MDF box, what kind of screws to use?

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davidh_r

Copper - Posts: 59

Joined: October 03, 2004

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 10:06 AM / IP Logged

Im building a 3/4 mdf box and im wondering what you guys would recommend using for screws. i tried using #8 1-1/2 and predrilling with a standard 7/64 drill bit, but that split the wood. Is this a good size screw to use and i just need to do a larger predrill? if not recommend a different size screw and predrill hole. would a countersink bit make a big difference?

davidh_r

Copper - Posts: 59

Joined: October 03, 2004

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 10:07 AM / IP Logged

also, what would be good placement for the screws?

luckydevil

Silver - Posts: 365

Joined: July 04, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 10:33 AM / IP Logged

8 is too big, you need to be using a 6 with a 7/64" predrill. Also try switching to a 1+1/4" long screw.

The screws are pretty much just there to hold the box together until the glue dries, so you don't need too many of them. I always countersink and just be careful how much you tighten them down. No need to go crazy and crack the mdf, just make them nice and snug where you see a little bit of glue ooze out of the seam.

tex12gage

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Joined: September 28, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 10:39 AM / IP Logged

I've always used a brad nailer. Its alot easier then predrilling and using screws.

tex

Paradigm

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Joined: November 25, 2003

Location: United States

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 11:01 AM / IP Logged

I would have to disagree about the screws being only useful for holding the box together for the glue to dry. The screws will also help keep the box from falling apart should the glue not be applied correctly, or not enough being used. The type of glue used could also be a factor. True, it shouldn't take many screws to help hold things together, but they should be used regardless, IMO.

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davidh_r

Copper - Posts: 59

Joined: October 03, 2004

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 11:10 AM / IP Logged

1-1/4 isnt going to give the screw much to hold on to once it goes past the 1st board, anyone else this ?

davidh_r

Copper - Posts: 59

Joined: October 03, 2004

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 11:13 AM / IP Logged

correction: anyone else recommend using the #6 1-1/4 screws?

ddsubman

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Posted: February 15, 2006 at 12:33 PM / IP Logged

Thats' all I ever use when dealing with 3/4" MDF. I've built a lot of boxes this way and never had a problem. If you use the proper type glue, and proper amount, you can place your screws about 6" or more apart. If you're not too sure about your glues holding power I wouldn't space them farther than 4" apart.

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tex12gage

Copper - Posts: 83

Joined: September 28, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: February 15, 2006 at 1:13 PM / IP Logged

spread the glue then shoot some brads in it.

The glue is much stronger than any screws, brads, or even the wood itself. You only need the screws or brads to keep the wood tight together until the glue dries. Once it dries it's not gonna fall apart.

tex

kfr01

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Posted: February 15, 2006 at 1:18 PM / IP Logged

A tip for making the best bond: Clamp with many large clamps as hard as you can with glue. Wait a couple minutes, tighten the clamps a little more, and then screw.

I make my speaker enclosures without any screws. With enough clamps and careful planning screws are unnecessary.

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