Foretravel offered 3 dining arrangements; booth, J bench with sliding table top or table and chairs. We liked the booth idea although the space for your feet below, was very tight.
The coach
I bought had the J bench arrangement, which I liked the least, but it is what came with the coach I bought.
Soon, after much frustration with the sliding table arrangement, I began sketching out ideas for a new table. The existing table only allowed about 10-12" for someone to squeeze into the seat at the aft end, whether the table was pushed in or out.
....the blue tape was the conceptual new table .
If the slide was in, the table had to be pushed in towards the seat so someone can walk for and aft in the coach. This left NO space to sit except awkwardly at the corners.
If the slide was extended, you would normally slide the table top towards the isle for more seating room, but even then seating was uncomfortable.
While at Foretravel factory this winter, I began sketching ideas for a table with some similar characteristics of the one I built for my sailboat. One that could flip, drop or twist, for any needs.
I kept it simple but it works!
The main idea was to have a constantly good seating position at the table whether the slide was in or out. Secondly, the table surface area could be doubled for full table benefits.
I bought a sheet of 4' x 8' furniture plywood and a similar sheet of Formica that would match the Corian counters now in the coach, from Lowes.
Joe Griffin, a friend, came over to help out. I cut the plywood into two 16" x 44" panels and then softened the outer long sides with a 3/8" gentle curve facing the seat and rounded the outer corners with a 2.5" radius. Also, pre-bent the Formica with heat, to prevent cracking of it when applying to the outer rim.
All went well. Used the existing pedestal as the tables base, but added 4" in length to the table and always allowed 16" from seat back to table . This now allows comfortable seating.
Secured one section of the plywood to the pedestal and using a piano hinge (continuous hinge) secured the other one on top, so it could be folded out towards the isle.
To support the leaf that would be flipped towards the isle, I bought a piece of 4" x 12" x 3/4" walnut online, and used my router to pretty it up!
It lifts into position to support the extended table top and itself is supported by two 10" Drop Leaf Supports. (national hardware V1896 N249-250)
another job done.....................
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2 comments:
That's awesome. You improved the functionality and make it look like it came from the factory. That's the standard to shoot for and you nailed it.
Thanks Eric. Works for me and a design that is easy to replicate.
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