How to stop wood from splitting?

[Tom Bender]

If clamping prevents the crack until the clamp is removed; do that then remove the screws and run your pilot drill in to open the hole, remove the clamps and assemble.

[Wade Lippman]

I put CA on the end grain and got no splits! On the first table all 4 split. I think we have a winner.

The CA ran over a bit and stained the wood, but after a few hours it was the same color as the wood with varnish, so it is invisible.

Thanks to everyone for your help, but especially whoever suggested the CA.

[Mark Rainey]

I put CA on the end grain and got no splits!

Thanks to everyone for your help, but especially whoever suggested the CA.

It was Lee who made the CA suggestion, so I will thank him for you Wade. Nice idea Lee, I will keep it in mind. In conclusion, CA glue did the trick. A pilot hole or clamping across the grain also are good ideas.