I made this gate leg drop leaf table based on a design from MLCS Industries. plans here.

A critical feature is the Rule Joint that allows the leafs to fold down but support weight when the leaf is up.  The Rule Joint also requires a special metal hinge and mortising on the table under side.  The Rule Joint was carved into the table top using a hand-held router and 2 simple router bits. The table apron is formed with mortise and tenon joints plus metal clasps (not in the plans). All wood is white oak, stained with Minwax oak and protected with multiple coats of polyurethane. I spent a lot of time flattening the top surface with a card scraper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strong and tough, this table is one of my most successful woodworking projects and is in daily use at my niece’s home. The MLCS plans make an attractive gate leg drop leaf table.