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Battens: What/How Useful?
DaveMMR:
--- Quote from: Slippyblade on July 17, 2014, 05:44:01 pm ---+1 on pocket screws. I've seen those used in soooooo many cabinetry projects that are rock solid. Can't imagine them NOT being good for arcade cabs.
--- End quote ---
I watch Woodworking for Mere Mortals and Steve puts pocket screws in practically everything he does. He definitely sold me on using them in future projects.
dkersten:
On anything with either hardwood that is visible or a finished side (ie laminate), I use pocket screws. It is easier and faster than biscuits, and for cabinetry in particular, a great way to go.
However, any surface that I can fill holes in, nail and glue is faster and if done right, just as good if not better.
The only time I use biscuits any more is on panels of hardwood or hardwood veneer plywood where I want both sides to be free of holes. And with plywood veneer I will opt for a dado joint over biscuits if I can do it.
The only place I use metal brackets in anything other than "shop furniture" (like a workbench) is on something that needs room to move as the wood expands and contracts over time. With MDF and particle board you don't have to worry about this of course, but any natural wood you do, so securing table tops to skirts or the like really requires a mechanical fastener that can move. Otherwise metal brackets are like RTA fittings to me - I leave them to the guy who only owns a screwdriver.
Vigo:
In case anyone wants to send Vigo a birthday present this year. ;D
https://www.kregtool.com/store/c26/pocket-hole-machinery/p322/foreman-pocket-hole-machine/
Yinzer:
+1 pocket screws
DClarkster:
Thanks for all the great info (like I didn't already have enough to consider on my first build). I think I'm going with the 2x2 furring strips (~$2 for 8' at Home Depot/Lowe's). But I'm still unclear as to WHY they (or metal brackets) help. I get why for shelves, but not panels. Ease of assembly makes sense and is worth it alone, but how it provides better structure stability (again with panels) just isn't clicking with me.
This is my first build (not started yet). I am using MDF (3/4" sides and 1/2" panels) and glue & screw. As far as I can tell it's a difference of screwing (counter-sunk) the sides directly into the panels' edges or screwing battens into the sides and then screwing the panels to the battens. I also don't understand carpentry, so "without a physics lesson, suffice it to say 'it just does'" is also acceptable (and the answer I'm currently rolling with).