Tools For Cabinetmaking

What tools would I need if I wanted to start building cabinets? (Part 1)

I asked that question to myself about 40 years ago and I realized then, as I do now,  it’s not a question with a simple answer. Practically all woodworking tools can be used in cabinetmaking to one degree or another. The problem lies in choosing the right tools that will help you produce a well built cabinet easier and as accurately as possible. To that end, I have comprised a short list of categories that I believe you need to look at before you consider buying any tool for the purposes of cabinet making. You will need several tools from each to even begin to feel capable of doing quality cabinetmaking.

All the tools listed in the categories below are what I consider essential for producing custom cabinets. But, the question is: “What type of cabinets do you plan to make?” Are you building as a hobby or do you plan on making it a living? Are you just looking to buy a gift or just want to add to your tool inventory? If your going to get serious about it (continue reading…)

This is one of the tools for cabinetmaking  that I recommend. The Delta 10″ UNISAW model 36-L352 with a 52″  Biesemeyer fence is, in my opinion, probably one of the best table saws Delta has ever made. There are so many quality features in this saw that anyone thinking of purchasing a cabinet saw for their shop should put this table saw at the top of their list.

A staple in any cabinet shop, this cabinetmaker’s  table saw is the most indispensable piece of equipment you could have. The accuracy, reliability, and ease of use are critical to cutting parts for cabinets. The 10″ Delta

UNISAW with a 3hp motor and the Beisemeyer fence system is a high

Delta 10" UNISAW model 36-L352 with a 52" Biesemeyer fence

caliber machine. As a cabinetmaker for many years, I have relied on Delta table saws and believe that they are very dependable, keep their accuracy over long periods of time, and are easy to maintain.

Here are some features of this cabinetmakers saw: (continue reading…)

Off all the clamps I have used in the 20+ years that I’ve been doing cabinetmaking and mill work I have found that the best clamps are made by the Bessey Corporation. My shop carries  several different kinds of clamps, in various sizes and lengths. We typically are using the standard Bessey general purpose clamps during cabinet face frame attachment. 12″, 18″, and 24″ are the most used. These clamps have a a nice 1″ thick, notched, steel bar. The clamping heads  have available plastic cushions and the grip handle is bigger then the cheaper clamps that are around. Also, the threads on the screw post are hardened and spiral very smoothly. Considering these clamps as part of your shop would not be a mistake at all. A definite  must have tool for cabinetmaking.

In our shop we’ve built a portable rack on wheels. Having the ability

to bring you clamps close to the work being done is much more efficient and saves time. Bigger and much longer clamps like 3/4″ pipe or bar clamps can even be mounted on the rack. Bessey “K” body clamps are the most popular clamp for door assembly and glue-up. Because their jaws remain square to the face when you tighten them up the pressure applied is even across the surface of your material.

If you have a shop and build any type of cabinetry you know how

REVO K Body

important clamps are. There never seems to be enough, and you can always use more. When thinking about tools for cabinetmaking, clamps are at the top of the list to get and I recommend Bessey