The video “Stop Overbuilding Cabinet Doors” is by Lincoln St. Woodworks. In this engaging presentation, Jon breaks down the process of building shaker-style cabinet doors into three simple methods, catering to everyone from beginners to more advanced woodworkers.
Getting Started: The Basic Beginner Door
For the basic beginner door, all you need are a few tools: a circular saw, a sander, some clamps, a square, and a healthy dose of DIY grit and determination. Jon opts for a shaker style, which is a classic choice. First, head to your local home center and pick up some half-inch and quarter-inch MDF. These materials come in full sheets or smaller panels that are much easier to manage.
When storing these panels, it’s crucial to keep them flat. If you have limited space, lean them against a wall on the long edge to prevent warping. Since Jon is creating an overlay style door, he measures the width and height of the cabinet and adds an inch for a half-inch overlay all around.
The thicker half-inch MDF serves as the base piece, which needs to be cut to size. It’s wise to remove any factory edges on the MDF, as they can be uneven. Jon uses the quarter-inch piece as a guide to ensure a straight cut. After trimming, he emphasizes the importance of marking everything to avoid confusion later.
Cutting and Assembling the Door
Next, he measures the offset of the base plate to the edge of the saw blade and adds this to the final width measurement. Using foam insulation boards to protect his workbench, Jon cuts the MDF while ensuring to keep his eyes on the fence, not the blade, for accuracy.
After establishing a new cut with a square for precision, Jon checks that his piece fits into the cabinet correctly and verifies that it’s square by measuring the diagonals. If they’re within a sixteenth of an inch, you’re good to go!
Moving to the Intermediate Door
For the intermediate version of the door, Jon introduces a few more tools: either a circular or miter saw, a router with a rabbet bit, and optionally, a pocket hole drill. He suggests using 1/2 inch MDF and a 1×3 for this project.
Jon starts by cutting the styles to the height of the door, adding an inch for the overlays. He positions a stop block to get the rails to the correct size, explaining that pocket holes are optional but can strengthen the joint.
As Jon assembles the pieces, he emphasizes the importance of clamping the boards to prevent movement while drilling. After letting the glue dry, he uses a rabbet bit to create a groove for the back panel, explaining the need for shallow passes to avoid mishaps.
Pros and Cons of the Intermediate Method
This method offers a sturdier build with wood rails and styles but does take longer than the basic MDF version. Jon highlights that while it’s more durable, it also requires more tools and setup time.
The Advanced Door: Professional Quality
For those looking for a professional touch, Jon presents the advanced door method. This one requires a table saw, sander, and clamps. He recommends using 3/4 inch hardwood, like poplar, which is affordable and paints beautifully.
Jon walks through the calculations for determining the size of the rails and styles, ensuring to account for the groove depth. He stresses that while it may seem complicated, the right tools make the process much smoother.
After creating the necessary grooves and tenons, Jon demonstrates how to assemble the door properly, ensuring that the center panel fits snugly without being too tight.
Final Thoughts on Painting and Installation
Before wrapping up, Jon shares some quick painting tips. He emphasizes the importance of filling joints and sanding before applying primer and paint. He also highlights the benefits of spraying for a professional finish.
In conclusion, Jon’s video serves as a fantastic guide to understanding that building cabinet doors doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to elevate your skills, there are multiple ways to achieve beautiful results. So, which method will you choose for your next project?