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, and
there will be three shelves the width and depth of the entertainment
center (minus the sides).

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.

Any suggestions on attaching the shelves to the plywood sides? 1/2"
isn't very much material for a screw to grab in to from the inside, and
if a screw was inserted from the outside it'd show.

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. Next time, I'll peruse
the shorter boards /first/ and save myself a trip back in the truck.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

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

"Puckdropper" wrote:

I'm working on building a simple entertainment center, and would
like
some advice.

High on your list of design requirements should be heat dissipation.

Putting electronic packages into an entertainment center with a closed
back should be avoided if at all possible.

As far as board length is concerned, have never found any requirements
for hardwood boards used for furniture much over 48"-54" long. YMMV

Have fun.

Lew

Puckdropper puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com 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, and
there will be three shelves the width and depth of the entertainment
center (minus the sides).

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.

Any suggestions on attaching the shelves to the plywood sides? 1/2"
isn't very much material for a screw to grab in to from the inside, and
if a screw was inserted from the outside it'd show.

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. Next time, I'll peruse
the shorter boards /first/ and save myself a trip back in the truck.

Puckdropper
I don't think that will be enough. Ive built a few Flat Screen Tv Cabinets
and I have always used 3/4" ply and built the platform holding the TV with
1x2/1x3 poplar stringers with supports in the middle to. Used 3/4" ply on
top and 1/4 ply on bottom. Then using a trim piece in the front. If you
want to look at 2 different ones click on my website below and follow the
link to Built Ins or TV Cabinets.
--
"You can lead them to LINUX
but you can't make them THINK"
Running Mandriva release 2008.0 free-i586 using KDE on i586
Website Address http://rentmyhusband.biz/

Lew Hodgett wrote:

As far as board length is concerned, have never found any requirements
for hardwood boards used for furniture much over 48"-54" long. YMMV

King size bed frame. Generally at least 5-8 boards over 80" long.

Chris

"Lew Hodgett" wrote in news:5u1Wl.337$tr5.274
@nwrddc02.gnilink.net:

"Puckdropper" wrote:

I'm working on building a simple entertainment center, and would
like
some advice.

High on your list of design requirements should be heat dissipation.

Putting electronic packages into an entertainment center with a closed
back should be avoided if at all possible.

As far as board length is concerned, have never found any requirements
for hardwood boards used for furniture much over 48"-54" long. YMMV

Have fun.

Lew



Only the TV and game systems will be fully enclosed. The other equipment
will be on the top and completely open. Even so, the TV doesn't seem to
put out much heat (I just checked), but will have plenty of free space
around it.

I'm used to buying 8-10' material and cutting it down. Next time I go
after hardwood, I'll buy shorter material. Other than habit, there was
no reason to purchase any thing that long.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Puckdropper" wrote:

Only the TV and game systems will be fully enclosed.

Why not cut an opening in the back and cover it with a screen that
maybe you build
a little frame around.

Back in ancient times when vacuum tubes were used, decorative
screens were a common way to get air flow and reduce heat in radio and
TV equipment.

If you use 3/4" material, you could rest the shelves on those pins
that fit in 1/4" holes on the sides to make shelves adjustable.

My bet is the E/C will out live the electronics by a bunch, but then
I've been wrong beforegrin

Have fun.

Lew

Chris Friesen wrote in
el:

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'll have to look for something thicker, then.


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.

The shelf is a 1x4 red oak frame with mitered corners. The 1x2 poplar
frame will go inside the 1x4s and support the plywood. There will be a
center support to minimize the tendency of the shelf to sag. I'm fairly
confident this will be plenty strong.

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.

I don't have a biscuit joiner, but would dowels work to serve the same
purpose?

With 3/4" plywood, I could actually attach the shelf directly to the
plywood with screws.

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.

8' boards aren't a problem. The 10' boards are a little long. Had I
been going straight home, I could have let the boards hang out.

Chris

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Lew Hodgett" wrote in news:No2Wl.340$tr5.216
@nwrddc02.gnilink.net:

"Puckdropper" wrote:

Only the TV and game systems will be fully enclosed.

Why not cut an opening in the back and cover it with a screen that
maybe you build
a little frame around.

If I take the 2 1/8" hole saw (amazing how useful that thing's been), I
could bore several holes near the bottom to run cables through. This
would have the added benefit of allowing some additional air flow. (I
might also add an access door so I can get to the connections without the
"ring around the rosie" dance.)

