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How To Build Modern Kitchen Cabinets
It is advisable to fasten the back panel in place temporarily to keep the carcase square while the glue is given time to set. The carcase is turned upside down so that the bottom rail (B) can be joined to the side members. Glue is spread in the groove and over the tongue. One clamp applied across the front directly over the bottom rail will suffice.
The front frame is made up and assembled as a separate unit. It is then fastened to the carcase with finishing nails. This unit consists of the two stiles (E), the top rail (F), intermediate rail (G), bottom rail (H) and the muntin (K). The rails, muntin and stiles are joined together by means of mortise and tenon joints.
The mortises in the edge of each stile, to receive the tenoned rails, are laid out as shown in the detail sketch of the stile (E). Each mortise is 3/8" wide and 11/8" deep. After the mortises have been cut, the tenons on the ends of each rail should be laid out and cut to fit the mortises. The muntin (K) requires the laying out and cutting of mortises in the top and intermediate rails to take the tenoned muntin. The size of these mortises is alike in all cases but their location depends on the cabinet width. While Note (C) in the detail sketch gives various dimensions for the location of the mortise, it is important to keep in mind that the mortise must be placed equidistant from the ends. After the mortises have been cut, the tenons are laid out and cut on the ends of muntin (K) to fit the mortises.
Provision must be made in the top rail (F) to take the cutting board. As shown in the detail sketch, the rail is notched for this purpose. Note (A) gives various dimensions of cutting boards for different sizes of cabinets while Note (B) establishes the distance between the shoulder of the tenon and the end of the cut that is to take the cutting board.
Assembly of the front frame is started by gluing the muntin (K) to the top and intermediate rails (F) and (G). After the rails have been glued to the stilea, a clamp is applied across the frame to hold the members while the glue dries. It is of the utmost importance to check the corners with a trysquare to make certain that the rails are at right angles to the stiles. Failure to have the corners square will cause difficulty when completing the cabinet. After the glue has set, the frame is fastened to the carcase with finishing nails. Filler strip (T) can be set in place under the bottom and between the bottom rails (B) and (H). Brads fasten it .
