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#1
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Since I don't have any plans...whatsa best way to secure desk's back panel to side panels? (and other questions)
"Bay Area Dave" wrote in message m... Being, planless, I need some expert advice as I embark now on my next project. Leon posted one hell of a great looking desk a few days back, but alas he didn't provide a set of measured drawings. I want to make a desk using side panels that are thin ply captured by rails/style. The top will most likely be oak ply banded with solid oak. I figured I'd have the side panels be inset from the top edges a bit, using a dado and metal clamps to secure the top to the sides. yes or no? what's the coolest way to secure the top, IF it's dimensionally stable, like ply? The plans were in my head... Sorry. I attached the top with Figure 8 fasteners. They allow movement in the wood. Now for the back panel. Biscuits won't be strong enough for a joint between the back panel and side panels will they? Figure this desk is going to get tipped on its side and other wise pushed around in order to get it into my office. I own a DP with mortiser, which I know is marginal, compared to a dedicated one. Is this the only construction method I should consider for back/side joinery? BTW, I'd prefer NOT to have any metal plates, brackets, what-not showing from underneath the desk (except way up by the underside of the top) . In other words if you remove the chair and peer under the desk, towards the back panel, it should look clean--no fasteners. Dave I attached a modisty shield between the two drawer units with 4 threaded pins... One end of the pin screws into the center panel "modisty shield" like a wood screw. The other end of the pin is threaded to accept a nut. This end goes through holes in the back of the drawer units. The pins stick through enough that a washer and nut is added to hold the panel in place. This all takes place inside the drawer units and behind the drawers. My desk is huge and would not go through any door with out being able to knock it down to 4 major pieces. I'm gonna make this thing with only one bank of drawers, on the right side, as my office has too much furniture and too little space. Actually, I'm replacing a BIG Hon metal desk and want to recoup a little floor space. So, if I can, I'd like 3 drawers on the right side. If, by making 3 good sized drawers, instead of 2, the lowest drawer will be lower than the typical lower edge of the back panel. It would look weird to have the drawer cabinet stick out below the panel, I think (looking from the backside of the desk), so, should the back panel just span from the left side of the desk to the left side of the drawer cabinet, instead of going all the way between the two desk side panels? I ask these questions, because I've been looking at desk, and notice that the back panel's lower edge is flush with the drawer cabinet's lower edge. I know some things are PERSONAL PREFERENCE, but I don't want to be making things dorky or odd. PLEASE, please, ask me for clarification if you would like to help, but don't understand my questions. RECAP OF QUESTIONS: 1) Best way to secure ply top (overhanging style) to side panels. Figure 8 fasteners 2) Best joinery for side to back panel Threaded pins and nuts. 3) Should back panel's lower edge be at same height as bottom of drawer box? My desk has moldings around the bottom of the drawer cabinets. The back panel bottom is Just above the moldings. It does not touch the floor. 4) Should the back panel be joined to right panel, or left face of drawer box. I joined the back panel to the drawer units 2" shy of flush with the backs of the drawer units. They are attached with the threaded pin,"rods" through the inside sides of the drawer units. |
#2
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Since I don't have any plans...whatsa best way to secure desk'sback panel to side panels? (and other questions)
Leon, you bring up an interesting point: am I gonna misjudge the size of
the desk and end up like the guy who built a boat in his basement...? I'd make a knockdown desk if I'd trust that I could make it sturdily. I guess if I got the Hon metal desk into the room (we slide it in on its side) I should be able to get a wooden desk in there too. Your descriptions of some of the elements of your desk are very clear; thanks! and just HOW big is that bad boy, anyway? dave Leon wrote: "Bay Area Dave" wrote in message m... Being, planless, I need some expert advice as I embark now on my next project. Leon posted one hell of a great looking desk a few days back, but alas he didn't provide a set of measured drawings. I want to make a desk using side panels that are thin ply captured by rails/style. The top will most likely be oak ply banded with solid oak. I figured I'd have the side panels be inset