cocktail table construction

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.games.mame (More info?)

I'm going to start my first cocktail cabinet here in a few weeeks and
have some questions on the best route to take. I am going to use Kyle
Lindstrom's plans that are on the net and can't really decide if I want
a pacman or ms. pacman table.

My question is really about the difference between using
grooves/rabbitted edges for the cabinet as in the ms. pacman details or
if I should use wooden dowels (instead of biscuits per the design) in
the pacman details.

Which is more sturdy? From a woodworking perspecitive which is easier to
do?

My concern with using dowels is that if the edges are not perfectly
straight then butting the edges together will leave small gaps. On the
otherhand using grooves/rabbits will require precise alignment on all
edges at the same time to get the bottom to fit in properly.

TIA

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.games.mame (More info?)

Mike Campbell wrote:
> I'm going to start my first cocktail cabinet here in a few weeeks and
> have some questions on the best route to take. I am going to use Kyle
> Lindstrom's plans that are on the net and can't really decide if I want
> a pacman or ms. pacman table.
>
> My question is really about the difference between using
> grooves/rabbitted edges for the cabinet as in the ms. pacman details or
> if I should use wooden dowels (instead of biscuits per the design) in
> the pacman details.
>
> Which is more sturdy? From a woodworking perspecitive which is easier to
> do?
>
> My concern with using dowels is that if the edges are not perfectly
> straight then butting the edges together will leave small gaps. On the
> otherhand using grooves/rabbits will require precise alignment on all
> edges at the same time to get the bottom to fit in properly.
>
> TIA


There are actually /lots/ of methods for joining wood together. For a
permanent join, consider either biscuits
(http://www.woodzone.com/articles/biscuit/biscuit_joiner.htm) or dowels

Biscuits are by /far/ the simplest method, as all you have to do is draw
a line across the two pieces and line up the biscuit joiner. (Many
equipment rental places have these for only a few dollars a day.)

If you decide to go with dowels, 'Dowel & Tenon Centers'
(http://tinyurl.com/csctf) can be a real sanity saver. you simply drill
your holes on one side, insert the centers, then clamp the pieces
together. A dimple will be create on the other piece where you need to
drill. I would suggest getting 'Spiral' or 'Multi-Grooved' dowel pins
(http://tinyurl.com/e4q2z), as they allow more glue to remain in the
joint, thus making it stronger. A relatively new type of dowel is the
'Miller Dowel' (http://tinyurl.com/acaq6), which is a stepped type, and
comes with a special drill bit.

For joints that can be taken apart (for dismantling for a move, etc.),
you can choose from externally visible 'Quick Connects'
(http://tinyurl.com/9xbwc) or hidden 'Knock-Down Fittings'
(http://tinyurl.com/447k4) (This link is for my personal favourite, for
strength and ease-of-use.)

PLEASE NOTE: Use of a drill press or at least a guide
(http://tinyurl.com/7gm2h or http://tinyurl.com/e4gm8) is /essential/
for an accurate fit when dealing with dowels or hardware.

--
Thnik about it!
Dead_Dad

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.games.mame (More info?)

Just one of the few days I surf this newsgroup and a question on my
plans. Cool!!

You can use just about any method that is easiest to you. A rabbit
joint is by far one of the strongest because of the amount of gluing
surfaces. But even dowels or biscuits should be sufficient. If I were
you I would build the Ms pac cocktail, it doesn't have a base so you
you can save some time. One thing that I would change in my plans is
router a groove on the underside of the top so the hinged back to glue
into it. Also keep the mounting block there also.

One thing people forget is the grain of the wood. The grain should run
vertically and not horizontally. I have seen a few great cabinets that
were messed up by having the back or control panel sides going in the
wrong direction than the rest of the cab.

One big thing to do is get all of your components first before cutting
any wood. Make sure your control panels are deep enough for your
joysticks and buttons. You may even need a wider control panel to hold
all the buttons you want to have.

Kyle Lindstrom

P.S. if you need any help I can be reached at lindstromk AT hotmail DOT
com. Be sure to put Cocktail or Plans in the subject line so it doesn't
get tossed in the junk folder.



Mike Campbell wrote:
> I'm going to start my first cocktail cabinet here in a few weeeks and

> have some questions on the best route to take. I am going to use
Kyle
> Lindstrom's plans that are on the net and can't really decide if I
want
> a pacman or ms. pacman table.
>
> My question is really about the difference between using
> grooves/rabbitted edges for the cabinet as in the ms. pacman details
or
> if I should use wooden dowels (instead of biscuits per the design) in

> the pacman details.
>
> Which is more sturdy? From a woodworking perspecitive which is easier
to
> do?
>
> My concern with using dowels is that if the edges are not perfectly
> straight then butting the edges together will leave small gaps. On
the
> otherhand using grooves/rabbits will require precise alignment on all

> edges at the same time to get the bottom to fit in properly.
>
> TIA