Does anyone remember an article from several years ago (could have been FWW or Home Furniture) about an instructor whose first project for a class was to build a table (drafting table I think) that used pipe (probably iron pipe) and threaded rod to connect the legs instead of aprons and stretchers? 

The operating principle was the combination of tension (the threaded rod with nuts on the outside of teh legs) and compression (the pipe).  Am I just imagining this?  I can’ t seem to find the article.

My question is whether to use washers inbetween teh wood and hte end of the pipe, or whether teh pipe fitting tightly in its round mortise is what prevents racking?

Thanks in advance for any help