Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | May 02, 2020 11:35am | #1

   Just glue it up. A glue joint is plenty strong. Spines, T&G or anything else won't add strength.

   If you want to hide end grain, breadboard ends are fine. But they won't keep it from cupping, if that's the thought.

2. 
   bilyo | May 02, 2020 02:38pm | #2

   I agree with John. You don't need splines for strength. However, snug fitting splines or T&G will help keep the boards aligned during clamping. If all you need is alignment help, a series of short splines, like biscuits, will do just fine.

3. 
   waterhead | May 03, 2020 01:03pm | #3

   Biscuits for alignment work fine; just don't put them where you might need to cut into the glued up assembly later - the result is hard to hide! DAMHIKT...

4. 
   geedubbee | May 03, 2020 05:19pm | #4

   As mentioned, an alignment feature is helpful on large or long glue-ups. I tend to prefer splines (I do not have a biscuit joiner) but, anything that references off the surface to be aligned (the top I assume) would work.

   I use a small hand held router and a slot bit. The router riding the top surface assures that the spline will be at a depth that makes the adjacent boards level with each other. a biscuit joiner or a domino will do the same. I wold not be as confident that the profiles of a T&G joint would be as consistent due to how they would be cut.

5. 
   AzWoodWarrior | Oct 17, 2021 06:22pm | #5

   I am of a different opinion on splines. They do add strength to a joint by increasing the surface area for glue to bind to. I prefer to use them to keep pieces aligned. Plus, I tend to make changes during a project and this method allows for the use of multiple colors to be used. Pull them apart while keeping them "intact" allows for so many choices and combinations. I'm currently working on a table that is tropical walnut, curly maple, and the only saguaro lumber on Earth. In the picture is saguaro "lumber"

   
6. 
   gulfstar | Oct 17, 2021 07:01pm | #6

   How can you tell that a spline increases strength since in testing of glue joints along the grain the Wood breaks before the glue ?

7. 
   _mj_ | Oct 17, 2021 07:19pm | #7

   The land of opinions is a mythical place...even after a year and a half.

8. 
   EdWeber | Oct 17, 2021 08:31pm | #8

   T&G and/or splines keep the planks aligned, they do not add strength when used in this manner, parallel to the grain.
   If your looking to add strength, then you want a type of floating tenon where the grain is perpendicular to the grain in the top. Biscuits, dowels Doninos, Traditional square, anything will work, it all depends on your tools and skill.

9. 
   mikaol | Oct 17, 2021 08:43pm | #9

   Errant thought - you can't go wrong if you follow your instincts. You know your strengths and weaknesses. And remember, the finished product is all about looks.
   As to cupping, I prefer hidden battens. I've gotten away with 3/8 battens covered with 1/8 cherry plywood. My clients don't care, it's the underside of thee table.
   Mikaol

10. 
    jharveyb | Oct 17, 2021 08:59pm | #10

    Having used splines for years, once I got a biscuit joiner I switched to using that, but just for alignment on long glue ups. You can also just clamp battens across the top at glue up if the boards are close to aligned. (If they are not, even biscuits might not help that much at forcing them straight.)
    I am not a fan of breadboard ends, unless you are making a breadboard. For a table, battens underneath are much stronger and able to hold the table flat. Plus they give you something to attach the substructure/legs to. The seasonal expansion/contraction across the grain of the top will leave a mis-match between the edges of the main body of the top and the ends of the breadboard ends. I've had the breadboard end project as much as 1/8" at each end of a 16" wide oak end table in the winter, yet be flush in the humid summer. Walnut doesn't move as much as oak, but it still moves. If you do use breadboard ends, I hope you know to only fix them tightly for a few inches in the middle.
    Harvey

11. 
    beasleysevin | Oct 17, 2021 09:06pm | #11

    I feel the need to whack the bee hive here. The splines would weaken the joint. Yes you have more glue surface but that surface area is only touching the spline. And if you believe modern glues are stronger than wood (I do) you have replaced glue surface with weaker wood. Trading some glue surface for alignment (biscuits, dowels or dominoes) is a fair trade (in my opinion).

    All of that said, given the thickness of your wood, you will have plenty of glue surface for a solid joint for the stated application. So do whatever is easiest for you given the tools and experience you have.