In this detailed guide, Nick from Rad Dad Builds shares his expertise on creating a stunning display cabinet crafted entirely from walnut. This project features elegant glass sliding doors, a custom shelf, and an LED light, making it a perfect addition to any space.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 1″ thick walnut boards
- 3/4″ thick walnut veneered MDF for the back panel
- Glass for sliding doors (to be cut to size)
- Wood glue
- Osmo oil for finishing
- LED light (motion-sensor, rechargeable)
- Table Saw
- Jointer
- Planer
- Dado stack for table saw
- Clamps
- Sander
- Router (for cutting grooves)
- CNC machine (optional, for custom cuts)
Step 1: Break Down the Project
Nick begins by breaking down the project into four sections: the carcass and back panel, the front lip, the center shelf, and the glass. This clear structure helps streamline the building process.
Step 2: Prepare the Walnut Boards
Using stock one-inch thick walnut, Nick first mills the boards to flatten them and achieve the desired thickness of just over three-quarters of an inch. This involves running the boards through a jointer and then a planer.
Step 3: Cut the Panels to Size
Next, the panels are cut to the specified dimensions of 50 inches wide by 18 inches deep, with mitered edges for a waterfall effect. A 45-degree angle is set on the table saw for this task.
Step 4: Add Dominoes for Alignment
To ensure proper alignment during assembly, dominoes are added to the corners of the cabinet. Additionally, grooves are cut into the panels to house the glass.
Step 5: Construct the Back Panel
The back panel is made from three-quarter-inch thick walnut veneered MDF. After cutting it to size, Nick glues and clamps the entire cabinet structure together, allowing it to dry overnight.
Step 6: Measure for the Glass
Once the cabinet is assembled, precise measurements for the glass are taken. This includes accounting for the grooves cut earlier, ensuring the glass can slide in and out easily.
Step 7: Create the Front Lip
The front lip is crafted from leftover walnut material, cut into strips and beveled at 45 degrees. These are glued in place to enhance the cabinet’s aesthetic appeal.
Step 8: Build the Center Shelf
The center shelf is designed to hold various items securely. Nick uses a CNC machine to cut circular holes for lenses and router bits, ensuring they fit perfectly.
Step 9: Sand and Finish
After all components are assembled, the entire cabinet is sanded to a smooth finish using a sander, then treated with two coats of Osmo oil for a rich, protective finish.
Step 10: Install the LED Light
The final touch is the installation of an LED light, which is thin enough to hide behind the front lip. This rechargeable, motion-sensor light adds functionality and elegance to the cabinet.
Step 11: Final Assembly and Glass Installation
Once everything is dry and ready, Nick installs the glass panels and completes the assembly of the cabinet. The finished product is a beautiful, functional display cabinet.
Nick is thrilled with the outcome of the cabinet, describing it as elegant and functional. This project not only adds a stylish element to any room but also provides practical storage.