5/8" VS 3/4" for a slim cab

[eds1275]

Is there a standard for side panel width? My cab-in-the-making is a slim [23 3/4"] and wide [28 3/4" inside width not including the sides] design [6' tall]. I am torn between the added rigidity or 3/4" yet feel that 5/8 will be more than adequate. Any input on this?

[SammyWI]

Most cabs use 3/4". One reason is because it's far more available than 5/8" material.  1/2" material (the next step down that is wildly available) is probably too thin.  Also there are a lot more options for T molding in 3/4" than 5/8". 

If I had easy access to 5/8" material, I'd use it.  But I'll probably be using 3/4" sanded (one side) birch plywood for my cab since it's fairly close to the same cost as 3/4" MDF locally but quite a bit lighter. 

[RobbyMac]

I'd use 5/8" for a slim if available.
I built my UAII clone using 5/8" and it's more than 'bulky' looking. 3/4" on a slim might be a bit thick in appearance.

I've been tinkering with the idea of building a 'mini' for my son... if I did I'd probably use 1/2". even 5/8" would appear too thick for it I think.

[eds1275]

I guess I'm lucky - 5/8 and 3/4 are both readily available where I live. I guess I'll use 3/4 on the sides and 5/8 for the rest to try and minimize the weight.

[Epyx]

The main question I would ask is are you going to laminate?

If you are going to laminate...hands down go with 5/8"...use 3/4" T molding and 1/16" Laminate (Wilsonart/Formica etc).  Your T Molding will be flush over the laminate.  The laminate also adds to the rigidity.




If you are going to paint...go with 3/4".

[Michigan Classic Arcade]

We build our cabinets out of 3/4 material, it's stronger and very much available in Home Depot or Lowes.



It makes for a heavy cabinet tho. I have 1 t-molding slot cutter available if anyone is interested in it please visit our site.