help - Securing 2x4 in a stand

[sid700]

Hello. I've seen stands that are made from 2x4, but how do you connect the the 2x4s?

Particularly, how do you connect the vertical with the horizontal pieces?

I've tried toe-nailing and it just comes out awful. Would renting a framers pneumatic nailer help?

I've tried a nail-hole jig and it does not realy work with 2x4 soft-wood.

The other method I can think of is using bicuits. I am more adept at this than screwing things at an angle, but it's a lot of work.

I welcome any suggestions, tips and advice.

 

[marino420td]

I used screws going thru the bottom into the vertical legs. The 2X4's on the bottom lay flat on my stand. Pictures are in this thread

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787189

I hope you understand what I'm trying to say above. Let me know if you have any questions.

Another option is a pocket hole jig. They work great.

 

[Sk8r]

Liquid nails combined with your favorite fastener will give it strength. I'd tend to pegs because they swell, and I'd be inclined to cut two matching notches in the join and let one piece set on the other, either that or use a complete rectangular frame sitting on the uprights which sit on the base, then screw down with recessed woodscrews or hammer down dowels, if you can be sure not to split the vertical. Anything to let wood sit ON wood rather than float up and down with a thin connector. Dowel pegs don't rust or bend, and ones that are made to be pegs have those ridges that help hold the join, hence my preference.

 

[Reefugee]

glue and screws.

 

[sid700]

marino, I've seen your beautiful stand. I understand the "flat" 2x4, but I have 3 sides of the stand with the 2x4s laying on it's side (1.5"side). Should I use 4.5" screws?

Doesn't the back of your stand have the 2x4 on it's side too?

I bought a pocket hole jig and it tried it on some scrap 2x4s. It looks like the hole is right at the edge. I also had a difficult time driving in the pocket hole screw. I am using the jig and screws from Rockler (Kreg pocket hole $23). My biggest problem is I can't clamp it well. Every time I initiate a hole, the jig moves. If you have any advice on how to use this jig, I should would appreciate it.

Sk8r, thank you for the advice on dowels. I did not think of that one, but I've also never used it. It seems I need to use a jig, and/or drill real straight and make sure holes match up. I got my wood and screws already, I just don't have time to learn any new skills. I'll look into dowels more for the next project.

 

[dattack]

I use the Kreg pocket screws with glue.

 

[marm64]

I also used the Kreg jig, you will need to set the collar back on the drill bit for using it in 2x4 wood so it centers in the 2x4. The big advantage of the Kreg is that you do not have to clamp the joints when you glue them up, you will also need to get the longer screws for 2x4 woood..

 

[navajo]

I guess I'm a bit more ghetto than some here, but the way I do it is double up on the 2x4's. Cut the uprights to the correct height, then cut another 2x4 long enough to go from just under the very top of the top rail to the ground. Screw these 2 together and then there will be enough sticking out of each end to screw to the inside of the rails allowing the uprights to just be load bearing and not really attached to the rails themselves.

WOW, that sounds garbled! Let me see if I can find any good pics of it...

EDIT:

Well, this is the best one I have here at work. You can KIND of tell in the lower right corner.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/navajo001/onstand.jpg

 

[raddogz]

I used a router to cut half lap joints and then used a Kreg jig to screw stuff in place.

 

[slavearm]

Toe nailed and used metal brackets and glue... im anal. Also... use screws not nails.

 

[sid700]

Thanks everyone - I got the hang of Kreg

Thanks everyone - I got the hang of Kreg

Thank you everyone. I decided to keep trying the Kreg jig. I spent $23, might as well put it to good use.

After using on some scraps, I got the hang of it. I just needed a lot of clamps. And I also ran out of the screws. I used my deck screws and it kept splitting the wood. So I'll try and get skinnier screws from OSH tomorrow.

Here's the back part.
<br><br>
<center><img src="http://www.kidcaramba.com/aquarium/diy/stand/back_web.jpg" border-0></center>
<br><br>

Thanks again for all the ideas. Seems the Kreg jig has a lot of users and it encouraged me to try again.

 

[marino420td]

I would suggest getting the pocket hole screws. The head is flat on the underside and prevents the wood from splitting.

 

[slavearm]

You are predrilling the holes right?

 

[sid700]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7211309#post7211309 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by slavearm
You are predrilling the holes right?

Only when using the deck screws - even then, sometimes I'll hear that splitting sound. The pocket hole screws do not split the wood.

 

[dutt7]

3-4 inch wood screws. pre-drill all holes