Why did my table split?  A very common beginner woodworker question.  You really have to do your research before you build a plan that’s free off the internet.  There are many trustworthy sites to get plans from, mine being one of them.  And there are many other sites that not only post plans for pieces built wrongly but that don’t ever correct their mistakes to keep beginners from making them.  I learned the hard way.  After building this table split and a table I built with bread board ends split, I researched what went wrong.  Watch the short video below to see why!

https://youtu.be/BQ8r9DOe_qY

I ran the boards through my jointer to clean up the splintered and uneven edges and reattached all the boards together with a biscuit joiner.  It would be fine to use a kreg jig for this step.  What I like about the biscuit joiner is that it keeps the boards lined up better (and it’s less expensive).

After the boards are all joined together, clamp them for a few hours to allow the glue to dry.  If you have a wide table, and don’t have wide clamps, you can join a couple clamps together by linking them or purchase pipe clamps.  The nice part of pipe clamps is that you can build the clamp to the length you need  by adding additional pipe to it.  I use 3/4″ pipe clamps.

To reattach, I’m going to use the same strip that I previously used to attach the top.  But I’m going to drill the holes differently.

Use a forstener bit  to drill into the board.  Then use a regular drill  bit to drill the rest of the way through. 

Rock your drill bit back and forth to widen the hole.  Do NOT do this to the center hole.  Attach the board to the trestle table base.  I redrilled new holes.

Center your table top back on the table.  If you aren’t good at working upside down, lay your table top finished side down onto the ground or work table and set your base upside down on top of it.

Reattach your table top with screws.

Handplane any joints that aren’t even.  Sand with 120 grit paper and then 220.  Apply stain if desired.  After the stain is dry, apply a couple coats of spar urethane (if your table is outdoor).

If you have a table top with breadboard ends that is split, here’s why and how to fix it!