Replies

1. 
   Hairface | Apr 25, 2005 12:45am | #1

   I work in the furniture industry for many years and they fastened them both ways and had no problem to my knowledge of the table top splitting. I have also built dinning tables and used the metal clips, and ether way it gives  the top plenty of room for expansion and one place even glued corner blocks / screws to the apron with screws through the apron.

   And still building furniture on my own. But not retired , YET !

2. 
   joinerswork | Apr 25, 2005 03:41am | #2

   Birdseye,

   As long as the screws are a sloppy fit thru the holes in the aprons, you should be alright. Ream them open more, if necessary, to allow for some float.  I've attached tops as wide as 48" like this, with no problems.  Try to avoid putting a screw right into a glue line.

   Regards,

   Ray

3. 
   Thew | Apr 25, 2005 08:42pm | #3

   I built a trestle table from cherry with nearly the exact dimensions you are considering. I live in Minnesota with forced air heat, therefore it is very dry in the winter and quite humid in the summer. With a lacquer finish, I have noted about 3/8" variablilty compared to the breadboard ends when measured throughouth the year.

4. 
   ring | Apr 26, 2005 05:43pm | #4

   Use your regular clips but instead of the sawkerf all around you can use the router and a thin slotting blade to make the grooves in the apron only where you want to place the clips.  By the way, you can make "clips" like this out of hardwood (grain must run perpendicular to the apron).  They are much stronger and cost nothing.  Just make the tongue part at least 3/16" thick.

   DR