from the top edges a bit, using a dado and metal clamps to secure the top to the sides. yes or no? what's the coolest way to secure the top, IF it's dimensionally stable, like ply? The plans were in my head... Sorry. I attached the top with Figure 8 fasteners. They allow movement in the wood. Now for the back panel. Biscuits won't be strong enough for a joint between the back panel and side panels will they? Figure this desk is going to get tipped on its side and other wise pushed around in order to get it into my office. I own a DP with mortiser, which I know is marginal, compared to a dedicated one. Is this the only construction method I should consider for back/side joinery? BTW, I'd prefer NOT to have any metal plates, brackets, what-not showing from underneath the desk (except way up by the underside of the top) . In other words if you remove the chair and peer under the desk, towards the back panel, it should look clean--no fasteners. Dave I attached a modisty shield between the two drawer units with 4 threaded pins... One end of the pin screws into the center panel "modisty shield" like a wood screw. The other end of the pin is threaded to accept a nut. This end goes through holes in the back of the drawer units. The pins stick through enough that a washer and nut is added to hold the panel in place. This all takes place inside the drawer units and behind the drawers. My desk is huge and would not go through any door with out being able to knock it down to 4 major pieces. I'm gonna make this thing with only one bank of drawers, on the right side, as my office has too much furniture and too little space. Actually, I'm replacing a BIG Hon metal desk and want to recoup a little floor space. So, if I can, I'd like 3 drawers on the right side. If, by making 3 good sized drawers, instead of 2, the lowest drawer will be lower than the typical lower edge of the back panel. It would look weird to have the drawer cabinet stick out below the panel, I think (looking from the backside of the desk), so, should the back panel just span from the left side of the desk to the left side of the drawer cabinet, instead of going all the way between the two desk side panels? I ask these questions, because I've been looking at desk, and notice that the back panel's lower edge is flush with the drawer cabinet's lower edge. I know some things are PERSONAL PREFERENCE, but I don't want to be making things dorky or odd. PLEASE, please, ask me for clarification if you would like to help, but don't understand my questions. RECAP OF QUESTIONS: 1) Best way to secure ply top (overhanging style) to side panels. Figure 8 fasteners 2) Best joinery for side to back panel Threaded pins and nuts. 3) Should back panel's lower edge be at same height as bottom of drawer box? My desk has moldings around the bottom of the drawer cabinets. The back panel bottom is Just above the moldings. It does not touch the floor. 4) Should the back panel be joined to right panel, or left face of drawer box. I joined the back panel to the drawer units 2" shy of flush with the backs of the drawer units. They are attached with the threaded pin,"rods" through the inside sides of the drawer units. |
#3
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Since I don't have any plans...whatsa best way to secure desk's back panel to side panels? (and other questions)
66" x 34" Not huge, huge, but too big to fit through a bedroom door
assembled. Sturdy in my case was no problem as the drawer units are self contained and quite sturdy by themselves. Attaching the top to the drawer units makes everything sturdy after attaching the modesty shield. One other piece besides the modesty shield that establishes the distance between the drawer units is a piece under the front center drawer that attaches by screws to each drawer unit through the top drawer openings. This has proven to be quite strong as I have assembled and disassembled this desk 5 times in 18 years to relocate. The whole desk can be slid on a ceramic tile floor with no problems. "Bay Area Dave" wrote in message m... Leon, you bring up an interesting point: am I gonna misjudge the size of the desk and end up like the guy who built a boat in his basement...? I'd make a knockdown desk if I'd trust that I could make it sturdily. I guess if I got the Hon metal desk into the room (we slide it in on its side) I should be able to get a wooden desk in there too. Your descriptions of some of the elements of your desk are very clear; thanks! and just HOW big is that bad boy, anyway? dave Leon wrote: "Bay Area Dave" wrote in message m... Being, planless, I need some expert advice as I embark now on my next project. Leon posted one hell of a great looking desk a few days back, but alas he didn't provide a set of measured drawings. I want to make a desk using side panels that are thin ply captured by rails/style. The top will most likely