"bob prohaska" wrote in message
news
Sonny wrote:

Yep, pics would definitely help.


Ok, I've put a few pictures at

http://www.zefox.net/~bob/lincolndesk/

There are metal clips, each with a single screw, under the edge of
the top at the juncture with the legs, plus two in the middle of the
ends. Evidently I should start by removing the screws to see if the
top will then lift off.

The damaged M&T joint is at the occupant's far right. I'd imagine it
was whacked on something while being moved. No other damage is apparent.

The lathe is an old South Bend 10K, about 300 lbs, with 48" bed. It
will span the pedestals nicely. The reinforcement plan is to mount
a false top, possibly a laminate countertop section, with the lathe
bolted to that. I'm also contemplating bolting/screwing a sheet of
plywood to the bottom of the desk, covering the foot-hole, to make
a box structure. I believe that will offer considerable reinforcement.

I looked at your pix. If it were me I'd wipe some thickened epoxy on the
loosened tenon and whack it home. If you are a worrier, pin the tenon by
drilling through from the outside and inserting a dowel or two. You could
dowel the joints that aren't separated too.

You aren't planning on putting much of a load on it and the load will all be
downward. That should have no effect on the pedestal structures
separating. I am sure many will say, "No, no, you need to disassemble all,
clean and reassemble so the thing has the approximate strength of a
battleship". That is their opinion, not mine. Why do you think it needs
reinforcement?