Oak Table and Glass.

[Lbob131]

The  table in  this link  has  a  toughened  glass  centre  piece..http://www.heartwoodconstruction.co.uk/furniture

If you  are  laying glass  into a table  like that  where  movement might occur, what  is the best method?

How much clearance  on the sides  would  you allow?
And if  you leave  a small space to allow for shrinkage  then  what would be  the best product  to fill  the gap  and still  allow  some  movement.

All I can think off  is a high quality clear silicone. :-\
The timber would be oak.

Many Thanks  for any help.

 

[Svar]

The piece of glass in the link is quite narrow. So your only concern is shrinking/swelling across that 20 cm or so. I would not expect oak to move more than a millimeter across that width. I'd make a rabbet and just place the glass flush with the surface without attaching it with anything or filling the gap. I would however put some padding on the bottom of the rabbet, perhaps a rubber strip.

 

[Lbob131]

Thanks Svar.
I was imagining  the movement  over the whole width. [unsure]

How do you think the  legs are attached  to the top? What would be the best method?

 

[Svar]

How do you think the  legs are attached  to the top? What would be the best method?

My guess is dowels or tenons, or secured with metal brackets. The three set of X-legs are connected by thick metal rod and must be stable on their own and the slab simply rests on them. Just like piece of ply on saw horses.
Often in large heavy slab tables the legs and the top are easily separated for moving and transportation.

 

[Lbob131]

Thanks again. [smile]