Ask the Staff
Question:
I am building an oak table with 4" sq. legs. Can I use a lock miter joint on 1" stock for joining the legs? Is it strong enough?
Thanks,
Joe
Answer:
Joe,
If you are asking if you can use a lock miter joint to make the sides for a 4-sided square leg, yes you can, as long as the router bit is suitable for 1" thick material. The amount of gluing surfaces in making square legs by using four separate sides is huge. In addition, the load on the leg is mostly a top load (from the table top) and thus the compression to the floor is not stressing the joint much on the edges of the leg. Mill the joint so it fits well and don't starve the glue joint. You will want to do a dry run clamp up to know your methods and clamp needs before you spread the glue. Gluing up four sided miters as long as a table leg takes at least three hands to manage.
Regards,
Highland Woodworking
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