Lesson 1Edge treatments and veneers: banding options, matching veneer direction, and seam planning for continuous grainCheck edge bands, veneer sorts, grain plans. Pick band widths, line grains, seam spots for faces that look like one smooth, planned wood flow.
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 cupboards: low-power LED strips, power packs, dimmers, wire paths, hole covers for safe, fixable, neat inside and near.
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 ply, MDF, sheets for boxes, doors, paint/veneer jobs. Check core strength, face veneers, screw grip, steadiness for 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. Compare hardness, 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. Compare pulls, knobs, channels, add mag catches 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 holds, box builds affect toughness, feel, long run in custom 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, overlaps, open angles. 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)Compare finish types for cupboards: toughness, fix ease, fumes, apply needs. Pick water lacquer, poly, varnish, oil/soap for 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 inside links for assembly: cams, confirms, dados, 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