Table leg extension for a friend

One way to do this is to drill oversized holes into both ends that are to be joined. By oversize, I mean bigger than the dowel you will use. Mix up a thick batch of epoxy, using an appropriate thickener. You’ll need enough to completely fill the voids around the dowel, and should get some squeeze out. When the epoxy is cured, of course you have to clean everything up.

The reason for the oversized hole is that it is almost impossible to drill perfectly centered, perfectly aligned holes into end grain.

This is an excellent quick way to repair broken chair legs and spindles. But making the joint strong enough to resist racking forces is problematic.

By the way, I harbor a deep antipathy to the dowel screws your are contemplating.

-- I admit to being an adrenaline junky; fortunately, I'm very easily frightened

By the way, I harbor a deep antipathy to the dowel screws your are contemplating.

- runswithscissors

Thank You for the epoxy idea. I was contemplating using dowels and glue. What is a dowel screw?

That’s a dowel screw sitting on the leg in your photo. They have a lag screw thread on each end. You join the pieces by rotating one against the other, as there is no other way to turn the screw. It isn’t hard to imagine how awkward this can get as the two pieces of the assembly approach closely to each other before making contact.

-- I admit to being an adrenaline junky; fortunately, I'm very easily frightened

Ah, that was something my friend got from the hardware store. I already know in my heart that it would not prvide enough strengh to join the pieces.

Ah, that was something my friend got from the hardware store. I already know in my heart that it would not prvide enough strengh to join the pieces.

- controlfreak

Just my Opinion

Yeah it would, I’ve used them plenty of times.
Put a puddle a glue in between them and it’s not going to break.
I drill the pilot for the first side tight and use vice grips to put it in. Then I drill the pilot a smidge bigger for the other half and it screws right on. I haven’t had a problem getting it tight and then give it the extra ~1/4 turn to line up the faces.

But, if you don’t like them, NP, not everybody does.

Might be easier and better in the long run to turn a new leg or otherwise start from scratch.

I can’t see anyone being happy with the end result of a patched leg (structurally or aesthetically).

Good luck.
Remember, saying no is an option.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

Might be easier and better in the long run to turn a new leg or otherwise start from scratch.
I can t see anyone being happy with the end result of a patched leg (structurally or aesthetically).
ood luck. Remember, saying no is an option.
- pintodeluxe

I’ve extended legs before, and I have to agree that the best solution is to turn a new leg. Even using dowels and lag bolts to join them is not as strong as a new leg IMO.

Rather than trying to line up the extension piece, I’d cut it oversize, glue it on with a dowel, and trim it flush with the sides of the existing leg piece.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

I was thinking of epoxy and dowling the extensions and plane to size. Then mortice some rails spanning both and possibly use some dowels to lock the rails then either fill and paint or use some sort of skirt that will mount on the outside just low enough to cover the extensions. I would need to play around to see how this will visually impact the piece. I know this may be a lot of work but it would be a skill builder for me as I have never done this type of joint before.

I had to put this on hold due to not wanting to risk exposure to Covid prior to my daughters wedding this Saturday. But will still welcome any comment or suggestions to my possible plan.

I would probably use a lap or bridle joint, but only if I was painting. If you’re planning on a stained/clear finish, get new legs. It will be less effort than getting an acceptable match.

Just this weekend I extended legs on two side tables. The new bed mattress was @7 inches taller than the previous. The result was a bed side table that was too short.
I considered the dowel option. I ended that thought quickly. At some point in time, I may want to remove the extensions and return to the original side table height. SO, I went with pocket screws in the extensions into the existing leg. Racking does not appear to be an issue. It is stable. Still, the extensions are at the bottom of the leg. So, the finish is close, not exact. Each table leg was a little off—1/8” was the greatest difference. I was not close to my shop, so I adjusted the difference by adjusting the installation to split the size differential. Not noticeable to an untrained eye. It is still a Frankenstein. Good luck. Been there done that. Brian