Q:
I’m making a bookcase and I like the look of a shiplapped back, but I’m worried that it won’t resist racking very well. Is there any way to improve its resistance?
Edward Nash, Casper, WY
A:
Traditionally, shiplapped backs are screwed or nailed at a single point at the top and bottom of each board. Although it provides plenty of room for wood movement, this type of back doesn’t provide a lot of racking resistance. One solution is to rabbet the back of the case sides and screw the end boards to the case along the side rabbets as well as at two points along the top and bottom. This will lock the end boards to the case and help to prevent racking. The remaining boards are attached in the traditional way. Place the screws so that each board locks down the one next to it.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
Comments
Rats. I just paid for full access to this article only to find that the article is not complete. Graphics links generate 404 error.
Who do we report a broken link to?
Send em to [email protected] and we'll throw it on the pile! It's a never ending battle with a website that goes back this far. The only way we know is if you guys tell us most of the time. Thanks!
Oh... this one will be added as well.
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