Title: A Clever Trick for Maximizing Small-Parts Storage in Cabinets
Introduction:
Welcome to our blog post, where we discuss a fascinating technique for optimizing storage space in cabinets. In this YouTube video, titled “There’s a trick for making all the drawers in this small-parts storage cabinet,” a skilled woodworker demonstrates a unique approach to cabinet construction that defies conventional wisdom. By starting with the drawers and building the cabinet around them, he unlocks a whole new level of functionality and efficiency. Join us as we delve into the details of this innovative method that promises to revolutionize your storage solutions.
Below Table of Contents
- 1. Building a Small-Parts Storage Cabinet: A Game-Changing Trick for Making All the Drawers
- 2. Starting with the Drawers: A New Approach to Cabinet Making
- 3. The Step-by-Step Process of Creating Synchronized Drawers for Your Cabinet
- 4. Achieve Precision and Efficiency: Learn How to Build a Cabinet Around Your Drawers
- Q&A
- Final Notes
1. Building a Small-Parts Storage Cabinet: A Game-Changing Trick for Making All the Drawers
In this video, we learn a game-changing trick for making drawers by building a small-parts storage cabinet. Instead of building the cabinet first and then making the drawers to fit, we start with the drawers and build the cabinet around them. To accomplish this, we use a long piece of MDF as the front and back of all 16 drawers. We cut grooves all the way down for the sides of the drawers and then split it in the middle.
To ensure accuracy and uniformity, we use a 1/2″ wide stack of dado blades for our first cut, creating a half-inch wide rabbet on the end of the board. We then create a 2″ space between each groove by using a 2.5″ block as a stop block. By hot gluing a thin, half-inch wide strip as a guide, we are able to register each cut accurately.
After cutting the grooves, we proceed to attach a 1/8″ thick piece of hardboard to serve as the bottom of the drawers. This not only adds strength but also ensures that all the dividers will line up nicely and square. Once the hardboard is dry, we make a couple of passes with the dado blades to create the drawer pulls. Finally, we chop the pieces apart to create a whole bunch of drawers.
By using a stop block to cut as close to the center of one drawer as possible, we are able to set up the fence for a series of equal cuts, saving the time and effort of making 16 individual drawers. We also incorporate 1/4″ spacers and playing cards in between each drawer to give them enough room to slide in and out.
To create slots in the dividers, we use a drawer, a 1/4″ board, and playing cards as spacers. With a 1/4″ stack of dado blades, we cut to the halfway point on each board, paying special attention to the center groove. The final result is a well-designed small-parts storage cabinet with perfectly fitting drawers and dividers.
This game-changing trick not only saves time and effort but also ensures precise and uniform dimensions for the drawers, making this cabinet an excellent option for storing small parts efficiently.
2. Starting with the Drawers: A New Approach to Cabinet Making
When it comes to cabinet making, the traditional approach involves building the cabinets first and then fitting the drawers. However, in this new approach, we will be starting with the drawers and building the cabinet around them. This innovative method allows for a more efficient and streamlined process.
To begin, we will use a single long piece of MDF as both the front and back of all 16 drawers. To create the grooves for the drawer sides, we will make cuts using a 1/2″ wide stack of dado blades. By using a 2.5″ block as a stop, we can ensure each groove is evenly spaced 2″ apart. This method saves time and ensures precision in the construction of the drawers.
For added strength and to ensure proper alignment of the dividers, we will create notches in each piece. These dividers will serve as the sides of the drawers. Once the notches are complete, we will attach a 1/8″ thick hardboard panel as the bottom of the drawers. This panel will fit into the previously cut rabbet and provide stability to the drawers.
To finish off the drawers, we will make a series of cuts to create the drawer pulls. Using a stop block and carefully measuring, we can ensure accuracy in each cut. Once the drawers are complete, we can move on to the next step of constructing the cabinet. This new approach to cabinet making offers efficiency, precision, and a fresh perspective on the traditional process.
Remember, it’s always important to prioritize safety when working with power tools. Use appropriate safety equipment and follow all manufacturer guidelines and instructions. Stay tuned for the next stage in our cabinet making journey.
