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Scratch build project-Is it so hard??
DrewKaree:
--- Quote from: bbodin on November 22, 2004, 01:00:05 pm ---It was very expensive for me though as I didn't have any of the tools. Even though I borrowed the saws/router/etc..there was still a lot of cost on things like rubber mallots, screws, level, sawhorses, and all these other $5-10 things that added up to quite a bit of money.
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If you don't mind me asking, I understand the need for screws ;) but I don't understand a rubber mallet, and I REALLY don't understand the level. Was that for when you were all done and wanted to plug her in, or were you using that to make sure the monitor shelf was level?
versapak:
"If you don't mind me asking, I understand the need for screws but I don't understand a rubber mallet, and I REALLY don't understand the level. Was that for when you were all done and wanted to plug her in, or were you using that to make sure the monitor shelf was level?"
As much as these things way, and considering what is inside em, it is a very good thing to make sure you are putting it together level the entire way.
It may not matter so much in the short run, but especially if you are using MDF, you don't want any specific area to be taking any needless amounts of extra stress.
As for the rubber mallet...
It is what is used to tap the t-molding into place.
DrewKaree:
Of all the cabinets and countless other storage units I've built, level was only a consideration after it was built and you didn't want it to rock forward, spilling all its contents. I'd say it's FAR more important for the thing to be square, which is easily checked with a tape measure, and that level doesn't really come into play. Also, consider you are using a level to check your cab when it is resting on a surface that itself may not be level.
I've used a regular hammer and a scrap block of wood for t-molding, but to each his own.
I'm not saying purchasing those things are bad, but in an effort to save a few bucks here or there, I didn't see the "must have-ness" of these two things.
captainpotato:
I'm also an Aussie, and I'm building my first cabinet (bartop). I haven't dared add up the receipts yet, but as I had all the computer hardware, it won't be so bad (and I'm not counting the tools I've bought as I shall have many other uses for them).
Aside from the fact that I don't have room for anything larger than a bartop, my primary motivation is the experience of making - the journey, so to speak. Apart from a bad plant pot holder in year 9 at school, I've never made anything with wood. Whilst my bartop isn't perfect, I've learnt a hell of a lot and I've had even more fun - and it's not finished yet (now that it's palyable, progress has slowed a lot).
For the size of your budget, you could get a pretty decent machine or two second-hand, but you won't have the fun of designing and building your own machine. For me this is the most important aspect. Sure, playing Ms Pac-Man may be fun, but it's the experience of building it that really matters - and I don't even have a carport, let alone a workshop, to leave my tools out and my work set up...
seibu:
I've scratch built a cocktail, and I had nearly no woodworking skills or tools to begin with. I'm really happy with what I've made, and there's no way anything I could have bought factory-built would have fitted my needs so well.
I think the three most important things to bear in mind are:
1) Doing it right will take a long time.
2) It will probably cost a lot.
3) It's all worth it in the end ;D.
Don't think of it as a weekend job or get too obsessed about getting it finished. Take your time over it. This means more research, more time to find bargains and more chance to adjust the design. It also spreads out the cost and makes sure you end up with something worth having.