What Joint


jhaley

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This image is for the base of a slab coffee table.  These 2 pieces will cross at the midpoint creating an "X" when you look down from the top.  With the width of each narrow section where they cross is 5".  Also, the open area of each arch faces down.

 

How would you connect them?  I was thinking about notching each piece by 2.5" and slid them together.  But would that be too weak?  Or i could not notch the long piece and cut the shorter piece into 2.   Then join with dowels or short tenons.post-4478-0-83728800-1427323818_thumb.jp

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Shallow dado will make the joint look like you cut a perfect half lap. And also stiffen the joint considerably. Remember to allow for the slab to expand and contract when you attach the base. Z clips, furniture buttons or slots to allow the screws to move across the grain.

A walnut slab that size might move 3/8 to almost 1/2" over the year as the seasons change. Finishing the underside of the slab might slow this down but you can't stop it. If you don't allow for the slab to move it might crack.

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