Course Number : 603

Instructor : Keith Hudson

Course Description: During this class, participants will build a single kitchen-style cabinet, with a drawer/door configuration, including a custom-fitted top with a solid wood edge. The cabinet will be in the face-frame style.

· Skills and knowledge to be gained. Participants will learn how to:

o Calculate the dimensions of the cabinet pieces, including the drawer, face frame, doors and drawer face.

o Use the table saw to make lengthwise and cross cuts of sheet material.

o Make groves and tenons in solid wood.

o Use the cut-off saw to make multiple cuts of the same measurement.

o Use the Kregg pocket-hole fastening system.

o Use a drill to make counter-sunk pilot holes.

o Attach a solid wood edge to a countertop.

o Apply countertop laminate and trim it using a router.

o Attach a countertop to the cabinet.

o Apply adhesive-backed edging tape.

o Install European hinges on doors and mount the doors to the cabinet.

o Attach standard drawer slides and install a drawer with attached drawer face.

· Machines and tools to be used. This course will employ a variety of machines, such as the table saw, cut-off saw, drill press and other tools such as the Kregg pocket-hole jig, hand drill, sanders, router, and air nailer.

· Learning process/procedure. The first session is normally a tutorial session during which the instructor gives an overview of the course, explains the theory of determining the dimensions of the cabinet pieces, discusses the hardware to be used and the general process of putting the cabinet together. (Students are given a workbook which also contains this information.) Initially, starting with rough-cut pieces of 5/8” melamine sheet material, students will cut the basic cabinet pieces, including the drawer pieces, to finished dimensions. Participants will then apply the white edge-banding to all exposed cabinet edges using a standard household iron followed by trimming the banding to size. Subsequently, the cabinet and drawer are assembled using butt joints, pre-drilled holes and particle board screws. These parts are set aside and the participant begins to assemble the face frame using the pocket-hole jig and also the doors using grooves and tenons produced on the table saw. The cut-off saw is used to cut the door rails to finished length AFTER the groove is cut, since the final length of these pieces is too short to safely cut the grooves. Following this, the tenons are cut on the rails and the doors can be assembled. Once the doors are complete, the holes are drilled for the European hinges and the hinges are attached. The face frame is then attached to the cabinet and then the doors are added. The drawer is subsequently installed and the drawer face is attached. Finally the finished countertop is installed.

· Prerequisite skills; what level of competency/expertise is required for safe, successful participation. This course requires intermediate-level skill with the table saw and cut-off saw; in addition, basic knowledge of the drill press, hand drill, router and air nailer are needed. Some knowledge of assemble techniques would be useful.

· Project/product to be made. Participants will build a 21” wide kitchen-style cabinet with a door/drawer combination configuration, a solid wood face frame, and a custom made countertop.

· Duration of course. The course will take 15-18 hours to complete in 2 ½ to 3-hour weekly sessions. Participants may also need extra time outside of the sessions to complete the various stages of the project so that it may be completed on time.

· Cost of materials beyond $10 fee. Approximately $100

(02-28-08)