Planning a knock down PBB, with T-nuts.

I had decided to make a relatively simple table and use T nuts to fasten
the SMEs to the top and sides to give me some flexibility.

Now, I've been thinking, why not just use T-nuts (Tee nuts? to
assemble the whole thing? I could use regular nuts and washers, but I like
the idea of having less hardware to handle for assembly. I need to get the
T-nuts for the top anyway, so why not use them all over?

In terms of bolts, does it really matter if I use 1/4 or 3/8?

I'm sorry I don't have any drawings, but I don't have time to put them
together. The basic idea is to have the top be 24"x60", made from 2x6
lumber and legs made from 2x4s connected with 3/4 ply stretchers.

Why 60"? One of the very first things I want to make is a book case
with 49" sides.

-Dave

David Stenglein wrote:

I had decided to make a relatively simple table and use T nuts to fasten
the SMEs to the top and sides to give me some flexibility.

Now, I've been thinking, why not just use T-nuts (Tee nuts? to
assemble the whole thing? I could use regular nuts and washers, but I like
the idea of having less hardware to handle for assembly. I need to get the
T-nuts for the top anyway, so why not use them all over?

In terms of bolts, does it really matter if I use 1/4 or 3/8? If you are refering to the SME bolts you need 5/16" so that the bolt heads get trapped in the slots.

I'm sorry I don't have any drawings, but I don't have time to put them
together. The basic idea is to have the top be 24"x60", made from 2x6
lumber and legs made from 2x4s connected with 3/4 ply stretchers.

Why 60"? One of the very first things I want to make is a book case
with 49" sides.

-Dave

David - check out my bench:

https://eurekazone.aforumfree.com/eurekazone-tools-f1/mike-goetzke-my-pbb-for-newbies-t146.htm?highlight=mike+goetzke

David,

If I understand what you are planning to do, I question how well it will work. It would have to be done with bolts no larger than 1/4" because the head of a larger bolt would not pass thru the top of the SME. Even with a quarter inch bolt, you will need to use one with a head made for a screwdriver. A normal hex wrench will not fit into the SME, a cap screw head is to deep and a button head screw would work.

The 3/8" bolts won't work because of the size of the bolt head.

A lot of us just fasten these with pocket hole screws.

Burt

Mike Goetzke wrote:

David - check out my bench:

https://eurekazone.aforumfree.com/eurekazone-tools-f1/mike-goetzke-my-pbb-for-newbies-t146.htm?highlight=mike+goetzke

Mike,

I like the T-track idea and have considered it, especially the incra track
with easily re-zeroed measuring.

I also hadn't thought of using pocket screws for a torsion box. I just
happened to buy a box of a thousand, soooo I'll give it a try. I'm
wondering how the structure will hold up to the additional stresses of
the B300, especially if there is no bottom skin on the box.

I was originally going to use 2x6s for the frame, but a plywood torsion
could be easier for lining up the top.

-Dave

Burt wrote:

David,

If I understand what you are planning to do, I question how well it will work. It would have to be done with bolts no larger than 1/4" because the head of a larger bolt would not pass thru the top of the SME. Even with a quarter inch bolt, you will need to use one with a head made for a screwdriver. A normal hex wrench will not fit into the SME, a cap screw head is to deep and a button head screw would work.

The 3/8" bolts won't work because of the size of the bolt head.

A lot of us just fasten these with pocket hole screws.

Burt

Burt,

I'm trying to make thing flexible and minimize the amount of (expensive)
permanently placed SME. How many times can pocket screw holes in
plywood be reused? This could be an option if I can reuse the holes
often enough

In researching T-nuts, I found out about Fastenal, and there is a
location about 5 minutes away right here in Queens. I can get 1/4
button head bolts from them, along with the T-nuts.

The Fastenal guys are great. The T-nuts I looked at yesterday
disappeared. They offered to order some, and when I asked how long
it would take, they said tomorrow. 8am. This was at 5pm today.

I'm planning to make a line boring template about 48 inches long, with
about 11" spacing. This should give me a good range of options placing
the SMEs.

-Dave