In the latest update to my cabinet project I have assembled and installed the first of two cabinets. In my last post I had glued up each of the shelves made from 2 panels and cut all of the dados in the large side panels. Next, I needed to cut each of the shelves to size and also cut out 2 notches from the back of each shelf that align with the dados.
I started by creating 2 drawings for the 2 different size shelves. I again used xDrawing to create these drawings quick and easy and printed them both on letter size paper.
I configured my table saw to allow me to cut each panel to exact size. Then I marked and cut the 2 notches on each board on my band saw.
After the notches were cut I cleaned up each board erasing the pencil lines and I did some light sanding. Like with the large side panels, I put 2 coats of polyurethane on the shelves before gluing up the cabinet.
Next, I dry fit the cabinet together and used several 2.5" to 3.5" wood screws to hold everything together. I started by marking lines on the outside of the cabinet where the screws would be located. Then I predrilled pilot holes and counter sinks for all of the screws and fully assembled this cabinet in my basement.
As you can see, I used a quick-changing bit on my drill to make this process go quickly. Most importantly I always use Torx style screws as they make assembly so much easier. There is nothing more frustrating than stripping a bunch of screws when trying to assemble something big like this. I highly recommend using torx screws for everything... Spax is a popular brand that makes torx screws.
Once I had the cabinet dry fit together I cut out and attached 3 back brace pieces made from the same 3/4" plywood. The back braces will help attach the cabinet to the back wall in the upstairs room. I glued and screwed the braces only to one side of the cabinet. I had previously cut a generous taper on the other side of each brace to accept the left cabinet side while assembling to the wall.
I then broke down the whole cabinet and brought upstairs piece by piece and reassembled in the final room but this time with glue. I then moved the cabinet into place without the left side assembled and screwed the cabinet to the back wall through the back braces into studs behind the wall.
This picture shows the cabinet installed to the wall and the left side partially slid into place. At this point, I added glue to all of the open dado grooves in the left side panel and then pushed the side panel into place. Then I drove 3" screws through the outside panel and into the shelves to secure it all together.
Here you can see the the first of two cabinets installed!
Next steps:
Do it all again with cabinet #2.