Ive been MIA for a while........

[coffee]

Hello All,

I have been pretty quite on here as of the last month. I thought I would drop in and finally share what I have been up too. You see, I was not too sure of myself and my abilities to get this done so I didnt want to post about it yet. Now I have made some great headway and ready to share.

Since starting my business I have been running it out of my basement and have ran into one pretty big problem. You see, I ran out of storage! I had parts and tools scattered everywhere. I got to the point I could not find what I needed! So, I decided to build cabinets.

Did my research like a good boy and started with 3/4 inch plywood. The cost is pretty steep at about 40.00 a sheet (4x8) and I made two cabinets. They are standard sized for kitchen cabinets including a depth of 12 inches. Ran into a serious problem of not being able to cut a straight line to downsize the big sheets of plywood. So, I used a 4 foot board and some clamps for my saber saw to run against and got that problem figured out. Keep in mind that I am not going for fancy. Just a good workshop cabinet.

Last night my neighbor got a hold of me and asked if I wanted anything from my other neighbors house as they were moving and had to clear things out. So, I went over there and what do you know? 5 sheets of 3/4 inch, 25 inches by 8 foot particle board !!!

So, Now I have switched to particle board to see how it holds up thru this process. Because I am not rich I have to do with what I have. So, Below is a pic of my "Stock cutting room"

I was always embarrassed with my work area after looking thru the thread on workshops (post your work area) and finally decided to do something about it.

If your all interested I will continue to post pics as I progress. Let you know how it goes and all.

coffee

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

I'm interested, keep posting progress pics.

 

[Mike McCall]

Of course!

 

[cypress]

Definitely looks interesting.

 

[Altster]

I'd been wondering if you had fallen off the end of the earth.

You know that down here in the capital city there are places that sell used cabinets, etc.. that have come out of kitchens and workshops. Heck you might have been able to find something up your way - just in case you didn't want to build them. But from what I see in the pictures it looks like you are doing a right-fine job.

Keep us posted.

p.s. Don't let the particle board get wet if you can help it. You can paint it (recommended) but don't get it wet as it will come apart on you.

pps. At first glance I thought those were speaker cabinets for your car.

 

[Markverhyden]

Looks nice!!! The problem I have found with particle board for shelves, in book shelves at least, is that over time they will sag noticeably.

 

[Krynn72]

I've been wanting to get into some basic woodworking myself, and have been thinking of all sorts of ways I could better organize my workspace with custom made tables/cabinets/racks and shelves/tool holders, etc. I think I could make due with a much smaller space if it were simply organized properly and utilized more vertical space.

So yeah, I'm definitely interested in seeing what you've come up with.

 

[Kitten Kong]

I agree on the particle board.

I used to be a bit of a carpenter back in the day. Hate chipboard with a major passion.

Unless it's supported, at around 12" points, it will sag faster than a <insert your choice of phrase here>.

You would be far better off using the ply for the actual shelves themselves.

By all means use the chipboard for the actual carcass.

Just remember to use the right screws when working with chipboard.

Coming along a treat though. Can't wait for more pics. Keep up the great work.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Woodworking is fun!

by the looks of your yard, you're in the same zone as I am....and my yard has about the same amount of fallen oak 'n maple leaves on it.
Trees are only about 25-35% shed..unfortunately. As we've been having warm periods which are slowing down the normal leave droppage. I hate having my lawn suffer under the leaves while I'm waiting for the trees to finish shedding. But I have a big yard and I don't like raking each weekend for 6 weeks.

 

[GTP]

I could never get the "carpenter thing!" My Grandfather was a carpenter who came to Australia from England on a "work for your passage" thing in the 30's. He was a perfectionist when it came to carpentry and many times he would glare at me for for not dong it right!
He built everything from Churches to Shearing Sheds/Shearers Quarters, Cottages/Houses etc.
He would frown on "power tools" and said they were for "builders!" He used Brace & Bit, handsaws, chisels etc.
I could never get the saw cuts to go straight!

 

[coffee]

What great replies! Thank you very much.

Yesterday I got 2 more cabinets built. Things went a lot easier for some reason. First I would like to share some things that I learned that never seem to get mentioned when looking at peoples videos on utube.

1. A tablesaw is a great tool. However, They tend to be inaccurate in the fence measurements to the blade. Of course, I have an inexpensive one and I think the really nice ones have a different design for the fence (thats the part that sets the measurement you want to cut too). So, Working with a cheap table saw I will adjust the fence using my tape measure to the inside edge of the blade and then run a test cut. Then when I get the measurement I want I cut all pieces that need that measurement at once. Also, Table saws are not (at least mine) made for very large pieces of boards.

