Should I remove the "I" beam from my dining table

[EvilPrincess]

Hi,

I have an (oak?) extending dining table with an "I" beam between the legs at the bottom. Images can be seen at:

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh256/evilprincesss/IMG_3662.jpg

Table leg support:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh256/evilprincesss/IMG_3663.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh256/evilprincesss/IMG_3664.jpg

The problem I have is getting the chairs under the table at each end.

I was thinking that maybe I could remove the beams from the table, but would there be the risk of it becoming (very) unstable? If I did remove the beam, would it be a good idea to add additional support at the top of the table between the legs?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[pjholybloke]

Hi,

Not a good idea to me, this "beam" is preventing the legs from splaying and essentially ties everything together, as well as adding "ballast" to create a low centre of gravity to your table - v.important when it's extended.

One of the members with more knowledge of furniture may be able to suggest an alternative that will solve your problem of stowing the chairs, but a definite no to removing it.