SQL Server 2012 8k limitation confusion -

SQL Server 2012 8k limitation confusion -

i have question sql server 8k limitation. have destination table 453 columns, of type varchar(max). import table has same number of columns , of same datatype. import table -> destination table. sure ppl going suggest normalizing , redesign more interested in why sql server behaving way.

the character count of rows import table around 4000 , 4500. below senarios need help with

if select * sometable "import table", successful run.

if insert "destination table" select * "import table" error saying "cannot create row of size 8239 greater allowable maximum row size of 8060."

i totally losing mind. thought using varchar(max) allows me stretch 8060 limitation upto 2 gig. destination table columns , import table columns of type varchar(max) allows lob and/or out-of-row storage.

need help please.

sql-server sql-server-2012