Quick cabinet questions.

[TonyW]

Hi, I'm building a vifa tower. Dimensions are 38"X10"X12.5".
I'm using 3/4 MDF and 3 internal shelf braces. I intend to use titebond wood glue. Should I also use screws? This is my first project and my searches see to get conflicting opinions.

Thanks, Tony

[Guss]

Use glue and clamps. Don't screw anything in MDF, it sucks...

[TonyW]

Glue and clamps. It should be a little easier without the screws.

Thanks, Tony

[Bill Fitzpatrick]

I use heavy staples myself.

[Nanook]

If you do not have access to good clamps, predrill the panels (and make sure you countersink the screws). Use glue as well, something like tightbond, or similar.


Once the glue is set you could remove the screws, and fill them. There are MDF specific screws that have a coarse thread.

[Guss]

Always more troubles...Some people use airguns with slim nails, it's up to you...

[rabbitz]

Originally posted by Nanook
Once the glue is set you could remove the screws, and fill them. There are MDF specific screws that have a coarse thread.

It's hard to make the screw holes disappear..... you fill them, sand, fill them, sand and when it looks OK you paint or use vinyl wrap and you can still see the outline of the little devils. Not such a problem if you timber veneer.

Screws do not any any strength to the box. If you want it stronger use corner cleats. Like this....

[Bill Fitzpatrick]

Originally posted by rabbitz

It's hard to make the screw holes disappear..... you fill them, sand, fill them, sand and when it looks OK you paint or use vinyl wrap and you can still see the outline of the little devils.

I use Bondo to fill all manner of defects, including screw holes and have never had a problem as long as I used a solvent based primer.

[leadbelly]

There's a technique that I've used that turned out OK that I'm sure I will use again. I'm just throwing it out for you to consider.

You need a plug cutter and a Forstner bit of the same size, 5/8" in my case.

Predrill all hole locations with the Forstner bit to a shallow depth. Assemble cabinet conventionally with glue and screws. Allow to dry. Back out all screws. Cut plugs out of same material used to build cabinet. Glue plugs into screw holes. Allow to dry. Cut plugs flush and continue with finish work.

What I like about it is that you avoid the need to buy a large number of clamps, yet by backing out the screws you can do some edge work such as large radius roundovers that you could not otherwise as the screws would interfere.

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by Guss
Always more troubles...Some people use airguns with slim nails, it's up to you...

Slim nails known as "Brad" Nails. (special gun needed)

Originally posted by rabbitz


Screws do not any any strength to the box. If you want it stronger use corner cleats. Like this....

Yes use corner cleats and glue. Yellow capenters glue is better than white glue. Cleats can be square as shown or chamfer strips.

Brad nailing can be done on the inside of the cabinet. Basically used as clamps to hold the glued cleats.

Cal