Joining back panels to carcase

sorethumb | Posted in Joinery on March 4, 2002 08:34am

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I have a 3 panel pine back for a 30″ wide display/bookcase. I want to rabbet the panels together and set them in rabbetted sides. I do not want to use rails to join the back panels. I could use ledgers/stops, or nail/screw glue from the back. What do you recommend? Should I glue, and if so, where. Should I screw, and if so, where. I’m assuming some expansion/contraction of the pine, but I don’t want to get too complicated, as this is my first case. Thanks very much.

Replies

Craig_C | Feb 19, 2002 04:14pm | #1
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Sorethumb-
A suggestion might be to not use any glue. Go ahead and rabbet the panels together so that when exp/con does occur you won't see daylight/wall. When setting into the carcass, screw into elongated holes to allow exp/con.

sorethumb | Feb 19, 2002 11:03pm | #2
*Thanks. I think this will work. I saw an article that suggested a single screw at the top of each panel when using multiple panels, and screws through the back along the sides of the outside panels. Sounds like the way to go. I understand I could use a slightly larger hole for the screws rather than an elongated one. Thanks again. Todd

RJT_ | Mar 01, 2002 05:05am | #3
*Panel boards should be about 4" wide with t&g with a bit of room between. Don't glue, nail two spikes per.

sorethumb | Mar 04, 2002 08:34pm | #4
*My boards are much wider. They are actually preglued pine panels I picked up at Home Depot. I ripped 3 of them to fit into a 31 inch carcase. Now I have shiplapped them and I'd like to put a bead on them or round the front edges for detail. I was thinking of putting single screws in the middle/top and bottom of each panel, into the rabbeted top. The panels are 40 inches tall and don't seem likely to bow, but given the width do I need to worry? Again, the panels are really made up of glued 3 inch strips. Obviously this isn't the purest of projects, but I'm a novice and open to some shortcuts. All advice is appreciated. Thanks, Todd