Materials Other Than Wood

Joining Wood And Glass | Joining Metal And Wood | Joining Marble And Wood | Joining Rubber And Wood | Common Metal Joints | Joining Plate Glass To Metal | Joining Rubber To Metal | Bonding Surfacing Material To Plywood | Bonding Surfacing Material To Curved Surfaces | Molded Plastic

Joining Wood And Glass

Attaching glass, plate glass, or a mirror to wood is one of the most delicate operations in furniture construction. The possibility of breaking the glass during the working process makes it imperative that great care be taken.

Plate glass or a mirror may be attached to the wood in a horizontal, vertical, or oblique position. It may also be welded to the wood with glue or cement.

A through C—Application of the plate glass shelf: (A) shows the installation of glass with a rough edge; (B) and (C) show the method used with finished glass.

D—Installing glass in a picture frame

E—Rabbet frame, showing plate glass held in place with putty

F—Plate glass in a groove

A and B—There are several ways of attaching glass or mirrors to wood surfaces such as cabinet or closet doors. (A) and (B) use paper between mirror and wood surface. Glue is used in both. Large glass areas should have a molding around the edge. Mirrors may also be attached to wood by cement without a paper backing.

C—Screws are used here to attach the mirror to the wood.

Various methods may be used to attach plate glass to another surface when the glass is to be horizontal.

D—Plate glass without fasteners is advisable only for large tops, where the weight of the glass will keep it in place.

E—Glass with molding and recess beneath

F—Glass over special legs: Note rubber protector.

G—Glass over special legs, with screw added

Joining Metal And Wood

In the construction of furniture it is often necessary to join wood and metal parts. While it is customary to join these materials with bolts or screws, special adhesives may be used instead. By means of glue, metal sheets can be welded to cellular cores to form large waterproof panels.

A—Three different methods of joining metal sheets to wood panels: Glue may also be used.

B and C—(B) shows a wood and metal panel in a rabbet frame with molding. (C) is a metal sheet in a grooved frame.
 
A and B—Two different ways of attaching decorative metal strips to wood surfaces: With Method (A) the metal is easily applied, but has a tendency to pull out in time. Method (B) is preferable.

C—Wooden arm rest fastened to tubular metal chair arm with screws

D—Metal wire or tube fastened in wood frame by means of holes previously made in the wood

Joining Marble And Wood

Marble and wood may be joined in a number of ways. Basically, the methods are the same as those used with glass. Several common methods are shown on this page. Screws and bolts may also be used.

A and B—Two simple methods of using marble tops: The example below uses a stub tenon with a mortise in the marble.

C—A short prong incased in the marble will prevent any sliding of the top.

D—A rubber cup may be sufficient to prevent the top from sliding.

Joining Rubber And Wood

Rubber is a good material to use in protecting furniture. Here are some ways it may be used.

A—Flat sheet of rubber attached with adhesive

B—Grooved rubber, also attached with adhesive

C—A rubber dome can be attached to the undersides of stacked tables.

D—A rubber dome can also be used to cushion the swing of a door.

Common Metal Joints

Here are several common metal joints. Metal may be used for complete furniture pieces or for parts of furniture.
 
A—Union of pipe and metal strip secured with a locking pin
 
B and C—Sliding metal joints: Note that either piece may be fixed in place with screws.

D—Two metal strips joined by cross-lap joint
 
E—Two metal  strips fastened with rivets

A—Removable pipe joints held in place with screws
 
B—Metal strip joint held in place with bolts
 
C—Welded pipe and strip joints Common Metal Joints
 
D—Pipe joints using screwed ends

Joining Plate Glass To Metal

Method of applying  plate glass to metal frame
 
Glass box with wood base using metal corners
 
Various   ways   of   attaching   metal frames to glass

Joining Rubber To Metal

A—Rubber supports can be applied between metal frame and seat, and between frame and back, to make the chair more comfortable.
 
B—Tubular rubber can be used for an armrest on a metal chair arm.
 
C—Rubber bumpers can be screwed to the undersides of tables to protect the tops.

D—A protective rubber pad under a metal tray

Bonding Surfacing Material To Plywood

A and B—Surfacing materials can be applied to only one side when the frame is totally enclosed.

The sketches show the steps to be followed in attaching surface material to plywood. If the panel to be laminated is securely fastened to the frame of the cabinet, only the outer surface need be covered, but if the panel is simply to rest on the frame, a balance sheet must be applied to the under surface to prevent warpage.

1. Smooth the plywood with sandpaper.

2. Cut the surfacing material carefully to size with a saw. For a clean cut use clamps and keep the saw as nearly parallel to the surface as possible.

3. Place the surfacing material on the plywood to check the fit; shave off any excess.

4. A plastic adhesive and pressure give the best contact bonding. Manufacturer's instructions should be observed.

5. Roll the surface to insure a tight bond. An ordinary rolling pin may be used.

6. When the surfacing is firmly bonded to the plywood, edges may be beveled with a file and metal molding applied, or strips of the surfacing material may be applied to the edges of the plywood.

Bonding Surfacing Material To Curved Surfaces

A—A plastic sheet can also be applied over a curved surface. Follow the directions given on page 98 and keep the plastic sheet bent until the glue has dried. A wood form should be used.

B, C, and D—Three methods of fastening plastic parts to wood

Molded Plastic

Within their own domain, plastics possess at least as broad a range of properties as metals, and are capable of at least as great a diversity of compositions. In general, they have the advantage that they can be molded in forms. It is only comparatively recently that plastics have come into common use in the furniture field. Continuous research is being conducted in further development of their many uses.

We do know enough about the characteristics of plastics today so that they may be used with the assurance that they will withstand wear. However, it is best to check the specific characteristics of each plastic before using it.

E—Heat-treated plastic can be used to form a curve.

F—A molded plastic chair: With molded plastic, any desired form can be obtained.

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