be oak ply banded with solid oak. I figured I'd have the side panels be inset from the top edges a bit, using a dado and metal clamps to secure the top to the sides. yes or no? what's the coolest way to secure the top, IF it's dimensionally stable, like ply? The plans were in my head... Sorry. I attached the top with Figure 8 fasteners. They allow movement in the wood. Now for the back panel. Biscuits won't be strong enough for a joint between the back panel and side panels will they? Figure this desk is going to get tipped on its side and other wise pushed around in order to get it into my office. I own a DP with mortiser, which I know is marginal, compared to a dedicated one. Is this the only construction method I should consider for back/side joinery? BTW, I'd prefer NOT to have any metal plates, brackets, what-not showing from underneath the desk (except way up by the underside of the top) . In other words if you remove the chair and peer under the desk, towards the back panel, it should look clean--no fasteners. Dave I attached a modisty shield between the two drawer units with 4 threaded pins... One end of the pin screws into the center panel "modisty shield" like a wood screw. The other end of the pin is threaded to accept a nut. This end goes through holes in the back of the drawer units. The pins stick through enough that a washer and nut is added to hold the panel in place. This all takes place inside the drawer units and behind the drawers. My desk is huge and would not go through any door with out being able to knock it down to 4 major pieces. I'm gonna make this thing with only one bank of drawers, on the right side, as my office has too much furniture and too little space. Actually, I'm replacing a BIG Hon metal desk and want to recoup a little floor space. So, if I can, I'd like 3 drawers on the right side. If, by making 3 good sized drawers, instead of 2, the lowest drawer will be lower than the typical lower edge of the back panel. It would look weird to have the drawer cabinet stick out below the panel, I think (looking from the backside of the desk), so, should the back panel just span from the left side of the desk to the left side of the drawer cabinet, instead of going all the way between the two desk side panels? I ask these questions, because I've been looking at desk, and notice that the back panel's lower edge is flush with the drawer cabinet's lower edge. I know some things are PERSONAL PREFERENCE, but I don't want to be making things dorky or odd. PLEASE, please, ask me for clarification if you would like to help, but don't understand my questions. RECAP OF QUESTIONS: 1) Best way to secure ply top (overhanging style) to side panels. Figure 8 fasteners 2) Best joinery for side to back panel Threaded pins and nuts. 3) Should back panel's lower edge be at same height as bottom of drawer box? My desk has moldings around the bottom of the drawer cabinets. The back panel bottom is Just above the moldings. It does not touch the floor. 4) Should the back panel be joined to right panel, or left face of drawer box. I joined the back panel to the drawer units 2" shy of flush with the backs of the drawer units. They are attached with the threaded pin,"rods" through the inside sides of the drawer units. |
#4
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Since I don't have any plans...whatsa best way to secure desk'sback panel to side panels? (and other questions)
well, it's somewhat huge. the metal desk I've got now is 30 x 60 and too
big for the room it's in. SWMBO has a desk that is 25x50 which is almost the right size. I'm thinking a bit bigger than that one, but not a heck of a lot, or I'll be right back where I started! I take it you are talking about a 3/4 x 2 1/2" piece running horizontally, left to right, between the two drawer units. something like that?? dave Leon wrote: 66" x 34" Not huge, huge, but too big to fit through a bedroom door assembled. Sturdy in my case was no problem as the drawer units are self contained and quite sturdy by themselves. Attaching the top to the drawer units makes everything sturdy after attaching the modesty shield. One other piece besides the modesty shield that establishes the distance between the drawer units is a piece under the front center drawer that attaches by screws to each drawer unit through the top drawer openings. This has proven to be quite strong as I have assembled and disassembled this desk 5 times in 18 years to relocate. The whole desk can be slid on a ceramic tile floor with no problems. "Bay Area Dave" wrote in message m... Leon, you bring up an interesting point: am I gonna misjudge the size of the desk and end up like the guy who built a boat in his basement...? I'd make a knockdown desk if I'd trust that I could make it sturdily. I guess if I got the Hon metal desk into the room (we slide it in on its side) I should be able to get a