I am building a bookcase/wardrobe cabinet using cherry lumber and frame and panel construction. My idea is that it will have a craftsman type look to the piece. I am having a hard time figuring out what is the best method to attach the top. If I use a frame around the top can I glue that to the frame and panels since the frame grane and panel grane would all be running in the same direction or should it just be screwed to the sides? I could then attach the top with screws. Attaching the tops seems to be the hardest part of making furniture because the movement is often going in an opposite direction of the case. Thanks, Matt
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast -
Our favorite articles and videos -
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
Hi,
Well if you build your cases like normal cases with the grain running around the perimeter of the box, then adding a top is pretty simple. Its grain will match the grain of the case and so there will be no movement issues.
If you attach your top frame and panel to the side frames, make sure that you are attaching at places where the boards do match in their shrinkage directions. Personally I'd attach the top frame to the side frame somehow with a tongue and groove or screws if you'd like. In this way I won't have to worry at all about movement issues. Good luck.
Gary Rogowski
http://www.northwestwoodworking.com
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled