It's important to have a flat clean bench to work on when you assemble the carcase panels.

Remember that veneered particleboard and other board products are easily scratched or chipped, so you should keep the workbench free from dirt, glue and loose hardware items.

Using screws

If you're using screws, make sure the screwdriver tip is the right size and shape for the screw head.

If it doesn't fit properly, the slots could easily burr.

Be careful not to over-tighten the screws.

There are several problems that might occur if you did - the screw head could burr, the thread might chew out the fibres and loosen the screw's grip, or the veneered surface might de-laminate around the screw head.

Using nails and staples

In most workshops, nails and staples are fired into place using a pneumatic gun.

Whenever you're using an air-powered gun you need to make sure the pressure is adjusted correctly on the compressor for the material you're working with.

If the pressure is too low, the head of the fastener will sit proud of the surface and need to be tapped in with a hammer.

If the pressure is too high, the head will countersink too far below the surface and may damage or split the board.

Remember to wear safety glasses when using air-powered tools.

This will protect your eyes from any fragments that might break off and fly out, as well as from dust and other particles that will blow around each time a blast of air comes out of the gun.

You should also wear ear plugs or ear muffs while handling the gun.