[wraiththe]

HI,
I am going to combine some inexpensive laminate shelving and I would like to know what kind of glue would work best.

The plan is:
Align two sides by drilling two or four shelf holes through and tapping dowels through
(this should leave in perfect alignment with no chance of sliding.)
Glue, and press together
Then use a few well placed screws to finish the job and also
clamp in some places.
I am hoping the glue will add a tiny bit of strength if done right.
This is what it should sort of look like when done. Any Ideas?

The panels are 72"x11.3/4" laminate/mdf
Unfortunately I have minimal space, and this is cheap stuff so optimal methods are not feasible.
Thanks
Kevin.

 

[jeffnc]

Well, I don't see this working unless you can insure the units stay aligned with each other. I don't see that happening on top of carpet, for example. Either the glue with give way if the units are sturdy enough, or the units will break if they're not.

Over hard surface it might work but you can't join the units together on their back for example. You'll have to join them while sitting on the floor in the position they're going to stay in. For example, you can't tip them over to drill the dowel holes. If you want dowels you'll have to drill holes for them while the units are in position next to each other. This is due to slight variations in floor surface. You can fit for dowels, then take them apart to apply construction adhesive, then put them back next to each other, connecting the dowels.

Construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails should work. It should not be applied like this

http://webapps.easy2.com/flash_byo/acps100003/module/stepImage_20091211162706.jpg

It should be applied like this, in a huge S shaped pattern. This will avoid air pockets and allow the units to be pressed together closely.

http://akadesign.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/applying-adhesive.jpg

However if you ever move, I think you're screwed

 

[Blondesense]

However if you ever move, I think you're screwed

I was thinking the same thing.
If you glue the units together you are going to make it impossible to move without destroying.

 

[jeffnc]

What is the floor surface? If hardwood or tile or vinyl, then just the dowel idea should work without glue. Then it can be taken apart without destroying.

If carpet, consider making a hard platform underneath it (perhaps 3/4" plywood, with the edge stained or veneered with cabinet edging veneer.) That will give you a solid surface to keep the units in place, and then again they should be able to stay intact with just dowels.

 

[wraiththe]

HI, That is great. I will look for liquid nails.
I just bought these last night.

***They are disassembled in boxes.***

Since the holes for the shelves are exactly aligned...
I figured I would take the L and R side panels from two kits,
Drill through about 2 -4 peg holes I do not plan to use...
then rough sand the surfaces of the two sides, put glue on,
put them together and

insert the dowels to make sure they are aligned,

Then a few good short wood screws... (pre drilled) and clamp them (just for added measure) in a few places.

I know the glue may come undone after a load is put on the shelves, but I thought it might help. I may use some thin wood to reinforce the whole thing behind the back as well.
This has to be quick and clean and minimal with most results, as I have no space, shop, table or major tools/saws to really do the kind of job I would like, and it is cold outside.

Lemme know if you have any other tips.
Thanks,
Kevin.

 

[joecaption]

I do not see the point of using any dowels or glue.
A few screws in counter sunk holes will not only hold them tight, but can be removed easly later on to move them.

 

[jeffnc]

Since the holes for the shelves are exactly aligned...

If you mean the holes for the shelves are exactly aligned after assembling the shelves in your room, then I don't see the need for doing anything more at all. Just leave the units sitting next to each other.

 

[wraiththe]

HI,
I nixed the glue idea. When I was at the store I found these

aluminum threaded post with screw.

I wound up haveing to buy extensions because they did not come in 1-1/4". Instead got 3/4" posts and 1/2" extensions. Six on each of side of the middle bookcase to hold the side ones on tight. I just had to drill those holes through and widen them a little. It is working great. Drilled one more hold and slide a bolt with some washers just for measure.
By the way, the holes were only 99.5% exact. Close, but not exact.

The problem with shelves like this is they will never line up when putting them next to eachother. They are just to flimsy for that. Also they are on carpet.
This has solved my prolems. Hope it all works out well when finished tomorrow. I can tell you one thing... I am definitely going to anchor it to the wall.
Thanks for all the advice.