How can I convert a round table into a drop leaf table?

Hi Chris,

Take a look at these You Tube ideas and see if anything is possible from what you have:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A2KLfaJH7EpdchgAlCcPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=make+a+double+drop+leaf+table+from+a+round+table+top&fr=yhs-vz-vz&hspart=vz&hsimp=yhs-vz

You’ll need access to a table saw, unless you want to screw a fence into the back and use a circular saw.

Before that you’ll need to source the hardware or make the “stays” yourself. The hinges are easy to source.

I found these at Menards & they have other types. I would go look at them to determine how they’re going to actually function.

If the top can't be removed then you'll need a circular saw with a quality woodworking blade so that you don't splinter the wood. You can use a clamped board as your guide while making the cuts. You can use a piano hinge to connect the cut off piece to the table and then fashion something to hold the dropped piece up when you want to use the table again.

Great advice on how to cut it down. BUT if that is beyond your ability or you do not have the tools - look for one at a thrift store.

Before you cut you need to look at the apron of the table (that is the base that the top sits on). How far from the edge under the top is it? Will you be able to get the lifting hardware between the apron and the newly created leaf? Most drop leaf tables have complementary routed edges and you cannot get that and still have a round top. You will also lose some of the round to the cuts.

If you have the space under the top to install the lift hardware and you have the skill to handle a saw, put your blade on an angle so your top and leaf will create a lap joint (leaf top over table top) when the leaf is up.