Lesson 1Edge fixes and thin wood covers: band choices, match thin wood way, join plan for one grainLook at edge band woods, thin wood kinds, grain setup ways. Learn pick band widths, line thin wood way, plan joins so cabinet faces look one 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 2Lights and wire parts: low power LED lines, power boxes, in-cabinet wire paths, holes and wire throughsLearn plan lights wire parts in cabinets. Cover low power LED lines, power boxes, dims, wire paths, holes so fits safe, fixable, clean look in 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 3Pick flat woods: plywood kinds (Baltic birch, good hardwood plywood), MDF good bad for paint or thin wood finishCompare plywood, MDF, other flat woods for cabinet boxes, doors, paint thin wood work. Check core good, face thin wood, screw hold, steady to fit shop tools 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 4Hard wood kinds for frame-face, trim, desk top: maple, white oak, cherry — ways, steady, grain thinksKnow how maple, white oak, cherry act in frame faces, trim, desk tops. Compare hard, move, grain, color so mill, join, finish each for steady good look.
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 5Handles, knobs, slide handles pick for small look; magnet holds, push open choicesPlan see parts for small look keep use. Compare handles, knobs, slides, mix 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 ways and slides: under vs side soft close, weight hold, box build tipsLearn drawer ways, under side slides differ, soft close, weight hold, box build choices touch strong, feel, long use in custom cabinets.
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 door parts: hidden Euro hinges kinds, soft close choices, fix guides screw picksStudy hidden Euro hinge kinds, covers, open angles. Learn soft close, fix plates, screw pick, drill guides work for true change 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 way compare: water base shine vs poly vs change shine vs oil soap — good bad, strong, smells, fix easy (at least two with good bad)Compare usual cabinet finish ways, focus strong, fix, smells, put needs. Learn pick water base shine, poly, change shine, oil soap for shop customer.
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 9Join parts inside: cam lock ways, dado screw use, pocket screws, join sticks for buildLook inside join parts fasteners for cabinet build. Learn use cams, screws, dados, pocket screws, sticks balance fast, strong, take apart, true in shop site.
Cam and knock-down connector systemsConfirmat screws and drilled dadosPocket screw layout and limitationsBiscuits, splines, and alignment aidsCombining fasteners with glue joints
