The video “Build a Mid Century Modern Record Player Cabinet – Woodworking” is by Foureyes Furniture. In this project, Chris takes viewers through the journey of designing and building a stylish cabinet for a record player, showcasing various techniques and insights along the way.
Chris begins by discussing the role of intimidation in the creative process, stating, “if necessity is the mother of invention then intimidation has to be the stepmother for at least the first cousin.” This sentiment resonates with many, as fear of failure can often hinder creativity. Chris candidly shares that his design was influenced by his fear of not being able to execute it properly, leading him to adjust his approach and ultimately alter his initial design.
The initial design for the cabinet was ambitious, requiring precision in angled dados. Chris explains how he realized that the integrity of the cabinet depended on these cuts being just right. He notes, “my ideas were more advanced in my abilities,” which is something many can relate to. This realization led him to use more material than initially planned, essentially doubling the amount needed for the build.
After prepping all the necessary pieces, Chris starts assembling the four exterior parts of the cabinet. Using a 37.5-degree blade angle, he makes cuts both vertically and horizontally to create the desired parallelogram shape. He mentions that some pieces were too long for his table saw, so he opted to use a track saw for those cuts.
Next, he cuts grooves in the top and bottom of the cabinet for a sliding door before assembling the case. He emphasizes the importance of measuring and checking fits multiple times before making permanent cuts. “That whole measure twice cut once thing… whoever came up with that saying was building houses, not furniture,” he humorously remarks, highlighting the often less precise nature of furniture making.
Once the exterior is dry, Chris moves on to the interior structure, cutting and gluing various partitions to create a sturdy framework. He explains that he builds a dado by adding material instead of removing it, which is a key concept throughout the project. The interior pieces are inset from the vertical partitions, adding a design element that gives depth to the overall look.
After constructing the interior, Chris turns his attention to the face frame. He cuts pieces for the frame, ensuring they are slightly proud of the plywood to create a substantial look. The miter cuts are made to match the angle of the cabinet, and once glued on, he flushes them up with a router for a clean finish.
With the cabinet structure complete, Chris begins designing the base. He explains his thought process in creating an asymmetrical base that complements the cabinet’s overall design. After milling the wood, he assembles the legs using glue, screws, and dominoes to ensure stability.
As he finishes up, Chris reflects on the process and thanks his Patreon supporters, showcasing a sense of community and gratitude. However, he humorously notes a mistake he made regarding the leaning direction of the records, suggesting that it could have been designed more efficiently. “In hindsight, I really should have built this thing so that the records lean the opposite direction,” he admits.
In conclusion, Chris encourages viewers to embrace their mistakes and view problems from different perspectives. The project serves as an excellent reminder that creativity often flourishes through challenges and adjustments. “Don’t be afraid to look at things in a new light,” he advises, leaving viewers inspired to tackle their own woodworking projects.
