Unusual method of attaching table top

[Jelly]

I recall reading an incomplete snippet somewhere about a method of attaching a tabletop using a pair of double blind rabbets cut perpendicular to the grain slightly longer than the length of the aprons, but shorter than the combined legs and aprons.

The corresponding two aprons are made slightly wider so they sit slightly proud of the legs and other aprons, the top then fits onto those raised aprons.

The missing bit of the snippet was how the top was connected, my assumption is that a pocket screw or nail in the centre of each of the raised aprons would work very well indeed, but it kind of seems like the point of the rabbets and raised aprons would be to allow you to glue the top on... Anyone come across this method or got any insight into the preferred method of securing the top?

 

[Jacob]

Sounds completely pointless to me and doomed to fail.
Buttons is best. You only need 4. Loose fit so the top can move a bit.
I just moved a heavy table this evening and removed the top to make it easier. With a bit of forethought I could have made the buttons with a cam action shape, to make removal/replacement easier. I'll do that next time.

 

[Jelly]

Sounds completely pointless to me and doomed to fail.
Buttons is best. You only need 4. Loose fit so the top can move a bit.
I just moved a heavy table this evening and removed the top to make it easier. With a bit of forethought I could have made the buttons with a cam action shape, to make removal/replacement easier. I'll do that next time.

I'm curious about it as it seems too complicated for someone to have developed and written down (not on the internet) to not have an advantage somewhere... But all the old furniture I've seen is either buttons as you say or sliding leaves, apart from some screwed tops on little hall tables & bedside tables.

I'm tempted to give it a try as I have all the stock prepared for a shaker-type table and loosing 5mm off the aprons wouldn't impact the aesthetics, but not sure if I can be bothered to cut two long rabbets which are cross grained and stopped at both ends in a top which is currently perfectly good (and took a reasonable while to prepare).

 

[Jacob]

It'd work if you also fastened with buttons and no glue (to allow for movement) but would work just as well without the rebates. It doesn't seem to solve any particular problem. Maybe there was more to it in the original article?

Must get off the computer and have a look at the turkey. Happy Christmas!