Matt Meiser
08-16-2011, 2:28 PM
I'm about to get started on a cherry dining table for my parents but I'm wondering about fastening aprons. On our Amish-made oak dining table, the aprons are solid wood which I'm assuming was steam bent. There are two kerfs on the back, at about 1/3 and 2/3 of the way around each half that look like they were added after bending because the kerf sides are parallel. I'm speculating these allow for some wood movement? Other than possibly those kerfs, there is no allowance for movement. The aprons are fastened with screws through the bottom of the apron into the table top. There doesn't appear to be any method of allowing for movement at the screws other than possibly slightly oversized holes. We've had it 10 years, so I don't think its a problem. Is this the normal method for attaching a curved apron on a dining table? The leaves are the same and measure 12" wide.
I'm planning to do these as laminations since I won't have to build a steam box.
I'm planning to do these as laminations since I won't have to build a steam box.