Hello all,
Autumn is closing in and it is time to design and build some projects for Christmas gifts. One gift in the works is a coffee table. I am looking for answers as to the best way to attach the table top to the legs and apron. The apron is mortise and tenoned into the legs. The table top will rest evenly onto the tops of the legs and apron. How do I allow for expansion while still getting a solid fit? This project is made out of red oak. I appreciate all responses in advance.
CSViking
Replies
You can find a few methods for attaching tabletops in this article by Mario Rodriguez, available for puchase in the Online Archive:
https://www.taunton.com/store/FWarchive/FWarch_Conf.asp?PQty=999&AQty=112&ExpireDate=4%2F9%2F2006+9%3A37%3A01+AM
Matt Berger
Taunton New Media
CS,
I assume you're using a solid wood top. If so, figure 8 fasteners are a good way to go. Here's a source: http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=786&sid=AF078
There are also umpteen different ways to do it with clips, either wood or metal.
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
Mensa Member
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I've been happy with this type of clip http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?DeptID=2225&FamilyID=1036
You can either run a saw kerf the whole length or just put a biscuit jointer slot at the points where you want to locate the clips.
Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?
Figure eights are fine... but if you want to be a bit of a purist, you could use wooden buttons. You'd need to mortise the aprons at the contact points and cut the buttons, but it's a nice clean look.
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
Rout groves in your aprons, and make your own carpenter's buttons. Makes a solid table top attachment and uses some of your scraps. Art
I use figure 8 clips. They were good enough for Stickley, and they're good enough for me!
To All,
Thanks for the quick response. With the weekend upon us, I should have ample time attaching the top. If I have some time I will try and post a pic when it is completed. Thanks again!!!
Cabinetmaker's buttons.
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