Lesson 1Edge treatments and veneers: banding options, matching veneer direction, and seam planning for continuous grainCheck edge tapes, thin wood types, grain plans. Learn tape widths, line thin wood way, plan joins so cabinet faces look like one smooth, planned grain picture.
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 to plan lights and wire fittings in cabinets. Cover small power LED tapes, power boxes, dims, wire paths, holes so fitting safe, easy fix, clean look inside and near 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, other flat woods for cabinet boxes, doors, paint or thin wood work. Check core good, face thin wood, screw hold, steady to match workshop tools and 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 considerationsKnow how maple, white oak, cherry work in frames, trim, desk tops. Compare hard, move, grain, colour so you cut, join, finish each for steady, nice 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 show fittings for simple look with good use. Compare handles, knobs, channels, fit magnet holds or push-open 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 recommendationsLearn drawer types, under vs side slides differ, soft-close, weight hold, box build choices affect strong, feel, long use in custom cabinet jobs.
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 hidden Euro hinge types, covers, open angles. Learn soft-close, mount plates, screw pick, drill guides work for true, adjust 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 usual cabinet finish types, focus strong, fix easy, fumes, put on needs. Learn when pick water lacquer, poly, change varnish, oil soap for workshop and client.
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 and nails for cabinet build. Learn when use cams, confirms, grooves, pocket nails, biscuits for fast, strong, take apart, true in workshop and site.
Cam and knock-down connector systemsConfirmat screws and drilled dadosPocket screw layout and limitationsBiscuits, splines, and alignment aidsCombining fasteners with glue joints
