Cabinet Base Construction

[QuarterJunkie]

I've started construction on my cabinet and have a question about the base. First off, I admit that my woodworking skills are nonexistent. In fact, I pretty much suck at building stuff but I am determined!

I'm using 3/4" MDF and have cut out the side panels. I plan to use nailing strips (or batons) on the inside panels. My question is how to establish a sturdy base. I have 3" casters to attach and am thinking that I should use 2X4's to attach them to. Does anyone have any good recommendations and/or examples (pictures would be awesome) on how I should go at this? I've studied many, many examples from this site and more, but can never find really good examples for the base.

Thanks for the help!

[javeryh]

This is what I did for the one I'm working on now:

[QuarterJunkie]

javeryh,

Thanks for the pic. Is that just glue, or glue and screws? Is your cab going to have casters?

[sstorkel]

You could always buy saint's "Project Arcade" book. It covers this question pretty well, IIRC... FWIW, I wouldn't use MDF for the base. It will bend and sag over time. Plywood is much more rigid and a better choice for supporting the weight of the entire cabinet.

[javeryh]

javeryh,

Thanks for the pic. Is that just glue, or glue and screws? Is your cab going to have casters?

It's just glue and I'm not planning on using casters.  If I was, all I'd do is raise the 2x4 frame a little bit to make room for the casters, glue a piece of plywood to cover the bottom and attach the casters to the plywood. The side and rear panels would hang down lower than the 2x4 base to cover the casters (as well as the front kickplate which isn't pictured.  Here's what it looks like standing up:



Yours would just have that bottom shelf raised up a bit I imagine...

[IA1NY]

QuarterJunkie,

You should install your caster plate below your frame.  You only need a 1x3 frame if you do it this way.  Glue and screw the framing to your sides.  When you do it this way, your weight is transfered directly to the cabinet sides and not on your hardware which could pull through your caster plate.  All in all, it way makes your cabinet stronger and lighter.  It'll also get your casters farther out, making a steadier base. 

Also be sure to bolt your casters on.  I've seen too many screwed-on casters missing to consider this a decent procedure.