Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | May 27, 2002 01:31am | #1

   Tables that expand to take leaves, need to have the "free" ends of the table apron rigidly fixed. The expansion and contraction takes place at the ends of the table away from the seam. In the tables I have built, the ends of the apron are fixed with a triangular gusset then the rest of the attachments are buttons into slots in the apron. I put a dowel in the center of the moveable apron that rides in a slot in the tabletop. This keeps the table centered on the apron but allow for movement.

   Carefully think about wood movement when you engineer a table with leaves.

2. 
   ClevelandEd | May 27, 2002 01:32am | #2

   I've used the button tabs, and these worked reasonably well.  They can be easily handcut or bandsaw cut.  Used a small circular saw to slit the rail to hold the button tab.   Please note that I said "reasonably" well.  I guess I never liked the visual lack of precision of the technique, plus I had some break in transporting the table.  So this method of drilling elongated holes through the rail is getting my interest, and I have I project that I just might use it on this June. 

3. 
   art | May 27, 2002 05:48am | #3

   I've used homemade buttons on many tables. I use a 1/4 or 5/16 tongue on the buttons and rout the appropiate groove in the aprons.  So far, I've never had a problem. Art

1. 
   DonStephan | May 30, 2002 01:27pm | #4

   If Mr. Becksvoort is comfortable with this approach, I would be also. From his articles I believe he is very experienced and professional. Also, it seems this approach has been used successfully for hundreds of years.