Need Help Planning my MFT3 Cart

[Patrick Cox]

Hello,
I am planning to build a rolling cart to rest my MFT3 table on.  I plan to remove the legs and rest the top on this cart.  I am using the plans originally posted by [member=14226]sprior[/member] .  The cart will be built using 3/4" birch plywood and I will use Woodriver casters on the bottom..

WoodRiver Casters

The cart I am planning is shown in this thread... (the 2nd version.)
http://festoolownersgroup.com/membe...-come-up-with-version-2-for-this-mft-sysport/

Below is a sketchup drawing based on the plans included in the thread above.  (The top is see through in this sketch.)

My question is - I am not sure of the best order of assembly of this structure and also where I need dominos.  So for example, should I use dominos on all edges of the center divider wall or only on a subset of the edges?  It seems that if I use dominos and all edges it will be difficult to assemble.  And then again, in what order should I assemble the pieces?

Thanks for your comments!

Pat

 

[sprior]

I put dominos on all edges, but the assembly order must be planned out - dry fit EVERYTHING first.  I think my order was horizontal piece on end shelves into end verticals.  Then all vertical pieces into the center spine, then finally the top and bottoms onto that center spine assembly.  That order avoids being stuck trying to insert dominos and glue two adjacent edges at the same time.

 

[Patrick Cox]

I put dominos on all edges, but the assembly order must be planned out - dry fit EVERYTHING first.  I think my order was horizontal piece on end shelves into end verticals.  Then all vertical pieces into the center spine, then finally the top and bottoms onto that center spine assembly.  That order avoids being stuck trying to insert dominos and glue two adjacent edges at the same time.

Thanks for your reply.  To be honest since this is my first project of this nature, I am a bit worried I will not line up all of the dominos correctly.  I may end up using pocket screws instead or to supplement.  I believe this would be less forgiving of minor errors.

 

[sprior]

The standard I've been going with is Domino holes in edges are done with the tightest setting and holes in faces are the next elongated setting so I've got some adjustment room.  There's no real significance to that choice, it's just mainly picking something and sticking with it.

I've had more problems with keeping pocket screws from moving while fastening them down, but since I got the Woodpeckers box clamps that's a bit improved.

 

[Patrick Cox]

The standard I've been going with is Domino holes in edges are done with the tightest setting and holes in faces are the next elongated setting so I've got some adjustment room.  There's no real significance to that choice, it's just mainly picking something and sticking with it.

I've had more problems with keeping pocket screws from moving while fastening them down, but since I got the Woodpeckers box clamps that's a bit improved.

Thanks for your reply.  And that brings up another matter I have been trying to figure out.  That being how to ensure everything is square at assembly.  So you are using the woodpecker box clamps?  Sounds like you like them?  How many would I need for this assembly?  I assume I will take it a corner or two at a time so maybe 4?  And then are those box clamps just for assembly or is this  your actual clamp to secure the glue/domino joints as well?

Thanks again!

 

[sprior]

I've got 4 box clamps.  Sometimes you can't use them if you're trying to fasten a board perpendicular to another where the first board is narrower than the second - the box clamp only works if the edges of both pieces are right there.  In that situation I'll try to set up some sort of fence for the piece to but up against while I'm driving screws.

When assembling this cabinet I mostly used dry fitting the other dominos to help clamp the ones I was actually gluing, plus some bar clamps.

 

[Patrick Cox]

I am curious if anyone has used these clamps for assembling cabinetry?...  I am considering these for ensuring my assemblies are square.  I will be using Dominos and glue for my joints.  Thanks.
http://www.rockler.com/rockler-clamp-it-corner-clamping-jig#turnto-reviews-content

 

[Roseland]

The standard I've been going with is Domino holes in edges are done with the tightest setting and holes in faces are the next elongated setting so I've got some adjustment room.

I generally do it the other way around because I've found if you have tight dominos on the edges of MDF you can easily split the board when tapping the glued dominos in, I suspect through hydraulic lock.

Perhaps I'm just cack-handed!

Andrew

 

[danbox]

I am curious if anyone has used these clamps for assembling cabinetry?...  I am considering these for ensuring my assemblies are square.  I will be using Dominos and glue for my joints.  Thanks.
http://www.rockler.com/rockler-clamp-it-corner-clamping-jig#turnto-reviews-content

With the off cuts of ply that you're gonna have use your mft/3 to cut some squares(in L shape) glue a few together if need be, you may have to recut after glue up and just use some g clamps.
Don't waste your money on these, if the shopping part of you brain is getting itchy just buy some more g clamps, or some festool ratchet clamps.  [big grin]

 

[sprior]

I think you just convinced me to change, have to make sure I remember that for my next project.

I generally do it the other way around because I've found if you have tight dominos on the edges of MDF you can easily split the board when tapping the glued dominos in, I suspect through hydraulic lock.

Perhaps I'm just cack-handed!

Andrew