how to attach bench top to base

**ecklesweb** · 03-29-2003, 05:53 PM

I've got the base for the bench done, and I've got the top for the bench done. Now, how am I going to get those two pieces to stick together? The top sits on two horizontal members that run perpendicular to the length of the bench top.

I've thought about gluing, but at some point I might want to replace the top or the base or disassemble for some other reason.

I definitely don't want to use a mechanical anchor (like a deck screw or lag screw) through the top of the bench. I'd be willing to use mechanical anchors on the bottom of the benchtop, though. Maybe a right-angle bracket...

I also thought about drilling 1" diameter holes 1" deep in both the benchtop and the horizontal members and inserting 1" dowels in the hole. Gravity would hold the top down, and the dowels would keep it from sliding left/right/front/back. Sounds good on paper, but I'm a little worried about drilling the holes accurately - both spacing them correctly and boring them perfectly vertical. FYI, I have no drill press, and I've already used up my "every new project requires a new tool" privledge.

Anyone want to vote for one of the above or provide another idea?

Thanks,

Jay

BTW, it's a solid wood laminated top.

**WoodMangler** · 03-29-2003, 07:25 PM

Several ways to do this, including putting a 45 degree corner brace across the corner of the leg/apron, then screwing/doweling up through the brace into the top..

Or a simple L bracket that [link:www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdetl.cfm?offerings_id=1513&objectgroup_id=14&c atid=10&DID=6|Rockler] and several others sell...

http://www.rockler.com/rockler/images/21577.jpg

**TDHofstetter** · 03-29-2003, 09:08 PM

Jay, don't forget that even in a bench top - wood moves. Your laminated top may fight against the skirts as it rambles around, so don't deny it the ability to move freely or your bench'll break apart over time.

You could use just about any of the techniques commonly used for attaching solid tabletops to their tables - screws from underneath fitting through slots or oversized holes, cleats and buttons, a bevy of available free-movement metal fasteners, etc.

-- Tim --

You can always take one more step against the wind.

**rogerf** · 03-30-2003, 11:14 AM

HI jat,

I went with the dowels. HD had a dowel center kit for 3.00.I drilled the holes in the bench top a little larger than the dowell and it seems to working just fine. Just remember when you move it that the top is just resting on the frame.

I hope this is helpful :)

Roger

**merickson** · 03-30-2003, 12:28 PM

How heavy is the top?
If it is heavy enough, you can (almost) get away without attaching it. I used a 1" dowel glued into each rail and the top (with a two 1" holes) just resting on the rails.

www.geocities.com/wefnut

**ecklesweb** · 03-31-2003, 06:05 PM

The top with the vises probably weighs in the neighborhood of 100-150 lb - heavy enough that I can only get one end up at a time... It's definitely heavy enough to stay down by itself, but it does have a tendency to slid back and forth a little bit.

Since the bench is a long way from being a work of art, I just decided to take the easy way out and use right angle brackets like Marc suggested.

Thanks,

Jay