Building A Small Cabinet

[Jen]

I'm pretty handy, and build all my own stuff (aquarium hood, tv cabinet, desk, bedframe...) but my brain has turned to mush today and I can't figure something out.

I'm making a small cabinet to go under my desk to act as a support for a 5 gal tank I'm going to set up. The desk is sturdy, but I don't want to take any chances (and a few extra shelves will be greatly appreciated.)

Where my problem lies is figureing out how to screw it together. It's essentially just a top, bottom and two sides. Do I put the top on the top of the sides, or do I screw it between the sides? Asthetically, I want the top on top... it looks better on paper, but I'm going for support.

Heres a diagram of what I mean...
So A or B?

Tanks!

 

[Tolak]

"A" will give you more support, either would work for a 5 gallon, it doesn't weigh that much. Consider adding something for diagonal support, a box tends to fold without it.

 

[Jen]

I thought A as well, but every picture I see of cabinets show the other way. I will be putting a shelf in the middle, I just didnt want to put it in the picture... kept it simple. Depending on how much wood I have left over I might put a back on it as well... if for no other reason than to protect the stuff inside in case of a leak.

 

[madmom]

Definately A

 

[simonbrown403]

Ether construction methods would be fine, as far as support go's as the desk top would transfer the weight to the uprights directly.

To be honest you would have no probs with the 5gal on its own your only talking 21kg, an average person weighs between 70kg and 100kg and i bet you could sit on the desk without a problem.

Simon

 

[Qays]

A - because

It will be more flat because the tank is touching only one surface.

It will be stronger because the tank will be sitting on the 2 sides.

 

[Jen]

Thanks all. That's what I needed to hear.

Let the construction begin!

 

[madmom]

Umm just curious but how are you going to add the shelves? Will you screw them in or dado? (Sorry not sure of spelling. )

 

[Jen]

I havent decided on the shelves yet. They wont be holding much weight, so I might just screw and glue them in.... or try out the nice biscuit cutter my dad has. There's too much extra math involved with datoing. I tend to mess that up when I'm building by myself. I usually get my dad to be my assistant to ensure I've done the math right, and hes away.