| Cherry and Maple Medicine Cabinet -- Finishing Touches |
From "Wood Works"
episode WWK-208 |
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With the case and door essentially complete, the finishing steps in the construction of the maple and cherry medicine cabinet include installation of a magnetic latch, addition of a decorative handle and application of a wood finish. Materials: Magnetic latch
Wooden handle
Cordless drill; counter-sink bit
Screwdriver
Polyurethane gel finish
Paint brushes
Rags
Figure-8 metal fasteners
Note: Cut sizes may vary. For exact measurements, please contact David Marks through his Web site -- information below under Resources. Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc. Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves when working with wood stains and solvents.
Steps:
- To hold the cabinet door securely in place when closed, a small magnetic latch is installed. Drill two holes in the case and install some dowel-centers. Then, close the door to mark the locations on the doorframe where the other half of the magnetic latch will be installed.
- Drill the holes in the doorframe using a counter-sink bit (figure A) so that the door will sit flush when closed.
- With the holes drilled, simply screw on the latches (figure B).
- Before adding the glass shelves for the interior, the mirror and the door handle, apply a wood finish to the cabinet. In our demonstration, a special polyurethane gel was selected as a finish. The polyurethane finish will help protect the wood from moisture.
- The finish will not only protect the wood, but will also help highlight the dovetail joinery (figure C) and bring out the dramatic grain pattern of the bird's eye maple and the rich tones of the purple-heart splines (figure D).
- After the finish has dried, place the mirror in the rabbet, followed by the plywood back panel (figure E).
- Attach the back panel with screws using the holes that were pre-drilled earlier in the project.
- Mount the door to the cabinet (figure F), and attach the handle to the door. For our cabinet, a black handle based on a Japanese design was selected to provide a nice contrast against the lighter maple (figure G).
- A block of wood inserted behind the door will prevent chip-out when drilling the holes for mounting the handle.
- Finally, add the pre-cut glass shelves to the inside of the cabinet (figure H).
In the finished piece, the delicate joinery and purple-heart accents provide a visual contrast to the bird's eye maple. This solid piece of wall furniture embodies simplicity and craftsmanship, and would coordinate well in most any bathroom setting.
Important Tip for Wall-Mounting: Because of its weight, this medicine cabinet should be secured and anchored to the studs in the wall when mounting.
Care Tip: Because of the high humidity level in bathrooms, it will be a good idea to re-apply the polyurethane finish about every two years.
Sponsored Resource
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RESOURCES :
Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456
Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985
David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com
Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com
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