I've begun the process of making my live edge, bookmatched walnut trestle table. The finished top will be 80" x 48" x 1.75".
At what stage of the game do I actually join the two slabs together? I'm going to leave a small gap between the slabs (between 1/8" -1/4"). I'll be using 5 rosewood butterfly keys between the two slabs. Will I be able to move those joined slabs around to work on them if they are just joined by butterfly keys? The keys will be about .75" to 1" deep. I don't want a horrible accident where they pull apart or anything if I'm flipping the slabs over. I'm not worried about weight since I'm a big guy and have help.
The slabs will actually sit on the base via dowels. I'll also be using battens and screws to help join the slabs and resist bowing etc... The screws will be bored out where they join the underside of the slabs to allow for wood movement. Should joining the slabs with keys be the last thing I do to the top prior to sanding and finishing the top? This is my biggest project to date and don't want to screw anything up!