Though
members of your family arent likely to store
spices in a cabinet like this, you can bet that it
will be an oft-requested item for you to build. So
you might want to think about making more than one
when you begin.
Mill
the Case Cut the sides and ends to size,
then cut 1/2" finger joints on the ends of each
piece. You can make your own jig like the one
decribed in the September 1998 issue (#104) in the
tool chest article. Or you can purchase a
commercial model. Next cut 1/4" x 1/2"-wide dadoes
on the sides and ends as located on the diagrams.
Also cut a 1/4" x 1/2"-wide rabbet on the back edge
of each side for the back.
Dividers
and Assembly Next, cut the three
dividers to size, and with the case dry-clamped
together, check the dimensions of the dividers
against your case. Trim them to fit, then cut
1/2"-wide bridle joints to fit the dividers
together. Glue up the case, holding the
dividers front edges flush to the case front.
When dry, sand the joints flush to the outside
surfaces.
Add
the Hanger Cut the hanger to shape from
the diagrams, then glue and nail the hanger in
place at the back of the cabinet. Now cut the back
to size and nail it in place.
Drawers
Next cut the drawer box pieces to size.
Then cut 1/8" x 1/4"-wide rabbets on the ends of
the sides and cut 1/8" x 1/4"-deep dadoes for the
bottoms on the ends and sides, starting 1/8" up
from the bottom edge. To assemble, glue and nail
the drawer boxes together. Cut the drawer fronts to
size, then make the knobs. Cut a 3/8" x 1" x 8"
strip of cherry, beveling the sides at a 25-degree
angle. Then cut the knobs off at 1" intervals,
again beveling the sides at 25 degrees. Use either
a band saw to cut the knobs to shape, or sand them
to shape after separating. Attach the knobs to the
drawer fronts with #4 flathead screws and glue.
Then glue the fronts to the drawer
boxes.
Distressing
and Finishing Before finishing the
piece, distress the cabinet with keys, screwdrivers
and a hammer. I then applied brown mahogany gel
stain; when the stain was dry, I then applied a
coat of wax. PW
--David
Thiel, PW staff