Beginners question

[Brian Runau]

I am building some wooden trays to carry plates outdoors for meals. Sides are cherry and I have a 3/8" plywood bottom.

What will happen if I put the bottom on with a rabbit and glue and pin the bottom on? Plywood is stable, so will it rack the tray?

Thanks.

Brian

[Joe Scharle]

I've made a few just that way. If they get soaked and stay wet they will warp, delaminate and generally make you mad. Hot direct sun will also make them twist and turn too. I used marine spar varnish on mine and the ones that didn't get neglected still look good.

[Mike Henderson]

Instead of a rabbet, I use a groove to set the bottom into. Never had any problems with that approach.

Mike