wooden desk in there too. Your descriptions of some of the elements of your desk are very clear; thanks! and just HOW big is that bad boy, anyway? dave Leon wrote: "Bay Area Dave" wrote in message .com... Being, planless, I need some expert advice as I embark now on my next project. Leon posted one hell of a great looking desk a few days back, but alas he didn't provide a set of measured drawings. I want to make a desk using side panels that are thin ply captured by rails/style. The top will most likely be oak ply banded with solid oak. I figured I'd have the side panels be inset from the top edges a bit, using a dado and metal clamps to secure the top to the sides. yes or no? what's the coolest way to secure the top, IF it's dimensionally stable, like ply? The plans were in my head... Sorry. I attached the top with Figure 8 fasteners. They allow movement in the wood. Now for the back panel. Biscuits won't be strong enough for a joint between the back panel and side panels will they? Figure this desk is going to get tipped on its side and other wise pushed around in order to get it into my office. I own a DP with mortiser, which I know is marginal, compared to a dedicated one. Is this the only construction method I should consider for back/side joinery? BTW, I'd prefer NOT to have any metal plates, brackets, what-not showing from underneath the desk (except way up by the underside of the top) . In other words if you remove the chair and peer under the desk, towards the back panel, it should look clean--no fasteners. Dave I attached a modisty shield between the two drawer units with 4 threaded pins... One end of the pin screws into the center panel "modisty shield" like a wood screw. The other end of the pin is threaded to accept a nut. This end goes through holes in the back of the drawer units. The pins stick through enough that a washer and nut is added to hold the panel in place. This all takes place inside the drawer units and behind the drawers. My desk is huge and would not go through any door with out being able to knock it down to 4 major pieces. I'm gonna make this thing with only one bank of drawers, on the right side, as my office has too much furniture and too little space. Actually, I'm replacing a BIG Hon metal desk and want to recoup a little floor space. So, if I can, I'd like 3 drawers on the right side. If, by making 3 good sized drawers, instead of 2, the lowest drawer will be lower than the typical lower edge of the back panel. It would look weird to have the drawer cabinet stick out below the panel, I think (looking from the backside of the desk), so, should the back panel just span from the left side of the desk to the left side of the drawer cabinet, instead of going all the way between the two desk side panels? I ask these questions, because I've been looking at desk, and notice that the back panel's lower edge is flush with the drawer cabinet's lower edge. I know some things are PERSONAL PREFERENCE, but I don't want to be making things dorky or odd. PLEASE, please, ask me for clarification if you would like to help, but don't understand my questions. RECAP OF QUESTIONS: 1) Best way to secure ply top (overhanging style) to side panels. Figure 8 fasteners 2) Best joinery for side to back panel Threaded pins and nuts. 3) Should back panel's lower edge be at same height as bottom of drawer box? My desk has moldings around the bottom of the drawer cabinets. The back panel bottom is Just above the moldings. It does not touch the floor. 4) Should the back panel be joined to right panel, or left face of drawer box. I joined the back panel to the drawer units 2" shy of flush with the backs of the drawer units. They are attached with the threaded pin,"rods" through the inside sides of the drawer units. |
#5
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Since I don't have any plans...whatsa best way to secure desk's back panel to side panels? (and other questions)
"Bay Area Dave" wrote in message m... well, it's somewhat huge. Ok,, we are still talking about my desk... right... ;~) the metal desk I've got now is 30 x 60 and too big for the room it's in. SWMBO has a desk that is 25x50 which is almost the right size. I'm thinking a bit bigger than that one, but not a heck of a lot, or I'll be right back where I started! I take it you are talking about a 3/4 x 2 1/2" piece running horizontally, left to right, between the two drawer units. something like that?? 3/4 x 3.5" hirizonally just above where your legs go and it also acts as a stop for the center drawer. dave Leon wrote: 66" x 34" Not huge, huge, but too big to fit through a bedroom door assembled. Sturdy in my case was no problem as the drawer units are self contained and quite sturdy by themselves. Attaching the top to the drawer units makes everything sturdy after attaching the modesty shield. One other piece besides the modesty shield that