Table Top Fastening

[Azor HomeatShop]

The demo video shows a table top being fastened to an under structure, apparently, without any consideration of wood movement.  How does this work out?  Is there something inherently in this joining apporach that allows wood movement?

Dick

[Hugh Clare]

I don't think the wood movement is so great that it's an issue. I certainly wouldn't glue a table top down, though.

[Azor HomeatShop]

Hi Hugh,

Thanks for the reply. I would like to try this approach on an end table I am presently working on.

Dick


Hugh Clare said:

I don't think the wood movement is so great that it's an issue. I certainly wouldn't glue a table top down, though.

[Don Harris]

Hi Dick,
I have consulted two professional woodworkers on this subject. Their opinion is if the finished product will be in an air-conditioned location the amount of movement would most likely not cause any problem, the caveat seems to be the top should be small enough that any movement would be minimal, not recommended for large table tops under any circumstances!

[Azor HomeatShop]

Well, hmmm. This table will live in an un air conditioned room during an Az summer so I may have a problem with pocket screw fastener joinery for the top and wood movement. That said, the top is only 20 1/2" square made of 3/4" Red Oak [mostly from the local Lowes]. A more classical approach is the use of "square button pieces" with tongues fastened to the top's underside that slip into milled slots of the table aprons. I've also seen an alternate method like this using biscuits. It might be the safest way to go.

Dick

Don Harris said:

Hi Dick,
I have consulted two professional woodworkers on this subject. Their opinion is if the finished product will be in an air-conditioned location the amount of movement would most likely not cause any problem, the caveat seems to be the top should be small enough that any movement would be minimal, not recommended for large table tops under any circumstances!

[Robert J Guidry Sr]

Here are some fastners for table & Desk tops that are easy to install that you might be interested in, you have to drill a small pocket for the rails and screw into the bottom of the top. They work well.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=786&filter=table%20hard...

[Azor HomeatShop]

Thanks, Yes, they are easy to work with. I used the desktop fasteners last year when I made some bed side tables [no drawers]. I have not yet carefully checked them out, but the tops of these end tables are veneered plywood so this hardware was a backup. I thought I would do something different this time, but pocket hole joinery may not be the best choice for regular wood that lives in Arizona summers.

Robert J Guidry Sr said:

Here are some fastners for table & Desk tops that are easy to install that you might be interested in, you have to drill a small pocket for the rails and screw into the bottom of the top. They work well.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=786&filter=table%20hard...