DF 500 Domino Structure connectors

[mzotti]

HI, I have started a project to build a library with oak timber 32mm thick.  The length and height is 3mt by 2mt so I wantt to be able to disassemble it if needed. For this reason I was planning to have the structure assembled using the Domino connectors KV D8/50 for a DF 500 but realised that the specs are saying material thickness from 18 to 28 mm. I am not sure why I cannot use them on a 32 mm material but being new I might be miss something. Any suggestion?
Thank you
Maurizio

 

[squall_line]

I believe it has to do with structural integrity, and I don't know if that could be compensated for by adding more connectors.

If one is using significantly thick stock, that's what the DF 700 connector set is for; it uses larger pieces.

Specifically, the EV/32 set has the following (emphasis mine): "For frame and rack joints at material thicknesses of 1-3/16" (30 mm) or higher"

 

[Birdhunter]

I’ve used both connector sizes. The 700 connectors are perfect for your application. The 500 connectors may be too small.

 

[mzotti]

Thank you guys for your replies, I had the same fear that I need another 1200£ to buy myself a DF700 in addition to the DF500. I just wait to see if anybody have any other suggestions.

 

[ChuckM]

First, what are you going to put in your library? I'd be concerned if everything is hardcover books.
Second, the library can easily be strengthened by anchoring it in some way to the wall (and of course, the anchors are removable).
Third, is there a plywood back? If so, it'll add tremendous rigidity to the build.

Subject to the three factors being satisfied, I don't see any problem using the DF500 connectors for your build, since the stock is only 4mm deviating from the recommended spec. (italics mine). I might use more dominoes (unglued)/connectors where applicable.

As we all know, a supplier's recommendation is always generic and  on the safe side. If I were doing this and felt worried, I'd simply build a small joint and test it out. Most of the connectors can be reused after the test.

If the DF700 is going to be a tool you will use often enough to justify its purchase, of course, that would be the route to go.

 

[Cheese]

I 2nd Chuck’s answer and proposal. How much weight does it need to support? How many shelves? How wide and how deep are the shelves? Will there be a back? Is it going to be supported between 2 walls? Yada...yada...yada.

The Domino boring jig will accommodate wood up to a 40 mm thickness. Just use more Dominos and/or more Domino KV connections. I’d just grab a couple of scrap 32 mm pieces and see how stable it is...my guess is you’ll be fine.

Another option is a hybridized condition where you install 10 mm Dominos along with 8 mm connectors.
The larger Dominos with their increased length would be more stabilizing while the 8 mm connectors would pull in the panels.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I like Cheese's idea of larger Dominos with the 8mm connectors.
It is hard to give any recommendation without any idea of how many vertical partitions there are and the span between them. Also the whether the shelves are fixed, thus being part of the structure, or on adjustable pins matters to the over-all strength.

 

[mzotti]

All, thank you for your precious advises. I think the 28mm limit is not related to the strength but to the fact that the MSV's (to join two panels on both side of a vertical posts) can only work up to 28mm thickness.
Someone asked about the size, the library is 116" long and 92" high, with 6mm back panels in plywood veneered in oak.I will make dadoes on all the rising posts and the horizontal ones to accommodate it. The depth is 342mm. It will be loaded with a lot of heavy books (my father collection since 1930) so yes it has to be really strong. To add strength I have divided it horizontally in two parts and vertically in 4 , each of the panels horizontally and vertically will be fixed with the KV Dominos ( i have attached a pdf of the initial plan).
I will follow the very good advice to use the 10x50mm dominos  with no glue to give more strength. I was not planning to have the library attached to the wall , only a couple of L shape holders just for safety reasons. The roof is only 4" higher so even tilting it will not fall.
I will try on some sample and post the outcome here.
Thank you again to all the replied.
Maurizio