DF500 and Table Top

[SoonerFan]

I need to build a table top and am planning to use Ash or Maple.  I plan to use 8/4 (about 50mm) material.  I have a DF500 but not a DF700.  This is the only time I have needed a DF700 since I got the DF500 about 7 years ago.  I don't really want to purchase DF700 even if I could find one which is not likely. 

Could I double stack 10mm X 50mm tenons every 250 mm so and be successful if properly glued?  I would place one tenon 10mm from the top and then another tenon 10mm from the bottom.  The table top will be approximately 1800 mm long (joining about five boards) by 900mm width.  It's a coffee table for a present.  I plan on legs on the ends and a support in the middle of the table.  All legs wold be the width of the table.

Is this a realistic approach?  Other option would be to use dowels and my drill press but the Domino is just so fast/simple to use.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[ChuckM]

The short answer is yes, because dominoes add only a minimal amount of strength to edge-to-edge joints.

Double/twin tenons add joinery strength in general.

 

[Scott in San Diego]

For my take, in your case you really don't need any dominoes for edge-to-edge joint strength. The glue line alone will be plenty strong.  That said, I would use a single row of dominoes for alignment during glue-up clamping.  Your DF500 size dominoes are big enough.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Could I double stack 10mm X 50mm tenons every 250 mm so and be successful if properly glued? 
Thanks in advance for any input.

I'm a big fan of the double stack, but in your case, it is probably not necessary. Dominoes don't add strength to an edge-to-edge joint. They keep the faces aligned, but they don't add strength. One 10mm should get the job done in 8/4 stock for face alignment.

Now, for those 8/4 legs...you bet...double side to side and maybe up and down, like Chuck showed.

 

[binettea]

Agreed. In the OP's case, dominos would only help with alignment.

 

[Birdhunter]

Are you doing breadboard ends?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

No need for doubles. The primary benefit to the Dominos for a table surface glue-up is keeping the tops of the boards perfectly registered so you have less sanding to do after things are cured. The glue is what does the work.