Several years ago took some KD dried cherry stock that had been on the rack in my shop for a few years. (my shop is on Cape Cod, and not climate controlled in summer months, but heated all winter, 24,7) I built a large 43″x9′ table top, divided in the middle. I glued and biskit joined all joints. It came out beautiful, until a year and a half later, the 2nd winter season, she showed her first split. Not a glued joint, along a grain. In the summer it closed back up, but reappears each winter. I’m wondering if I can add a butterfly (or 2) to hold the joint closed, or if it will just split some where else by doing that.
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Replies
It's splitting because of how you have it attached to the base. It needs to be able to expand and contract. It should be tight in the middle, and be able to move in other spots.
I think you are right, I thought that I left enough room for expansion. After reading your response I checked and sure enough when I installed the edge band I drew them in to tight to the base cleats. Thank you for your input. Now we shall see if I can salavage my mistake.
See if you can make more room for the top to contract.. If you can, you can key it when it closes back up.
Here's some ideas on letting a table top move with the seasons..
How to Attach a Tabletop
Six methods to control and direct wood movement
By Mario Rodriguez #163–May/June 2003 Issue
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2003/06/01/how-to-attach-a-tabletop
You could, and it might. Since it seems livable for you, maybe add a butterfly below the split so you can enjoy the annual visits without the worry that it will grow.
Thanks for your advice.
One of the easiest ways to attache a table to the aprons is with metal table clips. The clips are screwed into the top and the other end fits into a routed groove. When the table expands or contracts it will move across the aprons because the end in the frame isn't attached. This is a link to Rockler's version:
https://www.rockler.com/search/table%20hardware