All,

I have been building a shaker style candelstick table (Lebanon, NY design) with a turned center post (3″ about), three flaired legs dovetailed into the post and a 20″ round top, about 7/8″ thick.  On the center post the design calls for a 2″ flat area at the top with a 1×3/4″ post that is glued and wedged into a 3/4″ 5×13″ish cleat which attaches to the top on the underside.  I modified the top to be 18×20″ rather than round.

Anyhow, I’m applying an oil finish and there is a lot of giggle to the top.  It’s solid…right now…but I can see that bumping into it is going to put a lot of stress on that little post…and I’m concerned either the glue will let go or the wood will quickly tear…or something.

I’m thinking about what I can do to help the situation.  Perhaps i can take the top off and put three 2″ wood screws on an angle through the cleat into the post?…help share the stress on the joint?   Any thoughts?