Table Top Attachment

I would use the table top fasteners ,probably the kerf type,but if you have the thing built and ready use the figure 8 type-quick n easy.

-- They just don't get my chub on.-Bertha on modern handplanes

Thanks for your reply. It’s ready for assembly, except i will need to either drill pockets for the screws or a dado for the fasteners. Jury is still out. :)

.....rookieII

With a top of that size, you must consider wood movement. I don’t know how you do that with pocket screws.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

What kind of timber did you use?

26” of pine could shrink between 1/8-1/4”

You could attach it with buttons – or table stretcher plates with an elongated hole.

-- Do or do not, there is no try

Lumber used is kiln dried cherry.

...rookieII

I would definitely use tabletop fasteners.

Just as an aside, if you have a biscuit joiner, that’s a real easy way to cut a kerf for a fastener.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Charlie…...what a great idea!!!

How far down from the top of the rail do I either cut a biscuit slot or the dado?

....rookieII

I use the type below. You just want to make the distance between the top of the apron and the top of the slot a tad greater than the height of the fastener itself. That way, there will be some tension on it when you tighten the screw.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

If you don’t want the top to split use table top fasteners or some system that always for wood movement. You can’t stop it, don’t try.

-- Bondo Gaposis

I’m with Rich and Charlie on the use of the table top fasteners, as well as adding a bit to create the tension to hold the top tightly onto the apron. You should be able to get an accurate measurement by using the picture above as an example. By that, I mean, set everything upside down on your workbench and then set the fastener at a 90-degree angle from where you see it in the picture. Mark your depth by using the actual fastener as a reference, then add a touch for the spring tension.

-- Jonathan, Denver, CO "Constructive criticism is welcome and valued as it gives me new perspectives and helps me to advance as a woodworker."

Alright. The jury is in, and the finding is: I’ll use table top fasteners. I’ll rustle down to the Rockler store tomorrow and pick up a couple of bags (I’ve another table to build when this one is done). I’ll practice on some scrap to get the setting right.

Thanks folks. Yer the best.

....rookieII

Good idea on practicing on scrap. That’ll take care of the trial and error on getting the tension you want.

-- Jonathan, Denver, CO "Constructive criticism is welcome and valued as it gives me new perspectives and helps me to advance as a woodworker."

Ok. Update time. Followed you alls suggestion and used the table top fasteners.

Expand at will!!

...rookieII