modern appearance. Such tables will perfectly complement interiors in the style of minimalism, loft or hi-tech. The sliding mechanism consists of metal guides that are attached under the tabletop. Of course, they will be visible through transparent glass, but this does not spoil the appearance of the product. On the contrary, it makes it even more interesting.

A frameless table with a glass top
has high aesthetic qualities and a number of other advantages:

• The useful surface area can increase by 30 to 50% of the original, and sometimes double;
• The mechanism is characterized by a very smooth and easy operation, the absence of all kinds of jamming and other difficulties. This makes the layout process very simple and does not require physical effort.

Among the disadvantages of designs without drawers are:

• Relatively less strength. Moreover, this applies to the guides themselves, which are inferior to guides made of knocked down wood, and to the tabletop itself, if we are talking about a material such as glass;
• If, after laying out, the length of the tabletop increases two or more times, it is necessary to use additional support;
• The cost of such tables can be much higher than the cost of tables with a drawer frame. It directly depends on what fittings are used and what material was chosen for the countertop. The price of models from world-famous manufacturers can reach 1000-3000 €.

How to choose the right table with a transformation mechanism

A table with a folding mechanism can differ in many ways - material of manufacture, shape of the tabletop, style, model and features of the mechanism itself.

The reliable mechanism for the folding table is characterized by high performance guides.

Depending on the shape of the tabletop, tables should be chosen as follows:

• Square. Typically, these tables are small in size and are great for small spaces. On an unfolded tabletop you can accommodate 4 people, and on a double tabletop 6 or even 8. For a small family and people who do not like feasts, this is more than enough.
• Rectangular. It is logical that it is larger even when folded. Suitable for use in the kitchen, living room or dining room. Accommodates from 6 to 12 people.
• Round. Looks more original and aesthetically pleasing. It takes up little space, and the number of people that can sit at such a table may vary.
• Oval. It is similar to a rectangular one, because it is very roomy, but takes up a little less space.
• Octagonal. This is a rather original and rarely seen form. Despite the fact that the table has many angles, it is very comfortable and seats 8 people when folded.

When creating large massive dining options, you cannot do without a mechanism for an extendable table.
If we take into account the material of manufacture, the tables are:

• From chipboard. The most common material due to its cost. It is not very durable, but with careful use it can last for more than one year.
• From MDF. This material, of course, is stronger, moisture resistant, and has an attractive appearance.
• Made of plastic. Due to their ease of use, they are perfect for the kitchen. They have a lightweight design, but are quite durable and shock-resistant.
• Made from natural wood. Undoubtedly, this is the best option among all, because real wood is the strongest, most beautiful and durable. Natural beauty does not require any additional means to tidy up the table.
• From glass. Only the tabletop can be glass. It looks elegant, unusual, but also has an appropriate price.

When choosing a table, you should also consult with a specialist on the issue of fittings. Because everyone can choose a color or material, relying on their own tastes, but you need to understand the mechanisms. The durability of their use depends on the quality of the mechanism for sliding tables. You definitely shouldn’t skimp on this element, because it is the basis of the table.

The material must be durable and of high quality. Before purchasing, you can try the mechanism in action - laying out the table should not require much effort.

Types of table transformation mechanism

There are three basic design principles for transforming tables.

A table equipped with this design has several fixed positions.

The main thing is that they meet the necessary requirements.

The first option is easy to use, but if a breakdown occurs, the entire mechanism needs to be replaced. The second option is simple and easy to repair.

The item has pros and cons.

Previously, dining areas that included a large table and several chairs were in fashion.

Rules for operating sliding tables

When buying a table, it is important to familiarize yourself with some features for caring for it, especially if it is not cheap. There are some general tips for using individual tables, based on the material they are made of:

• Wooden tables should be wiped using polish and a soft cloth. Hard sponges and various cleaning products can damage the wood and ruin its elegant appearance.
• Glass countertops should be treated with special glass products specified in the instructions.
• Tables made of stone must be protected from mechanical stress so as not to break the coating. Wipe carefully using soft cloths.
• Plastic tables should not be exposed to high temperatures.

Such furniture is popular not only at home, but also in cafes and restaurants, especially during banquet service.
Sliding table mechanisms made from high quality materials should and can last a long time. Proper care and careful attitude contribute to this. Experts will help you choose a mechanism for a specific situation, but everyone will find something for their home.

When choosing a table lifting mechanism or other type of fittings, they pay attention to technical characteristics, endurance and prefer to buy products from well-known brands.

How to choose the right table transformation mechanism

Tables with a transformation mechanism have become popular - they are easy to use and multifunctional. Why are they so successful? The main thing is that they meet the necessary requirements. Previously, dining areas that included a large table and several chairs were in fashion. It took up a lot of space. Nowadays, preference is given to keeping the house spacious, the furniture to be compact, but at the same time functional.

This piece of furniture is perfect for small spaces.

I would like to have both a coffee table and a dining table in my home.

However, not everyone can afford it; transformable tables are expensive.

If you decide to choose a table, you need to approach it wisely and adhere to the following criteria:

Firstly, this piece of furniture must be in harmony with the overall interior of the room, be made of a suitable material and match the color.

Secondly, the design should be simple and reliable, easy to unfold. It should not be heavy; it is better to purchase a table on wheels.

Thirdly, the transformation mechanism must meet all the requirements - be of good quality and capital, because the table is subject to significant loads.

Fourthly, the material from which the table is made should be cleaned and washed without any effort.

You can make not just a simple table, but add drawers and shelves to store some things.

The mechanism is equipped with a disassembled position lock.

Whatever table you choose, it must fully meet the requirements and be comfortable. Such models will never become outdated and will always be in demand.

With proper use and care, the table will serve you for a long time.

This is not just a table, but a universal piece of furniture.

But what if the room is small, and you simply can’t do without both tables?

50 design options for sliding tables in the interior