I’ve decided to make the cabinets to my kitchen. To convince the boss I’ll first make one cabinet (box) w/ drawers to see if I get the green light (am I the only one that must contend w/ this injury to my woodworking pride?).
Question: What are excellent books on the subject? I’ve seen different construction of cabinets (w/ face frames, w/o faceframes, etc.). Of all construction types which construction method would give me best results for my old home (circa 1915)?
Maybe I’m not being specific enough–it’s late. I’m off to bed.
Thanks
Replies
There are any number of books and articles on how to construct kitchen cabinets out there, although I do not generally agree with some of the methods suggested.
You can also search this forum for discussions about kitchen cabinets of which there are many.
Having done 2 kitchens in the last several years, the one piece of advice I can give you is to spend the time laying out the pieces on the sheet goods. (assuming you are using plywood at least for the boxes). Being efficient saves time and money. And all those little pieces and narrow strips that are left over are useful for other things, like starting a fire in the fireplace, proping up the boxes when you do finishing, and taking up space because you really don't know what to do with them and you can't bring yourself to just throw them away.
ASK
I agree - cut lists are key. Put together a parts list in Excel, then import it into a program like CutList Plus (http://cutlistplus.com/). I have done five kitchens in the last couple years and couldn't have done without this. I average 5 to 10% waste per sheet (20-30 sheets / kitchen). You can also use it to calculate how much edge banding you will need. The time and material savings easily pay for the program. I got the one that will do 50 parts per project and is usually enough. I have also been using it for laying out my hardwood cuts for the RP doors.
Nathan,
A year or 2 ago I downloaded cutlist and used it some.
I am an architect so I draw everything on the computer. Including how I will cut the sheet goods. I probably spend as much time laying out the sheets as I do designing.
But it give me a real picture of what I need to do.
Think I'll try cutlist again.
ASK
Yeah, give it another try. Main challenge is doing the parts list. I do all my CAD drawings first (actually have switched from AutoCad to Sketchup), and even the components if it's complex. I still do an actual parts list in Excel, based on the drawings, and upload to cutlist.
In case you didn't know. Sketchup is acturally a program which was originally called Drafix CAD. Bought several times and ultimately by Autodesk who switched the name to Autosketch. I have been a user of this program since 1987.
Now for the kitchen cabinets.
I use 3/4" maple or birch ply for the boxes. 1/4" for the backs, rabbeted in. Doors and drawer fronts from 3/4" Maple ply. Euro style. No face frame. 3/4"X 3" hanger clete along the back of each upper cabinet and another at the bottom. Base cabinets have a 3/4" piece along the top back for screwing to the wall.
In both kitchens I have done, one for my kids and one for us, I had the wall open so I could put in some 2"X6" bracing between the studs of there was something to screw them to.
The second hardest thing is, when you are dealing with 15 cabinets and drawers and doors, where do you put them all when it's time to do the finishing?
ASK
SketchUp is not Drafix Cad/AutoSketch! It is a completely unrelated product with a unique user interface. The company that developed SketchUp, @Last Software, was acquired by Google about two years ago.
-Steve
You are correct. I don't know what I was thinking. Drafix is Autosketck.
ASK
I would second Danny's books. That's what my kitchen system is based on originally. I use 5/8 material, either high grade melamine, or prefinished maple veneer. All my edge banding is either prefinished maple or white mel. I use solid backs and screw all components, biscuit exposed sides. I usually cut all the cab parts, number them, and stack in sections for backs, top/bottoms, sides, drawer parts. I then build and finish all the RP doors and drawer fronts. I've got a small basement shop so space is a bit of an issue. I have a small spray booth with lazy susan, large squirrel cage exhaust fan and drying rack that can hold about 24 doors, and 12+ drawer fronts. I spray post cat lacquer and can finish everything in one day (3x coats). Once finishing is done I start assembly - one cabinet at a time, and shrink wrap when done. Storage of completed cabinets stay in the main area of the basement until delivery. Typical kitchen is 50-70 hours. I do this in the evenings, after work. Anyway, that's my story...back to work now...Cheers,
Nathan
Jim Tolpin's "Building Traditional kitchen Cabinets" was helpful to me when I built mine. New Yankee Workshop just did a multipart series on building kitchen cabinets.
Check out Danny Proulx's book on Euro cabinets (if that's what you're thinking of). His examples are uninspiring, but the book is a good start.
Dude! "Building Traditional Kitchen Cabinets", by Jim Tolpin is my 'Bible'. It's not only about 'traditional' as the name implies. I've been doing a lot of learning (and doing) on this subject lately, so if you have any more specific questions I'd be interested in hearing them.
Brian
For a beginner, I recommend, "The Complete Cabinet Maker's Reference", by Jeffery Piontkowski. This is mostly because he has cut sheets, and parts lists for whole house worth of cabinets. And, decently written instructions on how to build simple cabinets in an array of sizes and configurations.
I don't really like it as a guide on how to build quality cabinets, he uses lots of melamine particle board, dry wall screws with glue, and narrow crown staples. But, the basic idea is clearly presented, and if you want to build base level tract home cabinets, it would work well.
I personally don't like integral to kicks, and prefer face frames. But his designs would be easy to adapt by shortening the sides and backs by 4-inches to allow for a platform toe kick.
On a hundred year old house, I would definitely go with face frames. They will match the era lots better than Euro style boxes.
The "Norm" article that was in one of the recent issues of Fine Woodworking, had some very good ideas, particularly for an older period home.
Wow! Thanks for the help. She who must be obeyed will surely be pleased witht the results you all will have helped me produce.
Hey, this could be a nice project. A kitchen cabinet build is definitely a test of your mettle.Danny Proulx's book is excellent. It will show you how to put together boxes quickly. He has another book out on door and drawer construction that goes into a lot more detail than the kitchen cab book. Those two should help you make a decent set of cabinets.Tom Iovino
Tom's Workbench
http://tomsworkbench.com
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