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2 Random tips before starting your project
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Pieman2004:
I'll have to look into that OneNote program. I've been trying to keep some sort of log of what I'm doing with my cab, but it just isn't very organized in notepad. The visuals would be useful as well. And as for tools my grandpa loved working with wood so my dad has all of his tools. Maybe I'll take some to my house one of these days so I don't have to go there to work.
IG-88:
Here is a free 60 day trial:

http://www.microsoft.com/office/onenote/prodinfo/trialoffer.mspx

Looks pretty cool.
Mameotron:
Ok, I was going to start a thread about tips for new woodworkers, but I think my ideas fit here.  I'd like to address 3 things that seem to be issues when people build their cabinets.

1.  Material Selection
2.  Drill Bits
3.  Glue & screws

I don't want a huge post, so I'll just discuss material selection first.

It seems like a lot of people are buildng cabinets using MDF.  I understand that it is easy to cut, rout, etc., but the stuff is really heavy, doesn't hold screws well, and is subject to deterioration from water and humidity.  I can't imagine building a cabinet that I wanted to last a long time out of MDF.

I suggest that you use MDO plywood.  This is a plywood with a paper covering.  Man, you just can't beat this when you are ready to paint.  The paper surface is really smooth so you don't need to sand it, and you don't even need to prime it.  The paper keeps the wood from soaking up the paint.
Like all other plywood, it is a little more difficult to work than MDF, but it makes up for that in every other aspect.  Someone wrote in to Norm Abrams (master carpenter for This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop) asking about using MDF to build a corner cabinet for his dining room.  This is what Norm said.
(The carcass is referring to the outside housing of the cabinet).

"Making carcasses from MDF would be challenging. The carcass would be heavy and the material doesn't hold screws very well and would have to be painted very well to avoid humidity problems.
MDO (medium density overlay) is a tough paper covered plywood product well suited for the corner cabinet. It can be fastened with screws, nails, glue etc.
MDO is a quality plywood product designed for the outdoors. Sign-makers use this stuff to make weatherproof signs.  It may be found in some home centers and lumber yards, (if they don't have it they can order it). You're more likely to find it at a plywood dealer.  A perfectly reasonable alternative to MDO would be good quality AC fir plywood."

Now, I know that many of you have built cabinets with MDF and have had great experiences with it.  I'm not saying you're wrong, I believe that whatever works best for you is the right material to use.  If you would rather use MDF because it is easier to work, and you're not concerned with the moisture related problems, I say go for it.

But I would advise someone who has never built anything before to go with MDO plywood.  I think you'll be happier with the results, and hopefully this will keep you going in this hobby.
cbmeeks:

--- Quote ---Norm really knows his stuff, and is a true craftsman
--- End quote ---

Yeah, Norm is king.  Unlike that pansey Bob Villa.  Have you ever noticed Norm (or Nam) gets right to it and works while Bob Villa just talks about it and watches other people work?  I swear, I have seen about 1000 Bob Villa shows and I have yet to see him actually pick up one of his tools and use it.  Hell, even his Sears commercials show OTHER people using the tools he is selling.

lol
shmokes:
You know...I always thought the button holes were supposed to be the same size as the joystick holes, and the Visio templates support that claim.  But now that I've drilled my panel I realize that I should have used a smaller bit for my button holes.  The lip on my buttons will barely cover the hole if it was drilled perfectly.  If the bit jumped around when starting the hole, even by a tiny fraction of an inch, the button lip will somtimes not cover it all.  The shaft of the button, though, would fit easily into a much smaller-diameter hole.
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