flimsy cabinet

[unusualfire]

how does one make a flimsy cabinet stronger?...i should have went with the 3/4 inch plywood...but i choose  the cheaper 1/2 inch plywood...i have some L brackets in the cabinet...but it still kinda moves while playing games such as robotron and the upper cut in any street fighter game....must i get some HUGE L brackets or what is best to use to make it more sturdy?

[pyrobrit]

Well I suppose one way would be to work out where your cabinet flexes most and put in a bracing support such as some 2 by 4 secured well with screws and glue.

Or start fresh by building a frame for your cabinet and placing the ply on the frame once you are happy that it will not flex.

I see no reason why half inch ply cannot be used so long as you have a good foundation to start with or you are attaching it to something else.

[unusualfire]

i was thinking about putting soem 2x4's at 3 of the corners....but i want it to be sturdy up and down just as across..luckly 2x4's are cheap..but then i have to screw and by brackets for them...the next cabinet i build will be using 3/4 plywood.and  i won't make it as high 74 inches.....it will be a sit down cause i find standing up..does do some wear and tear on your back..and stools are uncomfortable to sit in.

[tubuku01]

for your next project, why don't you go ahead and try 3/4 inch thick particle board?  the cab will be heavy, and sure as hell won't move around.

i'm working on a four player cab, now if i could just work it into the living room without waking the sleeping wifey........ :-/

oh, well, just a thought.

[pyrobrit]

Particle board is cheaper than Ply wood too!

Regards

Nick.W

[nightowl007]

how does one make a flimsy cabinet stronger?...i should have went with the 3/4 inch plywood...but i choose

[jelloslug]

The outside of you cabinet should not be the main structure of you cabinet, it will not have the stiffness to keep it from flexing.  Try making some cross braces out of 2x4 (not just corner braces) and place one at the top, bottem, and one or two in the middle (I used the middle one as the support for the monitor shelf).  You can try to make them X shaped of you want, but H shaped or box shaped will be easier to make.

[Frobozz]

Biggest problem with particle board I have is that it deteriorates with moisture.  I have enough old Sauder particle board furnishings that are falling apart due to age and moisture.  

Good to hear my plans for going the 2x4 inner box-frame with 1/2" plywood panels (3/4" plywood sidewalls) shoud be fine.