Replies

1. 
   ring | Mar 05, 2010 09:59am | #1

   I'm not clear about the design you describe.  Maybe post a sketch so we can see how the logs sit in relation to the top?

1. 
   gbarron1 | Mar 05, 2010 10:32am | #2

   It would be something akin to this.

   
1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 05, 2010 12:12pm | #3

   I would attach a metal plate to the top of each of the stumps, and then screw those to the underside of the table top. Elongated holes for the screws would allow for seasonal wood movement.

   Note that a wooden squirrel running up one of the stumps is optional.  ;-)

2. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 05, 2010 12:40pm | #4

   I was thinking in terms of plates larger than the stump ends for greater stability, but you could adapt that in various ways, depending on materials available. I'd look at a scrap-metal yard to see what you can find/adapt to the job.

1. 
   user-64052 | Mar 05, 2010 05:16pm | #5

   you don't need all that metal, it isn't going to solve anything, besides you are going to have different angles of movement out of those bases. 1- 4or 6" wide batten across either end (allowing for movement in the table top) matching up with the centre of your stumps, with a major tenon coming from the batten into the centre of your stump,mainly used as a locator. there is enough weight in that top to hold it in place as long as  the tops of those stumps are level and parallel to the bottoms. one could also make a recess for the batten to sit in which would make it more secure.

   your main problem with that setup is that it will require maintenance periodically to level the tops and bottoms of your stumps as they will move and heave. with the centre locating tenon will leave the bottoms free to move and crack as they will

   ron 

3. 
   JohnWW | Mar 05, 2010 10:14pm | #6

   A plywood plate will work just as well, there is no need to use metal.  Whether you use metal or plywood, the connections from the plate to the top will need to accomodate the expansion and contraction of the top.  The movement of the wood in the logs will probably cause them to crack even if they weren't attached to anything so I would be less concerned about allowing for movement there.

1. 
   user-64052 | Mar 06, 2010 12:34pm | #7

   putting either a metal plate or a piece of plywood on top of those stumps will not really  accomplish anything. we realize that there is going to be movement from those stumps so what  are those plates going to accomplish. the stumps will pull the screws sideways with its movement to the point that they won't be holding anything as the have either stripped out of the end grain or sheared off. you will have 2 aminate pieces with an inaminate piece coupling them together. doesn't work.

   ron

   35 years in the business of woodworking (restoration-making furniture and woodturning) for himself.  one of the aspect sof restoration is always trying to solve problems of someones inability to put it together properly in the first place

1. 
   DonStephan | Mar 06, 2010 07:35pm | #8

   Will the stumps shrink in diameter, or develop a split somewhere and otherwise keep about the same diameter?  If the latter, the split will affect the nearest one or two screws attaching a plate to the stump, but the others may be relatively unaffected.

   Unfortunately, if the split develops suddenly, the jerk may be transmitted to the plate and tabletop.  Hope no one is at the table when it happens.

   Alternatively, one could saw from the bark to the center to locate the drying V in advance.

1. 
   user-64052 | Mar 06, 2010 08:56pm | #9

   the whole stump shrinks. if it didn't there would be no cracks.

   ron

1. 
   gbarron1 | Mar 08, 2010 12:10pm | #10

   What about figure 8s or simple blocks?  I've read lots of advice as to how to deal with the movement of the tabletop but not sure what kind of movement I can expect from the redwood stumps and how to accomodate that. 

2. 
   user-64052 | Mar 08, 2010 12:53pm | #11

   to save yourself some grief, construct a base and use the stumps for firewood

   ron