I've been trying to get some tabletop clips from the local Woodcraft store for several weeks now. These are the ones that look like a figure eight from the top and are flat with screw holes. Seems the warehouse hasn't any in stock either. I've seen Norm use these for his table projects by using a forstner bit to create an eighth inch pocket on the leg top and screwing the clip in. Ordering from an online store would cost more in shipping than the clips themselves.
So I'm looking at alternatives. Knowing the clips are the least expensive way to go for a low cost book shelf I'm building, kinda mission style 30" tall, I'm considering Miller dowels or pocket screws. The Millers seem pretty expensive for the dowels plus the drill bit and then probably a Japanese saw to flush cut it. The pocket screws hardware is costly as well. The question is: which of these are the most useful for following projects? What is most used/useful: Miller dowels or pocket screws?
I know there are other tabletop clips but seems to me I'd need to buy a router bit to make a slot for those as well.
Appreciate your thoughts,
Thunder