Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
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6/27/2008
Shaker Doors
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
What is your preferred method to make shaker style cabinet doors for a kitchen application. What is the maximum thickness you would use for such doors? |
| A. |
I just use a simple raised panel cutter on a 3 1/4HP variable speed Porter Cable router table with the speed set at 11,000 rpm. I like the horizontal style cutters with ball bearing guides used with a router fence best. The best bit is a ogee that makes a 1 1/4" profile. Shakers kept it simple. So do I. 1 inch is the thickness that I use. |
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6/25/2008
Cabinet Doors
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I'm about to make my first attempt at building raised panel doors. I've already got a couple of router bit sets, both with back cutters, my problem is sizing the panel. I've read numerous articles, watched videos and also attended a few seminars but no one seems to agree on the correct allowance for wood movement. Could you please help me, by the way, I am planning on using space balls to keep the door from rattling. Unless of course you have a better suggestion. |
| A. |
Expect all solid wood with a moisture content of 6% to 8% to expand and contract 1/8" across the grain per foot of width. That is due to the fluctuations in humidity during changing seasons. That is why so many people end up with cracks and checks. Glad you asked this wood tech. question. That is my specialty in my Forestry degree. Space balls are an excellent idea, they work! The wood does not move along the length of the grain in a significant way. So plan you cuts accordingly. |
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6/24/2008
Install Hinges
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
HI MIKE I HAVE A HARD TIME INSTALLING HINGES ON CABINET DOORS I CAN NEVER GET IT TO LINE UP OR LOOK RIGHT IS THERE A TRICK ? |
| A. |
Hinge placement is approximately the length of the hinge equals its placement at the top and bottom of the door. In general measure 2 1/2" down from the top and up from the bottom of the door, and that’s where the hinge should be placed. Good luck. Mike |
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2/25/2008
Cabinet Face Frames
Answer provided by Marc Adams
| Q. |
When building the front frames for kitchen
cabinets which construction method do you prefer? Mortise vs. pocket hole
joinery. I am a woodworker with what I would say intermediate experience and I
am looking for advice as I plan my project. Will the pocket hole hold up? I
have seen some sources that recommend this method because of the possibility of
adjustment and repair. I will be using plywood for the box and maple for the
front frames. |
| A. |
With all the choices available for face frame joinery
pocket hole would be my first choice by far. Just be aware that screws will in time require
maintenance where mortise and tenons , biscuits and dowels are more permanent. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/18/2008
Router Size
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
What
router size (hp?, speed?) would you recommend for making raised panel cabinet
doors using 1/2" router bits. These bits can cut the rails and styles
using bits assembled to make the full detail. Also the raised panel bit. I see
there are >3hp routers but quite a few choices in the 2 1/4hp class. Will
the 2 1/4 do the job? |
| A. |
Raised
panels in your future? Go with the Porter Cable 3 ¼ hp variable speed for best
results. Dial down the speed when the large cutters are used for better cuts. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/15/2008
Kitchen Cabinets
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
Would
it be best to use VC plywood or melamine coated particle board for kitchen
cabinets (when not subject to water)? |
| A. |
I
like plywood for cabinets! It just seems stronger and better. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/1/2008
Cabinet Making
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
What is the easiest way to precisely cut the
fixed shelf of a TV cabinet stand that has six 2 inch square legs? The cabinet is 72 inches wide 22 inched deep
and 22 inches tall. A leg at each corner
and two in front spaced in about 18 inches from the corner and two in back
matching the front. I want the legs to
basically pass through the fixed shelf and have a tight fit around he
legs. Therefore the legs should fit into
"notches" cut into the outside edge of the shelf. I am looking for a technique to make the
shelf fit tightly without any noticeable gaps.
|
| A. |
This is a job for a hand held jig saw with a
“smooth” cutting blade. Size the shelves on the table saw first then notch the
corners with the jig saw. Sand lightly, and you are home free! |
[ Back To Main ]
1/29/2008
Woodworking Plans
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I am a beginner and reviewing the plans for kitchen cabinet
(it is going in the garage), I have no idea what tools (router bits) and
materials I need.
Can you make a suggestion?
|
| A. |
Craig, Time to head to a Woodcraft Store and go
to the book section. They have tons of great books that spell out all the very
detailed steps on CABINET MAKING. In short, try to keep it simple. Use pocket
joints for the door frames, inset ¼” plywood door panels and use a table saw to
cut the plywood for the cabinets. I recommend using half lap hinges to hang the
doors because they are very adjustable and easy to put on.
|
[ Back To Main ]
6/29/2007
Mortise and Tenon
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
i plan on making new kitchen cabinet doors, im
going to use pine and making rail and stile frame with bead board flat
panels.what would be easier and faster for a beginner?using the tablesaw
or router to make the tenons. |
| A: |
I vote for
the table saw and the tenonning jig. Nothing is easier or faster. The jig is
about 100 buck and is supurb!
|
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Cutter Recommendation for Cabinet Doors
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I'm looking to buy a shaper cutter
for making cabinet doors. I don't want a raised panel door. I want to make a
door with stiles and rails, but with a flat 1/4" panels. A very plain door. What
cutter do you recommend? |
| A: |
I like the Delta 42 003
ovolo cope and pattern set. You can just buy the 1/4" matched cutters from this
set too. Remember that plywood thicknesses are slightly undersized so carefully
buy the stock closest to ¼” to avoid door rattles. |
