Cutting Cabinet carcas sides etc

[lablover]

I have some cabinets to build and I would really like to use my TS55 with guide rails to pull this off.  Cutting down big sheets is what I usually use it for then dimension it all down on the Table saw.  I use the table saw because I like the repeatable results.  Can someone who has used the TS55 do cut all the sides etc give me a brief overview how you go about it?  I'm not a tradesman just a serious hobbyist.  I've done my entire kitchen but like I said I only used the TS55 to break down sheets.  In the long run I would love to eliminate the Table Saw and just use the MFT table and my TS55.

Any tips or advice would be great.  My biggest thing is making sure all my sides are all the same size..not 1/32 off here or there etc.  I like to use a 1" of foam on my work table 4X8 and cut the sheets on top of the foam.  

Thanks in advance guys

Joe

 

[panelchat]

i did this last year on a decent sized project and put the method to the test. i was happy to find it really worked.
15' wall unit, frameless bottom cabinets with open shelving up top, no table saw.

do long "rip" cuts with long rail and parallel guides on your 4x8s, then transfer the long boards to a cross cut setup and cut them into the different length parts you need.
i used my new mft for this but you can make any sort of cross cut setup. Guido Henn had a good looking homemade one in one of those videos, you could search around for it.
simply doing this got me all the sized cabinet parts made, quite square and accurate.

a good trick is to make a right to left Starrett tape setup for the flag stop on the mft so you dont have to measure anything, just set it like you do on a biesemeyer fence on your table saw, and go.

other tricks-
use a stack of systainers or whatever else you have around to support long pieces off the left side of the mft.
i edgetape, sand, and do a first coat of wiping finish on the long cut pieces before cross cutting. faster workflow for me.
you can use the 55 track and not the 10 foot one (expensive) in the same work method, assuming you have no parts that are longer than that track.

if i see the Henn video I'll post it!

all in all you CAN use the ts55 for cabinet making- its reasonably fast, far safer, easier in some ways, and has better dust collection for the very hazardous 3-10 micron particles than almost any table saw dust collection out there.

 

[Jaybolishes]

I made the Ron Paulk Ultimate Workbench and it is used for every project now.  You don't  necessarily have to make that exact design, but it's revolutionized my cabinet making and everything else.  You put a stop on the tables rail and make sure your saws track is perfectly 90 degrees to your fence and you have an ability to make perfectly square and equal cabinet parts.  I always trim the reference edge with the 3000 rail to start,  then you start with a perfect new and straight edge as plywood doesn't always come with perfect edges.

The table and the tables fence has been indispensable for clamping things to use the domino, as well as using the fence in conjunction with the holes and dogs in the table for squaring things to assemble.  The space below is wondrous for keeping tools out of the way and easy to access when needed.

 

[Litch]

Joe

have a look at the series by FOG member erock. Its worth looking at for what you want to do.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/building-kitchen-cabinets-video-series/

I have just set up my new MFT table and one of the first things I have done is to install a Kreg Right to Left measuring tape onto the fence

 

[tjbnwi]

Very easily done. Set up is the most important part of the job.

Tom

 

[truck90278]

The Festool Cabintet class uses the method described in the other posts here.  No table saw is used in those classes  [smile].  If youhave the opportunity, i would suggest trying to attend one of those classes.

 

[lablover]

Joe

have a look at the series by FOG member erock. Its worth looking at for what you want to do.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/building-kitchen-cabinets-video-series/

I have just set up my new MFT table and one of the first things I have done is to install a Kreg Right to Left measuring tape onto the fence

WOW, I really like that set up.  I was hoping to not to have to go out and buy a MFT Table to use the crosscut fence.  Cant buy the fence alone right?  I just don't have the room in the shop anymore to do this.  My workbench/Assembly table is 4x8 and I love it.  Adding the crosscut fence to it would be a great addition but not sure how I can pull that off.

 

[tjbnwi]

I believe you can buy the fence. Bolt it to your table with about 6" to the right of where you want your rail. Set the rail 90°, cut through the fence. That's what I did with one of my MFT's. You may be able to get the rail pivot separately also.

Tom