Guilliaume woodworks
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- Joined
- Nov 18, 2012
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- 415
anybody have a clever idea to install tandem guides in cabinets that are not pre drilled. I currently use a clamp that works okay but I keep thinking theres got to be a better way.
Installing tandem guides
- Thread starter Guilliaume woodworks
- Start date
How is the clamp necessary in your picture at all? It looks as though the slide is just resting on a horizontal partition?
In terms of fore/aft alignment- you can mark a consistent line for the first screw, and pre drill at whatever height you want.
When I have to place a higher slide in the field, I install that front screw and just hold the slide up in the back so it measures a consistent parallel distance from the cabinet floor. Begin the pre drill with a Vix bit and secure. I like to keep at least two drills handy- one for the predrill, and another one to drive screws. It's decently fast, and entirely accurate. (I've tried the Kreg jig, but have never been happy with the results.)
When stacking drawers multiple times at the same height, we use scrap ply to make consistent supports for installing the slides in the cabinet after it's been assembled. You do the top slide first, then a shorter piece for the next lower, and so on.
Does that help?
In terms of fore/aft alignment- you can mark a consistent line for the first screw, and pre drill at whatever height you want.
When I have to place a higher slide in the field, I install that front screw and just hold the slide up in the back so it measures a consistent parallel distance from the cabinet floor. Begin the pre drill with a Vix bit and secure. I like to keep at least two drills handy- one for the predrill, and another one to drive screws. It's decently fast, and entirely accurate. (I've tried the Kreg jig, but have never been happy with the results.)
When stacking drawers multiple times at the same height, we use scrap ply to make consistent supports for installing the slides in the cabinet after it's been assembled. You do the top slide first, then a shorter piece for the next lower, and so on.
Does that help?
Guilliaume woodworks
Member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2012
- Messages
- 415
Thanks joe! The pic is not accurate..the horizontal piece or dust rail is only about 8inches deep..the guide will still tip backwards.. I do use the scrap wood(story pole idea)from time to time with my f.f. cabs...and also do the duel guns with vixs bit..maybe its just me but it always seems awkward & uncomfortable squeezing in small cabs with tiny screws and gun.like doing somekinda yoga move...I've never used the kreg jig but I think its only side mounts where I generally only use tandems...anyway I appreciate your insight joe....good luck
I'm with Jo. We used to use plywood to hold the guides in place. That being said, I will share some of the best advice I've ever received in this business from my former shop foreman. "You can't fight gravity. You will always lose." Put the cabinet on its side (if you can), and then install the slides. It's much, much easier.
Jon
Jon
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