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Table Top with mitred wrap that accounts for expansion

Table Top with mitred wrap that accounts for expansion (post #169721)

dablues on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 10:53

Joinery

I want to create a table top that has a mitred wrap around the edge. For breadboard ends, allowing for expansion/contraction is understood. But, in completely wraping a top with a mitred edge, I don't know how to account for seasonal changes in the main top without leaving gaps between the boards. My goal is to avoid breaking the mitre joints of the wrap

I've wondered the same and (post #169721, reply #1 of 2)

by mrossk in reply to dablues [original] on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 12:36

I've wondered the same and have a few suggestions, none of which are completely satisfactory, for different reasons. 1)Make the top a frame and panel. The "panel" is the top and it could potentially not be raised at all, or raised only on the bottom. 2)Veneer the top so as to make it stable. 3) Have miters wrap only 3 sides of the top and leave the fourth side free to move. 4)Try something really complex like this Chinese design, based on something out of Gustave Ecke's book with miters on the long edges of the panel and sliding dovetail "ways" to mount it. A second slightly simplified version is also shown. I'm curious what you come up with. Best,

Michael

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The impossible (?) top (post #169721, reply #2 of 2)

by RalphBarker in reply to dablues [original] on Sun, 02/05/2012 - 09:25

If the table top is "solid wood" it will be suject to expansion and contraction, AKA seasonal changes in dimension - mostly cross-grain, but some in length, as well. Some woods expand/contract more than others, of course. If the mitered frame is essential, consider making the central panel out of plywood or MDF, with an appropriate veneer covering.

Another option would be to make one side true miters, and then a breadboard style on the other, with a faux miter at the corners using veneer. The true mitered side would be fixed to the leg assembly, directing expansion to the faux-mitered side with sliding attachments.