How far apart do you need to space screws after gluing?

[Fusion916]

I think I am unnecessarily putting in too many screws when screwing wood together after gluing. How far apart can you place screws? Maybe 3-4 inches?

[KatieandDad]

Clamp and glue.

The aim is to stick the panels together uniformly.

[vinylkid58]

Why not use clamps?

jeff

[Fusion916]

Originally Posted by vinylkid58

Why not use clamps?

jeff

I do use clamps to hold it in place until I screw some wood screws in. Then take the clamps off and let it cure overnight.

Leaving a bunch of clamps in aren't an option because they are big speakers and I don't have lots of clamps to keep on the speaker(s) overnight.

Plus whats wrong with screws? It's standard practice (for DIYers) to use screws to hold speakers together while the glue dries.

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by Fusion916

Plus whats wrong with screws?

Nothing, as long as they don't interfere with veneering etc.

Originally Posted by Fusion916

It's standard practice (for DIYers) to use screws to hold speakers together while the glue dries.

It is? I see a lot of pictures with clamps in them.

I realize building large boxes is a challenge.

jeff

[Simon B]

If you're going to use screws, and I do/would, definitely put them in before the glue goes off.

Actually, pilot and countersink the upper panel, assemble with clamps, run pilots into the lower panel/screw block, assemble with screws alone, disassemble, apply glue, screw and wipe. A positive self-locating distributed-pressure clamping system.

How close together you put the screws depends on speaker type, size, weight, intended useage - ie use your skill and judgement.

If you don't want the screws to stay in there, you can always take them out after the glue's set, drill out and dowel. Though your radar signature will probably still be bad on account of the metal in the speaker.....

[Lavcat]

Originally Posted by Simon B

If you don't want the screws to stay in there, you can always take them out after the glue's set, drill out and dowel. Though your radar signature will probably still be bad on account of the metal in the speaker.....

The point of joining cabinetry with dowels is not only strength but that there are no holes on the finished surfaces.

[Simon B]

Originally Posted by Lavcat

The point of joining cabinetry with dowels is not only strength but that there are no holes on the finished surfaces.

Err, yes, I didn't really think he needed a stealth cabinet.

[Simon B]

Not sure why this isn't showing, but had email notification saying;

After hammering in the dowel and breaking it, are you able to sand off the rest to make it smooth?

Don't break it off, saw it off close in with a fine saw. Then sand.

[fastbike1]

You don't need to leave clamps on overnight. ALso, it maybe standard practice for pro audio gear that gets thrown around and ultimately covered in duratex or similar but it's really a substandard practice.

You can always clamp one box at a time. You won't like this response, but there it is. Any fastener will be visible, including dowels.

Originally Posted by Fusion916

I do use clamps to hold it in place until I screw some wood screws in. Then take the clamps off and let it cure overnight.

Leaving a bunch of clamps in aren't an option because they are big speakers and I don't have lots of clamps to keep on the speaker(s) overnight.

Plus whats wrong with screws? It's standard practice (for DIYers) to use screws to hold speakers together while the glue dries.