Good idea--bad idea?

[L. D. Jeffries]

Been making a cabinet for the bathroom and was giving some thought of how to join the cherry boards I am going to use to make the top. The usual way would be to use bisquits to join the boards, or barring that just edge glue the boards. Suddenly an inspiration hit me, Since I had been using pocket screws to join the frame I thought; why not use pocket screws to join the top boards. Kind of space them across from each other staggered along the length of the board; say about every 6"s. Wadda' think gang. Good ideas--bad idea? Or what!

[Ken Weaver]

It will work, my preference is for biscuits tho. Saw some plans in the Lowe's Woodpost a few issues back that was advocating that method. They were also heavily advertising for Kreg.I suppose part of it depends on how big the top will be and if you're making turns with it. Other than that, its a matter of preference.

[Doug Jones]

I'm a biscuit guy myself.

[LCHIEN]

Been making a cabinet for the bathroom and was giving some thought of how to join the cherry boards I am going to use to make the top. The usual way would be to use bisquits to join the boards, or barring that just edge glue the boards. Suddenly an inspiration hit me, Since I had been using pocket screws to join the frame I thought; why not use pocket screws to join the top boards. Kind of space them across from each other staggered along the length of the board; say about every 6"s. Wadda' think gang. Good ideas--bad idea? Or what!

I'm sure it will work. Id on't even see the point of staggering them, they should work just fine all in from one side.

[leehljp]

Because I am in Japan and I want to take my projects, furnitures and WW tables home with me when I retire, I make almost everything with Pocket screws so that I can break them down for less space used. It also makes for less chance of damaging each piece as a larger single unit. Even without the pocket screw hole filler pegs, I have learned to make most pocket holes without being seen from the front, sides or even inside of most. I made a hutch for LOML and it worked well.

If you are not expected to take these apart, pocket hole screws AND glue together should work well.

Below is a the hutch.
Glued together:
1. Door panels
2. Top and Bottom mouldings onto their base, but the bases are screwed to the frame.
3. 1 1/2 inch wide vertical strip to the front of the side vertical panels (glued and biscuited this part only for strength to hold the doors)



My rounter center is contsturcted with screws (pocket screws in most cases. Only the drawers themselves are glued together. Even the vertical and horizontal panels that are the dividers / guides between, above and below the drawers are screwed in with pocket screws.

This router table unit withstood a move from Osaka to Toyota (3 hours) without a problem. It does not flex what so ever. Solid. Pocket screws only on the carcass.

[mater]

Pocket screws sound like a good idea to me. I have started using more pocket screws than biscuits myself.

[L. D. Jeffries]

Thanks gang for the input. Gonna try pockethole system on my dresser top. Hank, great pictures! If I ever learn how to post pic's on this forum I'll send some out.