establishes the distance between the drawer units is a piece under the front center drawer that attaches by screws to each drawer unit through the top drawer openings. This has proven to be quite strong as I have assembled and disassembled this desk 5 times in 18 years to relocate. The whole desk can be slid on a ceramic tile floor with no problems. "Bay Area Dave" wrote in message m... Leon, you bring up an interesting point: am I gonna misjudge the size of the desk and end up like the guy who built a boat in his basement...? I'd make a knockdown desk if I'd trust that I could make it sturdily. I guess if I got the Hon metal desk into the room (we slide it in on its side) I should be able to get a wooden desk in there too. Your descriptions of some of the elements of your desk are very clear; thanks! and just HOW big is that bad boy, anyway? dave Leon wrote: "Bay Area Dave" wrote in message .com... Being, planless, I need some expert advice as I embark now on my next project. Leon posted one hell of a great looking desk a few days back, but alas he didn't provide a set of measured drawings. I want to make a desk using side panels that are thin ply captured by rails/style. The top will most likely be oak ply banded with solid oak. I figured I'd have the side panels be inset from the top edges a bit, using a dado and metal clamps to secure the top to the sides. yes or no? what's the coolest way to secure the top, IF it's dimensionally stable, like ply? The plans were in my head... Sorry. I attached the top with Figure 8 fasteners. They allow movement in the wood. Now for the back panel. Biscuits won't be strong enough for a joint between the back panel and side panels will they? Figure this desk is going to get tipped on its side and other wise pushed around in order to get it into my office. I own a DP with mortiser, which I know is marginal, compared to a dedicated one. Is this the only construction method I should consider for back/side joinery? BTW, I'd prefer NOT to have any metal plates, brackets, what-not showing from underneath the desk (except way up by the underside of the top) . In other words if you remove the chair and peer under the desk, towards the back panel, it should look clean--no fasteners. Dave I attached a modisty shield between the two drawer units with 4 threaded pins... One end of the pin screws into the center panel "modisty shield" like a wood screw. The other end of the pin is threaded to accept a nut. This end goes through holes in the back of the drawer units. The pins stick through enough that a washer and nut is added to hold the panel in place. This all takes place inside the drawer units and behind the drawers. My desk is huge and would not go through any door with out being able to knock it down to 4 major pieces. I'm gonna make this thing with only one bank of drawers, on the right side, as my office has too much furniture and too little space. Actually, I'm replacing a BIG Hon metal desk and want to recoup a little floor space. So, if I can, I'd like 3 drawers on the right side. If, by making 3 good sized drawers, instead of 2, the lowest drawer will be lower than the typical lower edge of the back panel. It would look weird to have the drawer cabinet stick out below the panel, I think (looking from the backside of the desk), so, should the back panel just span from the left side of the desk to the left side of the drawer cabinet, instead of going all the way between the two desk side panels? I ask these questions, because I've been looking at desk, and notice that the back panel's lower edge is flush with the drawer cabinet's lower edge. I know some things are PERSONAL PREFERENCE, but I don't want to be making things dorky or odd. PLEASE, please, ask me for clarification if you would like to help, but don't understand my questions. RECAP OF QUESTIONS: 1) Best way to secure ply top (overhanging style) to side panels. Figure 8 fasteners 2) Best joinery for side to back panel Threaded pins and nuts. 3) Should back panel's lower edge be at same height as bottom of drawer box? My desk has moldings around the bottom of the drawer cabinets. The back panel bottom is Just above the moldings. It does not touch the floor. 4) Should the back panel be joined to right panel, or left face of drawer box. I joined the back panel to the drawer units 2" shy of flush with the backs of the drawer units. They are attached with the threaded pin,"rods" through the inside sides of the drawer units. |
#6
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Since I don't have any plans...whatsa best way to secure desk'sback panel to side panels? (and other questions)
yup.
got it. thanks! dave Leon wrote: Ok,, we are still talking about my desk... right... ;~) 3/4 x 3.5" hirizonally just above where your legs go and it also acts as a stop for the center drawer. |
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