1x1 Framing Information

[atomaka]

Hey all,

I'm getting ready for the next phase of my arcade machine which is assembly and had some questions about the 1x1 Framing.

Firstly, how did you set it up.  I am thinking that 3" long pieces of the 1x1 should be long enough to get two screws in.  I am not sure how often I need to place these pieces.  Any informatin on that would be great.  I've seen several people using a similar method.  I am using plans that are close to Lusid's dimensions, so that would be great.

Next, are 1x1s actually one inch by one inch.  I know that 2x4s are actually something like one and a half inch by three and a half inches.  This is going to make a big difference in decided how many screws I will need.

Finally, I was wondering what to do about screws.  I was thinking that if a 1x1 was really one inch by one inch, than an inch and a half screw would be the size I need.  Would I be correct in assuming this?

I understand that I need to pre drill stuff.  Any other tips you guys had would be great.  Thanks for your time and answers!

[Wade]

They are .75x.75".  I used 1x2s, which are .75x1.25" (or 0.75xsomething).  I wouldn't use 1x1's unless you are gluing and screwing into real wood (plywood).  If using MDF, I'd use 1x2s or 2x2s, since MDF wont hold screws as well as plywood and you'd get more surface area for glue.

FWIW, the 1x2's worked great on my cab (3/4" MDF, a 2x4 frame supporting most of the cabinet) but it never hurts to over do it a little bit, depending on the strength of your design.

Wade

[SirPoonga]

I used 1x1s on my mdf cabinet.  I just took a 1x2 and cut it in half first.  I actually made the sides of the cabinet first and then lined it with strips.  Look at the pics on my site.

I only glued a couple of sections.  The base is using full 1x2, 2x4 supports for the weight of the thing.

[shmokes]

wouldn't you want to put 4 screws in each strip of 1x1?  Like this:

[1UP]

I used 1x1s in my melamine cab.  As long as you glue first, it's plenty sturdy.  It's actually DAMN hard to break them free, even with the laminated surface--I had to use a chisel and hamer to remove some unwanted sections after I unscrewed them.

you can also get true 1x1's that are really 1"x1" square.  I got mine at True Value.  Home depot sells the .75x.75 versions.  I would recommend the 1 inchers.

you're right about cross screwing to join two panels, that's the way I did it.

[SirPoonga]

I used 1x1s in my melamine cab.  As long as you glue first, it's plenty sturdy.  It's actually DAMN hard to break them free, even with the laminated surface--I had to use a chisel and hamer to remove some unwanted sections after I unscrewed them.

Yeah, you can never have too much, though it isn't needed.  I just glued the monitor shelf and base (but those are 1x2), the stuff that takes the weight.  The rest is not glued and is very rock solid.

[AlanS17]

I'm about to use bolts and zinc plated angle iron to brace my control panel to my cabinet so I can remove it and send it through doorways. Think that'll be enough?

I'm just hoping the MDF holds. It's heavier than I thought and there wil be a lot of weight on the front of the machine...

[SirPoonga]

It might hold.  though there would be no difference in being able to take apart using l brackets or 1x1.  Still screwing and unscrewing into mdf which you don;t want to do too much.

[atomaka]

How much 1x1 lengthwise would I need then?

[SirPoonga]

copy and paste the links.

Don't need much.  Look at my cabinet (on my site linked below)

Look in the construction and finished.  Basically there is just 1x1 going around the side panels.

And small block on the inside of the cp to hold the cp together.

[u_rebelscum]

I recently found true 1"x1" in the dowels section of lowes and ace hardware.  (I haven't checked home depot's dowels.)  I always thought dowels were round, but I guess not. *shrug*

[atomaka]

copy and paste the links.

Don't need much.  Look at my cabinet (on my site linked below)

Look in the construction and finished.  Basically there is just 1x1 going around the side panels.

And small block on the inside of the cp to hold the cp together.

Haha, sorry SirPoonga.  Missed the link in your sig earlier.  I'll check it out.  Thanks

[SirPoonga]

I recently found true 1"x1" in the dowels section of lowes and ace hardware.  (I haven't checked home depot's dowels.)  I always thought dowels were round, but I guess not. *shrug*

Hehe, glad I don't have a lowes around here then.  I'd get round 2x4s!

[atomaka]

I went through and made approximate calculations to get an estimate for how much 1x1 I'd need.  I have a total of about fourteen feet.  Does that sound correct?

Also, I assume that 1x1 pine strips will work, is this correct?

Thanks for all the responses so far!