Building Cabinets

Building Cabinets

Recently I moved my workshop into a new space, a daunting challenge if there ever was
one. Trying to figure out how everything should be organized with the same cabinets,
setups, and work tables is turning out to be more difficult than I expected. I recently came to
the conclusion that if you move to a new space, you need an entirely new solution. Trying to
make old cabinets, workbenches and tables fit into new spaces is very hard. My custom built
miter saw stand just does not fit in its new spot. My router table is just a tad too large for its
new spot as well. I love my paint cabinet, but it does not fit right next to my storage cabinet
that I have for my tools. My super cool workbench stand is 2” taller than everything else
calling for a modification of everything else. So I said forget it, I am tired of the mental
journey this takes to make everything work for the sake of saving a few bucks.

Here is my solution.

I decided to build a new cabinet system that is not time sensitive. I really needed to find a
solution that allowed me to build great cabinets, be reasonably priced, looked good and did
not have me trying to become an expert cabinet builder. So I went to a new system that uses
a cabinet corner post system. These corner post’s are shaped on a shaper, made of ash
and take all the guesswork out of building cabinets. They are actually rounded corners with
angles built in to allow you to add square pieces of plywood to come up with the perfect
corner. The outside is attractive with a small reveal, its rounded and best of all, there is no
math. Adding a top or bottom is easy since the posts have a ¾” dado on each end that
make this a snap. If I want to add shelves, all I have to do is cut a simple dado on the sides
of my project before I put it together.

Why it’s good

Well first of all it’s easy. The only cut you need to make are cross cuts and rip cut on
your table saw, that’s it. If you don’t have a table saw you could have this done at
Home Depot or Lowe’s. If you want shelves, adding a dado on your table saw is easy
as well. If you don’t have a dado blade, you can use a cleat installation just as easily.
Second it’s inexpensive. I can buy cabinet grade plywood at my local DIY self center
for $35 to $40 a sheet. You only need three sides to make a basic cabinet, especially
if your building a router table cabinet. Add that to the cost of the corner posts and
your total cost is still lower than a store bought solution.
Third, its wood and its made by you. Wood can be modified for your exclusive touch
and people will surely comment on your craftsmanship. Anything custom made or
made by hand beats the preformed plastic solutions you can buy in the store.
Lastly you can custom make the widths that you need for every tool or every
workbench you need in the shop and they all match. Try finding an odd size solution
in the big box stores and you will get frustrated in a big hurry.