Hi,
I’m building a large game room table (coffee table height but 36 x 48). I’m gluing up edge to edge hardwood and was wondering if I should use breadboard ends? I know they are important for allowing wood movement, but also for keeping the top flat.
Being new to woodworking, I’m hesitant to jump into a complex joinery technique like breadboard ends and would rather not take them on at this point.
I’m open to designing the legs and aprons such that breadboard ends would not be necessary, but I’m not sure what would aid in keeping the top flat and allow for wood width expansion.
Thanks!!
Replies
Limbs and body placement
I'll go out on a limb here and say that breadboard ends are as much of a design style choice as a practical means to keep a glued-up panel flat. In my view, breadboard ends are strongly associated with certain styles of "period" furniture. As such, the approach may not be appropriate for furniture of a different style or "period". For certain "modern" styles, furniture-grade plywood with an appropriate veneer face (and edging) may be a better choice than glued-up panels.
As to breadboard ends keeping the panel flat, I wonder if it is a matter of the so-called "irresistable force" meeting the so-called "immovable object".
Careful selection of the boards going into the panel (e.g. balanced grain direction, with quarter-sawn being ideal), and good balance between the finish applied to both faces, may have as much affect on the panel remaining flat. For example, if the top face is finished, but the bottom surface isn't, the bottom portion of the boards will absorb more moisture than the top, and the panel, or individual boards, will want to warp.
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