Design Question

[bassman00]

No pictures yet so hopefully I can explain my problem.

I'm building a modular craft paper/supply center for my wife and kids.  It will consist of 5 (for now) modules.  The base module is 36w X 24d X 12h.  The other four modules will be 18 X 18 X 18 so they will stack two wide on the base module.  All modules will be constructed using through dovetails and have 1/4" ply backs.  Solid cherry for the boxes.  Some of the cubes will have adjustable sliding shelves for paper storage and some will have drawers for supplies.  So far so good.

Now, these modules should be joined so they can't slide around but my wife wants them to be easily rearranged so screws are out.  She also would like the option of adding more cubes.  What's the best way to securely fasten or place the boxes so they can't be accidentally moved, etc by kids but yet allows one to quickly rearrange things? 

TIA,
PaulD

 

[Ned]

How about:

The tops of the small modules have a recess corresponding to their slightly protruding bases.  The big unit has a double recess.  The small modules can be stacked on the base unit or themselves any way you want.

This solution does not allow the modules to be reoriented--the top of a module is always its top.  For paper storage this is unlikely to be a problem.

The modules are not locked side-to-side.  The modules when stacked are unable to rotate without unstacking them.

To help describe this idea, not necessarily a good construction technique:

Imagine that each 18x18 cube has a 16x16 piece of 1/4" plywood attached to its bottom, and that the top of each cube is routed to accept the 1/4" plywood on the base of another cube.

HTH,
Ned

 

[bassman00]

Ned,

Thanks for the reply.  My only idea was along a similar line but with a couple of rails per case like a tongue and groove.  Your suggestion has me thinking along a better line now.  I was thinking of having a removable top that would wrap around the front and outsides to hold the smaller cubes together side-to-side. 

Unfortunately, I think I rushed into this project without proper planning.  I should've made it as two pieces.  The large base and instead of individual cubes, a big case divided up into cubes.  Sadly, I've already milled the wood to rough size and glued up the panels. :-[

Thanks,
PaulD