Making Cabinets and Built-Ins

Book excerpt: Sam Allen--author of The Wood Finisher’s Handbook ("Authoritative...a compelling addition”--Chip Chats), The Wood Joiner’s Handbook ("An excellent choice”--Fine Woodworking) and others--now provides novice woodworkers with the finest guide to creating cabinetry. It takes newcomers by the hand and leads them through every process in detail, from understanding the properties of wood to reading a plan, from layout, squaring, and cutting to joinery and assembly. Allen discusses lumber grades, sizes, and prices; edge treatments for plywood and reconstituted wood products; transferring patterns; and handling all the necessary tools. There’s advice on case and panel construction, designing shelves, drawer hardware, and making freestanding modular cabinets, along with plans for modular built-ins, cabinets for home entertainment, and electronics built-in cabinets.