Storage Bench Help

[Mike Goetzke]

I'm building this storage bench. Have many ideas how to attach the seat and back to the sides and need opinions what is best. I have a domino jointer, kreg jig, cleats, and guess I could also make a template to cut a mortise into the sides. I'm thinking dominos & cleats right now but if you think something is better please comment. - Thanks

[attachimg=1]

 

[luvmytoolz]

For the bottom panel you could get away fine with just Dominos, for the top I'd probably use a sliding dovetail into the side panels to give it that extra rigidity and support, in which case the back could be dominos as well then as the top will lock it into place.

Gotta say though, fantastic looking bench! I'm a big fan of the Arts & Crafts style storage benches, have you thought about doing a carving on the back panel?

 

[ChuckM]

"I could also make a template to cut a mortise into the sides"

If you decide to use loose tenons (I'd), you can refer to the manual and do it as a Carcase Butt Joint. Pay attention to this tip, which is applicable to your case:

[attachimg=1]

There's no need to make any template unless a router rather than the DF500 is intended to be used for this project.

For structural strength and rigidity, the seat and bottom are also joined to the back with dominoes (do plan for wood movement).

P.S. Cut all the joints before shaping the sides.

This diagram would give you a general idea of the suggested domino placements:

[attachimg=2]

I'd also treat the joinery for the dividers and the seat/bottom as  a carcase butt joint, and use the same procedures as laid out in the manual to mill the mortises (but this time, the second tip may apply, if it's 20mm thick or less, or roughly center the mortises). Needless to say, I'd also use loose tenons for all the drawers.

 

[squall_line]

I'm honestly surprised that a piece in that style doesn't have button-head wooden caps over screws on the ends, either round caps or square caps.

 

[Packard]

This design so much reminded me of a church pew, that I wondered how those were built.  They tend to get heavy (if not respectful) use and I never came across a rickety one.

Google yielded a trove of information.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-m&q=church+pew+plans&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVrMPQ8ZL_AhV0j4kEHSsiCboQ0pQJegQIERAB&biw=1128&bih=718&dpr=2

This company brags about their premium construction.
https://www.churchinteriors.com/pews/

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks for all the ideas!

I should have mentioned that this bench is 68" long and I didn't like only one center leg in the back so I'm making a support in the middle that loos like the ends but shorter. Should stiffen it up a bit.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

As they say "When you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail". So as a strong fan of the DF500, I would Domino every joint on it.
Yes, taking wood movement into account is important. This would really only apply to the back panel in this case. The sides and the seat go in the same direction.
Are the back of the case and the seat back itself, separate pieces? It's not apparent from that pic.
I would assume so, but it's not a given. You also can't tell if there is any tilt to the upper back.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Finished the bench about a week ago. Thanks for all the great help/suggestions. My wife loves it!

 

[rvieceli]

That looks great. I like the center divider to the floor. Good solution for sturdiness.

Ron

 

[luvmytoolz]

Awesome job! Looks terrific!

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Looks great. I like the bin pulls you chose better than the original.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

That looks great. I like the center divider to the floor. Good solution for sturdiness.

Ron

Thanks. Plus it has two big drawers on 100# Blum tandoms. I used 5/4 stock for the drawer fronts and cut a groove for the center strip to make it look like 4 drawers. First time I made Domino drawers.