Replies

1. 
   BernieMaas | Mar 21, 2002 06:55am | #1

   The end cap will keep the top from warping - but, the shop teacher is correct - cross-grain expansion & contraction may well tear the top apart if the joinery doesn't allow for movement.

   For a finsihed top, we rabbet the top and bottom of the end caps which results in a tenon in each.  The tenons is then set into a groove at the table ends.  The end caps are fastened to the table top with screws (lag bolts) set into counterebored holes.  The counter bores are then filled with plugs. 

   The holes that the screws pass through are critical - they must be oversized to allow enough slop so that the end caps can move back & forth as temp/humidity dictates.

   For a workbench, I wouldn't bother with plugs, though

   On the other hand ..... I've bult a workbench over 30 years ago - use it every day and it's been fine without end caps.

   Bernie Maas

1. 
   vanbredeson | Mar 21, 2002 07:35pm | #2

   Thanks Bernie!  It is nice to have another experienced opinion and another option.

   Van

1. 
   BernieMaas | Mar 22, 2002 02:35am | #3

   I'm glad that you found it useful

2. 
   mwinkle | Mar 22, 2002 03:41am | #4

   Am exploring the same project.  Woodsmith design attaches end caps with a 1/2" spline finger joints at the corners and a single thru bolt in the center of each end cap.  Vol 50 contains plans.

1. 
   BernieMaas | Mar 23, 2002 05:48pm | #5

   I'll go one step furher on that:

   The reason for fastening with a bolt in the center and spline on the ends works on the theory the expansion and contraction occurs symmetrically form the center out.  Hence, the center can be dead-fixed not allowing for any movement.  The ends, however, are held in place by splines over which the wood can work itself back and forth.

   Bernie Maas

3. 
   StanfordWoodworking | Jan 03, 2012 02:47pm | #6

   I realize this is an old thread but it needs to be pointed out that workbench tops are face glued which makes movement happen through the thickness of the top and not across the width (or very little at least).

4. 
   swenson | Jan 04, 2012 12:27pm | #7

   Now that ten years have passed we should ask the OP how it all worked out.