So I would like to get some opinions on whether the happy, sad, happy, sad, end grain direction is really necessary for glue ups. I work for a custom furniture company and their protocols are to always to do the happy sad to prevent cupping of the table top regardless of color or grain matching the top to get it to look aesthetically good. I understand it for white oak cause of how it misbehaves. Opinions?
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Replies
Check out the recent discussion on "First Dining Room Table Glue Up Advice" still visible on the first page of the forum. In particular, my post that says the "happy/sad" technique is only relevant when there is no structure (aprons, battens on a trestle table) to keep the glue up flat. In fact, it is easier to keep a top flat if there is only one overall cup instead of each board alternating, giving a corrugated look.
The happy/sad thing is completely irrelevant. Pick a layout that looks best, and sleep well at night.