what is the best way to make your project come out looking polished

[Kangum]

ive modeled a project in sketchup and even built it out of foam fiber board. what are some other things i can do to make this project come out just as i designed it.

im afraid if i just start building it will come out half a---d. any tips?

[pcb]

Without more information about what style of cabinet, or you chosen materials, it's pretty hard to give advice.  There are many examples of good looking cabinets, and a lot of folks have posted walk-thrus on how they built theirs.  I suggest reading them.  And just giving it a go.

Get familiar with the power tools you will be using.  Get familiar with the material you choose to build it from.

Personally, I like to use black, melamine coated particle board.  Which means you need to use sharp tools or it will chip on the edges.  Sharp router bits, and sharp Melamine blades in the table saw.  With my chosen material, it's very important to NEVER use a jigsaw on anything that will be exposed.

Good luck with your project.

 - Mike -

[Jdurg]

Have lots and lots of patience.  Don't be afraid to scrap something if it doesn't turn out like you wanted it to.  I just completely scrapped the control panel that I've spent months working on because it wasn't coming out like I wanted it to.  Go slowly and take your time.  There are no deadlines with YOUR cabinet so don't feel as though you have to rush it.  Take it slow and make sure it's done right.   

[TOK]

The biggest thing for me was to keep it fun...

I only had one day a week to work on my machine, and occasionally a couple hours one night per week.
 
Initially made the mistake of setting benchmarks for myself to reach before that day was over. Deadlines were definitely not the proper method of approaching the hobby, particularly false ones that I created for myself.

What would happen is that things would go wrong, and I'd try to hurry, screw up worse and it became a vicious cycle of me being frustrated and stuff not coming out as I'd hoped. After I finally came to my senses, I'd work on the machine for a couple hours went I had the chance, more if I felt fresh because everything was going smooth. I found it MUCH easier to tackle problems if I occasionally put things down and thought about it for a couple days.

The downside was that building became so much fun that I now have 3 cabs and I'm contemplating a fourth. 

[Kangum]

the project is a bartop. nothing special about it that makes is different or better then the ones already done. just that its mine.

the cuts are all straight so the most difficult part i think for me will be the t-slot cutting. ive never used a router and im a little nervous i will chop it to shreds.

[csa3d]

ive modeled a project in sketchup and even built it out of foam fiber board. what are some other things i can do to make this project come out just as i designed it.

im afraid if i just start building it will come out half a---d. any tips?

Invest in the right tools.  When searching the forums, people suggest you should use certain tools.  Most of the time, they are right.  I think if you have the right equipment, you are going to be more successful.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, and to just dive in.  I had a lot of my project planned in autocad (Maya) and found out that during install, other modifications where required.  Some where on the fly, others were back to the drawing board.  By the time you're done your project, you'll have that feeling that your next project will be much easier. 

Do plan ahead, but be warned about over-planning.  At some point in time, you can't plan everything and problems will arise.

My 2 cents!  Good luck, warrior!
-csa

[pcb]

the cuts are all straight so the most difficult part i think for me will be the t-slot cutting. ive never used a router and im a little nervous i will chop it to shreds.

Make practice cuts on scrap from you project first.  Then see how the t-molding fits, adjust, cut more scrap, etc.  It is not difficult to do, but does take a bit of practice.

Best,

 - Mike -

[Teknique]

ive modeled a project in sketchup and even built it out of foam fiber board. what are some other things i can do to make this project come out just as i designed it.

im afraid if i just start building it will come out half a---d. any tips?

Invest in the right tools.  When searching the forums, people suggest you should use certain tools.  Most of the time, they are right.  I think if you have the right equipment, you are going to be more successful.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, and to just dive in.  I had a lot of my project planned in autocad (Maya) and found out that during install, other modifications where required.  Some where on the fly, others were back to the drawing board.  By the time you're done your project, you'll have that feeling that your next project will be much easier. 

Do plan ahead, but be warned about over-planning.  At some point in time, you can't plan everything and problems will arise.

My 2 cents!  Good luck, warrior!
-csa

Agreed.  I have lived by the motto that any successful project is 80% the right tools and 20% knowledge.  The 'right' tools in this case though do no have to be the most expensive, just the correct ones for the application intended.  This means using a router over a dremel or using a table saw over a circular saw, etc.   

Take your time- measure once, set the tool up and then remeasure.

Tek

[leapinlew]

take your time...

[fatfingers]

There are really only 2 rules to follow to succeed:

• Don't let me work on it
• Actually complete the project

[quarterback]

Hire Knievel to design and build it for you.  Man I wish that dude was my neighbor!

[clickhea]

yeah hes amazing, and a very nice guy

[psychotech]

There are really only 2 rules to follow to succeed:

• Don't let me work on it
• Actually complete the project

...

Not really!

I think it's more like this:

There are really only 2 rules to follow to succeed:

    * Don't waste your time with Sketchup or the like
    * Just build that cabinet!

...

Build, learn, ..and build again.

And hey, DIY / BYO!

[my58vw]

Don't agree with the above! ^^^

Sketchup is a great tool, and it makes wasting material and wasting money for materials a thing of the past, as well as getting to see you project before you build it.

Doing a professonal case is all about using good materials, planning, using the right tools, and doing things well...

Anyone can do it...

[javeryh]

I agree with everyone saying take your time and don't set arbitrary deadlines.  If you plan to have a nice cabinet for years to come does it really matter whether you finished it in 6 months or a year?  Plus, building it is just as m

[Kangum]

thanks for all the advice guys! one more question. since the project is a bartop are the cuts to short to bother with a sawboard or should i build one anyway. i want to make my cuts straight as possible but im thinking it may not matter with cuts less then 24 inches.

[fatfingers]

In my opinion, if you want it to look nice, there is no such thing as "too short of a cut" to require a sawboard.  But, perhaps that's due to my lack of skills with power tools...

(well, and drawing too...no matter how short the line, I always have to use a ruler to make it a straight line)

[(+_+)]

"When cuttin two by fours with a ---gosh-darn--- skil saw, never ever do this".

In all seriousness, think everything through... twice. Otherwise, you will be scrapping things or end up with an undesirable cab.

Lest I forget. Measure twice, cut once.

[javeryh]

Use a sawboard or something to guide your cuts.  I can't even imagine building one of these things (or anything really) by just eyeballing it.

[Avrus]

Pledge and a nice cotton cloth?