Production of a table with removable joints with only DF 500

[Mike35x95x1]

I plan to make a smaller table (170cm x 95cm) with the possibility of partial unfolding for easy transport. The legs on the shorter side will be connected to the aprons firmly using dominos. On the longer side, I would like to be able to dismantle them, but unfortunately I only have a Domino 500. The tabletop will be screwed to the aprons (and to the legs) in several places. I found some connectors (for example 203168) on the Festool website. Can these connectors be used for my purpose or will I not be able to do it without the Domino 700? Thanks for any advice.

 

[ChuckM]

I built a 24"x48" (61cmx122cm) knock-down worktable for a neighbor using the DF500 connectors, exactly the way you want. You didn't say how big the legs, stretchers, etc. would be. Use double connectors for strength where you can.

Rock solid:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

Btw, you must have some bigger tables as 170x95 is not small: 37"x67". Many dining tables are of that size for 6 chairs. But the support structure is usally smaller than the top.

 

[Mike35x95x1]

Hi, thank you for the answer. This is the table design.[attachimg=1]

 

[Mike35x95x1]

Btw, you must have some bigger tables as 170x95 is not small: 37"x67". Many dining tables are of that size for 6 chairs. But the support structure is usally smaller than the top.

You're right - it's not "small" but it is also not a big table (> 6 chairs). Let's agree it's middle sized table. [laughing]

 

[ChuckM]

75x75 legs and 25 aprons.

I'd definitely use double connectors for the legs. The two extra center aprons (80 mm wide? - one connector) plus the screwed top should give the rigidity you need for the table. (In my case, there's only one center apron/single connector.)

 

[Jim_in_PA]

The 8mm connectors that are usable with the DF500 are just fine for projects that use materials that are not capable of supporting the 14mm connectors that are only usable with the DF700. (The DF700 can be used with the smaller connectors, too, AFAIK) Just be sure that the components you are using have appropriate thickness to work well with 8mm Dominos and connectors.

 

[rvieceli]

Another option to consider is the traditional commercial table method. DO a diagonal brace across the opening in the skirt for the leg and then pull the leg tight with a bolt.

[attachimg=1]

There also premade metal pieces designed for this.
https://a.co/d/0aahCl9F

Ron

 

[Mike35x95x1]

It's going to be solid oak. I am also considering 40mm thick tabletop. would you still give a thumb up to 8mm connectors?

The 8mm connectors that are usable with the DF500 are just fine for projects that use materials that are not capable of supporting the 14mm connectors that are only usable with the DF700. (The DF700 can be used with the smaller connectors, too, AFAIK) Just be sure that the components you are using have appropriate thickness to work well with 8mm Dominos and connectors.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I would not make the deep scallop on the end aprons. When the table is disassembled the 52mm middle of the apron will be too susceptible to breakage.

 

[ChuckM]

I think I've seen a DF500 vs DF700 connectors guide from [member=44099]Cheese[/member]...in addition to the guide for the Dominoes. Mind you, it's just a guide. I've done many builds without following any guidelines. A lot of guidelines for woodworking tools (not necessarily the Domino Joiner) have some preset criteria and don't cater for any specific user design.

A case in point. In a recent project that involved some 550 nos of 4 mm mortises, I did not follow the 1/3 rule at all (due to design considerations):

[attachimg=1]

 

[squall_line]

I've had the Domino System Guide PDF as one of my open windows in my browser for probably the last two years, just to have it easy to reference or link out to people:
https://toolsforworkingwood.com/prodimg/fs/pdf/FS-DOMC_S.pdf

 

[ChuckM]

I have that pdf, but I think it came out before the DF500 connectors were released, if my memory serves me.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Another option to consider is the traditional commercial table method. DO a diagonal brace across the opening in the skirt for the leg and then pull the leg tight with a bolt.

[attachimg=1]

There also premade metal pieces designed for this.
https://a.co/d/0aahCl9F
Ron

The method that [member=3192]rvieceli[/member] mentioned works very well. The connector bolt has wood-screw threads on one end and regular machine threads, for a nut on the other. It is very strong, pulling tight into the aprons, easily removeable, and nearly infinitely repeatable.

This big thing is can be completely disassembled. All 6 legs un-bolt and the main apron units are separable too.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

It's going to be solid oak. I am also considering 40mm thick tabletop. would you still give a thumb up to 8mm connectors?

The 8mm connectors that are usable with the DF500 are just fine for projects that use materials that are not capable of supporting the 14mm connectors that are only usable with the DF700. (The DF700 can be used with the smaller connectors, too, AFAIK) Just be sure that the components you are using have appropriate thickness to work well with 8mm Dominos and connectors.

The 40mm top is not an issue. What's the thickness of the aprons, etc., because that's necessary to understand how suitable the 8mm connectors will be. I would not use them on 18mm material, but 25mm I wouldn't blink for 8mm Dominos and connectors.