Fixing a floating mantle-shelf
 

I'm fitting a woodstove in the dining-room, and want to fit a mantle
above the opening.

I've got a chunk of elm (about 60mm by 1540 by 300) and I want to
attach it floating (i.e. bracklet-less).

So far I've used 4 expansion bolts to fasten threaded rod (M10) into
the stone behind the mantle-shelf; these are rock solid.

My plan was to drill (with a pillar-drill) into the elm, ending up
about 30mm short of the outer edge, then slot the shelf onto the
supports.

I was thinking of drilling 10mm holes in the shelf, then whacking the
shelf on, but would I be better with 12mm, and podging car-body filler
in around the rods?

Haven't drilled the holes yet, but just resting the shelf on the rods
and it "bounces" - it
won't fall down, but there is movement in it.

So, any ideas on how to improve this without any visible supports? It
won't be holding a huge weight other than the shelf itself (vase,
pictures etc.), but I'd rather it didn't flex!

The rods are being plastered around tomorrow, but I could remove them
and re-drill with more substantial bolts, and M12 rod?

thanks,
Nathan

Fixing a floating mantle-shelf
 

Nathan wrote:

My plan was to drill (with a pillar-drill) into the elm, ending up
about 30mm short of the outer edge, then slot the shelf onto the
supports.

I was thinking of drilling 10mm holes in the shelf, then whacking the
shelf on, but would I be better with 12mm, and podging car-body filler
in around the rods?

So that's 4 rods about 290mm long engaging with deep holes in the shelf.
You'd need to have the rods all perfectly aligned parallel with each other
to slide the shelf on using 10mm dia holes. I expect you'll need quite
generous clearance.

--
Mike Clarke

Fixing a floating mantle-shelf
 

On 2 Nov, 16:27, Nathan wrote:
I'm fitting a woodstove in the dining-room, and want to fit a mantle
above the opening.

I've got a chunk of elm (about 60mm by 1540 by 300) and I want to
attach it floating (i.e. bracklet-less).

So far I've used 4 expansion bolts to fasten threaded rod (M10) into
the stone behind the mantle-shelf; these are rock solid.

My plan was to drill (with a pillar-drill) into the elm, ending up
about 30mm short of the outer edge, then slot the shelf onto the
supports.

I was thinking of drilling 10mm holes in the shelf, then whacking the
shelf on, but would I be better with 12mm, and podging car-body filler
in around the rods?

Haven't drilled the holes yet, but just resting the shelf on the rods
and it "bounces" - it
won't fall down, but there is movement in it.

So, any ideas on how to improve this without any visible supports? It
won't be holding a huge weight other than the shelf itself (vase,
pictures etc.), but I'd rather it didn't flex!

The rods are being plastered around tomorrow, but I could remove them
and re-drill with more substantial bolts, and M12 rod?

thanks,
Nathan

hi

yeah I'd drill holes however big they need to be to fit it on how you
want it "dry" - then splodge a bit of body filler on rods and plant it
on - support it if it won't naturally "sit" at the correct angle(s)
whilst the filler sets. Sure you know but bear in mind the filler sets
fast from 1st mixing and that the mantle won't be coming off easily
again :)))

Cheers
JimK