Bench legs - mounting plate versus threaded insert

[Aaron Liebling]

I recently made an outside bench for my sister-in-law and used mounting plates with bolts to attach the legs (threaded inserts in the legs). It works fine, but due to their location and shape, the legs don't have any additional lateral support and are slightly more wobbly than I like. I think it's "ok", but I'm wodnering if a different attachment method would give me better stability.

The mounting plate I'm using is:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08R5GYVRH

which doesn't have a huge flat surface area for the top of the leg to sit flush against.

Any suggestions on a sturdier alternative? What about threaded insets on both sides: inside the leg (which I already have) AND in to the bench?

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[lou Brava]

The longer the legs more wobble, I don't think the hardware you chose will ever work well. How about just adding a narrow maybe 2" wide skirt around the top of the legs & really locking them in. Nice looking bench ! Hope you get figured out

[Aaron Liebling]

I also thought of some skirting or braces to hold the legs in, but I really wanted them to be removable. Maybe removable with screws is as good as it will get.

[Vince Shriver]

The longer the legs more wobble, I don't think the hardware you chose will ever work well. How about just adding a narrow maybe 2" wide skirt around the top of the legs & really locking them in.

NICE LOOKING BENCH ! Hope you get figured out +1 very nice bench

[John TenEyck]

Those mounting plates are not going to provide much support. I would make an offset bridle joint to join the legs to the outside slats. Here's a view with end of the outside set back so you can see how it fits together. Plenty of glue, plenty strong.
John

[Aaron Liebling]

Thanks for the suggestion, John. I ended up using a bridle/mortise. I lose the ability to break the bench down, but it is rock solid and looks much nicer.
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