No matter what you are making or building, the base determines the strength and the lifespan of the product. If you have a weak foundation, your building will fail. You don't think about a building's foundation after you finish construction, unless the building fails. And often we don't think about it once it's finished; that is, until there is a problem. That's why it's "all about the base."
Way Back When
It all started with people making products that stood the test of time. Materials were once chosen because they would stand up to the wear that life puts on things. This is true about tables as well as everything else. Back in 1958, Frank Jacobs created the first 4-prong "standard" table base and made it out of cast iron. He believed in that product enough to stand behind it. He built the table bases with the intention that they would be around for a very long time.
Products Today
So many things today are as cheaply made as possible. The idea is that when they fail, you will buy them again... and again. The manufacturers reflect their faith in the design by offering you the bare minimum warranty. One way that some table base manufacturers cut costs is by using stamped steel for their top plates and thinner gauged steel on their columns.
Stamped Steel Top Plates
The steel used in these top plates start off as a flat piece of metal. This is then molded by force into a shape that holds a table top, by bending and stretching it into shape. While it is great for a while, the stretched metal has weaknesses from this process. Eventually, this top plate will lose its structural integrity. Not only that, but the top plate is welded on the column, so it bulkier to ship. This adds some support to the system, for a while. These welds make another weak point that will eventually start to give. These table bases are going to need replacing in time.
The Cast iron Top Plate
At JI Bases, we never did change what we make our bases or top plates out of -- cast iron. We manufacture to our exacting standards, and we stand behind our product. We know that we will sell you more table bases as your business grows. We have a simple three-piece assembly of a cast iron base plate, a cast iron top plate, and a 16-gauged steel column that bolts together quickly and easily. We also have three different sizes of top plates that can support larger table tops (12", 17", and 24" top plates). A size to fit most tops!
Powder Coated for a Lasting Finish
Not only do we build our table bases to last, we want the finish to last as well. No painted finish can out last powder coat. The metal surface gets a coating of dry thermoset polymer powder that we then bake on the metal. This forms an evenly applied, coating that will resist scuffs and look great for lots of years. This is the best protection for the table bases. Since we build them to last, they need a finish to last as long.
Tables Built to Last
Businesses built on tables need tables built to last. That is why our quality, our standards, and our warranty have never waivered. The old days are gone, but you still deserve old-fashioned quality. Not only that, but you do not need to order more than you need, because we do not require a minimum order. So when you plan for your table needs, remember that it's "all about the base."
