Plans Gone Awry

[Safetyboy]

I like this forum to be the sort of place where people can share their screw-ups as well as their successes.... so in the interest of furthering that goal, I'll share my most recent screw-up:

I saw some photos on the web of a nightstand design that I liked, so I decided to make a copy of it - no plans or anything, just drew up my own based on the photos:



Glued up the frame & panels, put the drawer dividers in, and everything was looking fine... then, I realized I had a slight assembly problem in my design - can you spot it?



Yes, that's right - absolutely no way to get the pocket screws in to attach the top with that drawer divider in the way! Doh!

I figure I can save it by drilling some 3/4" holes through the dividers in the right locations... but next time I "wing it" with a design, I'll have to put more thought into how the assembly process will work.

[dcarter636]

I thought your problem was getting the second drawer in past the arched bracket.

Good save.

[Ruffnek]

Man, I can't count how many times I've done something similar...especially early in my woodworking endeavors.

Woodworking without plans is sorta like chess...you have to look three or four moves ahead so that you don't get checkmated.

At least you have a viable work-around. Thanks for sharing with us.

[gomer]

Just get a 90 degree screwdriver. Pre drill the top w/ pilot holes. Shouldn't be a problem. I have one that is phillips on one end and slotted on the other. Real cheap too. Only need about about 1 to 2 inches of clearance.

[Safetyboy]

May 14, 2010 19:42:10 GMT -6 gomer said:

Just get a 90 degree screwdriver.

Excuse for a new tool!!! ;D

[gomer]

That is one fine looking nightstand. You do some quality work my friend.

[TDHofstetter]

So... ya add two battens to the top instead. They'll slip in between the stretchers. You can screw them into the stretchers sideways.

[sawduster]

I thought your problem was getting the second drawer in past the arched bracket.

Ditto for me. Guess that is gonna be a shelf instead of a second drawer.

[dicklaxt]

I spotted that oops,LOL

How are you going to handle top movement?

dick

[rrich]

Forget the new tool...

Just use a screw driver bit in a socket wrench. A 1/4" socket should be fine and with extensions / universal drive adapters you would be able drive the screws with ease.

OR

Just get some figure "8" fasteners and attach the top. That way any wood movement would be taken care of.