Asking workshops in the same town, let alone globally, how to build a cabinet confirms the huge variety of methods used. The following article focuses on some popular types of cabinet box construction that can be used in joinery projects.
As well as informing readers how to make a cabinet box, we’ll look at some popular fixing methods used for building a cabinet.
Overpassing side panels and an 18mm recessed back panel with mortise and tenon joints
The above image showcases a box cabinet with overpassing side panels, a recessed back panel, and mortise and tenon joints. 3mm holes have been drilled so that screws can be used to fix this carcass construction.
Additional support, such as glue, can be used to further reinforce the joints. These joints are usually manufactured in cabinets with CNC machining.
Pros:
- Strong carcass construction
- Self supporting against vertical forces without screws
- Fast manufacture with screws
- No pre-drill required if particle board is used
- This design can be used in most joinery applications
- Each component is replaceable
Cons:
- Greater machining time
- Greater tooling wear on cutters to cut the mortise and tenon joints (CNC machines)
- Requires the correct set up to manufacture the mortise and tenon joints
Overpassing top/bottom panel using CAM lock fittings
A cabinet built with overpassing base and top panels, utilising CAM lock fittings, is a common joinery construction used for a fast and strong cabinet assembly. Again, this method of production is most efficiently completed with a CNC set-up.
The pros and cons are as follows.
Pros:
- Increased strength against vertical forces
- Replaceable components
- Fast assembly
- This design can be used in most joinery applications
Cons:
- Increased machining time
- More costly (CAM lock fittings)
- These fittings are visible
Mitre joints with biscuits
A mitre joint is where two pieces of timber meet at a 45 degree angle. This can be used for cabinet construction and fixed with an adhesive and timber biscuits.
Mitre joints and biscuits are easily manufactured with CNC drilling machines, or manually using panel saws, table saws and biscuit machines.
Pros:
No end grain is visible (good for cabinets made from solid timber)
Biscuit joints are strong when applied with a good adhesive
Cons:
Time consuming to assemble
Difficult to manufacture
Clamping time is required
Most 3-axis CNC machines won’t cut on angles
Built in gables and plinth
Another carcass formation is to build gables and plinths into the carcass construction. This method sees cabinet sides used as gables which overpass the cabinet base panel to allow for a plinth. This cabinet can now be fitted on site within its environment.
Many fixing methods can be used in this type of construction: a nail gun, if components need painting post construction, and Lamello Cabineos are two examples.
Pros:
- Efficient assembly
- Minimised project components (no need for additional panels, gables, or plinths)
- Cabinets can be fitted on site without additional fittings (i.e. adjustable legs)
- Minimised costs
Cons:
- Once assembled, components are not replaceable (if a nail gun is used for assembly)
- Plinths can only be the length of the cabinet
- Increased installation time
Butt joints with nails (specifically for non-CNC manufacturing)
Using a cabinet made with butt joints and fixed with nails is an efficient method when not using a CNC for production. It produces the fastest results without the need of manufacturing any joints with additional tools such as hand routers or drilling CAM fittings with jigs.
A panel saw can cut the components, which can then be transferred to a manual drilling machine such as the Blum MiniPress for continued processing or completed manually with jigs. These cabinets can be assembled rapidly with a nail gun.
Pros:
- Efficient manufacturing
- No need for expensive CNC equipment
- Cost effective manufacturing
Cons:
- Increased labor
- Parts are not replaceable
- Cabinet is not as strong as other methods of manufacturing
How PolyBoard can help
PolyBoard is a parametric modeling software that is ideal for custom cabinet construction. Building a cabinet with PolyBoard accommodates countless types of cabinets that can be easily modified for different projects.
Rather than drawing each part, which is error prone and slow, its intuitive workflow allows you to easily add components like the drawers, doors, shelves, uprights and plinths with the click of a mouse. Resize your carcass and all components resize with it. All your preferred fittings are built in too and are added to each project by application of style sheets called manufacturing methods.
Additionally, PolyBoard can produce a complete set of working drawings, cutting lists, and machining files that can be outputted to any CAM software.
It’s an essential tool for any professional in the joinery industry for building cabinets; here is a selection of cabinet projects from the software:
We’ve showcased some classic cabinetry projects but the design applications are huge: from shoes and gun storage to TV, dart board and refrigerator cabinets.
Please contact us if you would like to know more about PolyBoard.
Click here to download PolyBoard and try it for yourself.
