Need Help - Beginner Cabinet Making

[rx4fun]

First time poster here!

I have gathered up most of the Festool tools that I think will help me start building some face frame cabinets for my cabin.

What I need help with (to start) is on the planning side of the equation.  I have been an amateur woodworker for many years and LOVE the Festool system.

I have been looking at some programs for cabinet design, but am not sure which way to go that will assist me in utilizing my tools without a bunch of additional features I don't need or a super high price.  I would really like to be able to not only plan and see (3D) the project, but get accurate cut lists.

Additionally, I would like some guidance on any tools I may want to purchase to assist me in my project.

So here is the list of Festool tools and accessories I currently have:

TS55
2 rail sections
Domino 500 Set
OF 1400 Set
LR32 Hole Drilling Set
32 mm Hole Drilling Guide Rail, 55"
Parallel Guide Set
Various Clamps

Non Festool tools:

Bosch Portable Table Saw
Bosch jig saw
DeWalt Crosscut mitre saw with stand
Portable surface planer
Various orbital sanders
CMT router table with dedicated porter cable router
Kreg jig set
2 fein Hepa vacs
Professional HVLP spraying system
Etc...

Thanks for any guidance you care to share!

 

[sancho57]

Id take a hard look at the greg jig. Sketch up is what you need to design you kitchen the way you want. I have never used it but have seen the results of others who have used it.

 

[Billedis]

Check out Marc Sommerfeld on youtube for cabinet builds.  I have his router table system and can't say enough good about it.  As to the design software, I use a pad and 1/4" squares to draw out what I want, but then I am old school, and don't want to take the time to learn sketch-up.  I am sure there are some cabinet drawings in a warehouse some place.  Bill

 

[rx4fun]

Wow.

Thanks for the quick responses.

I do own a CMT router table with dedicated porter cable router
I also have a Kreg Jig set, however I was planning on using the domino instead of the Kreg jig for most applications.

What applications would one choose the Kreg Jig over the Domino?  I like the ease of use, strong joints and no ability to see the joinery with the domino. 

As for the software, I have not had a lot of luck with Sketchup.  I have found the learning curve too steep with no presets built in for wood working (or anything else for that mater).  The cabinetry software programs are set with standard sizes for sheet goods and are very nice for cut lists, materials needed and sheet good layouts, and breakdowns of each part for a cabinet or a project.  It seems like a good method of avoiding simple mistakes in the cabinet construction.

Thanks again.

 

[rx4fun]

Good advice.

I may follow the suggestion to use Kreg in the case joinery.  I built a Golden Tee golf game cabinet entirely with Kreg Jigs and it worked perfectly. Honestly, I think I'm just looking for a reason to play with the domino

 

[TomE]

I use the domino in combination with pocket screws.

Domino for alignment on casework held together with hidden pocket and face screws
Face frames can be assembled and attached with dominos or screwed together then attached with domino or just screws all the way with flush plugs in obvious areas.

The only fasteners I used on my first kitchen was to hang, space and attach the hardware. All M&T and T&G glue up with clamps.... a method nice for furniture but no need for kitchen cabinets now a days.

 

[rx4fun]

Thanks TomE.

I agree with the strategy.  I may have to use that method since the holes can't be seen and are easy to install.

 

[jacko9]

Since you can't purchase straight and square hardwood ( that will stay that way as you cut into it) I would buy a long bed Jointer at least 8" wide.

Jack

 

[Tinker]

quote from OP >>> Additionally, I would like some guidance on any tools I may want to purchase to assist me in my project.

 

[Holmz]

[member=550]Tinker[/member] words are sound.
Just get stuck into a sample cabinet, either with a face frame or without and put a door and a couple of drawers in it.
Some combination of questions and youtube and a few books with build the experience.
Through in a couple of euro hinges and drawer slider rails.

I suspect you will have some dramas, but will suffer through it... Nothing beats experience.