Back in ancient times when vacuum tubes were used, decorative
screens were a common way to get air flow and reduce heat in radio and
TV equipment.

They're very commonly used in speakers now. The E/C upstairs had a glass
panel that was replaced with the included screen for the speakers.

If you use 3/4" material, you could rest the shelves on those pins
that fit in 1/4" holes on the sides to make shelves adjustable.

That's a pretty good idea. Should this current TV die, it will
undoutably be replaced by a LCD TV which doesn't have the extra 30" of
height that this one does. An adjustable center shelf would make
replacement easier.

My bet is the E/C will out live the electronics by a bunch, but then
I've been wrong beforegrin

You're right on that. Adding some doors and another shelf or two turns
the entertainment center into a whole different piece of furniture. :-)

Have fun.

Thanks. I think I enjoy the design part just as much, if not more, than
the actual building.

Lew

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Puckdropper" wrote:

That's a pretty good idea. Should this current TV die, it will
undoutably be replaced by a LCD TV which doesn't have the extra 30"
of
height that this one does.

My 20+ year old TV just crapped out.

LCD is a very nifty gadget and weighs a whole lot less.

Thanks. I think I enjoy the design part just as much, if not more,
than
the actual building.

It's suppossed to be that way.

BTW, SFWIW, consider box joints rather than miters.

A whole lot stronger and a simple table saw joint to fabricate.

Have fun.

Lew

"Upscale" wrote in
:


"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
news:006ce55c$0$30039
Only the TV and game systems will be fully enclosed. The other
equipment will be on the top and completely open. Even so, the TV
doesn't seem to put out much heat (I just checked), but will have
plenty of free space around it.

You may want to recheck that. After my 46" Sharp LCD TV has been on
for ten minutes or so, I can feel a substantial amount of heat
emanating from the screen when I hold my hand within 6" of it. Newer
models of LCD TVs may be an improvement in the heat dissipation field,
but my TV is about 18 months old and was a current model when I bought
it.



This is an old Toshiba projection TV. We bought it used, and it's
probably 10 years old by now. My quick check indicates no significant
heat output.

A new LCD TV might have some heat issues, but probably will have a gap
around it on three sides. If that's not enough, a PC style cooling fan
could be rigged up to provide quiet active cooling. (I have a computer
next to the TV; power wouldn't be a problem.)

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Lew Hodgett" wrote in news:7_2Wl.341$tr5.269
@nwrddc02.gnilink.net:



BTW, SFWIW, consider box joints rather than miters.

A whole lot stronger and a simple table saw joint to fabricate.

Have fun.

Lew



The miters are actually there more for the aesthetics than strength. I
was just going to use standard butt joints on inner frame, but might try
box joints if I have enough material.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
news:006ce55c$0$30039
Only the TV and game systems will be fully enclosed. The other equipment
will be on the top and completely open. Even so, the TV doesn't seem to
put out much heat (I just checked), but will have plenty of free space
around it.

You may want to recheck that. After my 46" Sharp LCD TV has been on for ten
minutes or so, I can feel a substantial amount of heat emanating from the
screen when I hold my hand within 6" of it. Newer models of LCD TVs may be
an improvement in the heat dissipation field, but my TV is about 18 months
old and was a current model when I bought it.

"Puckdropper" wrote:

The miters are actually there more for the aesthetics than strength.
I
was just going to use standard butt joints on inner frame, but might
try
box joints if I have enough material.

Personally I like the aesthetics of a good box joint over a miter.

Even with a good sled, miters are a PITA to get and keep aligned
without biscuits, IMHO, but to each his own.

BTW, a half lap for the inner frame might be nice.

Have fun.

Lew

"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
A new LCD TV might have some heat issues, but probably will have a gap
around it on three sides. If that's not enough, a PC style cooling fan
could be rigged up to provide quiet active cooling. (I have a computer
next to the TV; power wouldn't be a problem.)

On the plus side, most of the heat emanated from the LCD screen, so it would
face forwards out front. While there was some heat behind my LCD TV, it
wasn't nearly as much as in the front.

