Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 08-05-2009, 12:28 AM   #1
Pro
 
S Winklepleck's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpenter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Jose, Ca
Posts: 109

Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


I've heard a little of this and a little of that when it comes to joining the plywood together for cabinet boxes. Is it worth it to invest in a corner stapler, or is that a cheap a$$ way to do it? Should I just glue and clamp the holy hell out of them and not use fasteners? What do you guys think?
(either way, I'd glue them, just wondering if you guys recommend fastening or just clamping and letting the glue dry?)

__________________
-Steve

"I need the skilsaw." ... "Why did you bring me the drill box?" "It says S.A.W. on it." "Those are my initials."
S Winklepleck is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 08-05-2009, 07:41 AM   #2
Pro
 
Jeremy E's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Berlin, MA
Posts: 234

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


Glue & screw wherever screws won't be visible... There are about 100 ways to do it if the screws can't be hidden. It depends on whether you're building the Yugo or the Cadillac...
Jeremy E is offline  
Old 08-05-2009, 05:42 PM   #3
Pro
 
D.Foster's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpentry & Remodeling
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: N.Y. State
Posts: 711

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


Glue and pocket screws is strong as hell for cab boxes, then you have no clamp time.And you can reinforce the pocket screws with biscuits in between holes.
__________________
Do what you would do, as if i won't Do anything after you Did It!
D.Foster is offline  
Old 08-05-2009, 07:28 PM   #4
Maker of fine kindling
 
Gus Dering's Avatar
 
Trade: cabinet maker
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Santa Rosa CA
Posts: 4,752
Send a message via Yahoo to Gus Dering

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


Old school staple gun. 7/16" crown x 1 3/4" length.

Thats our work horse.
Fastening cabinet boxes together...?-bib-staple-gun.jpeg

Then all other kinds for things that show. No fasteners through a finished face is our goal.
__________________
Every parent who has walked barefoot into their child's room late at night hates Legos

Last edited by Gus Dering; 08-05-2009 at 07:33 PM.
Gus Dering is offline  
Old 08-05-2009, 10:13 PM   #5
Pro
 
S Winklepleck's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpenter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Jose, Ca
Posts: 109

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


Well we're going for something a little nicer than a caddy, but our expectations are not much higher than that. We're going to add skins so the sides WILL get covered. I guess screwing would be ok, I've just never had a lot of luck with screws not splitting the plywood and causing ugly bumps inside the cab.

Pocket screws on the box? How's that work?

We tongue and groove all the panels, and we use 1/2" prefinished birch... so I don't see where pocket screws would work. We do use them for the face frames, though
__________________
-Steve

"I need the skilsaw." ... "Why did you bring me the drill box?" "It says S.A.W. on it." "Those are my initials."
S Winklepleck is offline  
Old 08-05-2009, 11:48 PM   #6
Pro
 
Trim40's Avatar
 
Trade: Guy who plays with wood
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Littleton , CO
Posts: 880

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


I cut a 1/16th" deep dado in my face frame stock and pocket screw the boxes to the face frames.
Trim40 is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 01:30 AM   #7
Pro
 
S Winklepleck's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpenter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Jose, Ca
Posts: 109

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


we do a 1/4 x 1/4 dado in the face frames for the tongue in the side and top/bottom panels to slide into and glue it
__________________
-Steve

"I need the skilsaw." ... "Why did you bring me the drill box?" "It says S.A.W. on it." "Those are my initials."
S Winklepleck is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 07:03 PM   #8
Pro
 
D.Foster's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpentry & Remodeling
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: N.Y. State
Posts: 711

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


Quote:
Originally Posted by S Winklepleck View Post
Well we're going for something a little nicer than a caddy, but our expectations are not much higher than that. We're going to add skins so the sides WILL get covered. I guess screwing would be ok, I've just never had a lot of luck with screws not splitting the plywood and causing ugly bumps inside the cab.

Pocket screws on the box? How's that work?

We tongue and groove all the panels, and we use 1/2" prefinished birch... so I don't see where pocket screws would work. We do use them for the face frames, though
You can pocket screw through the bottom side of the bottom panel to the side panels, back side of the back panel to the sides, and the tops of the box to the sides, and all will be concealed. I have done this alot in the past.
__________________
Do what you would do, as if i won't Do anything after you Did It!

Last edited by D.Foster; 08-07-2009 at 09:55 PM.
D.Foster is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 09:28 PM   #9
Pro
 
D.Foster's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpentry & Remodeling
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: N.Y. State
Posts: 711

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


Quote:
Originally Posted by S Winklepleck View Post
Well we're going for something a little nicer than a caddy, but our expectations are not much higher than that. We're going to add skins so the sides WILL get covered. I guess screwing would be ok, I've just never had a lot of luck with screws not splitting the plywood and causing ugly bumps inside the cab.

Pocket screws on the box? How's that work?

We tongue and groove all the panels, and we use 1/2" prefinished birch... so I don't see where pocket screws would work. We do use them for the face frames, though
Quote:
Originally Posted by S Winklepleck View Post
we do a 1/4 x 1/4 dado in the face frames for the tongue in the side and top/bottom panels to slide into and glue it
Well,.. sounds like you've already got it figured out then right?????
__________________
Do what you would do, as if i won't Do anything after you Did It!
D.Foster is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 09:54 PM   #10
Pro
 
D.Foster's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpentry & Remodeling
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: N.Y. State
Posts: 711

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


I don't get it.. You have asked for suggestions, then when given,.. you proceed to explain how you usually perform the task?? When asking for help one is usually looking for a way that is unlike their own
__________________
Do what you would do, as if i won't Do anything after you Did It!
D.Foster is offline  
Old 08-12-2009, 04:29 PM   #11
Trust but verify
 
atnas's Avatar
 
Trade: Instructor & Finish Carpentry
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 41

Re: Fastening Cabinet Boxes Together...?


Quote:
Originally Posted by S Winklepleck View Post
Well we're going for something a little nicer than a caddy, but our expectations are not much higher than that. We're going to add skins so the sides WILL get covered. I guess screwing would be ok, I've just never had a lot of luck with screws not splitting the plywood and causing ugly bumps inside the cab.

Pocket screws on the box? How's that work?

We tongue and groove all the panels, and we use 1/2" prefinished birch... so I don't see where pocket screws would work. We do use them for the face frames, though


Make sure whatever method you use that the fastner holes will not show through your "skins". I.E. thin veneers will not bridge the shallow depressions from fastners very well. If a thick skin then no worries, but if thin use some filler in the depressions.
__________________
If you don't have time to do it right the first time..., when will you have time to do it again?
Klaus Finish Carpentry
atnas is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Island cabinet install not2late Finish Carpentry 3 03-15-2009 08:10 PM
Boxes vs hawk and trowel d's Drywall 18 02-11-2009 11:27 PM
R-Value of beer boxes cleveman Business 15 01-16-2009 02:26 PM
Can-Am Flat Boxes dicksdrywall Drywall 1 11-11-2008 09:38 PM
how to best price costom cabinet work? mikeswoods Finish Carpentry 14 10-11-2008 02:06 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?