Are screws necessary?
#1
Are screws necessary?
Like the title says are screws necessary for building a box?
In the past I've always used glue and screws.
This time I want to skip the screws as I want the finished product to "dimple" free because I plan on painting the box instead of carpeting it So, if I can avoid a couple hours of poly-filling and sanding screw holes I will.
Thanks,
Ryan
In the past I've always used glue and screws.
This time I want to skip the screws as I want the finished product to "dimple" free because I plan on painting the box instead of carpeting it So, if I can avoid a couple hours of poly-filling and sanding screw holes I will.
Thanks,
Ryan
#2
We use nails and glue with lots of bracing to ensure that our boxes don't fly apart under extreme pressure. Do you have an air nailer? If not then you'll need some long, strong clamps, lots of them to give continuity of pressure throughout the flank that you're gluing.
#4
I have tested this theory with a hammer..
I can take an enclosure that is held together with just glue
apart with only surface damage to the MDF
with an enclosure properly glued and screwed you can destroy
the panels before they let go
I can take an enclosure that is held together with just glue
apart with only surface damage to the MDF
with an enclosure properly glued and screwed you can destroy
the panels before they let go
#7
MDF is made of layers....the glue only has a surface bond
it doesn't take much to break the outer skin loose on MDF
where as when you use screws it clamps all layers and is multiple
times stronger than the glue surface bond
it doesn't take much to break the outer skin loose on MDF
where as when you use screws it clamps all layers and is multiple
times stronger than the glue surface bond
#8
Thanks,
I'm convinced. I'll screw up my box when I build it
Thumper - thanks for the observation of the layers in MDF. Now that you've mentioned it, I've seen pieces MDF separate that have been glued together; the original layer remained glued to the other surface, but it was torn from rest of the layers. The glue isn't the weak point, the weak point is that MDF isn't one solid piece.
So, if I want a nice smooth looking finish, I'll need to spend the time filling and sanding the out the screw dimples.
Thanks,
Ryan
I'm convinced. I'll screw up my box when I build it
Thumper - thanks for the observation of the layers in MDF. Now that you've mentioned it, I've seen pieces MDF separate that have been glued together; the original layer remained glued to the other surface, but it was torn from rest of the layers. The glue isn't the weak point, the weak point is that MDF isn't one solid piece.
So, if I want a nice smooth looking finish, I'll need to spend the time filling and sanding the out the screw dimples.
Thanks,
Ryan
#9
Like Father Yuli said. Screws and nails are only there until the glue dries. IF you are gluing and butting your mdf you may want the use some screws. If you are dado-ing (grooving) your joints glue and brads are more than enough. Also keep in mind if you dado you joints, you will basically have 50% more gluing surface = added strength. The core of mdf will draw more glue than the outside skin will.