Shopsmith Forums

Ok now that I have your attention, and try to keep you mind on woodworking ....

Why do tables have aprons? What function does the apron do? Are aprons necessary/mandatory?



I assume that they are part of the structure to stiffen, but I can't find any info on it. Everyone always builds an apron, show you how, discusses how to determine size, but never why .....

Thanks in advance for any help!

Dick

A garden-variety tabletop is going to need some some support in order to avoid sagging or warping. Especially a solid-wood top in the cross-grain direction. An apron is an efficient way to provide that structure.

But it's certainly not the only way. Check out this design:
Or this one:

BuckeyeDennis wrote:A garden-variety tabletop is going to need some some support in order to avoid sagging or warping. Especially a solid-wood top in the cross-grain direction. An apron is an efficient way to provide that structure.

But it's certainly not the only way. Check out this design:

8%2520Cain-sliding-dovetail-detail.jpg

Or this one:

nelson2520finished2520cropped2520small-w800hauto.jpg

Wow, I love the sliding dovetail!

This one, he is using a "frame" around the panels with a "floating" panel idea in the frame like a door or cabinet door? I assume the frame then becomes the apron.

Thanks Dennis, I appreciate the clarification!

Dick

Aprons, while not mandatory as Dennis demonstrated, also provide a convenient way to attach the table top while allowing for wood movement.
Forrest

forrestb wrote:Aprons, while not mandatory as Dennis demonstrated, also provide a convenient way to attach the table top while allowing for wood movement.
Forrest

You have hit the nail on the head. Aprons are a convenient way to attach table tops and still allow for wood movement.

Assuming the top is attached to the aprons correctly!

I guess another way to think of it is that the aprons and the legs together form the structure of the table. The top isn't part of the structure. The top is there only to keep your stuff from falling through the big hole in the middle.

I guess another way to think of it is that the aprons and the legs together form the structure of the table. The top isn't part of the structure. The top is there only to keep your stuff from falling through the big hole in the middle.

LMAO

That Dave is the most descriptive and best answer so far ....

Thanks!