Lesson 1Edge treatments and veneers: banding options, matching veneer direction, and seam planning for continuous grainCheck edge tapes, thin wood types, line plans. Pick tape widths, match wood flow, hide joins for one smooth wood face look.
PVC, ABS, and wood edge banding optionsIron-on vs hot-air vs edgebander methodsVeneer layup and grain direction planningBookmatching, slip-matching, and sequencingHiding seams and repairing veneer defectsLesson 2Lighting and cable hardware: low-voltage LED strips, drivers, in-cabinet wiring chases, grommets and cable pass-throughsPlan lights and wires in cupboards. Use low power LED bands, packs, dimmers, channels, hole covers for safe, fixable, neat setups.
LED strip types, color, and output selectionDrivers, dimmers, and low-voltage wiringRouting channels and in-cabinet wire chasesGrommets, pass-throughs, and strain reliefPlanning access for service and upgradesLesson 3Selection of sheet goods: plywood species ( Baltic birch, cabinet-grade hardwood plywood ), MDF and advantages/disadvantages for painted or veneered finishesWeigh plywood kinds, MDF for boxes, doors, paint or thin wood jobs. Check core strength, face quality, screw grip, steady hold for your tools and coats.
Baltic birch vs cabinet-grade hardwood plyCore types, voids, and face veneer qualityMDF pros, cons, and machining practicesSubstrates for paint vs veneer applicationsMoisture resistance and panel flatnessLesson 4Solid wood species for face-frame, trim, and desk top: maple, white oak, cherry — characteristics, stability, and grain considerationsSee how maple, white oak, cherry act in frames, edges, tops. Weigh hard, shift, lines, shade for mill, join, coat to stay straight and fine.
Maple characteristics and machining tipsWhite oak movement, rays, and finishingCherry color change and blotch controlSelecting boards for grain and stabilityJoinery choices for frames and desktopsLesson 5Pulls, knobs, and channel pulls selection for a minimalist look; magnetic catches, push-to-open optionsPick grips, turns, slots for plain style with good work. Mix magnet holds, push opens with hinges, slides for clean fronts.
Bar pulls, knobs, and edge pulls comparedChannel pulls and integrated finger railsMagnetic catches and alignment issuesPush-to-open latches and hingesHardware layout, spacing, and ergonomicsLesson 6Drawer systems and slides: undermount vs side-mount soft-close, load ratings, box construction recommendationsStudy drawer kinds, under vs side slides, soft stop, weight holds, box builds for lasting feel and strength in custom work.
Undermount vs side-mount slide mechanicsSoft-close, self-close, and hold-open optionsLoad ratings and slide length selectionDrawer box joinery and material choicesAdjusting and troubleshooting drawer slidesLesson 7Hinges and door hardware: concealed European hinges types, soft-close options, mounting templates and screw choicesLook at hidden Euro hinge kinds, covers, open angles. See soft close, plates, screws, drill guides for true, tweakable doors.
Full, half, and inset concealed hinge typesSoft-close mechanisms and adjustmentOverlay, reveal, and opening angle choicesMounting plates, screws, and fastener pulloutJig and template use for cup hole drillingLesson 8Finish system comparison: water-based lacquer vs polyurethane vs conversion varnish vs oil/soap finishes — pros, cons, durability, VOCs, touch-upability (at least two options with pros and cons)Weigh coat kinds for tough, fix, low fumes, ease. Pick water lacquer, poly, varnish, oil soap for shop and user fit.
Water-based lacquer uses, pros, and consOil-modified and water-based polyurethaneConversion varnish durability and risksLow-VOC oils, soaps, and hardwax finishesTouch-up, repair, and blending techniquesLesson 9Connectors and internal hardware: cam lock systems, dado/confirmat use, pocket screws, biscuits for assemblyCheck inside joins for build. Use cams, screws, slots, hides, tabs for fast, strong, take-apart, true shop and site work.
Cam and knock-down connector systemsConfirmat screws and drilled dadosPocket screw layout and limitationsBiscuits, splines, and alignment aidsCombining fasteners with glue joints