I retrofitted my most of my entertainment centre this past winter going from
a CRT TV to the current LCD TV. I'm currently in the throes of figuring out
what to do with the heat coming from the massive Yamaha RXV3800 surround
sound receiver I added. I've got to do something because the shelving around
it is jammed with electronics and heat will be an issue. I'm considering
some type of fan with 6" tubing to remove heat, but I've been warned about
static buildup, so I'll have to jury rig something around that. I've posted
an image of my unit it ABPW.

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, and
there will be three shelves the width and depth of the entertainment
center (minus the sides).

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.

Any suggestions on attaching the shelves to the plywood sides? 1/2"
isn't very much material for a screw to grab in to from the inside,
and if a screw was inserted from the outside it'd show.

1. Your life would have been much easier with 3/4" ply. The finished
project would have been stronger and more rigid too.

2. The 1/2 ply sides will be sufficiently strong.

3. The 1/2 ply for shelf and top will be OK too depending...

(a) on how they are attached to the case

(b) on how the weight is distributed; NP with TV, weight isn't centered.

(c) fore and aft "stringers" will greatly increase shelf strength

4. You mentioned a 1x4 oak border. Is that 4" horizontally or vertically?
If horizontally, I have to ask, "Why?". Since you also mentioned 1x2 poplar
for the shelf support I suppose the 4" oak is vertical in which case I still
have to ask, "Why?".

In both cases it seems like work that basically accomplishes nothing. In
both cases there is no reason to not just attach the ply to the oak and do
away with the poplar. In the case of horizontal 4" oak, all you are doing
is banding the ply so why not 2"...or 1"...or 1/16"? In the case of the 4"
oak being vertical, it bands and will also add tons of strength but I think
it will look way off scale unless (and probably even if) you are building a
gargantuan case.

5. To attach the shelves to sides, you have two options: fixed and
moveable...

(a) for moveable, I would drill holes for KV clips

(b) for fixed, you have two options...

(1) cleats glued to the sides, shelf glued or screwed to the
cleats. The shelf would need a vertical strip on at least the front edge to
hide the cleats. I'd probably screw the cleats to the sides too...if from
the outside, fill shallow countersinks with face grain plugs; if from
inside, using screws short enough to not penetrate outside of the sides.

(2) dados in the sides, shelf glued into dados. I don't like
dados for this purpose less than 3/8" deep; since the ply is only 1/2"
thick, I wouldn't make continuous dados...I'd make 2-3 stopped dados so that
there are pillars of full 1/2" remaining. Naturally, the shelf ends would
have to have tongues matching the dados. PITA, doubt I'd do it. You could
use dowels too, even bigger PITA, *know* I wouldn't do it. Someone might
say, "Biscuits"; I wouldn;t trust them for this.

dadiOH

About 15 years ago I built a small center to set my 35" Tube type TV on, and
it weighed at least 200#'s.
The cabinet is about 35" tall, 35" wide, and 24" deep. Below the TV is a
grilled area to house the "Center Channel Speaker", below that is an area
that houses an amplifier/tuner, carousel CD/DVD player, DVD burner, and
HDDVR. Half of those components set on an adjustable shelf and hide behind
smoked glass doors. Below the components is a full width and full depth
drawer with full extension slides to house CD's and DVD's.

The center channel speaker grill frame helps to support the weight on the
front side of the top that the TV sets/sat on, a 40" LCD TV lives there now.
The top is "2" pieces of 3/4" thick Oak plywood and is banded with 1.5" x
3/4" solid Oak. I strongly suggest that you use a thicker material and at
least 1.5" thick for the top. After about 2 years I stopped being
concerned if the cabinet would hold the TV with out collapsing.

I can post on a.b.p.w or e-mail pictures of the cabinet if you need some
ideas or would like to see what mine looks like.





"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
...
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, and
there will be three shelves the width and depth of the entertainment
center (minus the sides).

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.

Any suggestions on attaching the shelves to the plywood sides? 1/2"
isn't very much material for a screw to grab in to from the inside, and
if a screw was inserted from the outside it'd show.

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. Next time, I'll peruse
the shorter boards /first/ and save myself a trip back in the truck.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

To the question of shelf attachment.

1. Put cleats under the shelf. Glued and screwed to the ply from
inside. Be careful to only get 3/8" penetration from screw.

2. If There is actually a frame under or edging the shelf, you could
screw through that instead of adding a cleat. 4 screws with glue at
each side sould hold it. If you can get some more throough the back or
a small return on the front, that would help.