3. The Step-by-Step Process of Creating Synchronized Drawers for Your Cabinet
In this post, we will guide you through . Instead of building the cabinet first and then making the drawers to fit, we will start with the drawers and build the cabinet around them.
To begin, we will use a long piece of MDF as both the front and back of all 16 drawers. By cutting grooves all the way down for the sides of the drawers and then splitting it down the middle, we can create the foundation for the drawers. Using a 1/2″ wide stack of dado blades, our first cut will be a half inch wide. We will also add a rabbet on the end of the board.
Next, we will create a 2″ space between each groove by cutting a 2.5″ block for our next cut. This block will act as a stop block, helping us register each cut. With the stop block in place, we can proceed to cut a groove and slide it over on top of the key each time. We will then use a 1/8″ thick piece of hardboard as the bottom of the drawers, fitting it into the rabbet we previously cut.
Moving on, we will focus on the sides of the drawers. By cutting notches, we can ensure that all the dividers will line up nicely and square. To add strength, we will glue this hardboard panel to the bottom of the drawers. For the drawer pulls, we will make a couple of passes with our dado blades.
To create multiple drawers efficiently, we will cut close to the center of the first drawer and use it as a reference. By setting a stop block, we can make accurate cuts for the remaining drawers. Additionally, we will use 1/4″ spacers and playing cards between each drawer to allow for smooth sliding.
Finally, we will focus on the dividers. Using a drawer, a 1/4″ board, and a stop block, we will set up for the slots in the dividers. By adding playing cards as spacers, we can ensure proper sizing and make the necessary cuts. The depth of the dividers will match the depth of the drawers.
By following this step-by-step process, you can create synchronized drawers for your cabinet that are both functional and visually appealing. Stay tuned for more woodworking tips and tricks.
4. Achieve Precision and Efficiency: Learn How to Build a Cabinet Around Your Drawers
When building cabinets, the usual process is to first build the cabinets and then make the drawers to fit. However, in this tutorial, we will take a different approach by starting with the drawers and building the cabinet around them.
To begin, we will use a long piece of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) to serve as both the front and back of all 16 drawers. We will cut grooves along the length of the MDF to accommodate the sides of the drawers. Using a 1/2″ wide stack of dado blades, the first cut will be a half inch wide. We will also create a rabbet on the end of the board and leave a 2″ space between each groove.
Next, we will prepare the bottom of the drawers by cutting out 1/8″ thick hardboard panels that will fit into the rabbet we just created. These 17 hardboard pieces will be the sides of the drawers. By adding these notches, we ensure that all the dividers will line up properly and provide additional strength to the overall structure.
After gluing the hardboard panels to the bottoms of the drawers, we will use the dado blades again to create drawer pulls. The next step involves cutting the MDF into individual drawers. By cutting one drawer accurately in the center, we can use it as a template and set a stop block to make the rest of the cuts. This method saves time and ensures consistency when making multiple drawers.
To determine the width of the horizontal dividers, we will use 1/4″ spacers between each drawer and include a playing card for additional spacing. This will allow the drawers to slide in and out smoothly. The depth of the dividers will match the depth of the drawers.
Finally, we will set up the slots in the dividers using a drawer, a 1/4″ board, and some playing cards as spacers. This setup will serve as a stop block for the fence while making the necessary cuts. With a 1/4″ stack of dado blades, we will cut halfway through each board, including the center groove, which requires some careful maneuvering.
By following these steps, you will achieve precision and efficiency in building a cabinet around your drawers. This method eliminates the need to build the entire cabinet and then fit the drawers separately, saving you time and effort.
Q&A
Q: What is the main technique used in the video for making the drawers in the small-parts storage cabinet?
A: The main technique used in the video is building the cabinet around the drawers. Instead of building the cabinet first and then making the drawers to fit, the maker starts by making the drawers using a long piece of MDF that serves as both the front and back of all 16 drawers.
Q: What is the purpose of cutting grooves in the MDF?
A: The grooves cut in the MDF are used as guides for the sides of the drawers. By cutting these grooves, the maker ensures that all the dividers will line up nicely and create a more squared alignment.
Q: How are the drawers attached to the MDF?
A: The drawers are attached to the MDF by cutting a rabbet on the end of the board and sliding it over a key each time. This secure attachment method allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the drawers.
