Attaching tabletop to base

[Ben Cerone]

Hi everyone! I have just finished, well almost finished, constructing my coffee table. The base is roughly 42" x 30", with front, back, and sides (1.0" x 3.5" solid birch) connected to the legs (2.0" x 2.0" solid walnut) by M&T. I also have two drawer slides connecting the front to the back. My tabletop is made out of 3/4" birch plywood with and 2" walnut border. I am about to connect the top to the base but I am not sure how to do this; preferably I would just glue the two pieces together. (The plywood sits entirely on the base) Will I have problem down the line with wood movement?

[Don C Peterson]

Given a plywood top, movement shouldn't be an issue. Even so, my preference for attaching table top is nearly always some type of cleat. I usually make wood cleats and router a groove in the apron that they lock into. It's secure, movement isn't an issue and you can take the top off if needed.

[Jim Becker]

Even if wood movement were not an issue, I still would not glue the top onto the aprons. Having it removable makes for easier repair in the future, etc. I generally use the wood cleats that Don mentions for this or screw up through glue blocks (slotting the rear blocks for movement if it's a solid wood top). One can also use "figure 8" buttons for this task.

[Jim Solomon]

Even if wood movement were not an issue, I still would not glue the top onto the aprons. Having it removable makes for easier repair in the future, etc. I generally use the wood cleats that Don mentions for this or screw up through glue blocks (slotting the rear blocks for movement if it's a solid wood top). One can also use "figure 8" buttons for this task.

That is what I usually use also. I just picked up some more from Rockler. Here: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?Offerings_ID=786 $2.39 for a pack of eight with screws. I usually drill a 11/16 hole in the apron with a forstner bit about 1/16" deep offset slightly. That mortises it flush on the aprons.
Jim

[Ben Cerone]

Thanks for the replies. I like those "figure 8" buttons, it seems like they might be the quickest solution. Thanks again.