Assembling The Module Frame - Side Pieces - Part 2

Now that you have the technique of assembling the two gusset/end plate assemblies to one of the side pieces, we'll now attach the second side piece to complete our module frame.  Here's where "time is of the essence" as we will concurrently have two assemblies loaded with runny glue, two ends to get aligned almost all at once, and 12 screws to drive home, and, all the while, keeping everything square and flush.  It can get a bit tricky but, now that we've mastered the technique of assembling the two gusset/end plate assemblies to one of the side pieces, we should be able to complete the task relatively easy.

1) Liberally apply wood glue to the gussets at both ends.  It will take a bit of time to complete the fastening of one end and we don't want the glue on the other end to dry out in the meantime.  So, liberally apply wood glue to BOTH ends. 

2) Place the 3-sided assembly (two gusset/end plates and one side piece) on your work space with the "Top" down (ie "Bottom" up).

3) Place the side piece alongside this assembly and make sure that one end of the side piece is flush with its matching gusset/end plate assembly.  Make sure that the side piece is "Top" down and "Bottom" up. 

4) Tighten the top screw, next the bottom screw.  The assembly may require some adjustment to ensure that the edges are flush with each other.  Lastly, tighten the middle screw.

5) The corner edge of the gusset may lift off of the measuring blocks.  Push down on the corner of the gusset so that it rests flat on the measuring blocks.  This may require some force.  Turn the screw all the way in.  Next the middle screw.  Lastly the 3rd screw.

6) We now move to the opposite end of the last side piece and tighten the wood screws.  First the vertical line of screws.  Make sure the edges are flush with each other.  The process is the same as at the other end.

7)  Next, the horizontal line of screws.  Press down on the end of the gusset to make sure it sits flat on the measuring blocks. 

8) Wash off any excess glue.

And this is what the bits and pieces now look like.  Pretty neat, eh!?

Next, attaching the middle cross member.