Hey WW community. Exactly as the title says - I am making some work tables for my kids. They’ll be used for homework, laptops, etc. And they’re kids, so one can guarantee a little bit of abuse.

They’re designing them, and the “z leg” is all the rage apparently - I am in the process of designing these in sketchup, and wanted to get some input/ideas on how to make these really strong. I obviously cannot make them out of a single piece of wood, so there will be some joins, probably on the apex points. Oh and the designs currently require the apex points of the Z to be rounded …

I’m considering using half-lap bridle joints, making the Z’s angular, then routing the curves into them.

Input, advice, links to designs welcome!

  • @Bluetreefrog
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    211 months ago

    Have you thought about reinforcing the joints with steel? Lots of bending moment on a Z.

    • SwaziboyOP
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      211 months ago

      Yes, that’s what I was most worried about - movement that would lead to breaking. I think a healthy sized bridle joint coupled with some dowels will do the job.