Sloted C-Chanel for making table tops

[bholmsten]

I am planning on building a kitchen table from old lumber that has sentimental value for my friend.
I've seen on YouTube where people router a slotted C-Chanel under the table top for support and expansion contraction issues.
If I use Domino-XL and wood glue for joining the boards lengthwise edge grain is the C-Chanel needed?
Thanks

 

[nvalinski]

I'd still recommend it. The dominoes would act similar to a spline joint/biscuits, which keeps the boards aligned with each other vertically so that the surfaces remain flush. But, with a wide table, the table as a whole is still able to cup/twist, even with the seams staying flush. The C channels act as a low profile reinforcement to keep the table flat, very similar to what the skirt of a more traditional table or piece of furniture will do.

 

[bholmsten]

Thanks for your response

 

[Michael Kellough]

I’m confused by the photo. I suppose you’re asking about the (apparently) embedded strips but I can’t get past the table legs in this picture which are likely to cause the table to split if/when it dries. If the construction is done in winter when humidity is very low maybe it’ll be okay as the wood expands in the warmer months.

 

[Sparktrician]

Blacktail Studio has a video you might want to watch regarding the use of embedded C-channel in tabletops. 

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I’m confused by the photo. I suppose you’re asking about the (apparently) embedded strips but I can’t get past the table legs in this picture which are likely to cause the table to split if/when it dries. If the construction is done in winter when humidity is very low maybe it’ll be okay as the wood expands in the warmer months.

Yes, ^^^ slotting the C channels w/o doing the same on the legs is working against yourself.
That is a theme you have to carry through the whole job, including breadboard ends, if equipped.

 

[peter halle]

When the word "slotting" is being used here, I hope that includes making the mounting holes for both the legs and the c-channel larger then the mounting screws or slotting those to allow for movement across the board.

Peter

 

[Sparktrician]

When the word "slotting" is being used here, I hope that includes making the mounting holes for both the legs and the c-channel larger then the mounting screws or slotting those to allow for movement across the board.

Peter

Peter, take a look at the way Cam Anderson does it in the video I referenced.  I really like the way he seems to have thought it out to allow for expansion and contraction while routing for the C-channel. 

 

[Cheese]

Blacktail Studio has a video you might want to watch regarding the use of embedded C-channel in tabletops. 

Thanks for that Sparky...that was well worth watching.  [big grin]

Love the screw inserts with the cup point set screws, great idea.

The Murakoshi style bolts was certainly interesting along with the Concept 13 c-channels.

Would like to know more about the N3 Nano coat, there's really no information on the web site.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Yes, that video was very good! I’m going to check other videos of his.

I’m also going to borrow the adding a router template to the work with double stick tape technique.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Yes, that video was very good! I’m going to check other videos of his.

I’m also going to borrow the adding a router template to the work with double stick tape technique.

I love his videos and actually signed up for his epoxy course which is brilliant, but that's the one thing I really don't understand with Cam, he uses c channels from one supplier in standard sizes, but doesn't have a one piece template for the sizes he uses, makes no sense to me. I do loads of template routing and find it's far easier and simple to make a single template in MDF big enough to just clamp down.

No tape needed, no possible movement or error.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I agree. He could  easily make a pair of L shaped templates he could slide together to make slots of different lengths for the same channels. If I have to do the same operation more than three times I’ll make a real template or jig. If it’s more complicated than drilling holes.

But I do think that technique looks good for quickly one off templates.

 

[Sparktrician]

This is a perfect application for the now-gone MFS.  Just sayin'...  [crying]

 

[rst]

Sparktrician...Word!