Replies

1. 
   ring | May 26, 2010 11:53pm | #1

   depends

   If your table is meant as furniture in the house then you should joint and glue up the top just the same as for any piece of furniture.  If you want to make a picnic-style table for outdoors, then it makes sense to make the top from individual planks, leaving small gaps between them for rain to run off easily.

1. 
   ki | May 27, 2010 10:38pm | #5

   ok , its for the kitchen/dining room. so a jointing we will go. thanks ring

2. 
   recollin5 | May 27, 2010 01:14am | #2

   Trestle Table Top

   I need advice on a trestle table top. I've built a (what I think) is a pretty cool base, but it's turned out to be nearly 6ft. I think the top will go 7ft, although I've contemplated more.  

   Here's my issue. When working with quarter sewn white oak for the top, what kind of bowing should I expect, bearing in mind the length I'm contemplating? Any advice would be good. What should I do in terms of support?  Is there something I need to do, like support-wise?

   -Richard

1. 
   ring | May 27, 2010 09:58am | #3

   table top

   The length of your table is irrelevant to the question of cupping.  If you're using QS stock you shouldn't have a problem, regardless of the table's dimensions.  Of course you need to attach the top to the base by any of the traditional methods that will allow for it to expand and contract across the width.

3. 
   zgmc | May 27, 2010 03:06pm | #4

   Are you asking whether your table top will need additional support because it spans 6'? If so check out the Sagulator.

   http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

4. 
   WillGeorge | May 28, 2010 03:55am | #6

   then it makes sense to make the top from individual planks, leaving small gaps between them for rain to run off easily.

   And then a drip cap at the bottom of each plank to wick off the water...