Thread: Method to fix a simple leg to a desk top?

I assume the desk is to be of all solid timber construction?

If you expect to connect legs to top via a timber to timber only connection then I'm afraid it will be forever weak and liable to snap a leg off every time that desk is move or even just bumped into. The other thing to watch out for is people who sit on the edge of tables and desks.

They way I would do it is weld up a 5 mm thick flat steel strap frame that spans the distances between the legs and inset that into the underneath of the top - this would also strengthen the top. Where each leg was to be located I would double the thickness of the steel and drill and tap a 12 mm thread. Then I would epoxy a 12 mm bolt at least 200 mm long into the legs and screw each leg into the frame.

The pictured table looks like it uses square tube (steel) for the legs.

You [i]could[/] weld up a steel frame for the top to sit on, turn it all upside down, mark around the frame on the underside of the top to countersink it into, using a router.

You could also make the tabletop a bit "thicker" by the judicious use of trim around the edges to conceal any exposed frame.

But to make it all out of timber? It'll always be flimsy unless you use ridiculous amounts of concealed trickery-pokery.

Bob

typically that style of top is made from veneered MDF or particle board, is about 35mm thick and the legs are screwed into steel inserts or a steel plate similar to Bob L's steel strap
In solid wood, I suggest local thickening (two or three 1" layers) where the legs attach
use round tenons into round mortices to hold the legs -- or the steel plate and 1/2" steel machine screw
try and incorporate a rail on the sides without the moveable cabinets

Hi,
Thank you each for the advice and suggestions. I've heeded the advice and have rethought so as to use steel legs spot welded to a plate and screwed to the top. Also the back and one side is now to be fixed via wall battens so all should be firm. The desk top is in an alcove situation, well sort of, and won't be moved.
Thanks again for the help.
Regards,
Bob H.