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Joining Butcherblock Countertops

bmyyou | Posted in General Discussion on March 12, 2009 05:13am

What is the best way to join two pieces of maple butcherblock (27″ wide, 1.5″ thick) where the grain patterns are 90 degrees to each other?  I also have to join a piece that is 45 degrees to the other piece (see attached). 

How about either pocket hole screws or biscuits or perhaps some sort of drawbolt?  The seam can show but I need to mate them up evenly with no gap.

Thanks,

Brian

 

 

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Replies

  1. rdesigns | Mar 12, 2009 05:33pm | #1

    See if you can buy some of the drawbolts that are used to join pre-formed formica countertops. You'll need to rout out a T-shaped groove in each side of the joint.

    Biscuits (for strength) teamed up with pocket screws (clamping action) might work, but the clamping action of pocket screws will not be as strong as drawbolts. If you do use pocket screws, make the pocket in the long grain so that the screw threads can grab better in the crossgrain of the mating piece.

  2. BUIC | Mar 12, 2009 05:37pm | #2

      There are alot of "draw tight" type connectors available for countertops.

       Here's one from McFeelys,

    View Image "FastCap" Flip Bolt Countertop Connecting Bolts

    FSC-0020

    View Image
    » Hardware » Cabinet Hardware » Counter Top Connectors & Draw Bolts

    Add FSC-0020 to your wish list View Image $10.70 Qty: 10 - 49, $9.99
    Qty: 50 or more, $8.99
    In Stock FSC-0020

    • No tools needed!

    FastCap's Flip Bolt is the quick and easy way to connect countertops - no additional tools are required. Simply place the Flip Bolt into a recessed cutout in the countertops to be joined. Hand tighten the end nut, then push down the lever to tighten and secure in place. Sold as a pack of 10. 4-1/2" length.

    Click here for the Flip Bolt Template.



    Edited 3/13/2009 10:32 am ET by BUIC

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Mar 12, 2009 06:54pm | #5

      Thats cool. I was still in the old "Dog Bone" mode thinking about that post..I gotta get some of them just for the heck of it.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

       

       

    2. User avater
      mmoogie | Mar 12, 2009 07:24pm | #7

      Thanks for that. Just ordered some. I've got the same job to do....Steve

  3. Piffin | Mar 12, 2009 06:45pm | #3

    I'd mitre the joints and use drawbolts and epoxy.

    For machining a router and guide

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  4. dovetail97128 | Mar 12, 2009 06:52pm | #4

    I have done corners with premade counters of butcher block.

    Used drawbolts, biscuits and glue. Other than the change in direction of the pattern the seam is still indiscernible after 4 years.
    No cracking, separation at all.

    They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
    1. Piffin | Mar 12, 2009 07:11pm | #6

      biscuits!!Forgot that I made a spline for mine too 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. dovetail97128 | Mar 12, 2009 07:44pm | #8

        Thought about a spline but opted for biscuits instead. One caution I have is check your countertop... Several butcher block counters I have installed were made up of finger jointed blocks, messy when the cut for the joint hits one of those finger jointed blocks.
        The finger jointing made for some pretty big voids that had to be plugged and filled before glue up.
        They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

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