Expert: Jamie Yocono - 2/3/2010

Question
I want to purchase a A frame leg desk. 47" x 19" total table top.
it is supported by two more leg at the 24" length and open for a chair to sit under. The other side has two shelves down the leg area. It is solid wood legs with a MDS Veneer top. Weight 40 lbs.  Will this table support a 25 lb. Sewing Machine?  I want to use it for that purpose.  Thank You.

Answer
Hi Marri,

Whenever I need to figure out if a board will hold a specific amount of weight, I go to a website called "The Sagulator", which calculates loads. Here's a link:http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

It helps you figure this out by calculating shelf sag based on various information that you put into their page. So your load would be 25 pounds, your material MDF, and your span would be .... well, I didn't understand that part of your question. But if you figure out how wide the span would be between the two legs (where the sewing machine will be located) - then put that measurement in there. It will calculate how much of a sag you might expect. You want a small number!

Another thing to consider is if the desk top is simply a piece of MDF by itself, or if there is some sort of structure under it to help support the top. Are there aprons that connect the table top to the legs? An apron will help support the top and keep it from sagging.

Good luck, I hope this helps. If you write back with the span dimension, I can help you a little better.


Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com