How to Attach a Table Top to Allow for Wood Movement

Рет қаралды 84,063

3 жыл бұрын

Let me show you how to install a table top to the base the right way. It is very important that you do not screw the top to the table aprons. If you do that, then you could cause your wood table top to split or break. There is a proper way to attach a table top to the base. This method works when attaching tops to desks, tables, end tables and more. Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description and they help support this channel.
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Пікірлер: 141

@John-yt5zr 4 ай бұрын

Ahhh the good old days, when he actually made things and gave informative advice. Bring that back please.

@TheDeathblowX 3 жыл бұрын

My favorite part about this channel is that I've been able to grow and develop my skills as you've grown and developed your skills over the past few years.

@schmittytrucker3845 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this again. I was a bit disappointed when I clicked on it yesterday and it was private.

@joeyleerobbins 3 жыл бұрын

A great way also to attach table tops with the z clips is using a slot cutting bit in your router this way you don't have to hold the router sideways but in the upright position which is a little easier to manage. This was a great video with awesome tips! Thank you!

@user-ii8fz4sf6h 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for this. I usually use pocket screws but I built a castle joint L desk and wanted it to be able to tear down multiple times without losing its strength . I had no idea this was a thing. Much appreciated

@mkhenebuli7903 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you a lot, just what I needed. Just recently finished making a 3 door cabinet from shutterply and did the top on pine wood 38 × 152s.

@CleverWoodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Good info, I have never used these as I have a huge box of stretcher plates; however, I do like the pre-emptive cut with the table saw on the apron. Proof that some forethought can go a long way. Thanks for the video….

@hearthandhomehayes6462 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for showing us this video! I’ve used the figure 8’s before, but really think the Z clips will work well on some of my future builds.

@joshbradley3192 3 жыл бұрын

Just about to finish up a dinner table and was wondering how to attach the top. Thanks for posting this video right when I needed it lol 👊

@sportstertaco 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. The way I cut the slots is with a biscuit joiner. Set the correct depth, plunge it and slide it across the piece.

@annezimmerman4262 Жыл бұрын

I love your videos, straight and to the point! Thank you 🥰

@guybowers9094 3 жыл бұрын

Great simple way to attach the top going to pick some up

@cedaroakfarm8596 2 жыл бұрын

Never saw these used before, great idea, great video. I'll use these for sure.

@lisakelley9451 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely lovely table. Very nice.

@pmelchman 3 жыл бұрын

Short and sweet and to the point, great video Matt

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate it!

@simonmountford4291 Жыл бұрын

I'm about to undertake making my first ever table 😮that is after taking up woodwork for a hobby a few months ago...I've been asked by a relative (I bet you've all heard that one before🤔😄) to make a very small very tall corner table to hold all their IT routers ext...thanks for this video 🤓👍

@pritchettsprojects9788 3 жыл бұрын

Man that is great advice! Can't wait for this build video, and I think it is pretty cool how you are growing in your craft!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@mikeclark2720 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video Matt! I’m about to venture into table building once I get my shop completely set up where I want it. Jonesboro woodworker here, so I’m glad to have a fellow Arkansan to watch and learn from. 🤟🏻

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

👊

@dentonjordan6992 3 жыл бұрын

3:40 very cool effect. Good tips. Appreciated. 👊🏻

@tremektko1617 Жыл бұрын

Awesome tutorial. Tks brother

@stanwiggins3423 3 жыл бұрын

One thing you didn't mention Matt, is that by using the Rockler clips, you can also remove and replace the table top if you need to with minimal time and effort. In case you wanted to remove the top to do some insert work, or carve out a design and fill with epoxy later and didn't want the hassle of having it attached to the legs, these clips make removal a snap. Great video my friend, as always.

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

That’s right. Thank you

@tedpuckett2779 3 жыл бұрын

Handy....nice T-shirt as well.

@madking35pinoywood36 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. Didn't even think about using a biscuit joiner.

@daviddejulio863 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt!

@davidboston4574 3 жыл бұрын

I do the slit, on table saw works out perfect! Thanks Matt great video…

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Right on!

@gjanalog5675 Жыл бұрын

Nice! Helpful!

@norm5785 3 жыл бұрын

Just a great solution

@willcampbell8984 3 жыл бұрын

That desk looks Awesome!! Ambrosia Maple is definitely my favorite now lol

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

lol

@AfterBurn65 3 жыл бұрын

Love the work man. Just when I needed it!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

👊🏻

@philliplanfre347 11 ай бұрын

Easy to install and sturdy

@avrilcox4442 3 жыл бұрын

This is so unbelievably helpful. I struggled with adding my top to my coffee bar, mostly because I used a router which still scares me a bit. But I’m totally ready to try again

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@paulwillis9380 3 жыл бұрын

This video was perfect timing I just came home from Lowe's looking for some of those fasteners I'm building a coffee table happened to get on KZfaq when I came home and Wallah there was your video lol

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

lol awesome

@martinvanrooyen6627 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Matt.awsome way to attach.table top.thanks for the video

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

👊🏻

@moosewerks6646 3 жыл бұрын

Great job as always!!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Moose!

