Hello all,
Hope everyone is safe and healthy during this pandemic. I am back for a new project.
Now that we can't travel, I have plenty of time for DIY projects, so I will start ripping off all our closets one by one to put shelves and cabinet in them. We have both walk-in and reach-in closets.
I've been watching gazillion of YouTube videos on cabinet making and getting super itchy to start. But first thing first, I'd like to get your input and tips on few remaining open questions.
I don't have those kick-ass woodworking shop uber saws, but I have most stuff that homeowners have such as 10" sliding miter saw, 10" job site table saw, 7" circular saw, jigsaw, drill sanders, router etc. And I have been building jigs to help me make repeatable cuts such as rip cuts with a constant width, dado cuts with router/circular/table saw, etc.
1) What is the easiest method to cut the locking rabbet joint for drawers? I have seen tutorial using a 1/4" wide dado stack, but the plywood I have is under 1/2" thick and each blade is 1/8, so it won't work for me. Is there a jig or spacers to help with making consistent cuts on the table saw?
2) I have a biscuit joiner, would that kind of joint strong enough? Definitely faster then cutting the lock-rabbet.
3) I don't like painting the cabinets. What kind of finish is durable enough for storing clothes? Polyurethane? Danish Oil? Tung Oil? I don't mind the clear look. Is it faster to finish before cutting the 4x8 into smaller pieces? Do we light sand plywood before finish?
4) Is a plywood C-3 grade smooth enough and easy to finish? I like this plywood Columbia Forest Products 3/4 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. PureBond Maple Plywood from HD. Another option would be a pre-finished plywood for an additional 10% cost Swaner Hardwood Prefinished Birch Plywood (Common: 3/4 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft.; Actual: 0.703 in. x 48 in. x 96 in.). The core seems of higher quality (13ply vs 7ply) as well. My only concern is how can I get the edge to match the finish.
Thanks much