On 04/05/2012 11:18, Fred wrote:
Hi,

I've noticed that all flat pack furniture, regardless of what it is,
follows the same general construction: two rigid sides, a rigid top,
and a flimsy back. I guess they use a flimsier piece of wood for the
back to save money? The top of the sides and the bottom of the top are
drilled to accept dowels and/or cam dowels, like these:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/cam-dowel-...ck-of-50/93435

One day, when I find time, I would like to have a go at making my own
furniture. I know it won't be as quick or as cheap as buying flat
pack, but where's the fun in that ?! I'm sure there must be a good
book I could buy about this. Can anyone recommend one?

I can see that I would use a forstner bit to drill the hole for the
cam lock and a pillar drill to accurately drill the holes for the
dowels and cam dowels.
....
And one last question about the furniture, if drilling a hole into the
top of a side piece, is the best way to rotate the table 90 degrees
and clamp the piece to that? That could be difficult if you want to
build a tall wardrobe/bookcase/etc. as you would need the drill to be
taller than the piece. I don't suppose there is any other way, such as
a drill that rotates!

Why would you want to make your own flat pack furniture? Its main
purpose is to save storage space in warehouses. If you want to make your
own furniture, a 1/2" router and a dovetail jig will make a much better job.

http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/produc...ting_jigs.html

Colin Bignell