Advice needed on securing table top to 4x4 posts

jmccracken1214

jmccracken1214

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I've got a small conference table top from work I'm going to use for a reloading bench. Going to use 4x4's for legs and brace it with 2x4's.
Not sure L brackets would hold it secure enough with the use and force of a press. May pull screws loose over time.
It would be ugly but could run a lag screw through the top into the 4x4s. That'd hold it pretty good.

Any ideas that would look better? I plan on using wood glue across the top of the 4x4 and 2x4 for extra strength. Just need a good sturdy way to bolt it down.
 
This style bracket gives a very strong connection:

71Iu6u2-i0L._SL1000_.jpg
 
For a reloading bench that's not being used to gain social status in the neighborhood like a dining room table, I'd go with bolting straight through the 2x4's into the legs. You can recess the bolts/washers to give it a more refined finish, but remember it's a utility bench. That's my point. You go adding fancy brackets here and there, the cost of your bench/table goes up and up. Hardware always bites me in the butt when building something.

Stager the bolts as shown below to create more strength and to avoid hitting each other inside the leg. Go with a 1/4" or 3/8" by 3" long lag screw with washers. To attach the table top, either screw through the top into the skirt, or use "L" brackets. Add glue to each wood/wood connection for strength.
Table.JPG
 
Old school design as in the highschool woodshop textbooks.
 
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You need a skirt to keep the table top from flexing the legs can be lag bolted to the skirt from the sides. You want to keep the table top clear of bolts and the like.
 
Most conference tables are going to be particle board with a laminate on the top, bottom and sides. It will be heavy, but not strong.
 
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