Scott Gibson’s July/August 2006 article, “A Woodworker’s Kitchen,” shows a temporary shelf to support the upper cabinets during installation. I use a similar support, but mine is adjustable, so I can use it for a variety of installations.

Basically, the support is an upside-down box with adjustable legs that allow me to set various heights of upper cabinets. After the cabinet is set, I lower the legs to free the support. A 1-in.-wide by 3-in.-long hand-hold slot cut in the bottom makes it easier to carry.

The support has one more benefit: When not supporting a cabinet, it makes a pretty sturdy sawhorse.

Drawings by Jim Richey.

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