I’m building a simple table for an entryway. It will rest against the wall. The top will be about 3/4″ x 12 to 16″ X about 3 feet. It will be simple mortise and tenon, tapered leg design. What is the best and easiest way to attach the table top to the apron to allow for expansion. It will be made of solid cherry. As you can tell I am very new at this. Thanks for any suggestions.
Frank
Replies
Frank,
Figure eights are the best or at least a convienent way to attach the top to the apron. You can get them at several places, including woodcraft, rockler, on-line...
they are metal and actually look like the number 8 ...
Frank.. you can make wooden clips; small blocks with a tongue on one end that'll engage in a dado milled into the inside of the apron. Secure the clips with a screw into the top. A couple into each side (not front and back) will allow the top to move freely with seasonal changes in humidity.
Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
Frank
I use Figure 8's on all my tables. They are flawless for movement.
JC
I like table top fasteners that look like a "z" with a long top and bottom . Several catalogs have them (Rockler) I just set my bisquit machine to cut a slot in the apron the distance between the top and bottom of the fastener and plunge a slot into the back of the apron. Then one leg goes into the slot and the other screws to the table top underneath side. Very quick and neat. Very secure too once you get the slot right. Bob
Wood buttons are best, but I've also shelf pins - the kind with an attached angle with a hole in it. I drilled holes in the aprons for the pins, but only inserted them about 2/3 of their length. Then I screwed the angles to the top.
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