I have a lovely antique dining table that has been in my family for four generations, but the turned legs that are on small castors are too shortfor us, and it's difficult to sit at. How can I "extend" the legs so that the 6-foot+ members of our family can sit at the table comfortably?

I am glad that your family has grown. Too bad the furniture doesn't grow with them!

My suggestion would be to try to preserve the integrity of the piece by not cutting up any of the wood. That does not prevent you from adding to it without cutting it up though.

Since the table is valued as a family heirloom, and is also a potentially valuable antique, it would be good to preserve it's original construction as much as possible.

If the circumference of the legs are large enough, maybe wooden extensions can be added to the ends of them? What about longer or larger castors? Maybe remove the existing castors, keep them somewhere so that they can be put back on later, and adding specially made castor cups that will blend in with the finish and extend the length of the legs? What about taking off the existing legs and storing them and having legs made that will adjust to the height of your family?

Just some ideas. If I had a picture of the legs, it would be helpful for me in order to give you a more concrete answer.

One of the things that I do for a living, is that I refinish furniture. I have had to alter furniture in order to accommodate certain things within a household.

Thanks Clough - yes, I think the castors could be replaced - they are quite small. And cups would add a little bit too. We'll do this and be much more comfortable... :)
Thanks again!