Originally Posted by
Phil Mueller
Not sure if it’s been mentioned yet, but for connecting the top, figure 8s, Z clips, and traditional wooden buttons all work. I’ve used the latter two most.
There’s plenty of info out there on how to install (or make, if using wooden buttons). Just need to pay some attention to the humidity conditions when the top is attached. In the winter, I allow a little more space between the end of the connector and the bottom of the mortise/slot (assuming the table will be at it’s smallest in the winter) and will expand some. Opposite is true when installing the top in the summer humidity…I install the connectors a little tighter to the bottom of the mortise/slot assuming the table will shrink some. This applies to the long grain connection.
For the side grain, make the connector slot wider than the connector itself, so it has some room to move side to side.
It’s a bit different for figure 8s, on the long grain, you want to install them just a tad offset, so they can move in and out. Side grain, I just install them straight out to allow movement side to side.
Hope this helps.