How would you attach the top?

[rjwz28]

I am making several of these clocks for gifts for Christmas and want to know how I should attach the top?  The clock is 9" tall and the top is 8" wide by 1/2" thick.  The sides are 2" wide by 3/4" thick.  I know the sides I can just glue them to the center piece as that would be long grain to long grain.  But the top will be end grain to long grain.  Does it  really matter in this case as it is more for looks than strength?  Am I overthinking this?  Should I just glue it with yellow glue or epoxy and leave it as that or do I need to put some small Dominos in there?  The Dominos would only go in the top a hair over 1/4" anyways.  And I think I would have a hard time registering the mortises in the tops.  If just glued, I think it would hold but worry if it was knocked over on a table or shelf.

The woods are sapele and mango.

Thanks All,
Rob

 

[Theshipstore]

Rob
Based on what I am seeing I do not see any reason why 5mm domino's wouldn't work to secure the top to the sides, with the 3/4 sides and 1/2 inch top added length to the plunge on the side and shorter plunge on the top should do it, I would think

Sal

 

[rjwz28]

Rob
Based on what I am seeing I do not see any reason why 5mm domino's wouldn't work to secure the top to the sides, with the 3/4 sides and 1/2 inch top added length to the plunge on the side and shorter plunge on the top should do it, I would think

Sal

Sal, I can only go into the top a little over 1/4".  Do you think that will help?  I think it's too shallow to make a significant difference.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Theshipstore]

Rob  
     I don't see that being a problem ,maybe going to the 4mm domino's might work better for you this way your depth would only be 10mm on each side ( approx 3/8" ) I would think two or three in the sides would be good and strong once glued up.
Can't really tell by the drawing is the center piece below the top or touching the top, if touching I would add domino's there also
Sal

 

[James Metcalf]

I built five out of 1/4 sawn oak. One for each of my children. Made the top 5/8 thick, which is a little thicker than the plan calls for. Used tite bond 3. This was the year the Domino came out.  All five have been in homes where Grandchildren are and there have been no problems.
Medical batteries for the clock last longer. Wish you well. I thought it was a fun project.

 

[rjwz28]

I built five out of 1/4 sawn oak. One for each of my children. Made the top 5/8 thick, which is a little thicker than the plan calls for. Used tite bond 3. This was the year the Domino came out.  All five have been in homes where Grandchildren are and there have been no problems.
Medical batteries for the clock last longer. Wish you well. I thought it was a fun project.

So James, did you just glue it without anything else or with the Domino's?

Rob

 

[James Metcalf]

Used Domino,s.