Small Wood project question (1 Viewer)

Saint_Ward

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I was working on a project to make a sort of floating shelf cat ladder.

I've actually finished it, and I proof tested it. However, I am a bit concerned I may not have done enough for the shelves/steps to really secure them for my kitten (who is now a 7-8 lb almost cat). I just put in three evenly spaced #6 1-1/4in screws. My question is, should I have used something more like a 2-2.5in screw since it's a 1x6 being fastened side grain? I also have small 1in L bracket's I can put under each shelf.. either use one per shelf, or two. Or are those too darn small too?

I used a 20lb weight to proof test the concept, and it did fine.

This is the basic idea. They are all 1x6 boards (with small cedar ends).

1599614693717.png
 
And clearly I'm a novice at this. ;)
 
Is this a problem you are having in the morning?
 
Looks fine to me. Even if it collapses like a house of cards, it’s just a cat sitting on it anyway. Maybe you’ll get lucky and be there watching it when it happens.
This feels like animal abuse.. or that you don't like cats.
 
This feels like animal abuse.. or that you don't like cats.

If you’re testing it with a 20lb weight and it isn’t failing then I’m sure it’s good to go for an 8lb cat. I’d staple some carpet scraps on there to make it look a little more finished, but then again this is not my area of expertise.
 
I really think with a 7-8# cat you'll be fine. I would be prepared though for you to do all this work and the cat never willingly touch it haha. That's how our cat would be.
 
I really think with a 7-8# cat you'll be fine. I would be prepared though for you to do all this work and the cat never willingly touch it haha. That's how our cat would be.

I also gently put the weight on it, and while the cat is nimble, changing directions, uneven loading, bending moments...

Basically, I'm asking anyone who has done real wood working or structural joints.. ahem.. @dtc for their opinions. Knowing that this isn't exactly structural.

And regarding your last point.. yeah.. I've already had the talk with myself. haha.
 
I was working on a project to make a sort of floating shelf cat ladder.

I've actually finished it, and I proof tested it. However, I am a bit concerned I may not have done enough for the shelves/steps to really secure them for my kitten (who is now a 7-8 lb almost cat). I just put in three evenly spaced #6 1-1/4in screws. My question is, should I have used something more like a 2-2.5in screw since it's a 1x6 being fastened side grain? I also have small 1in L bracket's I can put under each shelf.. either use one per shelf, or two. Or are those too darn small too?

I used a 20lb weight to proof test the concept, and it did fine.

This is the basic idea. They are all 1x6 boards (with small cedar ends).

1599614693717.png
Would definitely go with the L brackets, or even 1x1 glued underneath
 

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