2. I did really well cutting down the large sheets of wood by putting some 2x4's down on the driveway and laying the board over them to get them off the ground. Then I used a decent piece of 1x4 board as a guide to run my saber saw against. So, I needed a 30 inch cut and the outer edge of the deck of my saber saw is 1.5 inches from the blade. So, I measure forward to 31.5 inches and put my guide there with clamps. Then run my saw against the guide. Does a good job. However, I had sever problems cutting the 3/4 inch plywood. I could not get a straight cut for some reason. My blade still travelled away from the guide and such. It was very frustrating and I did waste some expensive lumber by trying. But the particle board worked good.

I really do not like particle board either. I consider it cheap @ss wood. But I got it from the neighbor as they were moving and got it for only 20 bucks. But its far easier to cut though. As for the water damage, I agree. I will only use it for the carcases of the cabinets and everything else will be plywood or solid wood. The shelves will be plywood as I can manage smaller cuts on the table saw better in those sizes.

@Altster - I did look at those places up here and the cabinets that I saw where all cheap particle board and photo finish junk. If I bought those at 35 bucks a piece I would have to stare at them all the time and I think they are junk . Its not a bad idea and I am not knocking it. For some it would work out great. But I wanted something I can be proud of especially looking at it everyday. If you know what I mean

I have a reprive. My girlfriend called and said she wouldnt be home til Thursday. So, I have a few more days to complete this project - Yah!

Here are some more pics -

These are the completed particle board cabinets that I made yesterday. Finished them up as the trick R treaters where arriving! I bet they looked at me weird lol...

Closer view of one of the cabinets.

Front view of the same cabinet.

Ok, Some more basic hints here - Cut all your wood outside! The saw dust coats everything in the garage and now I have to clean the garage before my girlfriend gets home - lol.

I will be using "French cleats" to fasten the cabinets to the walls. I will show you pics of that when I get to that step. However, The major step I have to overcome is my rather large executive style desk has to be removed from the basement. This thing is a monster. The top is about 1.5 inch thick particle board with a fake wood formica over it. Its 42x90 and extremely heavy! There is only me and I had thoughts of cutting it in sections to remove it. But after seeing the mess in the garage I do not want to repeat that mistake. So, I am pretty stumped as to get this thing out of here. I think I will have to depend on my neighbor across the street with his 2 teen kids. They are pretty strapping kids and I think the 3 of us might be able to do it. Otherwise this is going to be a major issue Im affraid.

Today I will be building the smaller area that will fit between the cabinets. Kinda like the smaller cabinets you have above the refrigerator type deal. Below this is where my new 32" Monitor will sit with a wall mount.

Thanks for all the replies! Keep em coming and love all the suggestions from everyone!

coffee

 

[coffee]

Woodworking is fun!

by the looks of your yard, you're in the same zone as I am....and my yard has about the same amount of fallen oak 'n maple leaves on it.
Trees are only about 25-35% shed..unfortunately. As we've been having warm periods which are slowing down the normal leave droppage. I hate having my lawn suffer under the leaves while I'm waiting for the trees to finish shedding. But I have a big yard and I don't like raking each weekend for 6 weeks.

Boy I hear you loud and clear! I get a massive amount of leaves every year and have to rake 3 times to get them all up. I cannot just wait for them all to fall because what normally happens is that it gets pretty cold, starts to rain a lot, then snow. So, Its always a mad rush to get them all up.

 

[coffee]

I'd been wondering if you had fallen off the end of the earth.

Yes, I have been absent. I have these cabinets I am working on, I have a new website design I am working on and then a lot of remote service calls and computers coming in.

 

[Mike McCall]

What great replies! Thank you very much.

Yesterday I got 2 more cabinets built. Things went a lot easier for some reason. First I would like to share some things that I learned that never seem to get mentioned when looking at peoples videos on utube.

1. A tablesaw is a great tool. However, They tend to be inaccurate in the fence measurements to the blade. Of course, I have an inexpensive one and I think the really nice ones have a different design for the fence (thats the part that sets the measurement you want to cut too). So, Working with a cheap table saw I will adjust the fence using my tape measure to the inside edge of the blade and then run a test cut. Then when I get the measurement I want I cut all pieces that need that measurement at once. Also, Table saws are not (at least mine) made for very large pieces of boards.

Too broad in your statements. You're generalizing your statements regarding tablesaws with limited knowledge & experience with them. It's true that lesser saws (contractor saws like the one you appear to have) aren't built for cabinetry work such as what you're doing, but for doing carpentry work on a job site. Different tools for different jobs. These types of saws have generally poor fences which tend to move, especially on the back side of the table. You wont get straight, accurate cuts with your saw. If you enjoy doing this, then at some point you may wish to invest in a better saw.