@MarriedManWoodworking 3 жыл бұрын

Nice. Keep the videos coming.

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

thank you

@HowIDoThingsDIY 3 жыл бұрын

I learned something new! Subscribed!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@paulmood308 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Matt. These shorts will get a ton of views. 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

thank you! 👊

@dbassett74 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@benjamingerow5650 2 жыл бұрын

Ooohhhh that was a nice Lil tip

@d.k.1394 Ай бұрын

Lovely

@beautallman8358 Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you made this video. I just build a farmhouse style table and I DID NOT want to screw the top to the base. However the style I built, I don’t have long side aprons. Do I trust only using the fasteners on the ends?

@jamesonhahn953 3 жыл бұрын

I have the similar ryobi router and edge guide but wanted to make sure I used the correct kind of straight bit for the slots. I know they make a few kinds of straight bits and wanted to ask which ones you use? Love the channel btw, I purchased the farmhouse package of plans you sell and been building like crazy lately! Thanks in advance!

@richardlaymance9984 3 жыл бұрын

Did I see a CNC operating in the background? I love those clips. Nice job

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Yes you did. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zpqah5CVv86-noU.html

@johncoleman76 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video! I use this method with the router and the Z clips. Guess how I learned it? 731 all day!!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

👊

@Brian-tb1zs 2 жыл бұрын

Matt, Question, on a wide tabletop would it be a good idea to only Z clip the ends and cross members not the long sides of the frame/apron ? Could the clips on the long sides inhibit the width expansion, or is the width expansion not so much that the clips can move into the slot. Hope this question makes sense. Really appreciate your channel ! 👍

@greatgrandpaswoodworking 3 жыл бұрын

Great information. Beautiful table. Is that Ambrosia Maple?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Yes sir it is. Full build videos coming out Thursday on it.

@kdcoogler 2 жыл бұрын

I used fasteners like these for a few projects, a table for my laundry room and also a side table that I was planning to sell. The top on the end table never seemed to be secure and I could pretty much move it in any direction with a slight touch. The laundry room table top was secure initially but after a few months the top was moving on it as well. It kind of stopped my plans for being a woodworker. I don’t want to sell a table only for people to say that the table top is moving all around a month later. I’m not sure what I did wrong.

@joelw6215 3 жыл бұрын

I usually drill about 10-15 ( 1/4" ) lags around the apron. Just so it won't move.

@lawman1965 2 жыл бұрын

Matt, fixing the Z clips down the length of the top (with the grain), does that prevent the top expanding across its width? The clips look like they'd prevent expansion that way (though not contraction). I've used this same method but only on the ends and one side so the wood had space to move.

@pimc172 Жыл бұрын

Exactly... The zclip is not enough, it has to be able to move into the apron

@langhamp8912 3 жыл бұрын

You can stop wood from expanding by plugging the ends with wood glue, paint, or lacquer. This would need to include the table top and the skirts, and you'd have to skip pocket holes and other such screws where moisture can enter, but once done this way even larger tables can be directly glued to their skirts without wood expansion concerns. The drawback, of course, is that any hole in the submarine sinks it.

@vietnamvet6474 2 жыл бұрын

Is necessary to put them on the long apron since they don't expand are contract?

@petethehandyman9185 3 жыл бұрын

Check out figure 8 fasteners. Great for attaching tabletops

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Yes they are

@ReigningWaterfowl 3 жыл бұрын

He says that 10 seconds in to the video lol

@petethehandyman9185 3 жыл бұрын

@@ReigningWaterfowl oops I missed it

@GrantButler 3 жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts on L shaped ones that just use 2 screws?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

I think they work well too. I think they call them buttons.

@thollin57 3 жыл бұрын

Great tip. What type of wood did you use for the top?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

This is ambrosia maple

@ericeinsmann5559 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video! I'll admit I've yet to make my first table. I had imagined I would just use pocket screws to attach the table top. These clips look like they will work too. Which do you think is better? God bless!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

These clips. If you use pocket screws it won’t allow for movement of the wood

@ericeinsmann5559 3 жыл бұрын

@@731Woodworks makes sense. I will have to get some. Thanks 👊

@bryancannon631 2 жыл бұрын

Doesn't rockler say not to install them on all 4 sides. Just install them on 2 sides parallel to the grain

@jachaff4976 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Matt, Great Vid and beautiful table. Will you be offering plans on this table?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Yes I will

@jachaff4976 3 жыл бұрын

@@731Woodworks Cool, I will keep on eye on your store

@DougJohnson1 3 жыл бұрын

How many clips would you think were necessary for a small table top, say about 16 inches square? After seeing you use only eight or so on this much larger table, I'm starting to think I've been using way too many. Thanks for the video! -Doug

