Building tips?

Shredder565

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The pieces of wood will be sanded down tomorrow. Although some will need to be re-cut so they have even perfectly even edges.

For those of you who have built custom cabinets, any tips on how to make it as sturdy as possible? We've got some gorilla glue handy, and the standard brackets...but anything else from your trials and tribulations of experience would be appreciated :)

I was also thinking of making the control panel top hinge open so it could be worked on should the need arise, but not even sure if that would be needed..

Also, what kind of paint would you suggest? They way my custom is being built (basically a giant T about waist height) doesn't leave room for standard artwork or a marquee. If this one turns out good, I might make a second one that's a more standard size...
 
I've only built one cabinet from scratch, but I must recommend a biscuit joiner.

I bought the Porter-Cable version, and it rocks. For me, the hardest part of making anything is getting it square, and aligning the corners, the biscuit joiner made assembly a breeze. Figure in the cost for a few clamps as well. I was lucky enough to stuble upon a pair of 36" clamps on clearance, so I just had to take a picture. You know, on here, photo or it didn't happen.

Also, you can get away without using screws for the most part.
 

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On my custom cabinet, I only used screws and I have a frame made of 2x4s. Real sturdy, real heavy.

For hinges, I highly recommend the inset ones here:
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5832

They allow you to remove the door (control panel) without removing any hardware. They are adjustable once mounted so your CP will sit flush on the cabinet.
 
besides your typical brackets, glue, and screws I would recommend either 2x4s or a simple joint like a biscuit joint, dado/plough, or dowel joints. If you need help planning any of it give me a PM, I teach woodworking and should be able to help you through.
 
We've got it all sanded down now, although some edges are still un-even. I dunno if I should build it that way, or have my cutter fix it. They are not off by much, but enough to make it look ugly when put together.

How would you get it so that it doesn't feel like wood when you put your hands down on it to play?

I was thinking along the lines of plexiglass glued to the top, but that might be more trouble than it's worth. I'm worried about splinters even when it's sanded down...
 
MDF? Plywood? What is it made of? If you're worried about splinters I'm thinking its solid wood or possibly ply?

Cutter? As in a jigsaw? Circular saw? What are equipment are you working with?

As for feel, paint or some time of CPO material I suppose, what do you want it to feel like?

I would bolt the plexi no glue it. If you adhere it it will be a pain to change out if you need to later.
 
I only used nails and wood glue for the cab I just put together last weekend and it's prety damn sturdy. If I can find my camera I can take some pics tonight if you want.
 
Use wood - 3/4" of anything you can get your hands on. H&R Block or Hewlett Jackson desks work great.
To secure pieces together we need to be ecologically responsible. Denture cream is awesome as it adheres almost instantly and is bio degradable. While this works great it is a tad gummy - To increase hardness we'll add half tab of viagra. Apply and BAM!!!!!

2 hours of pure rigidness. While it's in this state of bliss, break out the polyurethane and douse project. When the viagra wears off the poly will hold it in shape. The best part is you can move this cabinet with one person. Drop it off the truck, slide it down the stairs and nothing will hurt it.

There's your lesson - run with it.

PS - pleasurdome has a torrent on cabinet plans - go get that

PS=PS
If a person by the name of Phettishboy contacts you - he doesn't just want to swap cooking recipes
 
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