i'm making a nightstand out of solid oak panels I glued up for the sides, top, bottom and back, made from 1"-3" white oak jointed strips 3/4" thick. and a face frame front. I know many reasons why this is a bad idea, but its an idea i had, so i'm making it, that being said, i know the method i'm leaning towards for assembly of all the parts. but I am curious on some suggestions from the community. have some fun with this one. the idea being high quality long lasting heirloom quality construction. but not difficult for the sake of being difficult construction, and also not the quick n easy route. Thanks for any advice.
From contributor no
Dovetail the top and bottom to the sides or dovetail the top to the sides and use a sliding dovetail, or a rabbit for the bottom. The problem will be with the back panel, it will have the potential to expand and blow the box apart. Plywood works great for backs, but if you want to use solid put the panel in a frame.
From contributor ma
Yup. Top, sides, and bottom should have the grain running such that the expansion/contraction effects only the depth of the box. No trouble with that. the back should be ply, individually fastened t&g, frame and panel, or in some other way floated.
The construction method depends on the aesthetics of the design. For instance: TB&S mitered, back horizontal boards with 1/4" gaps vs. Box joint tb&s with parquet back vs. whatever. "I want a nightstand, please design one for me!"
From contributor Mi
Appreciate the response guys, I was a cabinet maker for a while, now an installer, but everything always had a floated back to one extent or another. But those were your more standard run of the mill casework for kitchens, bath, institutional etc. I was curious as to what a furniture making society would have to say on a completely solid box
