HELP - cabinet construction issues

[mlcampbe]

I've got my cabinet sides cut out and after clamping the 2 sides together to sand them they are about a close to identical as I can get them.

Next I tried to use some 2x4's to connect the 2 sides together to construct the frame and ran into problems. I have L brackets on each end of the 2x4's and attached 1 end  to one side and then using plumb bob's tried to align the other side and attach the other end of the 2x4 braces. Once completed things were not square so I tried again and its still not right.

What's the best way to attach my 2x4 braces to each of the side and make sure that everything is square? What is the trick to aligning the sides? Surely there is something I am missing.

Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated.

[toolaa]

Make the bottom, top and kick plate from MDF sheets.  Be sure you cut those square.  Attaching those two pieces first and holding them with clamps should allow you to build your support frame and keep it square.

[mlcampbe]

Are you saying to attach the top and bottom and clamp them together? If so what kind of clamp will I use for approx 72" between the top and bottom?

[pmc]

The way I made mine, I used cleats all the way around the edges of the sides. I cut both sides, then connected all the cleats. Each cleat was the same distance in from the edge of each side. Then I mounted a couple of front and back panels (and/or top and bottom) to the cleats to ensure that both sides were aligned and square.

If your framing connects to the sides, you can likely do something similar. Connect frame members to the sides first before you go and span the distance between sides.

-pmc

[Bones]

I just made sure my base was square and straight. Then all I had to do is attach both the sides flush with the start and finish of the base. I never used a plumb bob.

If you are having problems maybe your base is not perfect. It only has to be out a little bit but this variance will amplify over the height of your cabinet.

Good luck!

[toolaa]

Are you saying to attach the top and bottom and clamp them together? If so what kind of clamp will I use for approx 72" between the top and bottom?

I was imagining that you would be clamping the two sides together sandwiching the panels in place between the sides.  As for clamps, use pipe clamps.  Home Depot sells a kit which you attach to the standard 3/4" galvanised steep pipe.

[mlcampbe]

I do have cleats all the way around the sides that are inset 1.25" from the edges of the sides.

If I read the suggestions correctly I am going to have helpers hold the sides up with the back edge of the side on the ground (the back edge was not cut and is theortically straight from the factory) and then attach the bottom and top pieces in place.

Once the top and bottom are attached can I stand the entire cabinet upright and then check for square and start attaching the 2x4 braces or should I attach all sides before putting in the braces?

Thanks for the suggestions as this makes a lot more sense and seems to have a better chance of success then the previous method.