How to make a wall mounted oval drop leaf?

Question

How to make a wall mounted oval drop leaf?

Answer 1

We call them barettes.  A lot of restaurant/nite clubs used to use them so that during restaurant hours, they were folded down; then brought up for "clubbing".  Usually they were plastic laminate, but you could use anything you want.  I did one for my wife out of Maple for the occasional butcher block she needs. The part is called a "flip flop table hinge".  Mount a piece of lumber or finished formica panel to the wall, spanning at least two studs; approximately 32".  Cut the fold-down piece you want to use the same size or a little longer.  The flip flop hinges mount to the wall mounted piece, one at each end, and s***w attaches to your fold down piece.  This is the same type of hinge that a restaurant uses to make a square table fold up into a round table.  The hinge locks when you pull it up.  To release, you push the "knuckle" of the hinge in and it folds back down. Be careful, they will pinch your fingers!  They cost about$6.00 each.