TaB 400 Dinette Table Modification

Skygazer32

That is beautiful... took me about 2 seconds to decide I was doing this. Next day I went to IKEA and bought an oak butcher block...they no longer sell maple.  

I've got the shape cut and sanded... just have to cut the leaf off but wanted a new blade with lots of teeth for clean cut.  Won't have time to finish until next week, but it's looking g good 

TaBle42

Yep, looks good. When you poly it, put the same amount of coats on all surfaces. 

katisaun

For those of you who made tables that are thinner than the original, did you need to relocate the rails under the window or change the position of the hardware on the table, so that the table is flush with the other seats and level when in bench position. 

Ninabean

No relocation of any of the rails but because mine is thinner the shim block under the leg and the mounts had to be made thicker so that the table was still level and did not slope downward to accommodate the leg length.

katisaun

How are people finishing the butcher block? Polyurethane? Oil?

Skygazer32

3 coats of polyurethane

Skygazer32

Skygazer32

Skygazer32

TaBle42

3 coats of poly- all sides.  

Deb55

I love this table mod so much, and wish I could make my own! I bet this will be available with the next round of T@B 400s!

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: How I installed a Lagun table in my 2019 T@B 400.

Tundra57

@TaBle42 I see your red back pillow goes all around. Mine stops at the corner. Did you extend yours?

DenisP

@Tundra57 if you swap the back cushions while the table is in the down position they extend across to form a couch. 

jameskuzman

TaBle42 said:

The table on my TaB 400 sticks out past the cushions in the sitting position. It is kind of a nuisance to manuver around and is just in the way. It is also difficult to move up and down as I need to stretch over the top. I redesigned the table with a flip-up top which makes setting up the top much easier, and when in the sitting position it is out of way and more enjoyable to sit or lie down. And, we gain more space. 

Beautiful mod, Pete. Sometimes I wish the table didn't stick up, and sometimes I actually like it as a place to set a drink when sitting on the lounge. It looks like the leaf support hardware gives you the option to keep it extended even in lounge mode if you prefer. 

I am not handy enough (nor do I have the necessary tools) to do this myself, but I may look for someone near me who is. Unless you live in northeast Ohio and want to be commissioned!

Jim

falcon1970

@Skygazer32
What did you use for the drop-down leaf support?

Skygazer32

@falcon1970 I ordered it off of Amazon

(Edited for size and personal info.  Sharon)

Tundra57

What type of hinges were chosen to take the weight when out straight for sleeping?

Tundra57

Also did you use the cushion as a guide to where to make the flap cut?

falcon1970

@Skygazer32
Thanks.  Looks perfect.

Skygazer32

@Tundra57 when it is down in sleeping position you want the leaf down so the hinges don't take any weight. Also, yes I used the cushion as a guide to make my cut, but I cut the main portion of table about 1 5 inches shorter so when it folds the leaf will not overhang the cushion... that would be uncomfortable on the legs if you were sitting.

Tundra57

@Skygazer32 ah that makes perfect sense. Do what hinges did you use?

Skygazer32

@Tundra57 I just went to Lowes and got a good quality set of hinges... nothing special.
One other hint... when you remount the base move it as close to the leaf cut as possible otherwise when you lower it the folding part of the leg will hit the wall.

Tundra57

@Skygazer32 I see that now from your pictures thankyou. I might first cut the standard table to see how I like the mod I've bought the supports already. It really is a good idea, what you came up with. Ingenious. :-)

Skygazer32

@Tundra57 wish I could take the credit... I got the idea from @table42 from this blog. 

Denny16

You could also use a small small piano style hinge to support the end, this would be a very strong connection, and keep the table and fold down part aligned.  
Cheers

Tundra57

But then the out rigger extendable supports would have to ride over them so not sure. It would mean cutting them where the outriggers slide

Tundra57

@Skygazer32 . I am measuring up to try the mod. I have a 2019 tab 400. When the table is in bed position, the leg end facing the front wall is already only an inch or so from where the floor slopes up. If I move the leg to the edge where the bottom of the folded leaf sits, what was the bottom of the leg before folding would be up the slope part of the floor and stop the leg fully sitting down. Also it will hit the radiator box.

How is yours different?

Denny16

That gives you two inches to move the leg, which works out to where the cut needs to be.  After reading your comment, I measured my TaB 400, and it will work.  The leg is hinged about one inch up, so this gives yiu some extra room on the slope front floor area.
cheers

Tundra57

Ah I see. Did not take that into account. Also I am intending to cut the table I have which is 1.5" thick. So that loses another half an inch compared to your probably inch butcher block. I'll just undo the leg and slide it to see the max it can go and check again. Thanks for helping.