C-channel or not c-channel

[Damienol]

Hi WWF,

I am building a traditional 4 leg dining table 3400 x 1100.

My intention is to use cross bracing every 500mm to attach the table top (using JCBs and insert bolts with elongated holes ) and to keep the top flat. This setup will be accompanied by loads of z clips.

I have seen other builds where they have used c-channel albeit they have not secured the cross bracing to the top.

Do I need c-channel in my scenario or is my approach of using the cross bracing (JCB bolts) and Apron ends (z-clips) more then sufficient to keep the top flat?

[GraemeCook]

Not sure what you are envisaging, Damen; perhaps a drawing or photo might help?

We were in China shortly before lockdown, and saw a Ming dynasty table where the top was stabilised by sliding dovetail rails. After over 300 years the top was still flat. The furniture was quite elegant, very different from the Elizabethan stuff of the same era.

Dovetail Rail.jpg Hope drawing makes sense!

[Damienol]

Thanks Graham but to scared to do that to the underside of such an expensive table top [emoji4]



Not sure if you will be able to make out the details from drawing

[GraemeCook]

Thanks Graham but to scared to do that to the underside of such an expensive table top ...

But 300 years ago it would have been a little less expensive.

[jack620]

Assuming this is an indoor dining table, why are you concerned about the top cupping?
I just add one or two timber crossbars and attach the table top to those with Z-clips.
Steel channel will just add more weight to an already heavy 35mm thick table top.
Given the span, you might be looking at some sag in the top.

[Damienol]

Keeping the top flat for 300 years is my key [emoji359] objective.

[jack620]

Looks great. This is how I secured the top to the cross-beam on my jarrah dining table. No sign of cupping after 30 years. I'm pretty confident it will survive another 270.

IMG_2779.jpg

[mic-d]

I would use timber buttons fitted to grooves in the cross members and the end-aprons only, not the side aprons. One side of the cross members only, 50/50 in opposition to be thorough (and OCD). I don't profess to know what I am doing though.

[GraemeCook]

Keeping the top flat for 300 years is my key objective.

No sign of cupping after 30 years. I'm pretty confident it will survive another 270.

I like that!

But not everyone does. Incredible.

Friend's son got married recently and were looking for a dining table - settled on an Ikea-style thing - prime veneered chipboard. Friend pointed out that it might last only six or seven years, and that they could buy an antique blackwood table from **** for virtually the same price. It would look better and last another 100+ years.

He was astounded by the kids' response. "We will probably be sick of it in 5 years and you couldn't junk a lovely table like that." They actually wanted crap so they could throw it away in 5 years. Incredible!

[wood spirit]

Looks extremely adequate if not overkill as is.