New Cabinet build for church ??

[GoToLeep]

I am going to attempt to build a cabinet for our church sound area. It will be 60" wide, 36" tall, and 12-14" deep. It will have drawers across the top and doors. It will be painted egg shell off-white.

We got a quote on it for $550.00. So, I am going to get some experience at building, not only a cabinet, but drawers and doors as well. I have never done this, so any words of wisdom are welcomed.

I plan to use MDF for the carcass? And I don't know, oak, maple. poplar for the body? For the drawers, i understand birch or polar?

I did find the PDF download for "How to make cabinets" by Kreg. And am reading it.

Thanks for any input the you experts have!!!

P.S. I will document pics (the good, the bad and the ugly) throughout the build.

 

[Skymaster]

Do KNOT use mdf. You can get cheap birch ply at the Borg for about 40 a sheet. MDF has no structural strength, will KNOT take screws well, weighs a zillion tons, dust will choke ya, needs tons of primer, Other than that its ok :rotflm:
Jack

 

[JackLeg]

A BIG + 1 for plywood! And, it's MUCH lighter to handle! MDF gets wet, so long cabinet!

m2cw
:wsmile:

 

[jerrye]

+2 on ply.

When I built the one for my church I scored 2 sheets of 3/4 oak ply at Habitat for Humanity ReStore for $16. $8 PER SHEET. So I definitely saved major $$$$.

Two words for construction: pocket holes!

 

[Gofor]

Sometimes you can score MDO (sign makers exterior) plywood at Builders discount center for about $12 a sheet (3/4"). If not, the Arauco ply at Lowes would also be a good solid ply for a painted item. It should be about $10 less per sheet than the birch. Don't know what HD has that is comparable (none near me).

Go

 

[GoToLeep]

OK....I sense an undertone here that perhaps I should reconsider my choice of MDF. :gar-Bi I will go with either the birch or oak ply. I am looking for a plan. If I can't find one, i will have to draw one. Still considering how the base and top should be made to add a little decorative touch. Thanks and keep the ideas coming!!

 

[blazeman45]

OK....I sense an undertone here that perhaps I should reconsider my choice of MDF. :gar-Bi I will go with either the birch or oak ply. I am looking for a plan. If I can't find one, i will have to draw one. Still considering how the base and top should be made to add a little decorative touch. Thanks and keep the ideas coming!!

+++++++++++++2 on the plywood!!

Shoot me an IM with your phone number if you need any help with building tips for the cabinet... I have built 1 or 2 in my time!! :gar-La;

I am getting ready to do a new kitchen for the wife... you can come help if you want... Will need to know what size your hand is to see if my sander will fit it!! :rotflm::rotflm:

I can also possibly send you a detail drawing on how to do it after I get a def feel for what you are thinking about... Let me know!!

Steve

 

[Joe Scharle]

A good place to get ideas for pocket hole projects is:

http://kregjig.ning.com/

 

[mcoleman]

Good luck on your cabinet, and I am a +1 for the pocket holes. The bookcase project I just did is the first time I had used them, and it was amazing how easy they made the joinery. Plus it goes together fast.

+1 on the plywood also. I am an MDF lover, but mostly for shop jigs and glue projects. That stuff is HEAVY and screwing into the end grain is no fun.