There is a risk of split, especially being edge drilled. But a properly drilled hole for a properly sized fitting should not split. I am going to try today and will clamp and press-fit just to be safe. But splitting is a legitimate concern being edge drilled. My worry is that I'll be going for a barbed insert again. I personally like to ultra-low split t-nut inserts. Like this:To have the holes sized properly for the threaded inserts needing to be pressed into place will cause the wood to split if you ask me, I have seen this a lot with other furniture and things over the years.
The right way is to use a strong epoxy manufactured from the likes of Hilti or Simpson.
These epoxies have unbelievable strength and they don't shrink or expand when curing.
The hole at this point would be correct for the fitting.
IF you get to keep the parts and pieces I would try this.
But you have to have a decently close hole size and the 3/8" hole was going to force me to change the thread size to 5/16-18, which drastically reduces the leveling foot options that are small and can handle the weight. But the mechanical distribution of weight is always nice with that flange on these.
I'm going to try a mixed version though:
The barrel width is wider than some (.3540) ☹, which I'm not looking forward to because of the possible split , but it does give .0210 of play... weeeeeee!
Epoxy can be great! We shy away from it unless it is a necessary evil. With time it becomes brittle, and in this situation, you run the risk of blocking the back of the hole that is needed to recess the leveling foot, or filling in the threads. Both could be overcome by being extremely careful.
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