Thread: Very basic newbie tabletop question

Brett mentioned that he used about 6 different lamination sets, and note he staggered the block set joins in the pics and also that he used floating tenons in all laminations.

I'm no expert but if i were doing it i'd try not to butt join across more than one piece in any area, but stagger the joins as if i were laying decking or floorboards, thats just me an what i find aesthetically(sp?) pleasing though.

I think that staggering each individual lamination would be stronger overall over the length of the top, however with that said making a lamination block as he did and surrounding it then by the others and tieing in each block would be strong as well.

Either option has its pro's an cons, for instance doing it in the small block method would allow you to make up a set and repeat it, and not really need to lay it out lengthways as he did but 90 degree's to the next block if you chose to. On the other hand each lamination lengthways staggering is a lot of multi position clamping. It'll come down to how good the joinery is and what undersupport you have and what material you use.

coupla thoughts for what its worth. hope it helps.

Neal.

End to end grain does not make a strong joint but long grain to long grain is very strong and with most good glues is stronger than the wood itself. The best option and easiest is to get planks the whole length of the top. If you have to make it from shorter planks then as Neal said stagger the joints. Same idea as bricks in a wall.
Regards
John

PS. Welcone to the site

Thankyou very much for the responses. I will draw up some plans that incorporate some staggering.

Thanks again.