I built this office storage cabinet for my wife. This was the first real piece of furniture I've ever built so it was a real learning process.
I built the plans from scratch, using autocad, this actually took way more time then I had thought it would. I later learned that that it would go much faster if I was using 3d modeling software instead.
I think this cabinet was really pushing the envelope on 3/4" maple plywood as the cabinet is 2'x4'x7'. When you build this big you have a lot of twisting forces to control which I found was hard with a faceless cabinet like this.
Overall I'm happy with the outcome of the cabinet, I made a couple mistakes, but that was to be expected on my first piece. The worst mistake I made was to use regular wood glue when I assembled the main carcass since it took 15 minutes to assemble and clamp, this left me with the back of the cabinet setting in the wrong position, luckily I was able to fix most of the misalignment with screws and nails.
The other problem I had was that I wanted to have a clean finish on the sides, I used finish nails and set them and covered them with putty, but the first putty I used was too light. I sanded the first putty away but by the time I put the correct color matching putty on I had already sanded too much so the underlying darker ply of the wood was just starting to show through a little around some of the nail holes that I sanded.
Also tear out was an issue as I wasn't using the best tools or shop setup, so on some cuts I had chipped edges on my cuts. After a while I figured out how to minimize this issue, so on my next piece I do I'll know how to avoid that.
I had some minor drawer alignment problems, but with some adjustment and sanding they're all fine now. I learned a trick for next time, using story boards to set the spacing on all the drawer slides would have made things a lot easier.
Viewer Comments:
no edgebanding? and the handles on the bottom drawer should be centered, like the others
Hi, I bought some of the iron on edgebanding, but it just seems cheap to iron on some plastic crap, I rather I see the ply edge ahaha. I don't really mind seeing the ply edge as I like to see how things where put together and don't feel like I need to hide the true nature of the material. I hate store bought furniture, the MDF, particle wood, edgebading, plastic etc. etc. this is one of the reasons I decided to tackle building my own furniture. I just read that there is wood edge banding too, I'll have to research that.
The handles on the top drawers actually aren't centered they're closer to the top, they're 2" from the top edge so the look centered on the upper drawers when you're looking down on it. The bottom drawer is just an oddball and I kept the drawer handles up higher also 2" from the top so that it's easier to reach since the base of cabinet is only 2" off the ground, if the handles where centered then you'd be reaching down to your show level almost hahaa. I guess next time I'll design the cabinet's base to sit higher.
Hate to break it to you, but plywood euro boxes are cheap store bought furniture. I'm assuming this is paint grade? If so I would tape the edges they will paint really poorly and look terrible. Cleaning the glue globs inside your drawers will make them more appealing as well. The washer technique you used is quite popular in the high end field, but we call them pan-head screws, drill 1/4" holes and use dowel centers to align the drawer fronts. Lastly I wouldn't have horizontally sliced that plywood up for the drawer fronts, those will likely not stay flat and they already appear to show that in the photos above.
Looking back you mentioned having to rush with glue. Typically the best way to do it if you have finished sides/ends or if its paint grade, either dado the partitions and shelf dividers and staple/screw or just staple/screw and use spacer blocks. Rarely do I use glue, mistakes happen often with the best of us and architects make changes mid project like it's their job. As good as I am putting things together I've practically engineered ways to take it back apart without losing any of the parts or much time.
Nice first attempt, much room to grow from.
Stan, keep on building, you will find that you will improve with every project. I started out building aquarium stands 21 years ago just for fun and now I am building pretty much anything that comes into the shop. Try to purchase the best tools that you can afford and you will see better results.
DW
Thanks guys for the feedback, I'm taking notes and I'm sure my next attempt will better.
The drawer fronts aren't perfectly flat since I think I'm a little off with my slide alignment and also the back of the box set a bit crooked when I put it togther. I'm not going to build a box so big next time, it's just too big to build in this method.
Not sure what you mean by paint grade Peter? It's furniture grade MP/BB 3/4"? I'm just going to use polycrlyic finish on it. I might tape the edges for practice.
I like the idea of not using glue, this thing is a beast to move around ahhaa.
Peter do you use pocket screws and that fancy Euro hardware to join togther?
Stan,
It appears you're using natural birch, or what is considered paint grade plywood. If I was going to clear coat it, lacquer it etc, I would use white maple ply. I use glue as much as possible but if you dado shelves, partitions etc in and staple and screw them they are just as rock solid although others may disagree. Only time I use pocket screws is with face frames or more complicated paneling or screwing applications that need it. Euro hinges are nice but prefer solid brass plate/butt hinges, it all depends on the contract.
Hey Stan,
That's an excellent first project. The only thing you did wrong was ask for opinions. Opinions are like backsides - everybody's got one and most of them stink. The only opinion that counts is your wife's since she's your customer. There are some great books available on finishing plywood surfaces and edges as well as some really good material on the pros and cons of various joinery (glues, screws, dowels, tenons). Read all you can but don't stop building. Decide for yourself what you like to build and just have fun.
No matter what you build with wood or other laminates, you will always learn from your creations. It was bold sharing your first master piece and you should be proud of your accomplishment. As you build more creations that fit your customers needs you will always remember your opportunities ( mistakes) and improve. Great job and keep using your ideas to improve!
It's a nice first project, - - and personally, - - I agree with your bottom drawer handle locations.
