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Woodworking/Joining Furniture Tops

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Expert: Stuart Mawle - 6/9/2009


Question
Hello

How do you attached a table / bench / desk top, or other furniture tops, to the sides or support without putting an unsightly screw through the top? I see it quite often but mainly with factory-produced furniture. Grateful advice on wording so I can do some reading.

Thanks

Craig

Answer
The traditional method is turn buttons..a small piece of wood  with a 'tongue' on push into a groove in the rails/side. A screw is then use secure the turn button to the underneath of the table top. Depending upon the size several are require around the table. You can get a metal bracket version, see http://www.isaaclord.co.uk/productDetail.aspx?product=5837&subCat=126&parentCat=... that you screw to the rails, the slot side of the bracket screws to the table. Hope this helps, Stuart

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Volunteer

Stuart Mawle

Expertise

Now been a carpenter & joiner for the past twenty years in the UK. I can give avice / help on carpentry & joinery, health & safety, woodworking machinery, power tools and suppliers.

Experience

I have served an indentured carpentry apprenticeship with a medium sized building contractor doing a wide range of domestic and commercial work. This has included office buildings, barn conversions, building extensions and renovations. During my career, I spent over three years as a wood trades technician at a college. My job involved joinery work, wood maching and helping CITB carpentry & joinery students` pratical projects. Spent three years as a accredited NVQ assessor covering site carpentry and bench joinery. Now I teach my skills to others.

Organizations
Institute of carpenters

Education/Credentials
I have city and guild qualifications in site carpentry and purpose made joinery. An indentured apprenticeship Hold the equivalent of a master craftsman status.

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