Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/2/2005

Question
(I put the followup question at the end of this post- didn't know if it went first or last.)
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I bought an old oak tilt top table with a sort of split pedestal that
have 4 legs coming up each side. It is wobbly- not back and forth
as much, but pivoting. I noticed that it pivots where the base of the
pedestal and the legs meet (4 points) and up at the complicated
top area. I'm considering putting in additional screws through the
pedestal into the legs- 2 so there can't any movement (there must
only be one at this point). Do you feel this is an acceptable
solution? Do you have any more ideas? It also has the wooden
wheels on 6 points on the bottom- I'm wondering if I should rmove
those for stability. Thanks for your help!
Allyn (strange name-- I'm female)
Answer -
Hi Allyn
Nice to hear from you.
These pedestal tables can be a problem as you are finding out.
First get the wooden wheels off. Even if it affects the height, you can add wood blocks to bring
the height up.
In all cases Allyn, whether its a table or a chair or any old piece, nailing or adding screws is not a
good idea.
Always go for gluing and clamping.
The glue joints have come loose on your table and need to be reglued.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen

Thanks for the information, Eileen. I'm glad I didn't start drilling! I have another question- It
seems as though the legs have a rod through each one holding it together. Is it safe (and
possible) to take those out so I can get the wood apart to glue it? Otherwise I don't know if I can
get any glue into the areas- even though they pivot, they still fit together tightly.  
Thanks,
Allyn  

Answer
Hi again Allyn.
If these rods can come out, then yes take them out to glue.
This table was put together in sequence, so take it apart the same way...easier said than done I know, but if you study the table very closely, you should come up with the sequence in which it was put together.
Just do not force anything, and if its an involved taking apart process, mark down the sequence so you can put it back the same way.
Good Luck
Eileen