Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

EmperorGeek t1_j2c2wm0 wrote

Reply to comment by SnooSongs3993 in Building a desk, installing the legs... how close to the edge of the butcher block is safe to attach screws? by SnooSongs3993

I was thinking about the length of your screws. You will lose the thickness of the mounting plate on the legs.

As for how far from the edge, it sounds like there will be plenty of support from the other screws, so as long as you properly pre-drill the holes, you should be OK with 3/4 setback for the screws.

Are we talking about end grain butcher block or that thing where they glue blocks together for butcher block countertops? End grain might warrant a little more setback, but with as many screws as you are talking about, you might still be fine.

3

SnooSongs3993 OP t1_j2c38yp wrote

Thanks. I did think about that for the screws, maybe 3/4 inch? Definitely going to grab choices and measure to be sure.

No it's real wood, home depot not IKEA.

2

grittyoaktitmouse t1_j2cirsz wrote

The Ikea one is wood too. They meant which direction are the wood pieces in the butcher block - would the wood be growing up like a tree or to the side? It sounds like you have the latter.

3

RearEchelon t1_j2co2rw wrote

How thick are the plates at the top of the legs? If they're at least 1/8" I would use 1" screws. I definitely wouldn't use any shorter than 3/4". Keep your holes 1" from the edge at minimum, and make sure you predrill. You can use a flag of painter's tape on the drill bit as a depth stop.

2

SnooSongs3993 OP t1_j2dfbly wrote

Thanks. Will do, going to measure the screws to be sure, go 1" from the edge. Going to have to look up this painters tape technique, good idea

2

RearEchelon t1_j2er88j wrote

Just pinch a piece of tape to itself around the bit at the depth you want and stop drilling when the tape hits the surface.

2

SnooSongs3993 OP t1_j2e0zgk wrote

May I ask you another dumb question, you sound like you know your stuff!

Every hardwax oil how to says to sand using 150-220, is there any benefit or downside to sanding smoother? 300, 500, 600?

2

EmperorGeek t1_j2f5oas wrote

If you sand “too fine” you restrict the ability of the wood to absorb the oil. It’s generally best to follow the directions, at least the first time.

Assume that the people who created the product have done the basic testing and understand how to get good results.

Then, when you have a project or two under your belt, you can start to experiment with the finishes. You’ll know how they would look if applied per instructions, and be able to tell if you like your method better or theirs.

2

EmperorGeek t1_j2f5wg0 wrote

By the way, my attitude is “There are no stupid questions, only stupid mistakes!”

That was a sign that hung in a machine shop I worked in one summer. I’ll never forget it.

2