Thread: Joining Panel End Tables (if thats their name??)

I think I know what your talking about. You could use dowels to attach the top to the "panels" as you describe them. If you could find a pic that might help too

Andy

I made a hall table earlier this year with panel ends, but it's really a simple frame, with a top attached. Have a look here: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/ha...le-wip-128131/

I'm pretty much a beginner too, and found this method easy enough as it's only two joints, repeated two times each.

Originally Posted by rhancock

I made a hall table earlier this year with panel ends, but it's really a simple frame, with a top attached. Have a look here: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/ha...le-wip-128131/

I'm pretty much a beginner too, and found this method easy enough as it's only two joints, repeated two times each.

Thanks for your prompt responses guys. I have printed out the above and the info at the link and will have a good read of it all 2moro.

At first glance Richard it appears you used a different approach than what i was thinking of doing but I'm keen to read about what you have done. How your table finished up is also encouraging given you are also a beginner.

As requested by Andy, I have attached a couple of pictures of the bracket I'm talking about. The photos are of my brothers dining table which he purchased retail from a Melbourne furniture maker. Are they as simple as they look? How do they allow for movement?

Again, any help and all responses are greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Shaun

The screw holes are proabably drilled in a way that allows for movement. Therefore when the top moves, the extra space in the hole will allow it to shift.
In that thread, there is a link that I posted. It's called "how to attach a table top", or something like that. That shows you how to attach a top using buttons, and where to place them.

Are you going to have a long stretcher or just the panels as the legs? You get most of your movement from side to side, or cross grain.

Originally Posted by groeneaj

The screw holes are proabably drilled in a way that allows for movement. Therefore when the top moves, the extra space in the hole will allow it to shift.
In that thread, there is a link that I posted. It's called "how to attach a table top", or something like that. That shows you how to attach a top using buttons, and where to place them.

Are you going to have a long stretcher or just the panels as the legs? You get most of your movement from side to side, or cross grain.

Found the link thanks. I'll have a read of it. Good info. I wasn't going to have a stretcher, but it may provide better support.

here is an idea just guessing.

note rebate on leg panel to create a clean look.

jax screws were used.

cheers
conwood

Originally Posted by conwood

here is an idea just guessing.

note rebate on leg panel to create a clean look.

jax screws were used.

cheers
conwood

How does this allow for movement?



(In my opinion the metal angle bracket is not such a nice idea either.

Even screwing it together and plugging the screwholes is better.

Why not have a go at a proper woodwork joint? Or mitre the join with dowels, biscuits or domino's?)

Using dowels/dominos etc to attach the top to the legs was my first thought. However, when the top expands in it's width, the top will have no where to move and will most likely split the top.

If the sides (legs) panels are of the same material as the top, they will move the same so there in no need to allow for movement.

If you are introducing a metal bracket or a piece of timber long grain, then you have to allow for movement.

Bazza's just made one here: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f40/ja...-table-143910/
Maybe he'll tell you how he did it if you ask him nicely?

Hi Bernt,
Very little movement with just the screws. A larger gusset would provide more stability.
This was not a problem for me because I had a return on the desk which stopped all movement.
Here is another method I employ. This piece was made from old painters planks and bits and pieces.
I often use a support piece down low which aids rigidity and is ideal for resting feet and general "lounging" after a few drinkies.

cheers
conwood

Originally Posted by Bernt

If the sides (legs) panels are of the same material as the top, they will move the same so there in no need to allow for movement.

If you are introducing a metal bracket or a piece of timber long grain, then you have to allow for movement.

Hi Bernt - Is that true about the panel ends moving the same as the top if it is the same material? Thats an advantage if so. (excuse my ignorance, still learning). The reason for the metal bracket is that it looked easy given my skills are coming off a low base. Putting the panels together for the top may take all the skill I can muster! But I'll look into Domino's /Biscuits.

Richard - i have asked Daz-za the question. Thanks for the link.

Conwood - Thanks for the ideas. I was trying to keep the overall piece looking pretty clean, hence why I was trying to aviod a rail or similiar between the panels but the rebate might work.

Hi,

If the grain direction is the same, the panels will move the same as the top. You can just fix them together as strong as possible.

The more skilled way: Hidden dovetails in a mitred join. Or a very basic one of skrews trough the top neatly plugged. Dowels,dominos etc. are an option but with all there options you will be mainly relying on glue as well.

So if you want to be able to take the legs of, that is a different story.

In Daz-za's table there is end grain joint to long grain timber. Not sure how he has done this but in that case allowing for movement is crucial. Also I cant see how he fixed his legs to the top. I hope he pretty much hasn't used any glue in his construction.

In your case, if you are not going to have some kind of brace, you will have to go the non-removeable way for your legs otherwise you won't get it solid enough I think.

Be very careful when you do go for some kind of bracket that you allow for the movement, even screws in slots can split the top if they are done up tight. Since you are thinking of not having a brace, It will be very tempting to do the screws up tight so the legs become stable.

Good luck