19
Jul
If you want completely closed storage, you will need by-passing panels. This calls for three stops – one in the center and one on each side. Use a ¼-inch-square strip at the center and ¼-inch round on the sides
If you have a power saw with dado-blade assembly, you can dispense with the stops (which must be nailed or glued) and cut channels directly into cabinet shelves.
A good channel depth for ¾-inch shelving is a 3/16-inch at the top and bottom. Cut the channel 1/16-inch wider than the panel, add 5/16-inch to the height of the opening, and you have the proper height for your sliding panels (this leaves 1/16 clearance for easy sliding).
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17
Jul
Although you can make your own cabinet doors easily enough, you may buy ready-made doors from builders’ supply houses – provided your cabinet frames will accept standard sizes. Stock units come in a variety of facings and styles.
When hanging doors, allow for free movement between matching doors (and around hinges). Some carpenters judge the amount of space needed between paired doors by inserting a paper match between them before setting hinges. Read the rest of this entry »
10
Jul
Some methods for making drawers and runners call for the skill of a professional cabinet maker, but those written here are both simple and sure.
Drawer Construction
Regardless of the construction method, each drawer will normally require the same number and size of grooves and cuts. By standardizing your procedure, you can repeat the same grooves and cuts for several drawers.
Be sure to cut all pieces exactly, and remember to allow 3/32-inch between drawer and frame, so that the drawer will have room to slide. Use ½-inch material for drawer ides and ¼-inch stock for the drawer bottom.
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3
Jul
Threaded rods can also be used to join planks. You need a drill bit long enough to drill through the width of the board, and a doweling jig is almost a necessity for boring straight holes. Drill the hole to a slightly larger diameter than that of the threaded rod. Rods should be at least ½-inch in diameter.
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6
Jun
Building a table can be easier than you think if you master a few basic techniques. The suggestions offered here concern making and cutting tabletops.
Most tabletops consist of several boards fastened together in some manner as to form a flat surface. Large planks can be joined either with dowels or with threaded rods plus glue. Long expanding clamps are needed for doweling. If you don’t have such clamps, and prefer not to rent them, the planks can be drilled, glued, and tightened together with threaded rods.
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29
May
When starting on the actual construction of a piece of furniture, the first question the home craftsman should ask himself is, “What is the best way to join the pieces together?” There are many types of joints commonly used in woodworking – some are easy to make, other are not so easy. The ones you decide to use in joining a particular project should depend upon the strength the piece requires, the appearance you wish to achieve, and the work you are willing to do. Don’t make joints more complicated than necessary, but be sure they are strong enough to do the job.
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19
May
In almost any variety of home crafting, power tools make a noticeable difference – most jobs can be done easier, faster, and with more precision than by hand. There are two general categories of power tools – portable and bench-mounted.
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27
Dec
Having a piece of bedroom furniture that will endure, that is pleasing to look at, and that will compliment the other furniture in your home. With planning, patience for sight, DIY bedroom furniture can be helpful to you.
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