Working on a “multi-piece” desk build. Too large to do a single piece, so I’ll have to connect the pieces after install. I’ve used drawbolts before and they work good, but it’s a bit of work to drill all the holes and do the setup. I found these brackets on Amazon, anyone ever try them?
https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Component-Connecting-Furniture-Woodworking/dp/B08GKYQ5T3/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=clamping+bracket+table+top&qid=1599236785&s=hi&sr=1-1
They look super simple and seem like they’d work good for this. Anyone ever used them? I think paired with some dominos they’d probably work good?
Replies
Those won't add much strength, and will do nothing to draw the parts together. I've used these for a variety of things. They come in a wide range of sizes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D1FCXD5/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A3OW500AXMI9FF&psc=1
Those are just mending plates with a fancy name:
https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-9247-Mending-Plates/dp/B00QR2O81W/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=mending+plate&qid=1599239116&s=hi&sr=1-2
They will keep your tops from sliding away from each other but not really "connect" them so much as tie them together. If you want the feel of a single top go with the draw bolts
I think you gotta look at them a little closer. One side is cut with an elongated hole, and I think acts like a sliding clamp when you screw in the screws. That's what it looks like at least?
True, the little bit of "draw bore" effect with the screws would pull them a bit. Nothing like a connector made for structural strength though. If the items will be on a hard floor and stand together anyway this would keep them in place barring anyone opening and closing a file drawer too often. ;-)
There are weights and forces that go along with desks that other pieces do not experience. Think about looking at a framed house before the skins are applied. Why all the extra weight and material around the door and window openings, hmm? Even mild dynamic forces can have negative effects over time.
"Draw bore" effect, that's a good way to put it. I suppose reinforced with dominos and dowels would keep it level and the clamping brackets would just act to pull it tightly together. Of course the seams will be supported with legs underneath, so all the brackets have to do is pull it together. Just seems like a heck of a lot easier than drilling holes for draw bolts.
Oh, it's easier for sure. But not nearly as effective. There is a lot of wiggle room in mending plates. If this is a project you've put a fair amount of time, effort, and money into, go with the drawbolts. For a few more bucks and a half hour in time, that's what I would do.
But if you want to go with mending plates, there is no need to spend 20 bucks for them. That's just robbery.
If you're thinking of using dominoes to glue them together why not use Domino connectors instead? These are a knock-down fitting that go into Domino machine made holes and work as draw bolts to hold pieces together in various ways. They can also be undone; then redone, as often as you need to disassemble and reassemble an installation.
You can employ them in small numbers, with ordinary wooden dominos used unglued as added locators and stress-takers.
Lataxe
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