I want to make a computer desk for my daughter. It needs to have a wide clear area underneath. If I don't cantilever the top, the stretcher ends up right where knees live.
There are a couple of things I'm worried about in the joints to make up the ends. First, they are edge grain to end grain (about 7"). Second, there is a lot of stress on this joint.
I can improve the stress situation by a mortise and tenon joint, or make up the thickness of the ends by laminating 2-3 pieces, with the vertical part and horizontal parts laminations overlapping (sort of a giant mortise and tenon). This still leaves the cross grain stress.
The wood will be hard maple.
Please advise,
Steve