Sys-AZ Sys Port - board layout theory

[squall_line]

Good evening, all!

As I'm going through the process of preparing to build my first set of Sys-AZ Sys Ports, I'm getting a bit confused in my head.

I plan on using knockdown fittings as a way to practice using them on something that I'm not going to charge someone else money for.  As I was prepping for the project re-watching some of the DF 500 connector videos, it started to confuse me.

In a typical cabinet box, it looks like the top and bottom are cut to fit inside the sides; this reduces the number of measurements if you have a fixed divider, and allows for expansion of the cabinet in the future (this was the focus of a recent Festool Live video, actually).

On the Sys Ports, the instructions and everything else I've found has the sides cut to fit inside the top and bottom.  This makes it much less expandable in the future, although I may prefer to keep my Sys Ports separate anyway.

Is this about load bearing for the weight on the base, or is there a reason for this that I'm just not grasping? (I haven't taken any cabinetmaking or furniture making classes or really any woodworking classes of any sort).

I definitely want to get this right the first time and know what I'm in for before I actually start buying materials for this project (other than the fittings, which I already have).

Thanks!

 

[DynaGlide]

I'll take a stab at it: having the tops and bottoms captured between the sides simplifies manufacturing in the 32mm system. Dowels, screws etc go in between the tops and bottoms and the sides. Doesn't work when the top and bottoms are full length covering the sides. Also a strength component for the same reason.

 

[woodferret]

I figured it was to have a flat single piece top.

 

[tsmi243]

All I can think of is better mounting support for casters.

I'd still do it the usual way.  Maybe add a 2nd layer underneath if I really thought the casters needed it.

 

[GarryMartin]

I think you have all the information you need to make a design decision in the comments, but to summarise;

Captured between the panels is a manufacturing shortcut as you only need one measurement setting for tops, bottoms, and interim shelves. However, it relies on not using the top to independently support items of weight (i.e. don't put heavy items on top) and a mechanism to transfer the weight through the sides to any supports (usually "legs" on cabinets). What you don't want to do is put castors only on the captured panel, thereby not transferring the weight of the cabinet to the sides but to the bottom panel.

Above and below the sides means anything you put on top (using it as a shelf) or bottom (for castors etc.) is transferring the weight away from any connectors that are likely to fail.

Given you're probably not optimising for manufacturing, above and below the sides is the way to go for maximum strength and flexibility

 

[squall_line]

Garry-

You are quite correct; I am not trying to manufacture this, and even if I were, there aren't any additional shelves to worry about cutting.

Thank you for summarizing and clarifying in a way that made sense to me!

Thank you, also, to the others who contributed understanding to this topic.  Time to make some sawdust!