Make a thick table top from thin boards
king_1223
| Posted in General Discussion on
I have an abundance of 5/4 x 4inch wide maple and I need to make a 1.5 inch thick table top. I know I can cut the boards down to 1.5 inches and laminate a bunch of thin layers but can I laminate 4 inch wide boards on top of each other to get the thickness while maintaining a wider board look?
Replies
Yes. It will take a buttload of clamps though.
Does the whole top need to be 1.5" thick or can you edge it with 1.5" thick pieces on a 1.25" thick top, using 1.5" thick breadboard ends as well?
As John_C2 notes, the clamping will be difficult for overlaid boards. One solution is a vacuum bag but for most that's impractical.
Another solution is to glue & screw the planks together via their faces, with the screws going in underneath but not going right through to the top/show side. The screws are just temporary clamps and you can remove them once the glue is dry; then drill out and plug the holes they leave (with matching-grain plugs, even) if you don't want to leave the screw holes there.
Lataxe
I'd go with Lat-axe on this one.
You have plenty of thickness there.
Unless you are planning on dancing on the table, 18mm or about 3/4 inch is enough. If you want a wider look then glue your extra wood around the edge only.
Never mind the timber, consider the weight! - you will be more than doubling the weight of the table for no additional benefit.
There is no advantage in making something bigger or thicker than it needs to be to service it's use.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled