Hi there everyone :
Im currently building a walnut case that needs to be mounted flush to the wall ( drywall ) 20 ” wide 15″ deep 3/4″ thick
the problem that I have is joining it properly for stength purpose, the customer wants to put his stereo components on it so there’s no room for a top heavy shelf ………… first I looked around for plywood for the case, it turned out to be too expensive for there taste …… so I found a sheet of walnut particleboard for 86.00 ……….. but how do I join everything together so that it doesn’t fall off the wall ?
the wall is exposed at the back so I can make a mounting plate and I can also hit atleast one stud …… my big fear is having the back rip away from the case and crash to the ground !!! Should I use all solid material ? some particle board ? what kind of joinery is standard in this situation ?
any info is greatly appreciated, thanks ryan
Replies
Ryan,
If I were building this shelf, I would use solid wood, and -- depending on the design and stereo component "storage" requirements -- dovetails for the case work, and either (through wedged) mortise & tenon joints or sliding dovetails for the shelves. Solid wood is usually lighter than equivalent thickness particle board, generally all-around stronger, and is easier on your tools, especially on your edged tools.
For attachment to the wall, a (recessed) cleat would work very well, and is very strong. Since the back is open, one way to attach the cleat to the case is to dovetail it into the sides, across the back, reinforcing the dovetails with pegs or screws.
Good luck, and have fun. Post some pics when you get it done.
Tschüß!
Mit freundlichen holzbearbeitungischen Grüßen aus dem Land der Rio Grande!!
James
Hey thanks that sounds like a good idea .......... I think you changed my mind on the paticle board or solid wood issue ....... the back of the cabinet is closed so I may be able to cut a mated slot to attach the cabinet to a wall mounted cleat ?
thanks again ryan
One thing you might want to do is to build it with a toe box on the bottom so that it is off-set from the base board with the case itself being flush to the wall. Then a piece across the top would hit at least one stud you could lag-bolt into. At some other point along that piece you could screw it in with a molly or other expansion connection for wall board. I would think that would hold it, especially if the case is now flush to the wall.
What's a toe box ? I'm assuming It's a cleat that's runs along the bottom of the case if that is true It will be exposed due to the no trim look ........... thank you for your response it's greatly appreciated ryan
Instead of the cabinet going all the way to the floor, it sits on a small platform of the same wood as the cabinet but is about 2" smaller in all dimensions. Since it is separate it is easy to shim and level it first and then put the cabinet on it. It also keeps the bottom of the cabinet from many dings and nicks and is much easier to repair if necessary. It need not be attached to the cabinet, since the weight will hold it in place.
I agree with dzgren. have the back recessed an bit and then rip a board at 45* down the middle ( 4"-6" shorter than the inside width of the cabinet - for wriggle room) and attach one with point up to the wall and the point down on the back of the cabinet at the very top, leaving 2"-3" on either side. Then put another set near the bottom of the box, or just a 2" wide board as a space to keep the cabinet steady
" There'll be no living with her now" - Captain Jack Sparrow
Where are you located? I can usually get good grade walnut plywood for $99 per sheet. The joinery is a lot easier and often the veneers are nicer than what comes on particleboard. (I'm in Brooklyn)
I live in ontario ............ so it might be a little cheaper still to get it local ?
Ha ha... yes i'm sure it is. I was mostly curious to see who was getting stuck with higher prices than me. New York isn't famous for low prgices after all, and the overhead is high enough here that the higher price you named seemed a bit odd. Have you tried any of the companies that sell only sheet goods?
that was one of them, ( snider plywood ) they probably ordered it in from the states !!! I tried a few major local dealers, all they had was 3/4 particle board , so I decided to laminate up some solid walnut ............. in the end I think it will be a better piece of furniture ........... my initial concern was the weight factor.
thanks for your message ryan
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled