Balance

 Structure ~ design, solid wood ~ movement, 

machines ~ hand tools, light touch ~ solid hit with a hammer. 

These are balance issues for a craftsman.

 I have a cross structure to put together that will accept the legs and tenons, these pieces will keep the top flat and solid. Using slotted attachments I can allow the top to do its seasonal movement across grain. Pursuing the perfect joint, I use a balance of machines and hand tools, I'll prep the tight fit and then make a slight adjustment with the hand palne, a more sensitive feel, checking it as I go. Trust your hands and muscles, even the type of wood can adjust the fit. 

If machined properly the joint needs only to be pared a little and hit with the plane a pass or two to get it right. I wont put it together all the way right now, that would loosen the joint, I'll wait until after all joints are cut and final sanding. Its the smooth and tight joint sound and feel that I want during the final glue up. That's it, good.