Hi guys. I need some design help. I’m using 8’x2x6 lumber for a 18′ long cabinet top. The cabinets span the full width of the room, so I’m planning to assemble the top in place instead of making the top in the shop and carrying it in—I’m a one-man show. I’ve got 2 questions.
1. For the side-to-side joints, I’m planning to use biscuits and glue. Since I’m assembling the top in place, I’m also planning to use long screws through the width of each plank to “clamp” them together. The screws won’t be seen from the outside once I put bullnose moulding on the front. Any reason this wouldn’t work?
2. I’m not sure what to do for the end joints. What joint would be best for end-joining the 2x6s?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Rich
Replies
Have you considered pocket holes and screws? Kreg makes a great, affordable product.
Are you suggesting pocket holes to connect the sides or to connect the ends... or both? I won't have enough access from beneath the table top to do all of the side connections that would be necessary, and I don't want to have plug holes on the top. Pocket holes are a great idea for connecting the end joints. If I don't have the room underneath, maybe I'll cut some access holes in the cabinet tops (plywood) to make it possible to use pocket screws. Thanks!
Rich
My response is the same as the above. I recently built a long top and framed it from 2x lumber. I put the whole thing together with the Kreg pocket hole jig and it was the perfect application - in that, that's why I bought it.
I have made a number of benches and tables from 2/4 purchased at Home depot. I use box joints. They look quite good and they are very strong especially when glued up. I make the fingers about 1/2" to 5/8" I think the biscust will be a problem unless the stock is quite straight.
L. Roy Porter
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