Breadboard ends, How you do it?

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Hi All, I'm going to be doing this on a small table top about 13x12". How do you cut the tongue? Router table or table saw? I'd appreciate a description of how you do this whole process. Thanks!

[Frank Drew]

Alan,

I'd cut both the tongues and grooves on a table saw; nothing wrong with a router for the job, but a table saw is quite a bit more powerful.

That said, I've never felt a breadboard end would enhance the tabletops I've done.

[Tony Bilello]

I cut tongue and grooves on Table Saw with Dado blade.

[Cody Colston]

I generally cut the tenon on the table saw with a dado stack although I have done it with a router using a guide and a 3/4" straight bit.

How I cut the groove depends on whether I want the tenon to show or be hidden. If the tenon runs from edge to edge (shows) then I cut the groove on the table saw.

For a stopped groove, where the tenon is trimmed back from the edge and hidden, I use the router table.

Depending on the panel width, I usually glue the middle third of the breadboard and pin the ends with dowels. The through hole in the tenon is elongated to allow for movement.

Breadboard ends are more decorative than they are effective in holding a panel flat. If it's going to warp, it will still do so. They are useful for covering up the end grain which is primarily why I use them.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

How long is the tenon? What size dowel do you use? Thanks again for the info.

[Charlie Plesums]

The trick I would add... make the end ever so slightly concave. Then when you glue it on, clamp it tight, and the ends will be sprung against the table top- reduces the chance of a future gap.

[Alex Shanku]

Straight edge, router, shoulder plane.

[Cody Colston]

How long is the tenon? What size dowel do you use? Thanks again for the info.

On 4/4 stock, generally a 1 1/4" long tenon with 5/16" dowel pins. (I turn my own dowel pins on the lathe and size with an open-end wrench)

Making the breadboard slightly concave like Charlie suggested is also a good idea. I'll start incorporating that technique on my breadboard ends...anything to help keep them tight against the panel.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Thanks guys and Cody that's a great idea about turning your own dowels. I'm going to try that.

[Tony Bilello]

Breadboard Edge
I made this sketch a while back for someone on a different forum. What I am sure of is it will work. This joint has been used for hundreds of years.


This design can easily be modified to work for you.

Have fun
Attached Thumbnailshttp://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachments/f5/7439d1235442045t-edging-joined-solid-wood-slab-breadboard-edge.jpg (http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachments/f5/7439d1235442045-edging-joined-solid-wood-slab-breadboard-edge.jpg)

In the center, the dowel hole is round to keep the breadboard ends centered. The other planks in the table top are elongated to allow for 'movement as the table top expands and contracts with the humidity.

[Darius Ferlas]

Check out this table project (http://www.deldavenport.com/ww/table/index.htm).
Breadboard joinery is pretty well illustrated about half way through the page.

[Mike Cutler]

I turn my own dowel pins on the lathe and size with an open-end wrench

Are you kidding me! What a great idea. I would have never thought to use an open wrench for a sizing gauge. This may be the end of hammering dowels through a dowel plate for me.
Nice tip.;)

[Bob Genovesi]

Alan,

I think this will explain it nicely!

Breadboards (http://www.woodworkslive.com/index.php/topic,2497.0.html)


(http://www.woodworkslive.com/index.php/topic,2497.0.html)