Expert: Jamie Yocono - 11/4/2008

Question
We love our table, but would like to cut an 8"center out of it and turn that into an extension, as we are usually only a family of 4!  Is this possible?

Answer
Hi Colleen,

It's ambitious, but if you have tools and skills, you certainly can shorten your table. You didn't give me a lot of information about your table, like if it's a pedestal table, or has four legs.  But I'll try to help.

First, you're going to need to separate the base from the table top. It's probably attached by screw or clips from the bottom. If you're lucky, it's going to be a simple matter of separating the base from the top and simply cutting down the top.

You may run into some problems if there is an apron involved, which I suspect there is. Do your best to cut it nice and straight, by whatever means. Personally, I would use a straight edge and cut it with a circular saw. If you have a table saw, and it's not round, then a tablesaw would work great.

To reattach the two halves, I would use these to align the two pieces:  http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=777

Or you could try these: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=1035

Or these: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6000  (I used these recently and loved them!)

You could also use some sort of flat metal brace to reconnect the two halves.

You also didn't mention if you plan on keeping the piece you cut out to use as a table leaf. But if you do, you might want to install this: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=787

You would need to install these pins on one half, and then drill a hole in the other half, so they align the two halves perfectly. But you would need to install a table extension mechanism, which is pricey, and a little difficult to install. If you need to do this, let me know.

OK, without any more information I can't help much more, but this should get you started. Write back if you have more questions, I'll try to help.

Good luck!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com