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Chapter 1 

Introduction to Cabinetmaking

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Throughout history, wood has been used to create many products. Even with the influx of plastics, wood continues to play an important role in our everyday lives. We store food, utensils, and personal belongings in or on wood cabinets. We sit on chairs and sleep on beds supported by wooden frames. We shop from store fixtures, work at desks, prepare food on counters, and pull books from shelves. All of these storage areas, work surfaces, and decorative ­products might be made of wood.

Every product you see was once a need that an individual set out to meet. Ideas first put on paper, later became a design that had to be developed. Decisions were made. Problems, such as acquiring materials and operating tools or machines, were solved. Processes of cutting, shaping, assembling, and finishing were chosen to bring the design idea to reality.

This text covers the decision-making practices for producing fine cabinets and furniture. The topics focus on the many methods, materials, and machines that create these products. This chapter presents an overview of cabinetmaking and identifies the relationship of various steps, including design, materials, production, and management.

Summary

Cabinetmaking is both an art and a science. You can see the artistic and creative talents of the ­cabinetmaker in subtle curves, precise joints, suitable coloring, and flawless finish of a product. The cabinetmaking process begins with the designer’s goal of meeting a need. Once the design is finished, fine woods and other materials are chosen to make the design become a completed product.

The science of cabinetmaking relates to production decisions. They involve the proper application of materials, tools, tooling, and processes in factories, schools, and homes. In this text, hand tool, portable power tool, and stationary power tool operations are explained.

Workpiece assembly and finishing control the final appearance of the product. Joinery determines how well workpieces will fit together. Abrasives help smooth surfaces. Finishing involves adding color and a protective topcoating. The quality of assembly and finishing can make the difference between a poor product and a well-crafted piece of furniture.

The following chapters trace cabinetmaking from selecting or creating designs to applying the final finish. Careful study of these topics will provide you the skills needed to think and work safely to design and create high quality cabinets and furniture.

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Chapter 2 

Cabinetry Styles

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Cabinets and fine furniture are often built to match a style. Style refers to the features of the cabinet that distinguish it from other pieces. Some of these features include the color, molding, and shape of the cabinet.

Many styles originated in 17^th and 18^th century Europe. Early styles were named after kings, queens, countries, or designers. Many people had pieces designed for them or did the designing themselves. The earlier styles have been handed down and modified over the years. However, the influence of European, Asian, and early American designers can still be seen.

Summary

For many early kings, queens, and designers, having a cabinetry style named after them was a form of recognition. These people dictated the various features of the piece. Some products were heavy and highly carved. Others appeared weak and top heavy. These styles are classified as traditional.

People of less prominence began to copy traditional products. They simplified some of the design features, which affected cost. These products were called provincial.

Since the early 1900s, a contemporary styling trend has gained popularity. In some cases, this represents further simplification of former designs. Style has been altered due to advancing technology in production processes.

Contemporary cabinetry is a broad classification of designs. Earlier designs were modified with the term modern. Some have been created using other names. Simple straight and curved lines creating geometrical forms are used almost exclusively.

Design coordination often may be desired. Single rooms, multiple rooms, and home exteriors and interiors can be coordinated.

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Chapter 3 

Components of Design

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Designing is the most creative practice in cabinetmaking technology. As the designer, your activities and decisions will affect the outcome of the product. Two factors that guide the development of the product during design are function and form.

Summary

Efforts to design cabinetry are based on experience. Some designers copy. Others adapt. Still others create design solutions. Knowing how to adapt or create requires understanding the components of design.

The elements of design include lines, shapes, colors, and textures. They must be coordinated to produce pleasing products.

Principles of design guide the use of design elements. Principles include harmony, repetition, balance, and proportion. These help the elements blend. Masses and spaces may appear once or be repeated. Harmonious masses and spaces can be formally or informally balanced. You can proportion elements by using the golden mean ratio. It has been in use for many years.

An experienced designer will create alternative designs. Two factors to be considered for these designs are convenience and flexibility. Convenience refers to ease of locating, using, and moving objects. Flexibility refers to the product’s ability to be rearranged for different purposes.

Cabinet and furniture designs should fit with their surroundings. Considerations may include how the design blends with the style of the home. Careful consideration of the components of design must be given when coordinating styles.

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Chapter 4 

Design Decisions

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The decision-making process guides your thoughts and actions through the many steps involved in creating a cabinet design. It directs your activities during design.

The decision-making process allows for flexibility. You are not bound to one design idea. The design that is the most functional may not be the most attractive, and the design that is the most attractive may not be the most functional. A good design is a balance of all factors. The final decisions should meet the needs of the user.

