Replies

1. 
   billballeza | Oct 23, 2002 05:28am | #1

   I'm a beginner, too. But I've made several boxes in the past four months. I started by using plans for a garage workshop from the New Yankee Workshop. That method involved plywood with dadoes and rabbits (grooves) to hold the parts together. One thing to consider this is: making a box is expensive. Here's what I bought to make my first box:

   1) table saw

   2) circular saw

   3) drill press

   2) stacked dado head

   3) brad nailer with compressor

   4) framing square, combination square, 48 in. T-square

   5) small and large level

   6) and a whole bunch of other stuff

   If you already have some of this stuff, fine. But if not, make sure you really want to make boxes.

   Bill

2. 
   NormInFujino | Oct 23, 2002 08:06am | #2

   Easiest way is just to butt boards together and nail 'em there. But I don't think that's what you wanted to hear. I don't have it on me, but I think I have a beginner's book at home called How to Build Bookcases, Cabinets, and Shelves. One of its projects provides easy-to-follow instructions for building a basic cabinet carcass with rabbeted edges. Not a bad place to begin.

   View Image

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

3. 
   fredsmart48 | Oct 23, 2002 09:03am | #3

   First, get a book and read it.

   Second, PBS has some wood working shows that show you how to build different thing but tend use some equipment that most people don’t have. so you need to think about doing things differently.

   Third, call the school district and ask about adult education course, wood working - hopefully cabinet after you complete that take a finishing class.

   Oh by the way you don’t need a lot expensive tools you just need to know how to make do. Ebay auctions has used tools some times at reasonable price. pawn shops also some times you can get some good tools.

4. 
   Marcello | Oct 24, 2002 01:20am | #4

   One of the better things to do is read, read, and read.  Lots of information out there, try the library.  After you are done with your homework and want to get your hands dirty, draw a plan and start cutting. Practice, practice, and practice some more.  With perseverance, the quality of work will be improve.  It is very easy to read a book on how to cut a dove tail, it is a different story to actually cut it and make it fit snug.