Replies

1. 
   Decovic | Feb 13, 2010 02:38pm | #1

   1) Buying the hardware. Search for CROSS DOWELS. Turns out barrel nuts are actually called cross dowels. The most common size are for 1/4 20 bolts which works out ok if you're building with 3/4 plywood.

   2.) You need to be able to drill perpendicular holes on ends and edges. This can be tricky without a drill press or angle guide (http://www.amazon.com/General-36-37-Precision-Drill/dp/B00004T82L).

   As long as you're confident you can mark centers for your holes and then drill them square and/or perpendicular as needed, it's pretty easy stuff.

   If you're planning on using regular hex head bolts, you may want to counterbore your bolt holes so you can put in plugs to hide the bolt heads.

   They sell connector bolts that look pretty nice that don't require washers.

   You might check http://www.rockler.com/tech/31815-864.pdf . It has some decent diagrams showing dimensions and part numbers.

   As with any construction, make sure your edges are nice and square or you won't end up with a square case.

1. 
   tobiasshadow | Feb 13, 2010 06:53pm | #2

   Thank you VERY much. I went to a store and held the hardware, this helped me visualize. YES, being able to drill perpendicular holes seems essential. No wonder the directions I found talked about building a jig. I might be able to use a drill press - I'll ask around. Plugs are a great idea.. the heads are the only down side of this plan.

   Thanks again!