Which design is better?

[SliK JiM]

Finally getting to the finishing stages of my design now, and just wondered which design people find better, in terms of, if you were to buy one, which style would it be (as I may start making these - but not quite like this one! )

Anyway, here are the options:

1 - mitred joints

2 - square joints

Thanks everyone, the input is appreciated!

 

[insert name here]

The first one looks much more professional and well crafted.

 

[jojackson]

Jim asthetically I like the mitered joints, from a practicle point of veiw, miters particularly at the bottom might drain better if water splashes? You probly might to seal the joints anyway with silicon orsomething, so that might be moot point.
That said I have ten thumbs LOl, If you can build as neatly as that I envy You.
I built my first cage (somewhere theres pics buried here 'DIY veild cage') Very crude
square joints, I found movement in them from temp related swelling/warping etc.
Mitered joints are probly stronger.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I prefer cages with snug-fitting mortise and tennon joints for frame, as they are strongest, with mitred joints on trim.

 

[Fearaffect]

Well, u know what one I like best......

Just make sure u measure and measure again.......I use Gorilla glue along with wood screws for my cages. Sand the edges lightly(to much and it wont fit good) just enough to get rid of the "feathering" that cutting dose. Pick your wood out carefully, knots look good, but are a pain when it comes to getting straight wood and when cutting into them. Countersink all holes and dont over do the screws....to deep and the wood will split, especially when taking everything apart to stain.

 

[SliK JiM]

I suppose I should have added that it's going to be made with dowel joints only! Yes, I know that is a bit crazy, but I fancy the challenge of doing it as it looks ridiculously professional when done, and I need it to be assembled in location, as it's going to be 2m tall, 1.2m wide and 0.8m deep! I'm going to make the sides, top and bottom as 'panels' with all joints glued. Then, it should be a simple task of assembling the 'panels' in the correct order, to have a finished enclosure! The top and bottom will lock the sides in place, and gravity will do the rest!

The second approach should be quicker and be a lot easier to get a good straight finish, but the first looks more professional!

Dan - the glue I will use to build the base should be enough of a waterproofing, but I was going to seal it with sanitary silicone anyway as the whole base part will be a drainage system. Can't describe how it'll be built really other than to say it involves polystyrene sheets, cement and tile grout. I had a little bash using it last weekend and it has performed perfectly. Just need to get the ratio right to make sure that it's easily wipable!

Brye - I was going to go with this glue as it's what my carpenter friend uses. Seems like it should do the job nicely! I've got my hands on all the tools I need, so I'm just waiting till I have my design finalised (which looks like mitred joints to me) and for the aluminium mesh to get here and I'm good to go! Do you think a stain then a varnish is the best way to seal it all? Probably a yacht varnish for the varnish?

 

[sandrachameleon]

Make sure you do use a long lasting quality glue and add a few screws if you're going to use Dowel joints. Over time, dowels tend to shrink, warp and become loose, due to different orientations of the grain and especially in high humidity situations.

 

[SliK JiM]

I didn't know that about dowels joints. Makes sense, but I though they'd react in a similar way to the wood and so would bend a stretch with it?

 

[jojackson]

Well you guys have totally lost me with all the carpentary jargon! My carpentry teacher used to throw things at me!
When it comes to building I have a motto I live By:

"When all you have is a hammer, any problem begins to resemble a nail!"

Theres nothin a few bloody nails wont fix, if it dosent, get a bigger hammer!

 

[SliK JiM]

Well you guys have totally lost me with all the carpentary jargon! My carpentry teacher used to throw things at me!
When it comes to building I have a motto I live By:

"When all you have is a hammer, any problem begins to resemble a nail!"

Theres nothin a few bloody nails wont fix, if it dosent, get a bigger hammer!

Ha ha ha! I don't think I'm going to let you anywhere near my enclosure when it's finished!

 

[Malicious]

Mitered joints using biscuits would be the way to go.

Looks like a neat design, look forward to seeing it complete.

-Jay


Edit: Are you not using glue in the assembly?

 

[SliK JiM]

Mitered joints using biscuits would be the way to go.

Looks like a neat design, look forward to seeing it complete.

-Jay

You're not the only one!

 

[jojackson]

Awwww! No need for hammers when its done ! C'mon, lemme see, C'mon c'mon!

 

[SliK JiM]

Well, you only see with your eyes, so I guess you can't do too much damage to a picture!

 

[Miss Lily]

This design is looking good! I've been thinking about getting a custom viv made for Amy. Don't think I could make one myself though. The main structure would be ok - I'd get stuck making the doors! i'll be watching this thread with interest!

 

[Sancho]

I really had to look hard to see the difference but I like the square.