Table Top Flat While I Work on the Rest?

the longer you leave the top off the table the better chance you have of it warping on you. i would get the base pretty close then work on the top.

-- Roper - master of sawdust-

You can clamp a couple of cauls to the ends of the tabletop and set it aside.

-- Don, Pittsburgh

Don’s suggestion is a good one. I would also recommend you stand the top in a vertical position. Wood is more stable when stored vertically.Make sure that the edges are touching a wall or support equally so as to keep proper pressures on the board. It might twist if only one edge is touching.

-- Oldworld, Fair Oaks, Ca

You could also add bread-board ends to the top, which would add value and longevity to the final product as-well-as keep it flat while you make the base.

-- -...(insert inspiring phrase /quote)

Good tips. I really don’t like bread-board ends, so I’m going to pass on that. I think I’ll do a combination of the above suggestions. I’ll keep the table top disassembled until I finish the legs. Then once the legs are done I’ll do the table top and try the cauls method until I finish the aprons.