In Shop Blog

We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.

Tabletop buttons are an easy and effective way to attach a table to its base. They allow for seasonal movement as they pivot and slide within their mortise. This video shows a quick and simple way to make buttons with hand tools.

You’ll want to mark a centerline with your marking gauge down the length of your blank, then saw to this line on each side of your blank.  These two saw kerfs should be separated by the desired length of your button’s tongue (I prefer 5/8”). The rest involves a satisfying whack with the hammer to split the button free!   The key to having success with this technique is in selecting a straight grain blank. I give all credit to Paul Sellers for showing me this cool little trick.

– Andy Rawls

Find Andy on Instagram and YouTube.
Check out his website!


Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.

Recent Posts
Showing 2 comments
  • Ray

    Looks like the method from Paul Seller’s videos. I’ll add it is an effective way to make buttons.

Start typing and press Enter to search