Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/15/2006

Question
I have two wooden tables I'd like to clamp together so their edges abut and I'm
thinking there must be some kind of clamp that can help me do that (instead of
my having to screw in some brackets) but I don't seem to be able to find any.
Most brackets I've seen would enable me to clamp one on top of another but not
side by side. Are you familiar with something like that? Or do you have any other
suggestions? Or do you think I'll have to go the screw and bracket route?

Answer
Hi Evan
Nice to hear from you.
I've got my thinking cap on for this one LOL
Do you want to make the join permanent or is this temporary?
Certainly your idea with the screw and brackets will work if you plan hardwood brackets and not metal.
Metal will be too flimsy I think.
If its a permanent join, I would opt for biscuit joinery and glue with hardwood stabilizers underneath spanning the join.
Of course you will need two fresh cut edges to join this way but as I am unclear just what the final result you want its hard to advise.
Or maybe my mind is not working right tonight LOL
Get back to me if you think its worth another try.
Regards
Eileen