Dear all,

I have made my boot liner out of MDF, (dont panic it will be moisture sealed to prevent it from swelling up!)

i need to know the best method of joining 2 bits of MDF tofether at 90 degs, do i drill it then screw it?

Drill, screw, and glue (what type of glue)

Cheers

Colin

drill, screw and glue; pva, woodglue works fine.

otherwise you could do a hidden dowel joint if you wanted it to look really good...

or metal angle brackets if you don't care or feel lazy.

Ned.

makesure you pilot drill the piece you are screwing into as MDF splits otherwise. Now that you have made the box, why not make a fibre glass one?

[Edited on 18/9/03 by MK9R]

Colin,

As MK9R says, why don't you make it in fibregass.

Be so simple.

Make a box with 5 sides (excluding top), at the dimensions you want the box interior to be, round off all the edges, grease, paint with gelcoat, lay up matting, leave for a couple of day, and remove wood.

You'll need to make the wooden box dismantleable, to aid removal.

This way your gelcoated surface will be where you want it - inside the box, all your inner corners will be nicely rounded.

Be great, lighter than wood, waterproof and no chance it will rot.

Might do it meself . Reckon it will take about three hours (including tea and fag break or two)!

ATB

Simon

[Edited on 18/9/03 by Simon]

MK9R

You have way too much enthusiasm for my liking! anyhoo i would have to make the box about 3mm smaller all round to make a GRP mould on the outside of it other wise it wouldnt fit in the space, and guess what ............i can't be arsed with all that

Ned,

Doweling is a bit OTT as i am lining it in material, so PVA and drill and Screw it is then.


Cheers

Colin

simon,

are you putting the matting on the outside of the box or the inside?

Col

Might have to try that as well, it'll be a good first experiment in the world of fibreglassing! I have a nasty suspicion that I'll be having to make myself a huge scoop for the bonnet, best to make a start on a bit thats out of sight!

GO

Yeah, I'll be needing a scoop, but will make my bonnet (and scuttle for that matter) in the same way I've made my front arches - see thread below, then sculpt a scoop and graft it on

http://forum.locostbuilders.co.uk/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=7515

ATB

Simon

As its only the rear box, surely 3mm would make no difference. Fibreglassing is very good at relieving stress you know, its like stroking a dog

quote:

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Originally posted by ned

<snip>
otherwise you could do a hidden dowel joint if you wanted it to look really good...
<snip>
Ned.

---

quote:

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Originally posted by MK9R
Fibreglassing is very good at relieving stress you know, its like stroking a dog

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by James

quote:

---

Originally posted by ned

<snip>
otherwise you could do a hidden dowel joint if you wanted it to look really good...
<snip>
Ned.

---

Do proper Dove-tail joints!

Lovely...!

James

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Normal PVA "Wood Glue" is strong but not waterproof. Look for either a waterproof version, or use an expoxy type..

Andrew

Think i will leave the animals and food out of this and just glue and screw!

MK9R, The box i have made fits in the space with about 1mm all round, so if i was to use this box as a mould then the GRP could only be 1mm thick at max.

Now 1mm isnt sufficient to safely cary 24 cans of bitter along A/B Roads in a car with harsh suspension and a live axle at an average speed of 70 mph without cracking and distributing its contents over the road. Better safe than sorry,.....................now where is that sheet of 5mm plate and the welder

Beer is life.



col

I have a six drawer toolbox, in my garage, and when full it must weigh about 30kg, i made it ten years ago from 6mm mdf, and its held together with superglue, no joints, nails or screws. I dont usually have much faith in superglue, but on mdf its unbelievable, and instant. Try a butt joint youl be amazed at the strength.

Al.i

P.S you can now get fully waterproof mdf, evev good for outdoor use.

]Originally posted by colmaccoll
Dear all,

I have made my boot liner out of MDF, (dont panic it will be moisture sealed to prevent it from swelling up!)

i need to know the best method of joining 2 bits of MDF tofether at 90 degs, do i drill it then screw it?

Drill, screw, and glue (what type of glue)

Cheers

Colin

well lads,

last night was spent outside cutting measuring cutting, drilling, gluing (weatherproof PVA wood glue) and screwing, sanding and sealing.

This morning saw a quick cote of Marine grade primer then this afternoon will see the do or die moment of whether it all fits propperly!

Never worked with MDF before, pretty versatile stuff IMO.

Cheers for all the help,

will leave fiberglassing for another day!

Col

Colin,

Agree with you about MDF - great stuff!

ATB

Simon

its ok for making bucks and stuff from, but if carol smillie came in my hous with it she could shove it.


atb

steve

There can't be many of us that wouldn't want carol Smillie to come in our house.
As for mdf,it is nasty carcinogenic stuff and I always get a rash on my arms when I work with the stuff.

I wasnt saying I had a problem with ms smillie.......just the mdf

she can help in the build anytime she likes.