Regarding the ogee foot version (which does look quite good):
Is anyone concerned about the cross-grain corner blocks being used to support all the weight? They are, after all, only cross-grain glued. Also, there is no structural member to bind the 2 halves of the ogee foot together. I realize that the cross-grain corner block is there and probably more significantly the tops are glued to the stable plywood, however, I personally have not had much luck in plain miter glue-ups, especially in white oak. I would not want that miter to open.
I suspect that the corner blocks should be screwed in 2 dimensions to each side of the foot and the foot halves should have a spline. Perhaps also the corner-blocks should be beefier. They seem narrow and of a secondary wood. Books are heavy! People slide bookcases – loaded!
Any thoughts?
Edited 11/8/2008 5:55 pm ET by Marhk
Replies
Dear Marhk,
We contacted Phil Lowe about your question. Here is his response:
All of the remedies that you have suggested are ways to make up for a miter that doesn't fit correctly. If the material that the base is made from is not flat the corner block is futile. The height of that foot is small enough not to concern yourself with the movement. If you have good surface to surface contact the glue will hold just fine. I can show you corner blocks that have lasted for a couple of hundred years on feet of this kind on a number of antiques that I have had the pleasure to work on.
Sincerely,
Gerald
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