Dowels and cams?

[Grahamlad]

I recently tried to make a kitchen base unit, and as similar to a flatpack one as possible (don't ask...).

This meant using metal dowels and cam locks (the things you get in flat pack furniture). So, there would be protruding dowels along the bottom edge of one panel. Then, I would drill holes in the base panel to receive the dowels. Sounds simple.

Turns out the alignment problem was really difficult. Yes, I spaced the holes out the same as the dowels. But the drill moves about a bit when making the holes, and.. well I don't have the time to put the problem into words, but you can't achieve the accuracy required. You have to get it exactly right, otherwise the panels won't go together.

I'm at amateur level. Are there any good resources on using cam locks? Do you have any tips? e.g. I know of drill guides, would there be one that would help with this? (edge of base panel in question in 51 cm).

Thanks,

John

 

[foxhole]

There are so many different ways to join panels that even a pro would avoid the hassle of using cams .
Jigs are used in factories for repeated operation of same joints, most diyers would struggle.

 

[lynchnigel]

Is this any good ?
https://www.hafele.co.uk/en/product...Position=37&OrigPos=11081&ProductListSize=103

 

[lostinthelight]

Maybe be cheaper to buy new units unless a few to do
https://www.tandsarchitectural.co.u...MIq4qyy6mj7gIVEJftCh3sbAHqEAQYDiABEgLIa_D_BwE

 

[endecotp]

This meant using metal dowels and cam locks (the things you get in flat pack furniture). So, there would be protruding dowels along the bottom edge of one panel. Then, I would drill holes in the base panel to receive the dowels. Sounds simple.

Turns out the alignment problem was really difficult. Yes, I spaced the holes out the same as the dowels. But the drill moves about a bit when making the holes, and.. well I don't have the time to put the problem into words, but you can't achieve the accuracy required. You have to get it exactly right, otherwise the panels won't go together.

Do you have centre points?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-Dowel-Centre-Point-Set-6-12mm-Woodwork-Joinery-Kitchen-Jig-8-pieces/

They can certainly improve the accuracy of drilling for dowels.

 

[lostinthelight]

Drilling acurately into raw edge of chipboard without a good dowel jig is very difficult and personally would not attempt it without buying or making one.
I would drill that edge first , mark the side with the centre points linked to above and preferably use a drill stand to get them square, depends if you have a good eye or not.
There are other alternatives like pocket holes screws and corner fixings which are quite neat.

Your unit looks like a bq IT kitchens one and their new range are the same size and cheap too.


https://www.google.co.uk/search?cli...client=mobile-gws-wiz-hp#imgrc=a2sVYHunAXsF1M

 

[lostinthelight]

If your not using brad pointed bits, you need some
https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/dr...=brad_point&suitabledrillingapplications=wood