Summary

The decision-making process guides you when designing cabinetry. It is a logical way to make ­decisions when creating products. First, the needs and wants are identified. The problem might be that you need an entertainment center. Information is then gathered about the problem. Every question should be answered. Should the product be built-in or movable? Does it need doors to protect it from dust? Once all the questions are answered, designing can begin. The design should meet the needs of the user. It should also have a pleasing appearance.

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Chapter 5

Human Factors

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Cabinetry must fit the needs of the people who use it. They may be children, adults, the elderly, or disabled people. Even though a product may be functional and attractive, it may not be the right size for every person. Body measurements and other distances should be known. Then, the product can be designed with the user in mind. These considerations are called human factors. When you design cabinetry, you should consider:

	How far people can reach while sitting or standing.
	Safety.
	People’s limits on stooping or bending.
	Space problems confronting the elderly and disabled.
	Line of sight problems.
	Physical body dimensions of the user.

When building customized cabinets and furniture, the dimensions can vary. Altering height, width, and depth helps fit products to people. Other times, you may not want to alter dimensions. Consider built-in cabinetry. If the design is altered too much, it may affect the resale value of the home.

Knowing the human factors involved helps designers adapt products to people. Furniture manufacturers establish sizes based on human factors. Many of these measurements have become standards for cabinetmaking.

Summary

Comfort, convenience, and safety often are overlooked by designers. Many times, cabinetry and furniture products do not serve their intended purpose. The problems are especially true for ­children, the elderly, and the disabled. Alter dimensions of cabinets to fit the user.

People stand at countertops, tables, machines, and similar surfaces. They may stand alone or with support, such as a crutch. People sit on chairs while relaxing or while working at a desk. Chairs and  desks, or tables, should allow the user freedom to move.

Individuals in wheelchairs have special problems. Adapt counter heights for their reach. Space must also be allowed for wheelchair movement.

Standards exist for many of the dimensions discussed. Standard dimensions will meet the needs of a majority of people. Comply with them unless you are adapting for the elderly and disabled. If too many deviations are used for built-in cabinets, the resale value of the home may be affected.

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Chapter 6

Production Decisions

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Preparing to build cabinetry involves research and planning. Previous chapters dealt with design problems, or those what to do decisions. This chapter deals with the how to do it and why to do it this way decisions. All are essential decision-making phases in the cabinetmaking process.

Summary

This chapter has summarized the topics you will discover in the remainder of the text, especially those that concern procedures for making production decisions. It serves to acquaint you to the problems of production and considerations made during the cabinetmaking process.

The plan of procedure is your guide for making production decisions. A well thought out and documented plan will save you hours of frustration and wasted materials. It will also challenge you to find new uses for available tools.

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Chapter 7

Using Working Drawings

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Working drawings guide you when designing and building a product. A set of working drawings contains both drawings (which illustrate the product) and specifications (which list the materials and supplies). Working drawings should be prepared for every product.

A complete set of working drawings has all the necessary information to produce the cabinet. This will include views of the product showing style and features. These views will detail the size and jointwork required for different parts of the cabinet. Working drawings also include dimensions, materials, supplies, and a plan of procedure.

Working drawings record decisions made during the design process. They also standardize the building of a certain cabinet. For example, two cabinets produced from the same set of drawings should be identical. This occurs if the builders have equal amounts of cabinetmaking skill.

Commercial drawings of cabinet products can be purchased. These would only be used if the drawings meet your design needs. Using purchased drawings will eliminate the time-consuming design process. They are pretested for function, strength, and appearance. You can modify these drawings if they do not exactly fit your design needs. However, be careful not to alter parts that are essential for the strength of the product.

Summary

Working drawings guide you when designing and completing the product. A cabinetmaker must be able to interpret the information found on working drawings.

The two categories of working drawings are architectural and shop drawings. Architectural drawings include floor plans, elevations, specifications, and work schedule. Shop drawings contain pictorial drawings, orthographic drawings, details, specifications, and a plan of procedure.

Working drawings communicate a product with the alphabet of lines, letters, and numbers. The alphabet of lines is the universal language for ­illustrating a product. Letter or number abbreviations specify different materials needed to build a product.

Working drawings include both drawings and specifications. Specifications list materials. Architectural specifications are more general. Shop specifications give a precise list of material and supply types, quantities, and often their manufacturer.

A plan of procedure guides the cabinetmaker in building the product. It lists the machines and operations used to shape the various parts.

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