4-Column Pedestal Table?

[Matthew Schenker]

Hey Everyone,
I'm in the process of building the 4-column pedestal table shown here:
[attachimg=1]

To attach the table top to the pedestal columns, I plan to build an X-shaped cross-brace which is mortised onto the four columns, then attached to the top either with screws or table-top fasteners.  I'll also use mortises to attach the columns to the feet.

Of course, I plan to use the Domino for the mortise-and-tenon joinery.

But I want to dip into the pool of knowledge here and ask if anyone has other suggestions for attaching the columns of the pedestal to the table top.  Feel free to share your suggestions, and I promise to attach a photo when the project is done!

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Eli]

It would be more difficult exponentially, but if you wanted a challenge, how about laminating a circular apron? ;D

 

[Jim McFarland]

Matthew, for the specific problem of attaching a table top to a cross member:  I've have good results on much smaller table tops with screw slot bits using OF1400/guide rail/rail stops to control the slot length.  The router bits I use can be found here.  I prefer the one for counterbored screws.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Jim,
Thanks.  That's a good solution for creating the slotted holes for the cross member.  That takes care of attaching the cross member to the table top.

Do you think using Dominoes to attach the columns to the cross member is strong enough?

Matthew

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Matthew, if you are turning those columns yourself, why not attach them to the base and top X-brace members with integral tenons and a wedge, as is commonly done with turned legs of chairs and stools.  I have made several small single-post tables and stools this way and none of those joints have ever broken or become loose.  If you adopt this round M&T technique, be careful to orient the wedge slot so as not to split the through mortise.  A couple of dominos in each post to X-member ought to be sufficient.

Dave R.

 

[southern_guy]

How about attaching the cross members to the legs by way of sliding dovetail.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Matthew, if you are turning those columns yourself, why not attach them to the base and top X-brace members with integral tenons and a wedge, as is commonly done with turned legs of chairs and stools.  I have made several small single-post tables and stools this way and none of those joints have ever broken or become loose.  If you adopt this round M&T technique, be careful to orient the wedge slot so as not to split the through mortise.  A couple of dominos in each post to X-member ought to be sufficient.

Interesting.  Actually, the columns are going to be square, not round  But looking at the drawing I posted, they do look round, don't they?  Maybe I stumbled upon an idea here.

How about attaching the cross members to the legs by way of sliding dovetail.

Another possibility.  I've been wanting to experiment more with sliding dovetails.

Thanks everyone for the opinions!

Matthew

 

[Jim McFarland]

Matthew, the prior suggestions are probably much more practical but you might also try a "captive pinned tenon" if your cross member can be built up from laminated stock (e.g. 4/4 and 2/4 stock to result in 6/4 laminate cross member).  I think I've seen a procedure for this somewhere but can't recall where so take this with a grain of salt as I've not actually done it:

1) Dry fit cross member laminates and post(s), clamp and cut mortise for appropriate (assume large!) Domino
2) Separate laminates and route slot in one inside face for a captive tenon pin (core box bit should work)
3) Fit Domino in laminate mortise and mark pin location
4) Remove Domino and drill hole for hw dowel or brass pin
5) Glue and assemble pinned Domino and cross member laminates
6) Glue laminate cross member with the protruding tenon in post top
7) Drill and pin post tenon

You could use a contrasting hw dowel or brass in the post as an interesting touch for those friends/family who might crouch down to view your work!

This is probably a "knucklehead" idea and impractical for any number of reasons but yet another method to try.

Be sure to post pictures if you try and this actually works!

In case you haven't guessed I really favor pinned tenons.

Giving this more thought -- max Domino length of 50mm probably makes this impractical.  By the time you pass through 6/4 cross member you won't have much of the Domino in the post to make this pinning of much use.  Sorry for the dumb idea.