I’m replacing a veneered round tabletop and leaf insert with a solid cherry top, and I would like to know what is the best way to reattach the twin pedestal bases to the solid cherry top pieces and allow for the wood’s movement?  Originally the bases were attached to each side underneath with screws, and I’m concerned that if I screw the base to the bottom pieces the same way there won’t be room for the wood’s movement and the table may split.  Should I try using smaller screws to allow for slop in the original screw holes, or should i expand the holes in the base to slots and use the same screws?    I’m going to use the metal clips to attach the apron to the top pieces (have cut a small slit and will screw the clip to the top) so I think the only place I need to worry about movement will be where the base attaches/screws to the top underneath.   The sliding mechanism already has slots where they are screwed into the base underneath as well so that should handle any wood movement there.

Thanks for the feedback,

Brian