Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jul 11, 2010 02:26am | #1

   Is the top heavy?

   If the top has a significant amount of weight, you could simply use two dowels atop the slabs that register in blind holes in the underside of the top.  Some workbench tops are held in place this way.  Of course, this method prevents the top from sliding, but you cannot lift the table holding onto the top alone.  A sliding dovetail as shown in the latest issue of FW would work as well, but would be considerably more work.

2. 
   DonStephan | Jul 11, 2010 08:22pm | #2

   My thought is the legs need to be part of an assembly, to keep them in proper alignment and position before picking up a heavy top.  A pair of rails could easily convert them to a trestle style base, even if the slabs angle in.

   You might also search for pictures of Nakashima and similar furniture to look for inspiration.  Keep in mind though the height of your table in comparison to other examples.

3. 
   ring | Jul 16, 2010 11:02am | #3

   how about this...

   I don't see any innate reason to make a piece 40" long that knocks down for transport.  Two people can easily carry it anywhere.  But if you must...

   I'd connect the two legs together with dovetailed aprons, or aprons with pinned thru-mortises.  You can connect the top to the aprons with common button fasteners.

4. 
   caryhson1 | Jul 16, 2010 12:54pm | #4

   easy solution found at rockler... cheap too

   You could use desk top fasteners. Plunge route one end into the top of the legs then screw the other to the bottom of the top. You may want to assemble it upside down the first time to get your screw holes in the right spot. They can be useful in allowing for expansion and contraction of the top if installed in a parallel formation.

    Here is a link to the hardware

    http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=786

   --Cary