Replies

1. 
   stevedoane | Dec 20, 2008 05:47pm | #1

   The use of pins depends on what the item will be used for. What are the slats being attached to? What is it's function? If a joint is going to stressed, the nails won't contribute much strength. The brads or pins are really meant to hold the slat in place until the glue sets. A good glue joint should be stronger than the wood it joins. (If it breaks, there should be torn wood fibers surrounding the glue line.)If the glue joint fails, there will be sharp points left exposed on one part or the other. If this is a concern, you might want to consider counter-sunk and plugged screws or dowel pins.
   Steve Doane

1. 
   gramparon | Dec 20, 2008 08:11pm | #2

   I am making a small 16" cube 3' high book case for my 3yr old granddaghter. My concern is she will use the 1/2X5/8 slats to turn the cube that is mounted on a lazy susan type base. The slats use 8"
   of the square on each side to hold the books up/in. There are 3 shelves Did I explain myself O.K. I'm not the best painting a picture with words. Thanks Ron

1. 
   stevedoane | Dec 21, 2008 04:42pm | #3

   I'm not getting a clear picture of how the bookcase is constructed. It sounds like the slats are horizontal and are attached to the vertical sides. If you use a pin nailer, I would use 1 1/4" pins, two at each joint. Place them one above the other and angled away from each other so that they offer more resistance to a straight pull. For joints that need all the help they can get I like Gorilla Glue or one of it's family of urethane glues. (Just don't get it on your hands or clothes as it is near impossible to remove.) When the glue has dried, tug on the slats so that you are confidant that they are solid and your Grand-Daughter can't pull them off. Best of luck.
   Steve Doane