On 10/08/2009 02:41 PM, Bill wrote:
In gluing boards together to make a 30" by 7' top, a few months ago, someone
(sorry, I don't recall who) suggested including a threaded steel rod to
guarantee strength.

Bottom line: Do you advise, 1, 2 or 4 threaded (29") steel rods?

Personally...none. The wood will want to expand and contract with
humidity changes. The steel rod won't.

I built my bench with a laminated maple slab top, no end caps, no
aprons. It sits on two trestle ends. Very similar to the knockdown
Holtzhapffel by Chris Schwarz.

Chris