2. I did really well cutting down the large sheets of wood by putting some 2x4's down on the driveway and laying the board over them to get them off the ground. Then I used a decent piece of 1x4 board as a guide to run my saber saw against. So, I needed a 30 inch cut and the outer edge of the deck of my saber saw is 1.5 inches from the blade. So, I measure forward to 31.5 inches and put my guide there with clamps. Then run my saw against the guide. Does a good job. However, I had sever problems cutting the 3/4 inch plywood. I could not get a straight cut for some reason. My blade still travelled away from the guide and such. It was very frustrating and I did waste some expensive lumber by trying. But the particle board worked good.

Right idea under the circumstances. If you have a circular saw, that's the right tool for tackling this job in this way. Using a guide clamped at both ends bakes a nice fence. Good thinking.

I have a reprive. My girlfriend called and said she wouldnt be home til Thursday. So, I have a few more days to complete this project - Yah!

Your work looks better than many such projects I've seen, even by some with more experience. Great job!

 

[coffee]

Too broad in your statements. You're generalizing your statements regarding tablesaws with limited knowledge & experience with them. It's true that lesser saws (contractor saws like the one you appear to have) aren't built for cabinetry work such as what you're doing, but for doing carpentry work on a job site. Different tools for different jobs. These types of saws have generally poor fences which tend to move, especially on the back side of the table. You wont get straight, accurate cuts with your saw. If you enjoy doing this, then at some point you may wish to invest in a better saw.



Right idea under the circumstances. If you have a circular saw, that's the right tool for tackling this job in this way. Using a guide clamped at both ends bakes a nice fence. Good thinking.



Your work looks better than many such projects I've seen, even by some with more experience. Great job!

Thank you Mike for the comments.

Yes, When I first bought this house I started amassing tools to get the house into shape. I bought the table saw with little experience in the matter. For the most part is has worked out Its just this time I learned the limitations. My thinking now is that I will remove the saw from the portable base and mount it on a more stable platform that I will build. Then I will also look into making a new fence for it from wood left over from this project. I have seen some videos where people have done this. So, I might look at that later like next spring. During the winter I will just store it away because I really do not have a workshop. I do my work in the garage or the driveway.

Thanks for replying

 

[coffee]

Ok, I have the final carcasses built for the remaining two cabinets that will be mounted on the wall between the two sets of regular size ones. They will be mounted length wise creating about a 54 inch span between the full size cabinets. I have yet to finish the front trim on them but the main work is done.

I have to make the shelf’s. These will be from my left over plywood that I have. Nothing fancy. Then cut and install french cleats on them and the wall in the basement. Then hang the cabinets.

This project is coming along very well. The amount of money I am saving makes it very worth while. Especially since I can customize them a bit to what I really need. I am switching to a cheaper pine trim for the last two cabinets. I dont think this will be much of a problem really. After all, These are work cabinets. Next spring when I get time to add front doors I will also make and attach some wood holders for screw drivers and such tools.

These are the first cabinets I have ever attempted to make. I am not a carpenter and just learning as I go. But I am really proud of my work so far and cannot wait to get them up on the wall. If things go as expected I will have them up on Friday.

I do have left over 2x4s and some plywood. I am thinking of making a table to set between the two work benches for my Brother MFC printer.

coffee

 

[Mike McCall]

Thank you Mike for the comments.

Yes, When I first bought this house I started amassing tools to get the house into shape. I bought the table saw with little experience in the matter. For the most part is has worked out Its just this time I learned the limitations. My thinking now is that I will remove the saw from the portable base and mount it on a more stable platform that I will build. Then I will also look into making a new fence for it from wood left over from this project. I have seen some videos where people have done this. So, I might look at that later like next spring. During the winter I will just store it away because I really do not have a workshop. I do my work in the garage or the driveway.

Thanks for replying

I started out much like you - building things in my carport with cheap Black & Decker hand tools. I've had a couple of table saws and over the years have learned to invest in good tools as I could afford. I didn't take shop in school, nor did I take any classes. I simply learned as I went. As time went on I got better, but made a lot of sawdust in the process. If you enjoy doing this stuff, then just keep at it. You're doing very well!

Some of what I used to do:

 

[coffee]

VERY NICE speakers!

 

[Mike McCall]

VERY NICE speakers!

Thanks. It was a hobby that got completely out of hand. Spent some 25-years learning learning the technical aspects and 11-years running my own company. If you get bored you could read a couple of product reviews spaced a year apart at SoundStage. The second one is by the Editor.

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/masz08.htm
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/masz08.htm
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/shamrock_eire_follow.htm

The point is that if you enjoy woodworking there's no reason not to pursue it.

 

[Markverhyden]

VERY nice speakers there. Back in the day I had saved up a bunch of money and decided by buy myself a Yamaha stereo system. Spent close to $1000, quite a lot in 1976. The speakers were superb and beautiful as well. Very nice mahogany veneer.