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View Full Version : Best way to skin a stand


benjc
11/20/2011, 09:03 PM
I'm hoping for some advice on how to skin the 2x4 stand I've built for my 60 gal cube. I'm going to use 3/4" birch plywood (3/4" thickness needed for the door because I want to use European pocket hinges). Any thoughts on how to attach the plywood to the frame without having the screws show? I'm going for a minimalist look and don't intent on utilizing any trim which could be laid over the screws. I've thought about using counter-sunk magnets, but need to make sure the stand innards are secure from curious toddlers.

Nathan4Wvu
11/20/2011, 09:45 PM
Since the skin will not be supporting any weight you can glue it with wood glue. When wood glue bonds it's actually has stronger then uncut wood. Just leave the clamps on it till it cures.

benjc
11/21/2011, 12:11 AM
Thanks; so simple, but so effective

Chris27
11/21/2011, 09:35 AM
A couple of brad nails along with the glue will help make it easier and cleaner to put together. The brads will simply hold the plywood in place while the glue dries, and you won't need a silly amount of clamps all over the place.

How are you planning on covering up the cut ends of plywood? Some trim will likely still be necessary, as the end of a piece of plywood is ugly on a finished piece.

benjc
11/21/2011, 09:39 AM
To cover the cut ends, I'll be using thin strips of solid birch which will be glued on. The brad nails are not a bad idea for the sides which will be less noticeable. For the front, I'll go with glue only.

gone fishin
11/21/2011, 09:45 AM
I used a tube of liquid nail to attach my pieces. comes out of the tube more like a paste and quicker set time than normal wood glue.

Donw
11/21/2011, 09:46 AM
Just make sure the sides of the stand are dead flat if your going to glue and clamp. If not the plywood will follow the curves and look warped. If your going to use wrapped ply for your door. Put battens / cauls on the back so it doesnt warp as bad. Birch ply warps easily.

Don

bereanracer
11/21/2011, 11:04 AM
I'll just throw one more idea out there. I built my skin separate from my frame and slid the skin over the frame once they were both put together. This allowed me to assemble the skin with pocket screws on the inside, hiding all the fasteners. After the skin was dropped in place, I just attached it to the frame from the inside.

I'm no expert woodworker, but my carpenter stepdad didn't raise any objections when I told him the plan nor while he was helping me build it. I do think he was mildly surprised when it worked out though (with a little bit of planing on the ends of the frame). It's a fairly simple design, but i think it turned out nice (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18958186#post18958186).

Nathan4Wvu
11/21/2011, 12:38 PM
Some pics of how I did mine. I trimmed mine and all of the trim is glued.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/nathan4wvu/IMAG0270.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/nathan4wvu/IMAG0305.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/nathan4wvu/IMAG0304.jpg