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Building Base Cabinets For Kitchens

 - part four

 Building Base Cabinets For Kitchens - part four

After completing the edge banding process, we move on to preparing the blanks for biscuiting.

When we biscuit the parts, we make sure to work from the same surface on all parts. For instance, when biscuiting the cabinet sides, we measure from the front edge to locate the biscuits. Actually, we don't measure, we use a story board with a stop attached to it, and marks on both edges for lefts and rights . Then we hold the fence, set at 90 degrees, on the edge of the plywood, and cut the slot. We make sure to keep track of rights and lefts, so we don't end up with too many of the same parts.

We'll put three biscuits on the bottom. The two on the outer edges are held in about 4 1/2" from the edge, so we don't split the plywood when adding the screws. (we don't want to screw throught the biscuits). The third is centered between the others.

We have a set of simple plywood jigs made to register the location of the biscuit slots. These jigs are just pieces of plywood, with a stop attached to one end. We hold the stop to the top edge of the cabinet side, and clamp it in place. We then hold the base of the biscuit joiner against the jig, and cut the slot. We use different jig sizes to allow for different cabinet configurations. (1 drawer and one door, 3 drawers, 4 drawers, etc...). They are all pre marked at the proper location for the biscuits, so no measuring is involved. This too, quickens the process, and cuts back on mistakes.

We also make use of the vacuum system to clamp the cabinet sides in place to prevent having to clamp each piece manually. While these processes sound like a big, time consuming production, once set up, the process moves very quickly. Looking at the piles prior to starting can look somewhat overwhelming, but before you know it your done.  

After all biscuit slots are completed, it's time to add line boring for adjustable shelves. Many base cabinets have only a few holes drilled into them for adjustable shelves, but upper cabinets are another story. Once again, inexpensive jigs are available to make quick work of this. I would not recommend trying to save a few bucks here, as this can become a very time consuming proposition, and the accuracy required will make these a joy to use.

JIG IT ® Shelving Jig

Our original Shelving Jig is now even better! Get perfectly, consistently spaced and centered shelf-pin holes! Economical and practical, this jig can be used on assembled or unassembled cabinetry. Re-designed handle includes two storage compartments for self-centering bits! Ideal for adding shelves to new or existing cabinets. Drills holes either 1-7/16'' or 2-1/2'' from edge. Insert shelf pin in top or bottom position to extend jig for continuous drilling. See our JIG IT® Shelving Jig Video Workshop. JIG IT ® Shelving Jig click here to order

JIG IT ® Shelving Jig Our original Shelving Jig is now even better! Get perfectly, consistently spaced and centered shelf-pin holes! Economical and practical, this jig can be used on assembled or unassembled cabinetry. Re-designed handle includes two storage compartments for self-centering bits! Ideal for adding shelves to new or existing cabinets. Drills holes either 1-7/16'' or 2-1/2'' from edge. Insert shelf pin in top or bottom position to extend jig for continuous drilling. See our JIG IT® Shelving Jig Video Workshop. JIG IT ® Shelving Jig

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Written by: Lee A. Jesberger  © 2006

Inventor of Ezee-Feed systems  ®

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