Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

I also have done some serious woodworking. I would agree with the
idea of trying to stay away from using solid walnut (or any other
solid wood such as cherry) on long pieces. I would use high quality
walnut plywood with solid edging.
I have a good friend who is a professional woodworker who grew up in
Hungary and learned woodworking the old fashioned way. He likes to
make cabinets with walnut plywood. He cuts edging material about
1/8" thick on a table saw out of solid walnut and glues it on after
making sure the edges are perfectly smooth by using a joiner. He
also always uses solid wood for trim, but uses plywood for any large
or long pieces such as sides or tops.
It can be done using solid pieces, but I'm not sure of the
technique. Something to do with gluing together several strips with
grain running in opposite directions using biscuits.
I also would recommend using hardware which would allow easy
knockdown and reassembly. Almost any woodworking catalog has a
number of fastening systems which can be used to simplify assembly,
but still make an attractive cabinet. Many of these systems use
grooved pins and locking cams and can be entirely hidden from the
outside of the cabinet.
One other thing to all group members, PLEASE be very careful if
using a table saw. I have personally seen people get hurt. Cutting
1/8" strips can be done safely, but too often these tools are used
in a dangersous manner. I will be the first to admit I have taken
shortcuts myself on occasion at the expense of safety.
I know a lot of you have made your own cabinets as have I.
Please be careful!
BTW, I am most interested in seeing what Larry comes up with.
Although I have built my own cabinet, I am outgrowing it and it is
pretty unwieldy. Although I might start over and build some more
cabinest myself, I might also be interested in purchasing a cabinet
kit.