- A block plane is a common cabinetmaker's tool.woodworking plane image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com
The craft of cabinetmaking relies on tools that can be found in any hardware store and are tools that many people already have in their garage. Anyone can build a cabinet. Just use the basic tools that have been around for years. These are the tools of the trade. - The table saw is the single most important thing in cabinetmaking. All cabinets are mostly made of plywood and composite material that comes in 4-foot by 8-foot sheets. A table saw is used to cut down the individual cabinet components from these sheets. Cabinets also contain solid hardwood lumber. This lumber is used for the face frames of the cabinets. The table saw cuts this lumber into strips that are then cut into lengths by the radial arm saw. This saw is usually against a wall with a long table on either side.
- Once the lumber is cut into pieces, its ready for assembly using a variety of nail guns. The guns range from a 2-inch staple gun down to a pin nailer that shoot pins ranging from 1 1/2-inches down to 5/8 inch. For thin veneers, small staple guns are used that shoot anywhere from 1 inch down to 1/4 inch.
- Clamps are absolutely essential to cabinet making. During assembly, the pieces are usually pinned in a few unseen places, then clamps are used everywhere glue and wood make contact. Bar clamps range from 10 feet down to 18 inches long. When smaller applications are needed, cabinetmakers go to hand clamps. These have smaller handles and are either mounted on a small rail, or the traditional C-clamp shape. These range from 18 inches down to about 6 inches long. For even smaller applications, such as fixing loose splinters, small spring-loaded clamps are applied. Recognize these by their bright orange rubber jaws.
- Hand tools are used after the cabinets are glued and nailed together. Hammers are often used when more power is needed, or a nail gun won't fit the application. For all the edges that don't come together and an edge is left sticking out, chisels and hand planers are used to cut off the exposed edge and flush the joints together. To round the edge of an exposed cabinet, cut holes or trim plastic laminate, a router is absolutely necessary. And when the final inspection before finishing is made, all holes are filled with the putty knife.
- There are several types of sanders. Electric ones are very common, but the bigger shops use pneumatic, or "air sanders." They can either be a rectangular or a circular pad that vibrates. These are used to take the rough edges off everywhere, and to blend the finish down. The other kind of sander is the hand sander. The one used most often is a small block that fits in the palm of your hand to polish the finished cabinet and take out the final scratches.