Q: What material is used for the bottom of the drawers?
A: The bottom of the drawers is made of a 1/8″ thick piece of hardboard. This material is cut to fit into the rabbet previously created on the MDF and adds strength to the overall structure of the drawers.
Q: How are the drawer pulls made?
A: The drawer pulls are made by making a couple passes of dado blades on the MDF. This creates a series of equal cuts that serve as the drawer pulls for each individual drawer.
Q: How are the dividers positioned in the cabinet?
A: The dividers are positioned using 1/4″ spacers between each drawer and a playing card in between each one. This gives the drawers enough space to slide in and out smoothly. The depth of the dividers matches the depth of the drawers.
Q: How are the slots for the dividers created?
A: The slots for the dividers are created using a stack of dado blades raised to its highest point. A drawer and a 1/4″ board are used as a stop block for the fence, and playing cards are added as spacers. This setup allows for accurate cutting of slots in the dividers.
Q: How does the maker ensure accuracy when cutting multiple drawers?
A: The maker ensures accuracy when cutting multiple drawers by starting with one drawer and setting a stop block at the center. Once this initial cut is accurate, the fence is adjusted to make a series of equal cuts, which saves time compared to making 16 individual drawers.
Q: What is the purpose of the playing cards used as spacers?
A: The playing cards used as spacers provide a little breathing room for the drawers to slide in and out. They help create the right size for the dividers and ensure smooth operation of the drawers.
Final Notes
In conclusion, this YouTube video titled “There’s a trick for making all the drawers in this small-parts storage cabinet” demonstrates a unique and efficient method for constructing drawers for a cabinet. The creator of the video starts by building the drawers first and then constructing the cabinet around them, which is a departure from the usual order of cabinet-making.
Using a long piece of MDF, the creator cuts grooves down the length for the sides of the drawers and splits it in half. These grooves are made using a 1/2″ wide stack of dado blades, ensuring precision and accuracy. To maintain consistent spacing between the grooves, a 2.5″ block and a thin, half-inch wide strip are used as stop blocks.
The creator then goes on to explain the process of adding a rabbet on the end of the board, which allows for the insertion of a 1/8″ thick hardboard piece as the bottom of the drawers. This not only adds strength but also helps align the dividers square.
Next, the video demonstrates the creation of drawer pulls by making passes with dado blades. The drawers themselves are then chopped apart, and the process is made efficient by cutting close to the center of one drawer and using a stop block for accurate subsequent cuts.
For the dividers, 1/4″ spacers and playing cards are used to determine the width and provide breathing room for the drawers. The depth of the dividers matches the depth of the drawers. Slots are then created in the dividers using a drawer, a 1/4″ board, and playing cards as spacers.
Overall, this video showcases a clever technique to optimize the construction of drawers for a small-parts storage cabinet. By thinking outside the box and starting with the drawers, the creator has streamlined the process and saved ample time and effort. If you are interested in building your own cabinet drawers, this video is certainly worth watching and implementing the trick demonstrated.
If you’re an avid DIY enthusiast or at-home mechanic, you may have a need for a small parts storage cabinet. Finding the right cabinet for your needs can involve extensive research, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, once you have found a cabinet that meets your needs, you may be wishing for a way to easily store and organize your small parts. Fortunately, there’s a trick for making all the drawers in the small-parts storage cabinet the same size.
The trick involves using a thin plastic divider. To begin, remove the drawers and the plastic dividers that come pre-installed in the cabinet. Measure the smallest drawer in the cabinet and cut the plastic divider to the measured length. Place the newly cut divider at the bottom of the drawer and use it as a guide to cut the other dividers. When all the dividers have been cut, place the dividers back in the drawer and re-install the drawer in the cabinet.
To complete the process, simply follow the same steps for each drawer. As a final step, you may want to use labels for each drawer so you can quickly find and store the right small parts. This trick for making all the drawers the same size is a great way to save time and organize all of your small parts in one place.
By keeping the drawers in the small-parts storage cabinet the same size, you can quickly and easily find and store all of the necessary small parts for your projects. Whether you’re an at-home mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, this simple trick will help you organize and store all of your small parts in one place.