I am in the planning stage of an item to display smallish area rugs. It needs to be freestanding, can't attach it to a wall. My current concept is to build a box with weights in it (cinder blocks) attach a vertical 4 x 4 to the box. Next build a swing arm quilt display and attach it to the post. It may be possible to attach multiple swing arm units to the post (one on each face).

My question, will pocket hole joinery be strong enough to keep the post from tearing loose? Yes, I plan on gluing all the joints together.

Also, I will start with a base of 3/4 plywood. Centered on top of that a "ring" of 2 x 12's 3 1/2 inches square (around the post) and an exterior "ring" around the perimeter of the plywood base. The cinder blacks would be staggered around the post end to side (no voids). Then a top cap to cover the cinder blocks.

Am I off my rocker? Does any of this make sense?

Thanks in Advance.

 

Maybe center the 4X4 against the back of the box. Then screw through the plywood into the 4X4. The cinder blocks along side and in front, if tight against the 4X4, should hold it steady. Or, glue a 2 by on either side of the 4X4 and use pocket screws into the 4X4.

Gene,

   Another thought, instead of a "ring" making "spokes" that would be 8" x 16" (on edge) and be screwed to the post, the bottom, and the outside "ring", forming four 8" x 16" pockets that the cinder blocks would fit in?

 

5 minutes ago, Wichman3 said:

Gene,

   Another thought, instead of a "ring" making "spokes" that would be 8" x 16" (on edge) and be screwed to the post, the bottom, and the outside "ring", forming four 8" x 16" pockets that the cinder blocks would fit in?

 

That sounds better. 

IMHO unless the arms swing out opposite one another to balance the weight,it might not be stable.Might 2 post stands with a yolk at the top and a 2x4 dropped into the yolk bridging the posts work?

Herb