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

no more than four

@mak4374 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of wood did you use for the table top? It looks like pine, but it has more "character" than the boards they sell at Home Depot. Also, what kind of finish did you use? Thank you for a great idea :)

@731Woodworks 2 жыл бұрын

It's ambrosia maple. Build video here kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bbR7jKRjuLDVmGQ.html

@alpha_ray_burst 2 жыл бұрын

"BOI GIT OUT MAH HAIR" LMAO

@731Woodworks 2 жыл бұрын

lol

@markray3733 3 жыл бұрын

Which is better to use, pressure treated wood or normal pine 2x4s?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

depends on what you are making

@crazyfool710 3 жыл бұрын

Would those clips be able to handle the weight if you were to lift the table by holding the table top? For instance, you wanted to move it to another location or area.

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah for sure.

@crazyfool710 3 жыл бұрын

Thank your for the reply. I enjoy your videos!

@arthurchenoweth7897 3 жыл бұрын

I have a method that has proven good for about 30 years. Make two spreaders between the long sides of the frame. Dovetail the top edge. Dovetail the ends so they lock into the long sides of the frame. Cut the female of the sliding dovetail into the underside of the top. Assemble the top tothe runners and tha runners the frame. Kind of eloquent actually.

@mattwick6665 3 жыл бұрын

Question from a novice: those clips look quite loose in the routed slots. Does this make the top move about in general use though?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

No, when you install the screws, they tighten up

@matthewsmith5894 3 жыл бұрын

Do you ship your tables, and how? We make live edge, red cedar dining tables that weigh about 100# each. The problem is we have to ship the legs detached (they’re hairpin style) and some customers complain about us selling “ikea” furniture.

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

I don't ship larger items

@shughes599 Жыл бұрын

Can you demonstrate a smidgen on a tape measure?

@MrSalvaan 2 жыл бұрын

Would a 1/4 straight router bit be ok for this? The bit you are using looks larger than 1/8… thanks in advance!

@731Woodworks 2 жыл бұрын

yes that would work. It's an 1/8" bit I have

@Daniel-li1jt 3 жыл бұрын

Good Video. What happened to your Delta Cruzer Miter?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

I gave it to someone locally who needed it

@watertownfddotcom 2 жыл бұрын

Great video but I have a question, should they be snug when screwed down, or shouldn’t there be play in the top?

@731Woodworks 2 жыл бұрын

I snug them up. Don't want the top loosely sliding around.

@borednomad Жыл бұрын

Do I need z clips for a plywood top with plywood apron, or would glue and a crown staples work?

@731Woodworks Жыл бұрын

Nope. Plywood doesn't expand / contract. You can glue it, screw it or staple it down and it'll be just fine.

@borednomad Жыл бұрын

@@731Woodworks Thank you so much for the reply. That was what I was thinking, but I’m a beginner and needed that advice from a skilled wood worker.

@HomeNectar 3 жыл бұрын

👊

@karlriley1314 3 жыл бұрын

Hey ya got a CNC how about shown some stuff??

@chrisgosser1286 3 жыл бұрын

I prefer the figure 8"s

@wisconsinwoodsman1987 3 жыл бұрын

What options exist if I have no biscuit cutter, router, or table saw?

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Chisel and hammer?

@kodajetoutlaw 3 жыл бұрын

First!!!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

YAY!

@NewBeginningNewCreation 3 жыл бұрын

Here after watching the first version of this video and made it private 😎

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

lol I made a mistake and had to delete that one and re-upload.

@NewBeginningNewCreation 3 жыл бұрын

@@731Woodworks you got two watches out of me for the same video though, winning

@jackofmosttrades9127 3 жыл бұрын

I had learned dado is cut across the grain and groove is cut along the grain of the board. Can anyone else weigh in?

@cjlures8618 3 жыл бұрын

right ,he is only an apprentice

@jackofmosttrades9127 3 жыл бұрын

@@cjlures8618 idk about that. I’m not gonna pick on the guy. I like his channel and the stuff he builds. I wish I could quit my LE job and build cabinets for a living too.

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

@@cjlures8618 you’re so right! I am an apprentice of Jesus!

@iguesi 3 жыл бұрын

Or a Chisel!

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

correct

@e-spy 3 жыл бұрын

k, what if you have neither router nor ditto whatever? I got miter saw, level, drill. that's it. Okay, got clamps.

@robertjohnston5842 3 жыл бұрын

You can do it with a drill, but keeping it at a certain depth and straight will be near impossible with out a jig of some sort. You will need a tape measure for sure. It can be done, but it will be slow going.

@731Woodworks 3 жыл бұрын

Make a small jig to use with your drill

@e-spy 3 жыл бұрын

@@robertjohnston5842 thank you, I hadn't thought of that. I can make a jig, and try that out.