MFT3 Extension Table - Need Some Guidance

[Patrick Cox]

I am finishing up an extension table for my MFT3.  It was based on the MFTC cart design by Timothy.  My first question is around attaching the folding legs to the table.

I have drilled 3/8" holes through the legs and through the 3/4" plywood table and now I need to install a 3/8" dowel to secure the legs to the table so that they can also swing out.  The problem I am having is that the dowel is very tight when trying to insert into the hole.  Is this normal?  Should I just hammer it in?  I am worried about splitting the wood.  Should I maybe add some wax?  Or should I sand the dowel down?  Thanks for your guidance and here are some pictures.

 

[Patrick Cox]

Here is a bit more information...

I measured the dowel with my calipers and I get exactly 3/8".  When I measure the hole diameter with the calipers I get 23/64.  So I think the dowel is 1/64" larger in diameter than the hole.  So I just need suggestions for assembling this.  Do I need to sand the dowel just a bit?  Or should I add some wax to the dowel and hammer it in?  Or just hammer it in?  I think those are my options.

Thanks!

Pat

 

[mrFinpgh]

Hey Pat,

Why not make the hole a little bit wider? For what it's going to need to do, I'd think you want it to be able to rotate without a lot of resistance. 

Best,
Adam

 

[mkasdin]

Why the dowel, Could you use a bolt and then tighten it down? Also could you enlarge the hole and sleeve it with a bushing then run a bolt thru. Or is it looks ?

 

[Patrick Cox]

Why the dowel, Could you use a bolt and then tighten it down? Also could you enlarge the hole and sleeve it with a bushing then run a bolt thru. Or is it looks ?

Thanks.  I am sure I could use your other suggested methods.  I am very new to this and am just going by a design I saw online.