Hi all - I am looking for some help engineering a "clean and simple" connection for legs attaching directly into the bottom of a desk where the legs are removable.

I have made this desk twice before for this client and the existing leg-to-desk connection is as follow:
Each leg has a square plate on top that is recessed to sit flush with the bottom of the desk. Each plate has 4 holes that line up with threaded inserts in the core of the desk. Each insert gets a hex head bolt to secure the plate, and thus the leg, to the desk. In all it is 12 fasteners tightened down with an Allen wrench.

The client is looking for something "cleaner and simpler," ideally with 0 or 1 fastener per leg.

I am at a loss. If the legs were cylindrical or square I could have them screw on to a bolt that is mortised into the desk. With this super high gloss finish and the odd leg shapes, I think screwing legs on would inevitably scuff up the bottom of the desk as it turns and tightens down (and they've also asked if there's a "more durable" mirror finish, so maybe the answer to all their questions is "no").

These desks are for exhibitions/show units the designer puts together and get moved/stored many times so the connection needs to be continually reversible without losing functionality so I'm wary of anything where the legs friction fit and then get yanked out over and over every few months.

Any and all advice/ideas appreciated.

View higher quality, full size image (4032 X 3024)

View higher quality, full size image (2016 X 1512)


Click the link below to download the file included with this post.

Small_Arc_Desk_Dimensioned_Drawing_for_Approval__03_15_2020.pdf

Could you use all thread and drill the length of the leg and slip it over the all thread and counter bore the bottom of the leg to recess the nut? They make a lag bolt that attaches to the all three with a coupling or you could epoxy the all thread into a hole on the bottom of the desk top. You would have to make sure that the all thread is square with the bottom of the desk so when you tighten the nut it pulls the leg square

good luck......nicko

Could a steel plate be cut out so that a countersunk allen head bolt could be used to go through the top of the plate fastening in to each leg (essentially the plate would act as a subtop)? then once the plate is fastened to the legs the top could drop on to that and be fastened the same way (allen head(s) bolt(s) up in to the wooden top?

Have some 3/16" steel machined so that the pieces screwed to the legs drop into a recess in the top and can be slid under steel pieces attached to the underside of the top. The leg could be fixed in place with one screw.
The pieces could be laser cut for a reasonable price. I hope you can picture what I have poorly described.
For the finish, suggest that your client get socks made for the legs for transportation and storage. Did you make a padded crate for the tables?

Is the client too lazy or short of time to install a dozen bolts by hand with an allen key? If so, have them invest in cordless screwgun (not impact driver) and allen driver, and show them how to use it. With the right tools, those bolts could be installed or removed in a couple minutes.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Tom -- I think I can visualize what you're suggesting, I like the idea a lot. I am going to draw a few options for the client and see what they say but I think some version of your idea fits the bill. In terms of finish durability it's less about transportation and more in the use. They have one of the desks in their studio and have vases, books, etc. on it when they meet with clients. Any little scuff mark sticks out right away since it is a mirror finish. I've asked the finisher I use if he has any recommendations.

Duster -- the client is a design firm who is VERY fussy, and their clients are even fussier they tell me; I would love to teach them to use a screwdriver to adjust Blum hinges nevermind using a power tool... Luckily their projects can withstand me pricing my work to allow for the inevitable return visits into New York City from out here in the country to fix the most minor things for them. I think the idea of luxury they are selling to their clients does not include "some assembly required."