What's best for attaching pieces of cab together?

[eggedd2k]

the arcade book says use bits of wood on each panel and screw from the inside (to minimise visible screw-holes),  i've seen another cab maker who's screwed from the outside.

other than visible screws (i wouldnt want to fill the holes - i want to be able to dismantle it to transport etc) what are the pros/cons to attaching each wood panel on a cab?

[RetroACTIVE]

Structurally the whole thing may be a bit weaker than a permanent screw+glue technique.  The major pro of course is the ability to disassemble the beast.

For a real clean approach you could consider:

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?offerings_id=348

They require a little bit of finesse and decent tools but work well.

[nickbuol]

Has anyone tried using metal brackets and screws from the inside?

A guy I work with had his wood panels cut out of melamine at a local millworks company (very nice cuts), and doesn't want to damage the outside either.  He was thinking metal brackets and screws, but I wasn't sure.  For mine (particle board with laminate on the outside) I used pieces of 2x4 that I ripped into pieces similar to a 2x2 and just cut to length.  Seemed nice and easy, but he really wants to use brackets.  Of course, he wants me to help him build, so I don't want him blaming me if it doesn't work out.

[eggedd2k]

i think before i actually do any joining with my cab parts i'll do a bit of practice screwing  and fixing with the different methods to see which works best.

actually, the guy whos gonna cut my wood is a shopfitter so i'll ask him see what he thinks would be best. i'll let you know.

[AceTKK]

Don't just use screws, the strength in the joint comes from the glue.  The screws are basically used to keep everything together while the glue is drying.

[Silverwind]

I used wood glue and a nailgun on mine.  With some L brackets on the inside for added strength.

Nail gun holes are nice and small.. just a small dab of wood putty and you would never know.. hehe.  Plus it's real quick.. can bang a whole row of them in 10 seconds.

[Lilwolf]

I like using 1x1s in the corners... Then you glue / screw these into the proper locations in the side (through the 1x1 into the MDF or plywood with 1 1/2" screws).  Then you only screw in the fronts and back.  on the front sides you screw in from the inside out.  And the back from the outside in.  (so you can see screws on the back, but not the front. 

But in the end, you can take everything apart.

[Ayrk]

Quick question, how do you screw from the inside? I have 1x2's attached to the inside of my side panels and can't see a way to screw the bottom, front, and top panels on from the inside.

The only way I can fit a screwdriver there is by using a rachet and a 1/4" bit. I don't plan on hand screwing everything together so I'm just going to clamp it and glue it all.

Am I missing something?

[AceTKK]

You can build cabinets without any screws that are stronger than those with screws. You only need 2 things:

1) Router
2) Gorilla (Polyurathane) Glue


Router the sides so that the cross pieces fit snugly (not hammer in tight, but also not so loose it moves with the slightest touch), either the full width of the cross piece or a portion of it to overlap with tounge/grove style to hide any bad router lines.

Then, wet the edges of the cross pieces and router channel, apply polyurathane glue, put it all together and clamp it down tight.

[Lilwolf]

there was a great thread a while ago doing this.  But basically you have both sides fully glued and screwed in...   (so both sides have all the 1x1s attached).

then you take the front panels and clamp them on, and screw them in from the inside (yes, your standing on the inside).

So now you have both sides attached by the front panels.

then you place the back panels on and screw them in from the back (and top and bottom).

Quick question, how do you screw from the inside? I have 1x2's attached to the inside of my side panels and can't see a way to screw the bottom, front, and top panels on from the inside.

The only way I can fit a screwdriver there is by using a rachet and a 1/4" bit. I don't plan on hand screwing everything together so I'm just going to clamp it and glue it all.

Am I missing something?

[eggedd2k]

like the sound of that lilwolf 

sounds like the best idea so far