Stub tenon/mortise good enough against racking?

[radhak]

I'm in the process of assembling a study table that will look somewhat like this :



All the joints are 1/2" stub tenon/mortise in Red Oak, and I had a sudden doubt. While there's enough strength for downward forces, what will hold the table together against horizontal strain (racking)? Just the glue?

Do I need to use any reinforcing fasteners - like screws (regular or pocket) or dowels or something?

[JR]

You shouldn't have any trouble at all. M&T is a very strong joint and it will resist the racking very well.

If you're concerned about your skill in making a tight joint, you could consider pegging the tennons.

JR

[SARGE..g-47]

If that study table is for adults.. the stub tenons will probably hold. But.. if younger kids or teens are going to use it I would opt for standard tenons. Stubs are generally used in conjunction with framed panels where the panel grooved into the side of the leg adds much re-enforcement. If you do go with stubs... I would add a triangular block on each inside corner where the stretchers connect to the leg with the stubs for additional rack support.

Stubs won't be a problem with down force but with kids and teens you increase the risk of sitting.. leaning.. which could (?)rack especially with a very short stub. So.. the answer lies in the users. BTW.. is there a problem you percieve that would not allow using standard tenons?

[cabinetman]

JR has some good advice. You could also consider loose tenons, and routing both mortises. You might be able to get a better fit with a lot less hassle.
.

[drumpriest]

Another vote for loose tenon construction, I've done a couple of tables like that and they've held together great, under the adverse circumstances of dining tables, etc...

Another tutorial plug here...
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=27419

[radhak]

Hmmm... thanks guys; shall keep that in mind.

I am too far done to want to retrace : it's just the assembly left. I'll need to reinforce as Sarge suggests.

There was no problem using standard tenons, just that I followed this plan from Rockler that said so and I did not pause to think till now !

edit : and that's a neat piece of video, Keith, thanks!

[JimD]

Another way to reinforce is to add stretchers near the bottom on the sides and back.

I built a computer desk we use using only biscuits to join the apron to the legs. It is OK but has started to show slight movement. It's more than 10 years old and was moved 1,000 miles once. Stub tenons should be a little stronger than #20 biscuits.

Jim