3. The 1/2" ply is strong enough to carry the load in direct vertical,
just be sure the geometry of the until does not allow for the side to
bow in our out or for the whole unit to rack.

4. Alternative is to use some sort of shelf system, metal strips with
clips. Honestly a few hundred statis pounds is pretty easily supported
by typical shelf system.

5. Alternative is to build little columns inside the side. You could
use a 1x2 at each corner inside standing on end and that would be
fine. Stack them between shelfs if you have multiples.

On Jun 4, 9:01*pm, Puckdropper puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com 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, and
there will be three shelves the width and depth of the entertainment
center (minus the sides). *

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.

Any suggestions on attaching the shelves to the plywood sides? *1/2"
isn't very much material for a screw to grab in to from the inside, and
if a screw was inserted from the outside it'd show.

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. *Next time, I'll peruse
the shorter boards /first/ and save myself a trip back in the truck.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Upscale" wrote in
:


"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
A new LCD TV might have some heat issues, but probably will have a
gap around it on three sides. If that's not enough, a PC style
cooling fan could be rigged up to provide quiet active cooling. (I
have a computer next to the TV; power wouldn't be a problem.)

On the plus side, most of the heat emanated from the LCD screen, so it
would face forwards out front. While there was some heat behind my LCD
TV, it wasn't nearly as much as in the front.

I retrofitted my most of my entertainment centre this past winter
going from a CRT TV to the current LCD TV. I'm currently in the throes
of figuring out what to do with the heat coming from the massive
Yamaha RXV3800 surround sound receiver I added. I've got to do
something because the shelving around it is jammed with electronics
and heat will be an issue. I'm considering some type of fan with 6"
tubing to remove heat, but I've been warned about static buildup, so
I'll have to jury rig something around that. I've posted an image of
my unit it ABPW.



The EC upstairs is very similar. The surround sound reciever does put
out a bunch of heat, and has about 4" of head room above it. The cabinet
still gets quite warm, though.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Lew Hodgett" wrote in news:8a4Wl.346$tr5.87
@nwrddc02.gnilink.net:

"Puckdropper" wrote:

The miters are actually there more for the aesthetics than strength.
I
was just going to use standard butt joints on inner frame, but might
try
box joints if I have enough material.

Personally I like the aesthetics of a good box joint over a miter.

Even with a good sled, miters are a PITA to get and keep aligned
without biscuits, IMHO, but to each his own.

BTW, a half lap for the inner frame might be nice.

Have fun.

Lew



I'll have to try some of the joinery with some pineywood and see how it
works out. I'll probably stick to miters on the outside corner as I'm
trying to keep a fairly simple look.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in news:22881d3d-44e2-49d7-
:

To the question of shelf attachment.

1. Put cleats under the shelf. Glued and screwed to the ply from
inside. Be careful to only get 3/8" penetration from screw.

That just doesn't seem like it's enough to be effective. I guess the
screws are there until the glue dries, though. I'm used to relying on
screws for their mechanical strength and not really trusting glue.

2. If There is actually a frame under or edging the shelf, you could
screw through that instead of adding a cleat. 4 screws with glue at
each side sould hold it. If you can get some more throough the back or
a small return on the front, that would help.

There's a frame, that's why I'm sure the shelves would be strong enough.

3. The 1/2" ply is strong enough to carry the load in direct vertical,
just be sure the geometry of the until does not allow for the side to
bow in our out or for the whole unit to rack.

That's the reason I had a feeling the 1/2" ply wasn't going to be strong
enough! I knew it would work for the load, but wasn't quite sure it'd
hold up.

4. Alternative is to use some sort of shelf system, metal strips with
clips. Honestly a few hundred statis pounds is pretty easily supported
by typical shelf system.

5. Alternative is to build little columns inside the side. You could
use a 1x2 at each corner inside standing on end and that would be
fine. Stack them between shelfs if you have multiples.

Except for covering the miter detail, that's not a bad idea. With some
screws and NO glue, the 1x2s on end could be used as a way to adjust the
shelf height. (Gravity would pull down on them, so the screws are only
there for alignment.)

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"Puckdropper" wrote:

I'll have to try some of the joinery with some pineywood and see how
it
works out. I'll probably stick to miters on the outside corner as
I'm
trying to keep a fairly simple look.


Take a look at item 213 on the NYW web site to see an entertainment
center Norm built.

Along with it are some E/C built by other people which are very
interesting.

