This question is about cabinetry. I’m making a wall unit/entertainment center, built in, 8′ high and 6′ wide. I’m attaching a picture from cad I hope… Anyway, the face frame will be that big, 8′ x 6′, out of 3/4″ x 2″ or so hardwood stock and it will be painted. Don’t know if I’ll be able to manage such a big face frame. This is my first attempt at cabinetry… I know that sounds absurd but that’s the way I roll. SO my question is, how would you manage such a large face frame? Make in pieces? Hold a large face frame together with temporary cross members until assembled??? Please help. I appreciate the help to such a novice as myself!!!
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Replies
Either way will work.
The huge advantage of building the face frame onto the unit is that it allows you to sneak up on the fit well, and to accommodate for any out-of-square joinery in the main unit - almost inevitable with a built-in unit.
The disadvantage is that it makes proper joinery harder.
Of course, if it is solidly fixed to the shelves, you don't need anything more than butt joints - they will do fine.
The advantage of a face-frame is that it can be made perfectly square and can frame your project nicely, even if the underlying work is imperfect. For that size, I would cut bridle joints at the corners and either mortice and tenon or dowel joints for the cross-pieces. Strong joinery will reduce the risk of corner cracks, but not by much.
The disadvantage is that you have to be spot on with measurements. Unless you are making the frame out of balsa or 1/4 inch stock, then there is no need to brace it before fitting, just be gentle. Make sure it fits dry before glue-up.
I have built a few of this sort of thing, some on this scale (wardrobes), and I have only ever built the facing in-situ. It takes a fraction of the time, is easy to do on your own, and makes it so, so easy to accommodate for walls not being perfect.
If you are going to paint it, use pine unless it is going to be a trauma risk. Pine is cheap and all wood looks the same under paint.
Tell the boss you made it out of Wenge because someone on the FWW forum said it was the best for the job, then spend the difference on a nice power tool.
Large face frames can be built in place after the cabinets are installed.
They can be attached with trim screws if painted, or glued and nailed if natural wood.
Go frameless. You get more usable space in the cabinets. And don't have to worry about face frame.
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