Jetsfan68
NJ
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not really RV related but have always gotten good advice over the years here....
My wife asked me to build a box "cube" out of wood- (something like the size of a milk crate) to stand on. Like a 12"x12" cube- I'm guessing just using like 3/4" plywood nailed together would never be strong enough- any other suggestions?
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04fxsts
Westville, Illinois
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Joined: 09/04/2011
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Nail and glue the plywood panels to pieces of 2X4 so the 2X4 braces the inside of each corner and it should be fine. Jim.
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Starcraft21SSO
Atlanta, Ga.
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Joined: 10/18/2011
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Jetsfan68 wrote:not really RV related but have always gotten good advice over the years here....
My wife asked me to build a box "cube" out of wood- (something like the size of a milk crate) to stand on. Like a 12"x12" cube- I'm guessing just using like 3/4" plywood nailed together would never be strong enough- any other suggestions?
3/4" plywood glued and screwed (please pre-drill) will outlast you. I have a set that we made for a stage that's a little bit too high, and they have easily seen 10,000 footfalls and no signs of weakening.
I made a 3 step podium out of 1/2" OSB for our marching band. It saw 4yrs use before I left, and it is still in use today. It's needed a little TLC touch up over the years, but it leads a rough life getting tossed around, bouncing around in trucks, etc.
Since it will have ground contact, use a poly glue like Gorilla Glue and paint is a must to prevent delamination.
As for size, a cube will make for an unstable step. Try and make the footprint at least 2x the height to avoid it being tippy.
04fxsts wrote:Nail and glue the plywood panels to pieces of 2X4 so the 2X4 braces the inside of each corner and it should be fine. Jim.
That certainly can't hurt, but it's not necessary. If you do feel internal cleats are necessary, 1/2" cleats and glue are more than sufficient.
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2002 Starcraft TravelStar (21SSO) Hybrid TT
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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3/4" plywood screwed and glued together will be more than sufficient.
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Starcraft21SSO
Atlanta, Ga.
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Here is that stage step. Since it is 36" long, I put a stringer every 12". If you do this, be sure your stringers are slightly shorter than the step so it doesn't teeter on uneven ground. If you look closely, you can probably see than they are about 1/8" shorter than the box perimeter.
I used pocket screws because I have them and the tools on hand, but you can use sheetrock screws and put them in perpendicular. Just be sure and pre-drill to prevent splitting.
Here is the top side. Most of what you see is dust from my shop.
For those worried about the strength of this style of construction, it's how almost all of your furniture is built.
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DutchmenSport
Between Anderson, Pendleton, & Lapel, Indiana
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Starcraft21SSO, do you use a Kreg pocket hole jig? I've got one and absolutely love the thing. I've literally quit making straight line screww now and use the pocket holer for almost everything.
To the OP: 3/4 inch plywood will be very sturdy, even if you do straight line screws. Rabbit joints will make it even stronger if it's well fit! Tip: screw and glue all the parts together, then sand the edges flat.
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OTTO
Western Washington/Gold Canyon, AZ
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I would build out of 1 X 4" cedar. Use exterior construction adhesive to reinforce underside. It is lightweight and rot resistance. Mine is only 4" high-don't know why you want 12". Purchase and apply self adhesive non-slip tape like used on boat decks. I also put a poly rope handle on mine. We only use it when ground is so unlevel that I have to have jacks up high.
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edited 11/14/11 10:51am by OTTO *
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pompomgirl
Edmonds, WA
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Joined: 10/02/2011
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Not to deprive you of a project, but does she specifically want a wooden cube? Both being fairly short, we use those little collapsible steps that you can buy just about anywhere now. They come in lots of colors and some have non-slip rubber dots on top. When extended, they click into place and very stable. And right now they're on sale lots of places. We have about 4 of them now - for the Jeep, the MH, the garage and ... well, I guess we have more than 4! Bere are a couple:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=13990999
http://www.target.com/p/Munchkin-Folding-Step-Stool-Pink/-/A-12873698
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traxtermax
UPSTATE NEW YORK
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Joined: 05/26/2004
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Jetsfan68 wrote: ...My wife asked me to build a box "cube" out of wood- (something like the size of a milk crate) to stand on...?
We use an old (stronger) milk crate. It doubles as a container to carry thngs but you should step on it squarely just as you would if it was 12" x 12" wooden box. Adding width gives it more stability in one direction but takes up more space.
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Starcraft21SSO
Atlanta, Ga.
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DutchmenSport wrote:Starcraft21SSO, do you use a Kreg pocket hole jig? I've got one and absolutely love the thing. I've literally quit making straight line screww now and use the pocket holer for almost everything.
Yep. Strong, hidden, easy. My neglected biscuit jointer hates it as it gets used for just about everything.
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