This project started in Google sketch. After reading the writeups about sketch in several of my woodworking magazines, I decided to give it a try.
The cabinet back keeps the carcase square while it is nailed and screwed together. I like to use pipe clamps because of the amount of force I can exert. A big glue-up takes time, and the pipe clamps can ‘move’ the pieces around even after the glue starts to stick.
After drawers have been installed, the faces are spaced apart using shims (I used tongue depressors), to provide uniform gaps. I then remove the faces, apply glue to the drawer fronts, reassemble and use the pin nailer to hold them in place. Clamps are used to hold the faces tight against the drawer fronts until the glue dries. The drawer faces could also be attached with screws from inside the drawer if desired.
This method allows finished drawer face positions to be adjusted to correct any error that may have occurred when the slides were installed. The pin nails are so small as to be practically invisible, and can be sanded flush. I believe they are much preferable to using double sided tape. They are certainly easier and faster.
Here is the carcase with all the drawers installed. Just the drawer fronts were painted.
Here is a shot with the knobs installed.
I made these thread spool holders by drilling holes in the narrow side of a 2x4 with a forstner bit, and then splitting the 2x4 down the middle, through the long axis of the holes.
Here is one of the two shelf units. The partitions were sized to hold plastic tubs to hold different sewing projects (fabric, thread, instructions, etc.). The shelves were made from melamine covered mdf. I was quite happy with the results - when finishing the interior, wayward stain and finish wiped right off the melamine, and the tubs glide effortlessly. Oak strips were used to finish off the edges.
After the oak trim was glued to the melamine top, I used a block plane to trim the oak flush. Skewing the plane reduces the cutting angle of the blade so it acts like a low angle plane. I placed painters tape on the melamine side of the plane sole. This lifts the sole slightly so the blade does not touch the finished surface of the melamine.
Completed Top
Here is the front view of the finished cabinet with the top installed. The cutting mat slips under rabbets on the trim.
Here is a shot from the back side, you can see all the cubbies with the plastic trays inserted.
