Lesson 1Edge treatments and veneers: banding options, matching veneer direction, and seam planning for continuous grainExplore edge bandin' materials, veneer types, an' grain layout strategies. Learn how fi select bandin' widths, align veneer direction, an' plan seams so cabinet faces read as continuous, intentional grain compositions.
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-throughsLearn fi plan lightin' an' cable hardware in cabinetry. Cover low-voltage LED strips, drivers, dimmers, wirin' chases, an' grommets so installations stay safe, serviceable, an' visually clean inside an' around cabinets.
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 finishesCompare plywood, MDF, an' other sheet goods fi cabinet boxes, doors, an' painted or veneered work. Evaluate core quality, face veneers, screw holdin', an' stability fi match materials to shop tools an' finishes.
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 considerationsUnderstand how maple, white oak, an' cherry behave in face frames, trim, an' desktops. Compare hardness, movement, grain, an' color so yuh can mill, join, an' finish each species fi stable, attractive results.
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 optionsPlan visible hardware fi a minimalist look while keepin' function. Compare pulls, knobs, an' channels, an' integrate magnetic catches or push-to-open systems wid hinges an' slides fi clean cabinet 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 recommendationsLearn drawer system types, how undermount an' side-mount slides differ, an' how soft-close, load ratings, an' box construction choices affect durability, feel, an' long-term performance in custom cabinetry projects.
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 choicesStudy concealed European hinge types, overlays, an' openin' angles. Learn how soft-close options, mountin' plates, screw selection, an' drillin' templates work together fi accurate, adjustable cabinet 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)Compare common cabinet finish systems, focusin' pon durability, repairability, VOCs, an' application demands. Learn when fi choose water-based lacquer, polyurethane, conversion varnish, or oil an' soap fi shop an' client needs.
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 assemblyExamine internal connectors an' fasteners fi cabinet assembly. Learn when fi use cams, confirmats, dados, pocket screws, an' biscuits fi balance speed, strength, disassembly, an' accuracy in shop an' site work.
Cam and knock-down connector systemsConfirmat screws and drilled dadosPocket screw layout and limitationsBiscuits, splines, and alignment aidsCombining fasteners with glue joints
