Replies

1. 
   tjh | Jun 25, 2007 09:37pm | #1

   Lee Valley sells them as Figure 8 connectors: http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&p=50311&cat=3,41306,41312

   as well as other types of table top joining hardware.

   I'm sure other hardware suppliers also carry these.

2. 
   DonaldCBrown | Jun 25, 2007 09:38pm | #2

   Try these:

   http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/TT-0104/100-Table-Top-Fasteners

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 26, 2007 12:47am | #3

   Be aware that the "figure 8" type fasteners can only be used on the section of the apron that goes across the grain. In other words, they only work to allow movement when installed across the grain. This leaves the other two directions unsupported.

   The fasteners shown from McFeeleys work much better and support all four sides.

   Howie.........
1. 
   jrogerh | Jun 26, 2007 10:53pm | #4

   I  think the McFeeley's attachments would indeed be more suitable. Thanks to everyone for your help.

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jun 27, 2007 02:27pm | #5

   My local Woodcraft Supply has these Z clips. If you have one nearby, it'll save the mailing delay and give you an opportunity to pick up a new tool at the same time. ;-)

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

1. 
   jrogerh | Jun 29, 2007 04:21am | #9

   Thanks Mike.  There is a Woodcraft Supply nearby.  I now have a good excuse to make a trip over there.

2. 
   jeff100 | Jun 27, 2007 10:37pm | #6

   While I do like the Z clip fastener, been looking for something just like that, you've got me curious about your comments on the figure 8 fasteners. I agree the are designed for cross grain movement, but I don't see why they won't work around the entire periphery of the table? They're not really necessary parallel to the grain, but they should still work to provide a mechanical attach point. So what if that side doesn't move. Yes? If not, why not?Jeff

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 29, 2007 04:20am | #8

   When the wood expands toward the axis of the figure 8, the figure 8 can not move. It only swivels when place across the axis of movement.Howie.........

1. 
   DonaldCBrown | Jun 29, 2007 05:09am | #10

   But if the figure 8 fastener is initially mounted at, say, a 45-degree angle to the axis of movement, then it can swivel for either expansion or contraction, can it not?

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 29, 2007 07:05pm | #12

   >> I have always been one of those types of people that believes the manufacturer of a product knows best how to use it.Yes, but try to mount them that way. You are limited by the clearence and getting the screw into the apron with enough wood around it to be secure.I would guess that if each figure 8 was slanted the same way, they might work but even then it would cause the tabletop to move putting pressure on the figure 8's holding the cross grain edges.I would recommend either the Z-clips or homemade buttons. Both are stronger.Howie.........

2. 
   jeff100 | Jun 29, 2007 09:19am | #11

   I got you, I didn't realize people were installing them perpendicular to the sides, I install them at an oblique angle so they can rotate.  Is that what you're concern is?

   Jeff

4. 
   Bill_Anderson | Jun 28, 2007 08:30pm | #7

   There are two kinds of figure 8 fasteners.  One kind is stamped from thin metal, and the other kind is heavier (looks like two different size washers welded together in a sense).  So look carefully at the pictures.  I found that the former rust out quickly.  The latter are stainless, I think.  Cost more but are very nice to use.