The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture & Cabinet Construction

by Andy Rae

Overview

Your essential resource for mastering the art of furniture making

This comprehensive guide empowers you with a working knowledge of woodworking materials, improved control over your work and tools, and an understanding of fundamental design principles, enabling you to create beautiful, functional furniture. With detailed explanations of various techniques, you'll learn how to select the best methods for your projects.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this guide provides the tools and knowledge needed to craft stunning furniture pieces that will last for generations.

Key Features:

• Component Breakdown: Understand the construction process by learning about each furniture component in detail.

• Techniques and Tips: Discover a variety of woodworking techniques and expert advice to elevate your skills and projects.

• Material Knowledge: Gain insights into different woodworking materials and their applications for informed decision-making.

• Design Principles: Learn essential design principles that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your furniture creations.

• Illustrated Guidance: Benefit from clear illustrations that complement the text, making complex concepts easy to grasp.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561584024
Publisher:	Taunton Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/15/2001
Series:	Complete Illustrated Guides (Taunton)
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 11.16(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Andy Rae worked with George Nakashima and Frank Klausz before founding his own woodworking business. He has been awarded a New Jersey Council of the Arts Fellowship for his furniture designs. A former editor of "American Woodworker," Rae currently works in Asheville, North Carolina, making furniture as well as teaching and writing about woodworking.

Table of Contents

Table Of Contents
Introduction

How to Use This Book


Part One Tools and Materials


SECTION 1 Shop Necessities
Shop Space and Fixtures
Mobilize Your Workshop

SECTION 2 Woodworking Machines and Tools
Basic Handheld Power Tools
Favorite Edge Tools
Fundamental Layout Tools
Sharpening Gear
Clamps

SECTION 3 Working Wood
Buying and Preparing Solid Wood
Flattening a Board by Hand
Smoothing with Edge Tools
Good Sanding Techniques
Keeping Parts Flat
Plywood and Other Man-Made Boards
Mixing Materials
Laying Out and Cutting Plywood
Making Your Mark
Choosing and Using Glue

SECTION 4 Designing Furniture
Understanding Wood Movement


Part Two Box and Case Construction


SECTION 5 Basic Cases
Inside Case Parts
Securing to a Wall

SECTION 6 Shelves
Shelf Joinery
Open Shelves
Shelf Options
Dressing Up a Shelf

SECTION 7 Nails, Screws, and Other Fasteners
Nails and Screws
Hardware Solutions

SECTION 8 Assembling Cases
Clamping Problems

SECTION 9 Cutting and Attaching Moldings
Working with Moldings

SECTION 10 Drawers
Drawer Construction
Tray Construction
Drawer Interiors

SECTION 11 Drawer Hardware
Drawer Slides
Computer Hardware
Drawer Pulls


Part Three Doors


SECTION 12 Building Doors
Doors with Panels
Solid Doors
Glass Lights

SECTION 13 Fitting and Hinging Doors
Installing Basic Hinges
Specialty Hinges
Shopmade Hinges
Hiding Doors

SECTION 14 Door Pulls and Hardware
Pulls and Handles
Locks
Catches and Bumpers


Part Four Bases, Feet, and Stands


SECTION 15 Bases
Toekicks
Installing Cabinets

SECTION 16 Feet
Feet and Casters

SECTION 17 Stands
Making Stands


Part Five Frame Construction


SECTION 18 Legs and Aprons
Strong Joints
Aprons and Rails
Legs

SECTION 19 Chairs and Stools
Chair Joints
Chair Backs
Chair Seats
Hitting the Floor

SECTION 20 Face Frames
Making Face Frames
Corner Units

SECTION 21 Frame and Panel
Making Panels
Back Strategies


Part Six Tabletops and Work Surfaces


SECTION 22 Making Tops
Top Construction
Top Options
Leaves and Ends

SECTION 23 Attaching Tops
Allowing for Movement
Hardware Solutions

Sources

Further Reading

Index

Editorial Reviews

This how-to primer is divided into six parts: tools and materials; box and case construction; doors; bases, feet, and stands; frame construction; and tabletops and work surfaces. Copious color photos illustrate processes and objects, and line drawings detail intricacies. The major parts begin with overviews, and proceed to specifics, with safety warnings integral to all explanations. This book begins so much at the beginning that it shows the aspirant how to build a shop with special racks and shelves to hold the various tools one will be buying. The book looks so good, and makes the procedures so vivid, the novice might believe she can learn even the more complex processes. Still, the quality and amount of tools (especially the clamps!) pictured here just might sober her up. Oversize: 9.5x11<"> Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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