[MarkC79]

So I decided to cut off 2" from the bottoms of the folding legs on a table I'm building to lower the table a little. The problem is not all of the cuts are exact and now I need to know how to fix it. I measured the 2" and drew a line and cut with my jig saw w/ a metal cutting blade. The cuts are about 1/16" off on 2 of the legs and the other 2 are equal. The table has an extremely slight tilt if you push on each side of the table. I might not even be noticed but I know and I want to make it right.

So...

For future reference: What is the easiest/most accurate way to cut legs?

For present problem: How can I fix this? I/16" is not big enough to take my jig saw to it again. I tried buying a metal file (to file down the long legs) and it doesn't seem to really take any off of the legs...maybe I need to be patient and and keep filing for a long time.

Suggestions? thanks!

[miandsh2000]

any access to a grinder? that may be the easiest.

for future cuts a pipe cutter works best.

[cigarherb]

to cut the legs you need a pipe cutter. You can pick up a small one relatively cheap at HD or Lowes.

[MarkC79]

Originally Posted by miandsh2000

any access to a grinder? that may be the easiest.

for future cuts a pipe cutter works best.

No, I'm not sure what a grinder is (although it sounds pretty self explanatory).

Any suggestions on good yet inexpensive pipe cutters that will cut these legs?

[miandsh2000]

Originally Posted by MarkC79

No, I'm not sure what a grinder is (although it sounds pretty self explanatory).

Any suggestions on good yet inexpensive pipe cutters that will cut these legs?

heres a pipe cutter at lowes: ST-2000 Tube and Pipe Cutter Wheel

you will probably have to take too much off for these to work for you now.

[imperial10]

Yeah I agree with all, next time use a pipe cutter. works like a monkey wrench, place the width of each leg on it, make a couple of circular passes and boom off like a twig.

If you don't have a grinder, just use a large metal file. 1/16th to file of is not that much work.


If it's not too much to ask can you post pictures of your work when your done, I was thinking of doing the same thing but not too sure? Can you also put a chair or something to scale next to your finished table with the lowered legs, I want to see how much of a difference it makes?

[Quads]

Put a washer inside the cup (end cap) that goes over the leg end. The thickness of the washer (or two) should be enough to straighten it back out. You'll want to make sure the washer (or whatever you use) is large enough that it doesn't go into the leg, but supports it and gives it that small life you need.

[tomb1]

Yeah, you can probably fix it with the end caps, if you have them. I like the washer trick.

Or you could look for some type of adjustable foot (like a caster only without wheels) at the hardware store that would fit in the pipe leg.

Or you could put a thin shim (or wood scrap) on the top end of the legs where you screw them into the underside of the table. Something to make only leg sit a little further below the other.

Or glue a penny to the bottom of the leg/foot. Or how about matchbook, it works at the diner.

[MarkC79]

Originally Posted by imperial10

Yeah I agree with all, next time use a pipe cutter. works like a monkey wrench, place the width of each leg on it, make a couple of circular passes and boom off like a twig.

If you don't have a grinder, just use a large metal file. 1/16th to file of is not that much work.


If it's not too much to ask can you post pictures of your work when your done, I was thinking of doing the same thing but not too sure? Can you also put a chair or something to scale next to your finished table with the lowered legs, I want to see how much of a difference it makes?

Yes I'll post some pics when I'm all finished.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Next time I'll get the pipe cutter. For now I'll try a little more filing and if that doesn't work, I'll try some washers (only because I don't have any wide enough on hand and I'd like to avoid another Lowe's trip if possible).

[MarkC79]

Some quick shots. This is a standard dining room chair ( I guess) with the top of the seat measuring 17.5" from the floor. I bought the folding legs from lowes and I believe they were 29". I ended up cutting off about 3.75". I originally was going to cut off 2" but I messed up the cuts with the jig saw and cut down further with a newly aquired pipe cutter. I'm 6'2" and fit the table just fine. The picture with my legs is a little misleading. My legs are actually under the table (doesn't appear so) and there is ample room in between the top of my legs and the bottom of the table.