Cabinet Construction with Domino

[Oso Rojo]

Using traditional methods to make a euro style base cabinet, a rabbit is cut in all the sides so they sit partially on the bottom. This is done to transfer the load from the joint to the base.

Using the Domino and pocket screws, do you still need to make this weight transfer with the rabbit or can you hang the weight on the dominoes and screws?

 

[tjbnwi]

Use a ladder base, no matter how you do it, the weight is transferred to the base.

Tom

 

[Oso Rojo]

I just remembered I forgot to add, this is using adjustable feet that are mounted to the bottom board on the cabinet.

Bernie

 

[Sparktrician]

If you're using dominoes and pocket screws, there's no good purpose to be served by wasting time cutting rabbets.  The domino/pocket screw combination is plenty strong.  Tom's comment about using a ladder base is good, especially when the floor is uneven.  Spend your time leveling the ladder base and the cabinets that sit on it will line up much faster and easier.  It's also easier to make a one-piece toekick.  If the floor level's really wandering, you may have to scribe the toekick, and that's far more easily done when you have a ladder base and before you set the base cabinets.

 

[tjbnwi]

A ladder base is a 4.5" tall frame work that you set and level. Once that is done you can place the cabinet boxes on the bar without having to check for level. At 4.5" plus 30" for the boxes yields a 36" height counter surface with a 1.5" thick counter.

Place the sides on the bottom to transfer the load to the legs.

Tom

 

[Oso Rojo]

Sorry Tom, just as I hit send, I realized what a stupid question I had asked, hahahaha. I hadn't heard it called that, but a quick thought about it explained it, hahahaha. I tried to retract it right away, but it wasn't fast enough.

In the application I'm working on right now, it is effectively like an island. So there is a toe kick all the way around. There are two boxes, but the outside side of both of them has not support other than a dado or the dominoes and screws.

 

[tjbnwi]

Dumbest question ever asked was the one that wasn't.

The support setback should be 2.5-3". The cabinet side with Dominos and screws will be fine.

Tom

 

[sancho57]

Sorry Tom, just as I hit send, I realized what a stupid question I had asked, hahahaha. I hadn't heard it called that, but a quick thought about it explained it, hahahaha. I tried to retract it right away, but it wasn't fast enough.

In the application I'm working on right now, it is effectively like an island. So there is a toe kick all the way around. There are two boxes, but the outside side of both of them has not support other than a dado or the dominoes and screws.

Only time I will use pocket holes with dominos for cab construction is if the end panels are gonna be visible . Other wise its 2 domino using the paddle stops on the domino and 2 screws in the box sides per joint. Also no glue is needed

 

[joiner1970]

If you're using adjustable legs then you need to fit these so they support the side panels too. This is how most ready made kitchens are built this side of the pond

 

[butzla]

Screws and dominos would be fine.....heck just pocket screws alone, no glue, would be fine.  On the subject of supporting your cabinets with a ladder base:  Didn't know anyone did that anymore.  Use Titus Leg Levelers  Easy as pie to level by yourself. Then the kick board simply clips on to the legs via attached clips

 

[Sparktrician]

Screws and dominos would be fine.....heck just pocket screws alone, no glue, would be fine.  On the subject of supporting your cabinets with a ladder base:  Didn't know anyone did that anymore.   Use Titus Leg Levelers  Easy as pie to level by yourself. Then the kick board simply clips on to the legs via attached clips

Ikea's Akurum legs are even less expensive.  Eric (Erock) uses these on his cabinets. 

 

[butzla]

Sweet!  Thanks for the tip