Small Wood project question (1 Viewer)

[staphory]

I would have used a longer screw and made some support for each step or maybe even cut a dado (a slot) for each step to slide into just to provide a stronger joint.

 

[lades]

Overbuild it

 

[SystemShock]

Also, you need a better base.

And one more thing, liquid nails.

 

[Charlie Brizzown]

I forget my lumber dimensions. Is that like only half an inch of screw holding the shelves on? Better replace with longer screws.

 

[boutrous]

Replace with 3inch screws. Make the feet longer than the shelves. Add carpet.

 

[someone]

Those are long cantilevers and an 8 pound cat pushing off the edge of one could potentially be problematic.

I wouldn't back the screws out at this point. Adding two brackets to each would do it.

If you decide to back the screws out, convert to this joint. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kreg-Jig-Pocket-Hole-System-R3/202269070

If you plan on doing a lot more woodworking, invest in this version and build yourself a table for it. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System-K4H/202074960

 

[Charlie Brizzown]

Sorry, I was in a hurry earlier. What I meant to say was that the screws you’re using are too short. To adequately satisfy the load requirements of your persaycat, you need screws that will penetrate deeper. And while you’re at it, might as well use thicker screws too, you never know when you might have two or more persaycats up there at the same time.

 

[saintfan-n-alex]

A diagonal support from primary pole to the shelf a few inches out , make a triangle

 

[dtc]

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).

A 20# dead weight is different than an 8# live load, but it's a cat. Nothing is going to get hurt if it collapses, but if you were to want to make it hold 100# you should replace the vertical 1x with a 2x material and then recess your steps into a dado that's about 1/2 or 3/4" deep. Glued and screwed.

Leaving it like it is, you probably should use 2 brackets per shelf and longer screws. I'd probably go to 1 3/4" or 2" screw and make sure to use a wood screw with smooth shank so it pulls the two pieces together.

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

Replace with 3inch screws. Make the feet longer than the shelves. Add carpet.

Yeah, I’m not sure enough are cautioning about the base
Maybe two more 1x4s screwed perpendicular to the base (with right angle support)

 

[FullMonte]

The one (actually two) things I'd add....

1) Glue...use a good wood glue.
2) Drill a clearance hole for the screws on the backer board, and pilot hole in the shelf boards.

 

[DaveXA]

Everyone needs a small wood project. Just sayin'.

 

[Brad Mojo]

Is it an African Cat or a European Cat?

 

[gummbo70114]

“I only deal in big wood”
- Oye

That’s what she said

 

[Saint_Ward]

Yeah, I’m not sure enough are cautioning about the base
Maybe two more 1x4s screwed perpendicular to the base (with right angle support)

It won't be free standing. I'm hooking it to the loft, so the feet don't matter as much.