Cab construction/sides

[CD_Vision]

Alright, well I've started building my first scratch cab after two conversions, and I didn't have any plans to go on with this, I just sorta said, "Well, I need it to be this tall, and about this wide", and I cut the sides out based on how big the monitor is, and I think I'm pretty happy with what I have here.

I cut the sides out of 3/4" maple plywood, and I stained them a nice red/brown color. I'm going for a natural wood finish on the whole thing.

So here's where I'm kinda stuck. I want to start building a frame for the inside of the cab using 2x4s, but I can't think of a good way to attach the sides to it without having bolts showing from the outside, but I also want the cab to be sturdy. If I was using sideart this would be no issue, but with the wood thing, well...

Can anyone link me to a good example of how to do this?

[pointdablame]

Most people would usually countersink screws in from the side, putty the holes, and paint.

With your natural finish, it gets a bit more complicated.  I would countersink holes from the outside to secure the 2x4's, but don't go crazy with the screws (It's the wood glue that holds it together anyway).  Then, you can create or buy wood plugs for your counter sunk holes.  You can stain the plugs the same color as your cab.  If you picked carefully, and tried to align the wood grain, it would probably look just fine.  You will probably be able to see the  holes, but I think this way would be the least noticeable.

The only other option I can think of is screwing the 2x4's from the inside and not making the screws come out the side panels, i.e. using screws that would penetrate the 3/4" wood but not come out the other end.  This isn't exactly a great choice though since your frame would be screwed into 1/2" of wood or so.

Hope that helps.

[RayB]

Are you using 2x4's because you have that lying around already? Cuz I think this type of construction only calls for 1x1's (for jointing all your sides), and MAYBE a couple 2x4's for extra sturdy monitor support...

And yes, you'd screw from the inside out... properly use a good wood glue too (such as "No More Nails").

~Ray B.

[JonnyBoy]

You could use a plug cutting but and fill the holes in with the plugs made from the same wood?

[FractalWalk]

3/4" ply should give you plenty of room so that your screws won't poke through from the inside. Attach 2 x 2 strips to the inside of your sides with glue and screw from the inside out.  If you use 1x1's they can split very easily and they make for some tight angles to drill.

Use 2 x 4's as cross pieces to attach your sides together.  You just screw these to your 2x 2's. 

Make sure you plan ahead as you don't want your cross pieces in the way of things like monitors, panels and doors.

[DrewKaree]

You could use a plug cutting but and fill the holes in with the plugs made from the same wood?

Plywood doesn't make the best plug material.  Usually you would use plug cutting bits to cut from a solid piece of wood, glue and pound the plugs into your hole, and then use a flush-cut saw to cut as close as possible, then sand till it's even with the surrounding wood.

And that is one way to do it from the outside, but as Fractal said, you've got enough to grab.  If you really wanted to be careful, use liquid nails on your frame to connect it to your nicely stained pieces, that way, even if you don't get enough screw threads in, you're still good to go.

I like the sound of the color.

Show us pics.