Australian Wood Review – June 2019

30 Australian Wood Review

PROJECT

Joinery options

The sides of the cabinet frame can be joined with

housings (photo 2) or sliding dovetail joints (photo 3).

No right or wrong here, it’s purely down to what you can

do in your home workshop. You could quite simply just

butt the whole thing together if you wish.

For the housing joint I measured and marked out with a

mechanical pencil and combination square and then used

a 1/2 inch plunge router with a fence to create a 5mm deep

housing (photo 4). I had to do some back routing in this

process and suggest doing several test cuts on scrap first.

Once both housing joints are made, square up with a

mallet and sharp chisel, test the fit and make adjustments

accordingly.

To show you the sliding dovetail option shown in photo 3,

I used a router table with a fence and dovetail bit (photo

5 ). You’re aiming for a friction fit here, so once again a few

test runs will make sure you have the right setup.

Test f it

The next step is to do a dry fit, that is assemble the

carcase without glue (photo 6). At this stage it’s good

to also trial the best placement of clamps and check for

square so you can plan any adjustments before the actual

glue-up (photos 7, 8).

Profile the top and bottom edges

Once satisfied with how the frame comes together, take

the whole thing apart again so you can profile the top and

bottom edges of the cabinet.

1

4

2

3

1. For only $4, a
   picture frame kit
   will provide A3
   cut-to-size glass
   for the door.


2. Housing joints
   can be used
   for the carcase
   frame...


3. ...as can sliding
   dovetail or even
   butt joinery.


4. Using the router
   with a fence to
   create housing
   joinery.


5. Sliding dovetails
   can be cut on
   the router table.