Build a Wall Cabinet, Part 1: Build the Case
George VondriskaDescription
Learning the basics of cabinetmaking will take you a long way. Use these skills to build vanities, bookcases, dressers and, of course, cabinets for your shop or kitchen. This three-part video series will provide you with the cabinetmaking tutorial you need to get started. Be sure to download the plan for detailed information on the project and sources for the items used.
Getting started
Cabinet carcases, boxes, are typically made from plywood. The first step in most cabinetmaking projects is cutting the plywood down to more manageable sizes to make it easier to handle. This can be done with a circular saw and straight edge.
Refine the parts
After rough cutting the parts to more manageable sizes you’re ready to cut them to their final sizes. See the cut list on the plan for all the part sizes. Kreg’s Adaptive Cutting System works great for this, providing a platform for the material to rest on and a track and saw for accurate cutting.
Joinery
Cabinet carcases are commonly assembled and held together with dadoes and rabbets. A general rule of thumb for depth of these joints is 1/2 the thickness of the material. In this case, ⅜”. These joints, along with the rabbet that receives the back, can be cut on the router table. Remember to add adjustable shelf holes before assembling the case.
Assembly
Before gluing the carcase up, spend some time sanding the interior faces. It’s much easier to sand these surfaces while the parts are still separate. Standard yellow glue works fine for projects like this. After clamping the case measure the diagonals to check it for square, adjust as needed, and allow the glue to dry.
Build a Wall Cabinet with Kreg Plan Download
Part 2: Face Frame
Part 3: Door and Details
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8 Responses to “Build a Wall Cabinet, Part 1: Build the Case”
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What is the cutting table set up you have , I like how the guild goes up and down and stays straight
What plywood and face frame wood did George use for this project?
I have followed George's tips and how to's and wonder if the plywood thickness of 1/4' is 'nominal' size or actual size. I machined the back rabbets and door tongue and groove based on the plywood being 1/4" (0.25"). However, I am having difficulty finding 1/4" plywood. The 1/4" plywood at Home Depot and Lowes is approximately 0.234" which makes it a very loose fit. Any ideas on sources of good plywood?
Highly disappointed that there is no fast forward function.
I see that Kreg promoted this video by providing all the tooling for this job. I have seen a similar class by George where he used a Saw Stop table saw to square the sheet goods and cut the plywood. I want to build kitchen cabinets and then a hobby center for my wife. I need a table saw, or equivalent and a router table. Does George prefer the Saw Stop/router table approach ($2.5K) or is the all Kreg solution a better approach for beginners to intermediate users? The Kreg solution certainly seems less expensive.
Where is the formula for making the door frames? I downloaded the plans but don't see it?
I am watching build a wall cabinet part one". Where do I find the parts list and cutting guide for that project.
I like to have my back cut to ensure the box stays square and use a couple corner clamp blocks . It seems I have parts move as soon as I walk away .