Replies

1. 
   tom77 | Jun 01, 2007 04:08am | #1

   Whit,
   Both of these chests use frame and panel sides, so the sides won't move much do to seasonal changes. If you use a solid bottom, it will move and you must allow for that movement. In a chest constructed of solid panels, I use a frame and panel bottom, mounted loosely in a groove, and put cedar planks in the panel area. You could mount the bottom on cleats, but you need locate the screws so that wood movement is not a problem when using a solid panel. ( wood moves more in the direction across the grain, so put the screws near the center on the end with end grain)

   If you use a frame and panel assembly for the bottom, you should not have significant wood movement problems. A cleat or groove would work fine.

   Good luck, Tom.

2. 
   MBerger | Jun 07, 2007 09:48pm | #2

   Hi FSN.

   Sorry for the delayed reply. I'm going to second the answer that was supplied in the previous post.

   He described the same method detailed in the Country Hutch project from FW issue #189 (take a look at the drawing on page 48). The frame-and-panel bottom sits in a groove that is cut into the bottom rail of the front and back panels. In this example, the author added a cleat in front apron to add extra support for the bottom panel, mainly because there was no front panel, just an apron.

   If the design features legs, or thick stiles on the side panels, account for that by cutting notches into the frame of the bottom frame and panel.

   Hope that helps.

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

   
   

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   Edited 6/7/2007 2:49 pm ET by MBerger

1. 
   fsn | Jun 07, 2007 10:53pm | #3

   Thanks to you both. I'll move ahead with that as the plan.--WhitIf you have money buy tools. If you have money left over, buy food and clothing.