Attaching Components

Please lend me your wisdom. We are almost done (!) assembling the cubby storage wall, which will go in my 9 y.o. sons' room (e.g., no toddlers here).

Two questions:

1) Hubby plans to use plumbing strap to connect the backs of the top cubby unit to the middle cabinet unit. Will this work okay?

2. Screwing the components together: What type/size of screws? Where do you place them?

THANK YOU!

Forums

General Getting Started Questions

tncraftsman

Wed, 04/06/2011 - 05:35

If the purpose is to secure

If the purpose is to secure the top to the middle, couldn't you put a screw through the top of the middle to the bottom of the top cubby? Straps should work fine if used to connect the two but I generally find plumbing straps unattractive. Would a mending plate work for you?

Screwing the components depends on what the material is. Plywood will need a deep coarse thread and MDF will require a fine thread. Be sure and use an actual wood screws. Wood screws are smooth at the top portion of the shank (the length) and tapered. A general rule of thumb is that is
that two-thirds of the screw length should penetrate into the joining member (sometimes this isn't always possible).

Have you looked into the Kreg joining system? They do an awesome job of joining 90 degree angles.

Daisies and Crazies

Wed, 04/06/2011 - 09:09

Thanks for your response! I had to Google "mending plate" since I've never heard of one before. ;) Except for having fewer holes, I don't see how it looks too much different. (?) http://tinyurl.com/3wejsx2

The unit is made of plywood, so I'll be sure to use the screws you describe. We do have a Kreg Jig (haven't used it yet) but we want this piece to be able to be disassembled.

As far as technique, where on the actual pieces do you place the screws?

I'm so afraid of screwing something up. HA!

Frank Maraschino (not verified)

Wed, 04/06/2011 - 12:46

I'm not sure if I'm

I'm not sure if I'm understanding your question completely. Are you referring to this unit?:

http://ana-white.com/2010/06/furniture-plans-wall-cubby-shelf.html

According to the plan, you nail a 1/4" plywood back to the whole unit, not just to one row of cubbies (you could screw the back on as well). Having a solid back is part of what gives a shelving unit its structural strength and helps it resist racking.

Daisies and Crazies

Wed, 04/06/2011 - 19:15

Attaching Components of Cubby Media Suite

Nosir. This one: http://ana-white.com/2010/01/plans-cameron-storage-wall-wide-media.html Media center in the middle; drawer on each side; topped with a cabinet on each side; with a cubby unit on the top of each side (no bridge across the top).

I'm referring to connecting the vertical components to each other and to connecting the three horizontal components to each other.

I've Googled this but can't find any advice. I thought about popping into PB Kids to see if I can tell how they attach theirs together. haha