Trainwreck Express Cabinet Construction

[cjp54]

Anyone have details on how to construct the 45 degree joints on a TW cabinet? Do you use dowels, biscuts, screws ???? I don't see any evidence from the outside but I haven't been able to tell from any photos I've seen. Sorry if this has been previously discussed. Thanks, Carl

[JamesHealey]

I believe they're simply glued... it's not a strong joint like a dove tail etc.

they've held up pretty well though over the past 25+ years

[M Fowler]

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=9805

[amplifiednation]

The cabinet plans show a small dado that goes into the corners. I don't have enough woodworking skills to understand how that gets cut though. I understand a dado joint, but not one with a 45 degree mitered corner.

If anyone else wants to chime in I'm sure there are people here that understand it better and I'm sure it's easier if you have the right tools.

A regular box joint with only glue might be pushing your limits with a 20lb amp on that bottom piece of wood.

[Firestorm]

I think the 45 degree bevels are just on the front "picture frame" pieces, not involved in the side and top/bottom joints.

[M Fowler]

correct Firestorm.

I just build mine using the old version I posted 45 degree cuts with biscuits.

[cjp54]

Thanks for the replies. I missed the "picture frame" on the front. Things make more sense to me now!! Were originals built with or without the picture frame or both ways? Thanks again!

[amplifiednation]

Thanks for the replies. I missed the "picture frame" on the front. Things make more sense to me now!! Were originals built with or without the picture frame or both ways? Thanks again!

I missed it too. I guess I'm not sure why the box joints wouldn't be sufficient. I just figured you would want a stronger joint since all the weight is on the bottom piece.

I strip a LOT of expensive gear down to bare wood and after stripping a $3500 head today I realized all there are is usually only box joints with some finishing nails, so maybe it is just all you need.

but then there is always the thought that the tolex makes the cab stronger!!

[Lonely Raven]

Tolex certainly does make the joints stronger due to it effectively becoming a laminate joining the pieces together.

Cabinets are box jointed because it's cheaper and easier to do, and as mentioned the tolex increased the strength.

IMHO, if you're going to build anything, do it so your grandkids (or someones grandkids) can enjoy it 60 years from now...without handling it with kid gloves.

[Jimi]

Box joints are the strongest joint bar none they aren’t cheaper if anything they cost more and the tolex and tolex glue don’t hold anything . Box joints are hard to cut properly and require expensive tools and some know how but joints are a joke you can’t glue end grain together the glue doesn’t stick.

[cbass]

One of these will give a very similar appearance to the original cabs once you put the mitered trim on. Extremely strong and easy to do
https://www.rockler.com/freud-99-240-dr ... gLTS_D_BwE