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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: DataWest on April 07, 2011, 02:42:51 pm

Title: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: DataWest on April 07, 2011, 02:42:51 pm

What is the best way to fasten 2x4's together for a cab frame?

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: HaRuMaN on April 07, 2011, 02:54:01 pm

layer of glue, and screws

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: DataWest on April 07, 2011, 03:02:27 pm

Im trying to figure out what is going on here....

(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1901/screenshot20110407at102.png)

I cant see what he is screwed into.

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: HaRuMaN on April 07, 2011, 03:04:49 pm

Without seeing it closer, it appears that they removed half of the material from each 2x4 and made joints that way.  Seems like overkill.

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: DataWest on April 07, 2011, 03:08:52 pm

Quote from: HarumaN on April 07, 2011, 03:04:49 pm

Without seeing it closer, it appears that they removed half of the material from each 2x4 and made joints that way.  Seems like overkill.

How would you do it? Glue and screw a connecting piece to each joint? Im just interested in the easiest way.  ;D

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: Tumerboy on April 07, 2011, 04:25:29 pm

It's called a Lap Joint
(http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/WoodJointsTT2.jpg)

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: Donkbaca on April 07, 2011, 04:27:23 pm

Glue/Screw.

You really don't need 2x4s I am using 3/4" ply with 1x2's and some L brackets and its plenty sturdy

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: miles2912 on April 09, 2011, 10:31:33 pm

You take a dado blade on a table saw and basically cut half way. 

(http://blstb.msn.com/i/CD/C621178E7796504E16CD35241794.jpg)

It is overkill, but makes for a very sturdy and heavy cab.

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: Woodshop Flunky on April 09, 2011, 11:16:41 pm

Half lap joints with 2x4s is beyond overkill for an arcade cab.

Instead, get some 1x2 material.  Better yet, if you have access to a table saw, rip your own 2inch strips of 3/4 inch plywood and butt joint them with pocket hole screws (and glue).  This will produce a VERY strong carcass to build you cabinet around.

Metal brackets will also work, but I find them harder to use.

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: javeryh on April 11, 2011, 09:45:01 pm

2x4s are total overkill.  Plywood or MDF does the job just fine.

Title: Re: Best way to fasten 2x4's for a cab frame
Post by: DNA Dan on April 11, 2011, 10:50:51 pm

I just finished my basic cab shell using biscuits, glue and some screws. This is 5/8" particleboard mind you and it's rock solid. Granted the laminate adds a lot of rigidity, but I only have the sides, bottom and back pieces glued and it ain't going nowhere! I haven't even braced it in the front or top yet.