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  1. 12th April 2016, 08:05 PM #1
    GarethR's Avatar
    GarethR
    GarethR is offline Senior Member
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    Question Tabletop - how to attach to legs and apron

    I'm working on a small solid wooden coffee table and needing to know how best to attach the tabletop to the legs and apron. The table will live inside (Wellington) which experiences some shifts in humidity over the year but nothing too drastic.

    The tabletop is made up of 3 laminated pieces of Fijian Kauri with total (laminated) dimensions of 550mmX890mmX22mm (Width X Length X Thickness). The Kauri is quatersawn with near vertical grain, for the most part. The legs and apron are made of Jarrah. I was originally thinking of attaching the tabletop directly to the legs using 4 corner blocks. I'm now considering using wooden buttons to affix the tabletop to the apron (via slots) to accommodate seasonal movement.

    The corner blocks will be quicker and easier but won't accommodate movement if there is any.

    Any suggestions on which option might be better? Corner blocks okay or too risky?

    Thanks.
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  3. 12th April 2016, 08:38 PM #2
    Luke Maddux
    Luke Maddux is offline GOLD MEMBER
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    I definitely would use shrinkage buttons. They're extremely easy to make and fit.

    If you have access to "The Essential Woodworker" there is a section in it on making them.

    Buttons combined with quartersawn stock and you're golden.

    Hope that helps.

    Cheers,
    Luke
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  4. 12th April 2016, 08:54 PM #3
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    GarethR
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    Thanks Luke,

    Have a copy of Robert Wearing's book. I forgot to look so thanks for the reminder.

    Cheers,

    Gareth
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  5. 13th April 2016, 05:03 PM #4
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    Christos
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    Quote Originally Posted by Luke Maddux View Post
    I definitely would use shrinkage buttons. They're extremely easy to make and fit......

    I agree, buttons....you can also used figure eights.
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  6. 13th April 2016, 05:13 PM #5
    Lappa
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    Agree with both the above however another option is a "Z" bracket/clip.
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  7. 15th April 2016, 05:09 AM #6
    rrich Guest

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    I prefer the figure 8 method. You can make your own from pieces of 10mm wide, 3mm thick steel or aluminum. Drill clearance holes for flat head screws and countersink the holes on opposite sides.
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  8. 16th April 2016, 06:11 AM #7
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    clear out
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    I use buttons and make them to fit lamello slots rather than run a saw cut along the rail.
    H.
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  9. 17th April 2016, 09:22 PM #8
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    GarethR
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    Thanks all.

    Had some offcuts from legs and aprons so decided to make some buttons. They've come out looking good. Receiving slots cut and tabletop awaiting fitting once I've sourced some screws.
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