Cam Bolts and Locks

[vader]

Was considering using a cambolt system when building my new cab.  Do you guys recommend it and what would be the upside/downside to this..would it be sturdy or would it be like some of that cheap office funiture that wobbles if you breathe on it ?  Reason I was considering this is it would eliminate any screws showing from the outside and I would avoid having to putty in the screw holes and sand them down.  I know brackets would be another option, just felt like I would pass it by you guys.  Are there any other suggestions ?

Tim

[DrewKaree]

Are you talking about something like these?

Upsides
Quicker assembly
Easy knockdown if you need to move it
Clean look from outside of cab
Stability will be just fine - won't be a worry, although you may need a few more along the long backside

Downsides
Price per connector (dunno your source, but those run between 5-10 bucks per, depending on size)
Time involved in making sure alignment is correct
Tools required for installation kinda pricey (forstner bit) but only a one-time buy
May still require screws along backside of cab due to size, or require 2-3 more connectors
PITA screwing in the bolt part of this connector - YOU MUST PREDRILL THE HOLE FOR THE BOLT

Other options would be to just use screws on the outside of your cab, but use a countersink bit to set the screw heads even with the top of the cab....it sucks to have to do it, but with a R/O sander, it truly isn't that much work to get a clean surface again. 

If you're using plywood, you could use 1x1's and screw from the inside .

[vader]

Wow, had no clue they were that much....would be cheaper to buy a desk and use those, lol....I guess it's off to counter sinking and putty for me....did that on my past one, was just considering different options

Tim

[JustMichael]

vader88,  have you tried pocket screws?  You can get a non-Kreg jig fairly cheap and you can get pocket screw plugs too.

[vader]

not familiar with that....do u possibly have a link to that ?

Tim

[DrewKaree]

You use a jig to drill the holes first, kinda like toe-nailing something, here's an advanced jig picture


After you drill the holes, you drop in some pocket screws (they have a flat underneath the head to draw the two pieces together


Then you can either leave the holes open (such as in your case, where they won't be seen) or plug them with these


Pocket hole attachment 101.  There will be a quiz tomorrow 

[SteveJ34]

I *think* these can be had for less than $5-10 a piece.....at least I seem to recall seeing a bulk pack of replacement parts in special hardware section at Lowes.

I have never had much luck with overall stability using these types of connectors for anything that is going to withstand much weight. A basic cab might not be too bad but when you go to add a monitor or TV, depending on size you are talking as much as 100-150 pounds of dead weight.

I built my upright from 5/8" MDF and 1"x2" stringers with countersunk wood screws then putty/paint.

I think this is the best option unless you have a workshop full of tools and are a master with wood dowels and dados or something.

Best of luck in your project.

[LordDamo]

If you're using plywood, you could use 1x1's and screw from the inside .

Im using MDF, but this is what im thinking of doing with mine, seams to be a much cheaper alternative. I was thinking of a cam type system, mainily cause I seam to move around a lot, but abandoned the idea cause of the wobble factor.

Those cams that DrewKaree posted look way strong, but as he stated, they cost the earth. I'd go with the 1" x 1" block idea