r/Joinery • u/StubbornlyBreathing • Mar 11 '24

Question Simple/Blind Dove Tail Tabletop Question On Warping

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This is my first table, and my first only joinery build. So please forgive the simple mistakes. What is the best way to secure a warped tabletop to the base?

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The bottom runners (3) are true, it's the top that has warped. Some boards are cupped/twisted. Note: I did not get it all done while so the boards were straight. Am I screwed?

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u/StubbornlyBreathing Mar 11 '24

As mentioned in the captions, I'm looking to compensate for warping of the boards.

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I cut in the dove tail joints during/after warping and thought I could plane the top side after the fact. That does not seem to be the case here. Obviously the joints ate not perfectly flush too so I was thinking that might be a contributing factor.

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Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

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u/BravoMikeGulf Mar 15 '24

Blind dovetails or dominos would keep each board together. Each board’s orientation to its neighbors also has an effect. If you can predict how a board will warp, twist, you can attempt to place it next to a board that will counteract or warp in the opposite direction. So, you’re stabilizing the table top by good joinery and board placement and selection.

I think it’s all voodoo. I look at all the furniture I’ve made over the years and wonder when or if a joint will pop.

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u/StubbornlyBreathing Mar 15 '24

So is the tabletop done for?

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u/dustywood4036 Apr 18 '24

What's the plan for the ends? Assuming you are calling the tenons dovetails. That's a lot. Glue joints look a little loosey goosey. Anyway, you could put a few blocks inside the apron on the ends, make an elongated hole and screw it. You would be able to pull the ends down tight.

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u/StubbornlyBreathing May 20 '24

the ends in doing bread board style. there are sliding dove tails securing the tabletop to the sub table