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Design help-Attaching hardwood to plywood

2K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Rxmpo 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi All,

I am in the process of designing a bed for a friend who lives in a small apartment in Manhattan. I tell you this part because setup and breakdown of the bed will be critical for now and for the future when he moves. So I have designed a platform type bed that will be able to be broken down into four main parts (no including slats and center brace). The width of the sides will be 8".

The thought is to make the internal structure using plywood like a honeycomb and attaching hardwood to the outside of the plywood structures. The top, bottom both sides will each come apart and can be assembled on site. Hardwood will then be added on top of each side and attached, covering the plywood bases. Bookshelf will be added at the head of the bed but not a concern.

My concern and question is about how to go about attaching the hardwood (cherry) around the outside of the frame? I have thought about milling the exterior down to make a thin exterior and gluing it on but concerned about it warping. I thought about keeping the cherry at 3/4' thickness and screwing in on from the plywood side but not sure. So, I thought I would ask the audience here for their thoughts and ideas about the best way to proceed?

Thanks for the help in advance!

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#3 ·
I'd keep the cherry at 3/4, Rxmpo.

I'd be inclined to keep it as the outside of the box. You could pocket screw the dividers to it, then screw the inside wall to the dividers. Lighter, easier to handle, just as strong.

If you're looking for some spiffy fasteners to hold this all together, I'd suggest you study the Hafele catalog.

I like the design. This would make an interesting LJ blog. Go for it!

Kindly,

Lee
 
#5 ·
Hi Mike,

First, I really like your concept…it's pretty ingenious. I'm also jealous of your Sketchup skills. As I can't come up with any suggestions, I say go with the 3/4" thickness and screws from the inside. LeeBarker's idea to use the cherry as the outside of the box will save some material and labor. Good luck.
 
#7 ·
Thanks all, for advice and comments about design.

Lenny, the Sketchup learning curve was steep, but truly worth the effort as it saves time and money making your mistake on the monitor and not in the shop. A full scale drawing is still the best imo when possible because hard for me to envision size and scale with modeling.

I like the hinged sides idea Paul, that has me thinking… Plus could help eliminate the issues Red brought up, which I had already been wracking my brain over…

As usual, great help…

Thanks!
 
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