I would like to tap a couple 3/8-16 threaded holes in the underside of a dining table I am making in order to bolt on cantilevered arms to support an extension leaf.
What is your experience with direct tapping threads into oak.
I know there are other variables here. If it helps:
Leaf weight ~ 12lbs.
2 arms bolted in 2 places each (2" from edge + 6" from edge)
The support arms project through existing table battens (it's a trestle table) , so the bolts will not bear the entire weight of the leaf, but rather are there to draw the support arm flush so that leaf and top are coplanar.
Blah blah, blah: do threads in white oak hold well?
I dislike threaded inserts - which I started with. If direct tapping is marginally inferior in this application it's an easier solution for me.