Lesson 1Edge treatments and veneers: banding options, matching veneer direction, and seam planning for continuous grainLook at edge tapes, thin wood kinds, grain plans. Pick tape widths, line up thin wood, plan joins for faces that 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-throughsPlan lights and cables in cabinets. Cover low-power LED tapes, boxes, dims, wire paths, hole covers for safe, fixable, neat 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 finishesWeigh plywood, MDF, sheets for boxes, doors, paint or thin wood jobs. Check core quality, face thin wood, screw hold, steady to fit 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 considerationsSee how maple, white oak, cherry act in frames, trim, tops. Weigh hard, shift, grain, colour for milling, joining, finishing 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 seen fittings for simple look with good use. Weigh handles, knobs, channels, add 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 kinds, under vs side slides differ, soft-close, weight holds, box builds affect lasting, feel, long-run 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 kinds, covers, open angles. See soft-close, mount plates, screw picks, 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 usual cabinet finishes, focus lasting, fix ease, fumes, apply needs. Know when water lacquer, poly, varnish, oil/soap fit shop 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 inner links and fasteners for cabinet build. Use cams, confirms, grooves, pocket screws, biscuits for speed, strength, 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