Might give you some design ideas.

Have fun.

Lew

Yeah I guess glue and 3/8" penetration of screws into ply and some
glue seems a little weak but I think the engineering math would OK it
for 200#. But I might worry about my TV also.

I'm not sure what the front edge detail is on the ply sides. If there
is no face frame I just that makes it difficult to hide any structure.

Another, maybe less visible method if there is any way to hid the
front edge is to use another ply of ply instead of 1x columns, just
have another section of 1/2 ply that stops at the bottom of the
shelves. You only have 1/2" of bearing but if it has no way to get
out, then that is safe. It's really the same as using 1" ply with
dados.

On Jun 5, 10:40*am, Puckdropper puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote:
"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in news:22881d3d-44e2-49d7-
:

To the question of shelf attachment.

1. Put cleats under the shelf. Glued and screwed to the ply from
inside. Be careful to only get 3/8" penetration from screw.

That just doesn't seem like it's enough to be effective. *I guess the
screws are there until the glue dries, though. *I'm used to relying on
screws for their mechanical strength and not really trusting glue.

2. If There is actually a frame under or edging the shelf, you could
screw through that instead of adding a cleat. 4 screws with glue at
each side sould hold it. If you can get some more throough the back or
a small return on the front, that would help.

There's a frame, that's why I'm sure the shelves would be strong enough.

3. The 1/2" ply is strong enough to carry the load in direct vertical,
just be sure the geometry of the until does not allow for the side to
bow in our out or for the whole unit to rack.

That's the reason I had a feeling the 1/2" ply wasn't going to be strong
enough! *I knew it would work for the load, but wasn't quite sure it'd
hold up.

4. Alternative is to use some sort of shelf system, metal strips with
clips. Honestly a few hundred statis pounds is pretty easily supported
by typical shelf system.

5. Alternative is to build little columns inside the side. You could
use a 1x2 at each corner inside standing on end and that would be
fine. Stack them between shelfs if you have multiples.

Except for covering the miter detail, that's not a bad idea. *With some
screws and NO glue, the 1x2s on end could be used as a way to adjust the
shelf height. *(Gravity would pull down on them, so the screws are only
there for alignment.)

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

"dadiOH" wrote in
:

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, and
there will be three shelves the width and depth of the entertainment
center (minus the sides).

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.

Any suggestions on attaching the shelves to the plywood sides? 1/2"
isn't very much material for a screw to grab in to from the inside,
and if a screw was inserted from the outside it'd show.

1. Your life would have been much easier with 3/4" ply. The finished
project would have been stronger and more rigid too.

2. The 1/2 ply sides will be sufficiently strong.

Going with 3/4" plywood would be better to hold with any sort of racking
that might go on from moving it.

3. The 1/2 ply for shelf and top will be OK too depending...

(a) on how they are attached to the case

(b) on how the weight is distributed; NP with TV, weight isn't
centered.

(c) fore and aft "stringers" will greatly increase shelf strength

Agreed. That's the idea.

4. You mentioned a 1x4 oak border. Is that 4" horizontally or
vertically? If horizontally, I have to ask, "Why?". Since you also
mentioned 1x2 poplar for the shelf support I suppose the 4" oak is
vertical in which case I still have to ask, "Why?".

In both cases it seems like work that basically accomplishes nothing.
In both cases there is no reason to not just attach the ply to the oak
and do away with the poplar. In the case of horizontal 4" oak, all
you are doing is banding the ply so why not 2"...or 1"...or 1/16"? In
the case of the 4" oak being vertical, it bands and will also add tons
of strength but I think it will look way off scale unless (and
probably even if) you are building a gargantuan case.

Let me attempt to explain the shelf again:
The shelves will be 1/2" red oak plywood on top, with a 1x4 border of red
oak surrounding it. There will be a frame under the plywood to support
it made of poplar, and attaching to the border of oak. All supports will
be oriented so the long side is on edge with respect to the plywood.

5. To attach the shelves to sides, you have two options: fixed and
moveable...

(a) for moveable, I would drill holes for KV clips

I'll probably use the KV clips on the middle shelf. Thanks.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

Puckdropper puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in news:4a289881$0$32217
:

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, and
there will be three shelves the width and depth of the entertainment
center (minus the sides).

Puckdropper

I've uploaded a sketch of the shelf design to a.b.p.w..

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm