Is it still necessary to make joints when s******g wood together?

Question

I'm making a few simple base cabinet boxes. I'm using 5/8 melamine and am planning on s******g the boxes on all sides. Can I get away without making any type of joints? Also, if joints are necessary, which type would be the simplest (least skill and tools required)?

Answer 1

yes you can put the parts together using a simple butt joint and screws although i would recommend using melamine glue as well should be able to buy it at your local woodworking supply store . i would also recommend using a full back. if your going to have shelves, are they going to be fixed or adjustable, 5/8 material doesn't work well with drilled adjustable shelves, would suggest using ratchet strips, most of the time cabinets made out of melamine use 3/4 for the box's with 1/4 backs with fastening strips for the lowers ,and 1/2 " backs on the uppers . 5/8 really just isn't strong enough for lower units.

Answer 2

As there corners there are corner joints(8)  If the wood pieces are not long enough that you have then you have to make a joint joining pieces together to make it long enough...    Even if your cabinet was circular you still would have 2 joints.  Sketch it on paper first

Answer 3

When you say you're using "melamine", I assume you're using melamine laminated particle board.  By all means, glue and s***w the joints, make sure your cuts are straight, and there are no gaps in the joints.  Use screws that are made for particle board (the threads are a bit coarser than coarse thread dry-wall screws, and - very important - drill pilot holes!  Otherwise that 5/8 stock will split when you run a s***w into the end of it.

Answer 4

without knowing the particular design you have come up with, it is hard to answer. the boxes will be very unstable with screws only. you need to also remove the melamine from the contact areas where the pieces join, so that you have the particle board contacting particle board and glue them together before s******g. you would be best with a rabbet joint for the back and front, and a dado in each side for the bottom. a shelf also with a dado would aid stability.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

You can, but they won't be pretty.

Make the tops & bottoms full size, sides inside like support columns,

back inside with screws through top, bottom, & sides for rigidity.

Answer 6

i would say..yes

Answer 7

your butt joints will be fine however you should be sure to glue them also

Answer 8

go to a place that sells it and they would help you

Answer 9

I would make joints.  Butt joints are the easiest.  Lap joints are probably next to the easiest.  If these are just basic boxes, you probably don't need them.  Just make sure everything is well supported and structurally sound for whatever you are putting in them.  Use wood glue with the screws.