this is an extremely broad and basic question, but what’s the best way to attach a table top to the skirts/legs.
It’s and oak oval table. I do not have a pocket hole system.
I was thinking screws through the skirts ,but would that not be good enough for wood movement? what about a dado in the skirt and an L shaped peice of wood screwed to the tabletop?
Ductape can fix EVERYTHING!!!
Replies
"I was thinking screws through the skirts ,but would that not be good enough for wood movement? what about a dado in the skirt and an L shaped peice of wood screwed to the tabletop?"
This is my preference. They're called "buttons." You can either cut a groove along the full length of the apron, or cut individual mortises where the buttons will engage it (I think the latter looks better, but it's obviously more work).
-Steve
Another vote for "Buttons"! They hold tight, allow for wood movement and look very nice. I have a large coffee can full made up and use the same size for most all applications.
Low tech, cheap and very effective!
Regards,
Mack
"WISH IN ONE HAND, S--T IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"
Andy,
Make that 3 votes for buttons. Mill a 1/4" x 1/2" rabbet down the edge of a board 3/4" thick by about 1-1/4" to create a 1/4" protrusion. Then cross cut the board to get your buttons. Make the groove in the apron 1/4" wide.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Buttons for me too, most of the time. You can make a whole stash of them and keep them for future use -- I use maple. If your table has drawers that reach right to the back you may not be able to use buttons if they'd contact the drawer. One of their virtues is that they allow movement in all directions. If you don't want that, e.g. if you don't want movement at the front, you can glue and screw blocks at the front edge and use buttons on the other three sides.
Jim
are buttons the things I was talking about? the L shaped wood that goes in the grove?
Ductape can fix EVERYTHING!!!
Yep, that's what they are. You can also buy a metal clip that works on the same principle, but takes up less space. But the wooden ones are easy to make from leftover lumber. Cut a rabbet on the edge of a long board, cut off the strip at the width you want, drill a countersunk hole at regular intervals, and chop into buttons.
Jim
This is what I use. Cheap, easy, and simple. (Just like me)
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=784
I really dig the Z-clips... they are easy to install and do a great job. I just use my biscuit jointer to cut slots in the apron, and put them in... great stuff!
Tom's Workbench
http://tomsworkbench.com
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=786
these figure 8's are pretty sweet
maybe on your next table :-)
Another vote for the Figure-8's. They're inexpensive, easy to use, and virtually invisible when used.
With the Figure 8s do you screw the larger end on the apron, or the table top?
I put the big end on the apron. I use a Forsner bit to drill a countersink for it and position the bit to leave an opening at the edge. I attach the Figure 8's, then flip the whole thing onto the top. When I have everything lined up where I want it, I drill pilot holes with a Vix bit and run in the screws.
Just to add on to Dorsett-
the 8's are easy- On my last project ( a dining room table ) I used the forstner bit on the apron as suggested- I did not flip the table over due to size- Just got underneath and lined it up.
I was going to disassemble to move it into place any way- so I just did the final assembly in place.
Either way you go- 8's or clips- it's a cinch
dave
I hope you post pictures when finished :-)
I'm posting pictures in my thread "some of my projects" I will continue to update how it's going there
Ductape can fix EVERYTHING!!!
TampaTom has the right idea, I have used the buttons, figure 8's and Keg pocket holes. The Z-clips used with a biscuit jointer or router with a slot cutter is the way to go. You only cut a short slot so you do not weaken the apron and the Z-clips allow for draw down of the top. I leave my biscuit jointer set at the right depth because that is all I use it for anymore.
Why not use traditional joinery?
With a bit of imagination that could easily be adapted to meet the requirements of your oval table.
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Chris
Chris Scholz
Atlanta, GA
Galoot-Tools
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