Expert: Greg Scholl - 1/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Good Day:)
I have had this beautiful table with me for 25 yrs. It is an oak English piece with "twisted barley" legs.  It has been in storage for a couple years and when I went to attach the 'bolt on legs' they wobble horribly - something is missing from the top of each leg where the leg top and the table underside join - there is a gap.   I don't (or can't) remember what should be indented circle with a hole (maybe for a screw) in its center at the top of each leg.  
What is missing?  and, How then can I reattach these legs securely?

Thanks so much -in the 5 times I have moved I have never had this problem.

Regards,Barbara

ANSWER: Hi Barbara, what holds the leg on now? Usually, there is a bolt protruding from the leg that goes through a receiver at the apex of the aprons, and then a washer and nut pull the leg into the corner and tighten up. Can you send a picture? That might help me help you better- Greg

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QUESTION: yes this is the configuration of the bolt/leg/ skirt system however the legs are not attaching securely to the table - I just moved and I have no way to send a photo.  What could be missing as a brace or stop at the top of each of these legs??  as I stated there is an indentation in the shape of a  circle about 2" in diameter at the top of each leg in the center of each of these indentation is another hole drilled into the leg - I can not tell if it is threaded or not -  there is also a star pattern in the larger circle that resemble something like a lock washer.
any help?          Thanks!!
Barbara

ANSWER: Jeeez, without a picture, it's difficult to tell what you're describing...so there is a bolt now that sticks out 90 degrees from the leg and goes into the apex of the corner of the apron...and this sticks through a metal or wooden bracket and is held in place with a washer and a nut?...but there's still something missing?....a picture would be worth a 1.000 words, can you manage it?...a friend, neighbor?...even a good cell phone pic?

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QUESTION: I have another if you might need it -
my carpenter son in law thinks that something on a pin was inserted to the leg to keep it stationery against the table underside -the table under side is smooth with no evidence of nails or adhesives


Answer
Hi Barbara, could the legs be on upside down? In other words, could the apron be upside down? Those marks look like lathe marks from the center drive spur when the leg is mounted on the lathe. I don't think they have anything to do with the mounting. I guess I'm also confused as to why they would wobble at all if they're bolted into the corner. The bolt and washer/nut should tighten the leg up into the apex of the corner and pull the leg right into the corner, tight. Even if there is a gap at the top of the leg, the hardware should be able to tighten the leg fine.........