Puckdropper wrote:
I'm working on building a simple entertainment center, and would like
some advice. The sides and back are to be 1/2" red oak plywood

With hundreds of pounds on it, I'd probably go with something a bit
thicker, unless you have solid legs.


I plan on putting a large screen TV that's about 100-200 lbs on the
second shelf, and was wondering if the 1/2" plywood sides would be
sufficiently strong. The shelves themselves will be 1/2" plywood
supported by a 1x2 poplar frame with 1x4 red oak as a border. The top
shelf will carry some wonderfully heavy equipment, too. It'll be less
than 200 lbs, I think.

I'd actually be worried about the shelves themselves as well. Not sure
what you mean by a "1x2 poplar frame", but you might want to run it
through the sagulator to see how much deflection to expect.

Any suggestions on attaching the shelves to the plywood sides?

Biscuits and glue, nailed up from the bottom through the shelf into the
side. (Down from the top for the top shelf.) You could use glue blocks
or cleats for reinforcement if they're not going to be visible.

On a related note, this project marks my first real venture into
hardwoods. I had a good experience with the hardwood store, but learned
that 10' long boards just won't fit in a Prius.

In my Matrix I fold the front seat forward and can handle 8' boards with
the tailgate shut. For longer boards I open the rear glass window.

Chris