Attaching a Top to a Desk

Jan 17, 2007 3 Replies
T

I'm rebuilding a small old desk/table that was given to us. A short refinishing job turned out to be a full dismantle, plane to bare wood and rebuild from component parts.



Four legs, 2 sides and a back and some front cross pieces make up the carcase, with the front left mostly open. I've cleaned up the sides and back and reglued them into the mortises in the legs.



On top of the legs sits a rectangular frame that is m/t joined together and was originally nailed to the legs. I'll screw that on to the carcase to hold it firmer. The table top, which measures about 3' by 20" is screwed from underneath with 6 #10 screws.



Are those screws enough to hold the top to the frame? Or would it make more sense to glue and screw the top to the frame? If I glued it, would wood movement be a problem in a top this size? The top is three laminated pieces of beech that are about 3/4" thick.



Thanks for any thoughts or ideas.



Tanus


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P

If you glue it, it is going to be a one way trip. I recently built a new workbench in my garage. Stability was a major concern, so I glued (used construction adhesive -- "Liquid Nails) and screwed the plywood top to the frame. I pre-drilled about 6 of the screws first, clamping things to hold alignment. Took screws out, put on glue, then re-attached top where the screws were, and added more screws to pull the joints together. Frame was 2"x3", and top was two pieces 3/8" 2' x

8' plywood. Once first piece was set on, used construction adhesive to put on 2nd piece, which was likewise screwed down to the first piece. Sucker is not going to come apart unless I use a sledge hammer and chain saw...
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G

The answer is YES. That top is so small that you shouldn't have to worry about wood movement. If it really worries you, make the screw holes through the frame large enough that the screw can have a small amount of movement and then just tighten the screws.

The top of my 20" by 4 foot computer desk is held on by screws (top is 3/4 oak plywood). I also have a 30-3/4" x 4 foot desk which has the the two file ends (essentially boxes with drawers) attached to the 3/4" top by screws. Both are solid.

I am happy that I made the latter with a detachable top, otherwise moving it around some corners and through 30" doors would be a real pain.

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T

Thanks guys. I'll glue as well as screw it. A one way trip is what I want. I don't anticipate ever taking it apart. If I ever have to refinish I'll do it as a piece.

Off to find me Tite-Bond.

Tanus

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