Design/construction question

What I'd do

Ellis Walentine

>Borrow an idea from the old-time furnituremakers who made chest-on-chests and two-piece secretary desks: Makke the top case with a bottom on it and make the bottom case with a top on it. Then add a molding to the bottom case that sticks up and covers the edge of the top case when it is lowered into position. Then just screw the two cases together with a couple concealed screws.

This solves your problem with the parting line, unless you can't abide a molding detail. If you can't, and you want a coplanar surface across the two cases, you can design the joint such that the lower case has a recessed top and the upper case has an applied bottom that fits inside. If you fit things perfectly and use sequential pieces of plywood, the joint can be very low-key. Or add a detail with a tiny chamfer or round.

The two-case construction means that both cases are complete units. Otherwise, you'd have two floppy sides on the upper case that would have to be somehow aligned with the sides of the lower case. It's doable, and has been done, but you'll need an alignment system -- biscuits at least but probably a blind spline or dowels.

Ellis Walentine, Host

Re: What I'd do

Dale in Alabama

>Thanks Ellis. I've been trying to learn everything I can about woodworking on the fly, a lot of it from browsing this forum. I like the plywood bottom for the top cabinet idea. Simple solutions are usually the best. I think I can come up with a molding detail for the parting line that will look good. Thanks again.