wjffineww Posted May 8, 2011 Report Share Posted May 8, 2011 I'm not sure if this is the right section for this, but here goes. I read the article from the most recent issue of PW, on the bookcase build, and I believe Chris says that the back boards were nailed to the shelf. This interested me because I have a similar build coming up and was wondering about the back. Wouldn't nailing each board cause wood movement problems? The boards were ship lapped, so does that make the difference? Or I was wondering about tongue and grooving? Any info is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhl.verona Posted May 8, 2011 Report Share Posted May 8, 2011 Shiplap joints (similar to, but simpler than tongue and groove) are designed to be loose joints. Both are (or were) used in floor boards in the UK and are always fixed (usually nails) in the centre of each board. There is a gap in the joint from one board to the other, about 1 to 2mm, to allow for expansion and contraction. Each board is free to expand or contract at its edges, while being held firmly at the centre. The same principle is applied to the backs of furniture, and again nails can be used, cut nails being preferred because they hold much better. Since the gap s necessary and can't be hidden, it is usually emphasised - by beading or chamfering. I struggled to find a good example, the best I could come up with is here (actually quite a nice piece of work), scroll down about 3/4 of the page and you'll see the shiplaps being nailed in position. [Edited later] Here's a corner cabinet with a chamfered shiplapped back. HTH John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Slack Posted May 8, 2011 Report Share Posted May 8, 2011 I read about this on a Fine Woodworking book where they discuss the different type of backs. a) shiplap tongue and groove c) but end boards linked together with a loose tenon My preference today is the third one. I like Gianni's approach where you leave a reveal of 2mm between boards and express the joint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wjffineww Posted May 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2011 Makes perfect sense now that I sit and think about it. That piece is gorgeous by the way, I think I will check out that blog more extensively(always on the lookout for good ones!). Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenaissanceWW Posted May 16, 2011 Report Share Posted May 16, 2011 Another thing to remember is that nails and and screws will move with the wood as it moves. It isn't a drastic amount, but more than enough to accommodate the typical seasonal movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wjffineww Posted May 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2011 So when do you run into problems with wood movement, when glue is involved? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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