Pembroke Table

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nimetzrj

nimetzrj

Well-known member
I have started on drawings of a Pembroke Table or as they are also called, Tea Tables with Leaves or Breakfast Tables. I was able to measure and photograph the table since it is in private hands.

I am trying to determine what methods are used now to attach the side inner rails to the fixed hinged rails? Evidence on the piece show markings for mortise and tennon for the fixed hinged rail and the inner rail nailed on to it.

The inner rail is only 1/2" T, the fixed hinged rail is 7/8" T. The drawer top and bottom rails have double mortise and tenons into the legs. So there is not much room left for another mortise and tennon from the inner rail.

One book I have Southern Furniture 1680-1830 by Ronald L. Hurst & Jonathan Prown reference on page 229 under Breakfast Table that the inner rails were nailed on. 

Would this be the best way to attach this inner rail?



 

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Rich,

Is the thickness of the leg 1-3/8" (1/2 + 7/8)? 

I have made several Pembroke tables and this is what I do.  I make the hinge rail 3/4-7/8 thick and the thickness of the inner rail equal to the difference between the leg and hinge rail.  That way the inner rail will act as a guide for the drawer so it will not sway L to R.  I will glue and nail the inner rail to the hinge rail with the tenon on the hinge rail.  I have seen the tenon split so half is on each rail but this will locate the mortise closer to the inside corner of the leg and make for a short tenon.

I like to use a 1/4" steel rod for the hinge dowel/pin.  If you use a wood dowel it should be 3/8" to avoid having it break off in the hinge.  However, this will not leave much wood surrounding the pin.  That is why I use a 1/4" steel pin.  Many were made with 5 knuckles to the hinge but a 6 knuckle hinge is stronger and less wobble.

Hope this helps.

Dennis Bork
Antiquity Period Designs, Ltd.
 
Dennis:

The leg is 1-5/8" W. The outside side rail is set back 3/16" from the end and the inside rail is set back 1/16". This gave them a 1/8" clearance for the drawer sides.

Thanks for you help and suggestion on the hinge.

Rich
 
Rich,

Most of the period tables with drop leaves I've seen have the inner rail attached in this manner regardless of region. It's not to say there aren't some out there with alternate methods of attachment. I've also seen Dennis' method employed.

Chuck Bender
 
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