Replies

1. 
   gulfstar | Jan 30, 2022 07:57am | #1

   https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/hardware/table-hardware/connectors-and-fasteners/40146-tabletop-mounting-clamps

2. 
   Jkatzowitz | Jan 30, 2022 08:10am | #2

   How about a couple of rare earth magnates?

3. 
   maltekb | Jan 30, 2022 08:28am | #3

   Would rather have something wooden.

4. 
   _mj_ | Jan 30, 2022 08:38am | #4

   Maybe make the box with a lip and cut a rabbet into the top so the box drops in? Gravity will be working for you, and you'll be able to pop it out to clean it. Neat idea.

1. 
   gary_vaiskauckas | Jan 30, 2022 10:57pm | #8

   +1 for MJ's approach based upon OP's description.

2. 
   rob_ss | Jan 31, 2022 03:13am | #10

   Seconded. Had not thought of that.

5. 
   gulfstar | Jan 30, 2022 08:56am | #5

   You can make them out of wood like the ones at the end of this article :
   https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/tables-and-desks/trestle-table-with-breadboard-ends

6. 
   roy.unit8c | Jan 30, 2022 09:56am | #6

   If your table had an apron of an appropriate size for attaching the box, you might be able to do what Peter Follansbee did for the box within the chest:
   https://www.finewoodworking.com/membership/pdf/388919/011287046.pdf
   You would have to make a drawer opening to get inside the box, though.

7. 
   jim_hall | Jan 30, 2022 10:23pm | #7

   That's a pretty small box. If it's only 3" of cross-grain, that's not much movement to worry about. It's tempting to just go for it as is. Too be safe though, one solution might be to glue a lip on two sides the box and add some slotted screw holes in the lip for possible cross grain movement and attach the box with say 4 screws with washers.

8. 
   john_c2 | Jan 31, 2022 01:56am | #9

   I wouldn't worry about gluing it either. You can glue the two edges that go with the grain of the top, and not glue the two edges going cross grain. For a little more (probably unnecessary) safety, you could construct the little box with rabetted end that will allow a wee bit of movement.

9. 
   rob_ss | Jan 31, 2022 03:20am | #11

   I would not be concerned about wood movement, however if you were, it is a simple enough matter to build the box with the grain aligned with the table top, a bit like a five board chest - have the ends of the box which will go cross grain made from pieces placed with the end-grain up. You will have to allow your bottom to float if you to that, but it will work.

   Another option would be to make a standard box and simply secure it only in the centre. A single domino at each end would almost certainly hold it for all eternity though over time, gaps would develop.

   And finally, the truly fancy option would be to put sliding dovetails in the top to hold the box. Good luck with that glue-up, but if you put the box in before the top is glued up it might work. Perhaps. Better you than me...