Building my own Kitchen Cabinets: Questions

[3PedalMINI]

Pics or it didnt happen  [blink]

Sounds awesome!! Looking forward to some Pics! Im in the middle of a kitchen redo my self. Hit a wicked deal on a closeout thomasville kitchen from HD. We decided we didnt want granite or stone countertops like everyone else so we decided on a Cherry Wood Countertop.  [eek] Got some insane prices (understandably) so decided I would build it myself. 2 1/4" countertops. Cant wait to get them finished, Got some festools out of it  [thumbs up]

 

[Jeff Scott]

Pics or it didnt happen  [blink]

You can click the globe in my sig and go to my blog if you would like to see 

 

[butzla]

I'm all for screws and butt joints.  Also, no glue, you don't need it.

Brice,  no glue, for realz?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I'm all for screws and butt joints.  Also, no glue, you don't need it.

Brice,  no glue, for realz?

Yeah, dead serious.  I like prefinished ply for cabinet boxes, so unless you're removing the finish at the joint the glue won't stick.  In my opinion the added time it takes to apply glue and clean up the squeeze out isn't worth what little additional strength that's gained.  You do have to use decent screws, meaning no drywall screws. 

 

[RonMiller]

I'm a custom cabinet maker and like Brice I haven't used glue in a cabinet for years. An added benefit is that they can be taken apart in a pinch. Its been a lifesaver a few times.

 

[zapdafish]

great blog, thanks for walk through. I'll be starting something like that this spring/summer except I am going to do it in two phases, top then bottoms.

Also thanks for the no glue tip. I've wasted so much time trying to clear out the glue squeezout from the cabinets I built for my laundry room. It's going to be so much easier since I will pre finish the cabinet parts before I assemble them now.

 

[3PedalMINI]

Pics or it didnt happen  [blink]

You can click the globe in my sig and go to my blog if you would like to see 

Fantastic Workmanship! those cabinets will really brighten the room! cant wait to see the pics of your kitchen when they get completed!

 

[butzla]

I'm all for screws and butt joints.  Also, no glue, you don't need it.

Brice,  no glue, for realz?

Yeah, dead serious.  I like prefinished ply for cabinet boxes, so unless you're removing the finish at the joint the glue won't stick.  In my opinion the added time it takes to apply glue and clean up the squeeze out isn't worth what little additional strength that's gained.  You do have to use decent screws, meaning no drywall screws.   

I've always used glue on any cabinets I made, I agree, it's a mess not to mention a pain in the arse.  Hearing you say glue is not necessary makes me want to go build something!  I gotta try that.
Moving on to the screws, you mentioning drywall screws makes me think you're not using pocket screws.  If so, aren't you worried about screwing into end grain?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've always used glue on any cabinets I made, I agree, it's a mess not to mention a pain in the arse.  Hearing you say glue is not necessary makes me want to go build something!  I gotta try that.
Moving on to the screws, you mentioning drywall screws makes me think you're not using pocket screws.  If so, aren't you worried about screwing into end grain?

As long as the screws aren't exposed I'll screw right through the side panel with GRK, Spax or other quality screw.  If I need to hide the fasteners I'll go with pocket hole screws (assuming they can be hidden) or Domino tenons (with Glue). 

 

[Jeff Scott]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to give an update on my project.  The cabinets are all in now and we have been templated for the granite countertops which are now about 3 weeks away from installation.  I've got most of the finish electrical done.  I don't have the doors and drawer fronts up yet.  I ran into a problem with the finish on the last coat of conversion varnish where dust from the varnish overspray settled in the semi dry finish and produced dull spots in the sheen.  I should have wiped them down after they were dry to the touch to get the dust off them.  I will be sanding all 48 doors and drawer fronts one last time and recoating the weekend before countertops.  That way I can take them from the drying racks and install them straight away.  I have some end panels for the upper and lower cabinets to make and finish, and lots of trim to make before it all wraps up.

As always you can click on the little Earth under my name to go to my blog to see pictures of the carnage.

Thanks for reading!

 

[rrmccabe]

Hi Jeff,

Just caught this thread for the first time and skimmed your blog over coffee this AM.  First rate job on the workmanship and design.

I am impressed.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Thank you sir for the kind comments. This is my first kitchen and I can tell you it's been a learning experience!  If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me.

 

[truck90278]

Great project, liked the cat and yes they into everything.  going to be doing this same thing with my son for his house (including a cat)

 

[Jeff Scott]

Cool!  Good luck with your project.

 

[skids]

Thank you sir for the kind comments. This is my first kitchen and I can tell you it's been a learning experience!  If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me.

Wow, just scanned that blog. Super impressed. Nice work Jeff..What was your background prior to this? I see you've got a nice shop, so I assume you've got some years of experience with cabinets under your belt?

Nice work, done very well. Love the dovetails.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Thank you sir for the kind comments. This is my first kitchen and I can tell you it's been a learning experience!  If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me.

Wow, just scanned that blog. Super impressed. Nice work Jeff..What was your background prior to this? I see you've got a nice shop, so I assume you've got some years of experience with cabinets under your belt?

Nice work, done very well. Love the dovetails.

Thanks for the comments!  I've been tinkering around with wood for about 20 years off and on.  I've never made this many cabinets though, this is the largest project I've ever tackled.  I've been blessed to be able to afford what I do have in tools, just wish I had a bigger shop  [smile]

Jeff

 

[Jeff Scott]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.  My kitchen reno is finished now and I've posted pictures on my reno blog.  Have a look and see what you think on how it came out.  I'm glad to have it finally complete, it's been 4 months since we did the demo and a year since I began building cabinets for this project.

Just click on the little earth in my sig and it will take you to the site.

Thanks!

 

[farms100]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.  My kitchen reno is finished now and I've posted pictures on my reno blog.  Have a look and see what you think on how it came out.  I'm glad to have it finally complete, it's been 4 months since we did the demo and a year since I began building cabinets for this project.

Just click on the little earth in my sig and it will take you to the site.

Thanks!

very nice work.  I particularly like the lazy susan shelf in the corner cabinet, that is a great concept.

 

[rnt80]

Jeff, very nicely done.  I love the clean lines of the overall design.  The finishing looks great and you did a nice job of blending materials.

 

[Paul G]

Very nice! No doubt very personally rewarding. I look forward to going through a similar process in the future.