Planning The Cabinet

Woodworking 2

Follow these steps to design your cabinet project. Do not skip any of the steps or bad things will happen. Yes they will!

Please do not get discouraged. There are many steps, but this project is designed to take at least a couple months to complete. Your humble teacher is committed to giving you as much help as you need so that you can make a great cabinet. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Understand the concept of a face frame style cabinet by looking at the examples in the shop and on the website. Start by identifying the following components on your project plan sheet:
    1. Carcase
    2. Face Frame
    3. Top
    4. Door
    5. Drawer
  2. Now that we are speaking the same language, you can begin to design the various components of the cabinet. Decide at this point what the basic purpose of your cabinet will be. Draw a rough thumbnail sketch of your proposed cabinet. Include rough sizes and number of shelves. A single dimensional drawing is fine. Turn in this drawing and have it approved before proceeding any further.
  3. Redraw your cabinet much larger and neater so you can determine the exact sizes of the components. Another single dimensional drawing is fine here as well.
  4. Measure the components that will fit into your cabinet. You will need to know how big each shelf and compartment will be. Specify the minimum size requirements for each shelf and compartment on your second drawing. Enter those dimensions onto the second drawing. Turn in this drawing for discussion with your wise and wonderful teacher before going any further.
  5. Your plan has been modified, cleaned up, and approved. Draw a working set of plans at this point in modified three-dimensional style (simply include the second line to show how the pieces fit together). Turn them in for grade after you complete the following drawings:
    1. Draw your face frame drawing first. This drawing determines the opening sizes.
    2. Draw your carcase to support the face frame. Remember to allow the face frame to extend 1/8" outside of the carcase.

    Note: At this time we do not worry about the top, door, or drawer drawings. These will come later after the face frame is attached to the carcase.

  6. Develop a cutting list for your carcase. Turn the list in with your plans for cutting.

    7. Note: you will cut your own ¼" plywood for the back of the carcase after it is assembled.

  7. Double check the carcase pieces to make sure that they are the correct sizes.
  8. Layout all the assembly holes. Start by drawing the location for shelves on the edges of the pieces.
  9. Drill the assembly holes.
  10. Cut the rabbet joints on the appropriate pieces to receive the back plywood
  11. Dry assemble the project (without screws) to make sure that everything fits.
  12. Finish sand all pieces and apply one coat of oil.
  13. Assemble carcase with screws. Turn in carcase for grade.
  14. Measure and cut piece of ¼" plywood for back of cabinet.
  15. Finish sand and oil back plywood.
  16. Attach back piece of plywood with small brads. Try not to smash your fingers.
  17. Double check your face frame drawing to be sure that it still matches your completed carcase.
  18. Develop a cutting list for your face frame parts. Turn in your cutting list with your updated face frame drawing before you go any further.
  19. It sure seems like a good time for some more cookies, or maybe bring in a frozen pizza. Deer sausage is very nice if you have some in the freezer that needs to be eaten. Donuts are always good, but lets not get cheap and buy the day-old stuff!
  20. Cut and assemble the face frame.
  21. Lay out and drill the holes to attach the face frame to the carcase.
  22. Dry assemble the face frame to the cabinet. Turn in the cabinet for a grade before you proceed any further.
  23. Assemble the approved cabinet.
  24. Insert plugs into all holes. Sand face frame completely.
  25. Oil entire cabinet before proceeding.
  26. Draw and turn in drawings for the top, door (s), and drawer (s). Have them approved before proceeding.
  27. In any order complete the top, door (s), and drawer (s).
  28. Attach the top and door (s).
  29. Everything should be sanded to the best of your ability. It should be so impressive that you cry when you look at your cabinet.

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