Knockdown connector for a mitered panel

dltflt

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Jan 18, 2008
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I’m building an L shaped desk for my granddaughter and I want a waterfall edge that can be assembled on site. What type of connector would you recommend?
 
Lamello makes a few connectors for knock down furniture (45 degree) I researched it prior, but I don’t own the tool, others on FOG have working knowledge. I called Lamello before and spoke with a technical sales rep, they are in Southern California. The question is, if it’s a one time assemble a domino should work? The lamello is an interesting connector since it (clamex?) will also lock itself with a blind Allen bolt.
 
mkasdin said:
Lamello makes a few connectors for knock down furniture (45 degree) I researched it prior, but I don’t own the tool, others on FOG have working knowledge. I called Lamello before and spoke with a technical sales rep, they are in Southern California. The question is, if it’s a one time assemble a domino should work? The lamello is an interesting connector since it (clamex?) will also lock itself with a blind Allen bolt.
It definitely is not a one time assemble. I hope this will go to her children when that time comes so I need to be able to pull it apart multiple times. I’m also trying not to buy another tool. I would probably buy the Festool connector set before I buy another tool and figure out a way to make them work which I have an idea already. Just looking for possible other solutions.
 
I completely understand... I would still call lamello. I believe there is a way to use the cutter and double up the cut to accommodate the width of the plastic connector use a biscuit joiner? If it’s a large panel at a 45 miter then the Festool connector could work, I’m guessing.
 
Thanks Dane, that is what I was looking for. I am going to give them a try on the desk.
 
If anyone discovers how to use the Festool connectors on a 45 degree joint, please post it.
 
Hide the connector...
On the waterfall desk you could attach cleats on the inside of the miter to each piece.  Alternate the 'L' so that your connectors will pull the joint vertically and horizontally.
This all assumes that you can hide the inside of the joint - IE you have drawers or some kind of cover panel.

Or you could domino and glue the miter then cut a seam below that joint that you can use Dominos to align and connectors to secure.
Depending on the wood, the seam may not be noticeable.
 
Birdhunter said:
If anyone discovers how to use the Festool connectors on a 45 degree joint, please post it.
I got a response from Festool and they do not work on 45° Miters. I’m going to try the striplox connector.
 
@ Don T

What Id do as the top is made separate, is use dominoes for alignment insure its at a 90, ise some brackets on the inside of the waterfall so they cant be seen from the top. you can easily preassmble the top place it on the desk and remove it to disassemble it when the times comes.

 
Lamello Clamex will do it no problem. But, you probably need to find someone with a Lamello Zeta P2 for a one-off job.  You CANNOT make the slot with a standard biscuit jointer.
 
simonh said:
Lamello Clamex will do it no problem. But, you probably need to find someone with a Lamello Zeta P2 for a one-off job.  You CANNOT make the slot with a standard biscuit jointer.

Not true! You absolutely can. They actually went to the trouble to make this work. It is not exactly the same, because a biscuit joiner cannot do the up-down movement like the Zeta P2, but the diameter of the blades is the same.
You just have to make the slot in two plunges at two different heights to get the groove wide enough. The connectors will not "roll in" and be held by the wood, (as intended) But, the fittings are designed  to be screwed in place, they have holes in the ends for that reason.

This is part of what makes the Lamello such a great unit. I use them in conjunction with Dominos all the time. Dominos are great for alignment and considerably less costly, but they cannot pull the joint together. The Clamex or Tenso will.
 
I would avoid plastic connectors on what's essentially a table leg. Unless you are using them as clamps for proper joinery.
 
Svar said:
I would avoid plastic connectors on what's essentially a table leg. Unless you are using them as clamps for proper joinery.
My plan is to have dominos in the miter and use the connector to pull it together. I will also have pocket holes from the skirting. I’m hoping that will work.
 
[member=2912]Don T[/member]

You have the Connector set?

Been holding out on me?
 
jobsworth said:
[member=2912]Don T[/member]

You have the Connector set?

Been holding out on me?
No, I want to but it does not work on mitered joints. Second is the price. I just need to come with more projects that need to be knockdown to justify that cost.
 
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