Tweet
Since building a very satisfying pair of Overnight Sensations from ErichH's flat packs I've been noodling on the idea of building a curved cabinet set of OS MTM's.
While curved cabinets are not new here, I thought it might be of value if I were to include drawings that can be used to replicate these cabinets. In addition, I'm going to describe how they can be built and veneered with basic tools.
Since this thread is targeted at the less experienced it is worth talking about realistic build expectations. Since WWII improvements in manufacturing efficiency has created a world of consumers that are not familiar with the satisfaction of homemade craftsmanship or characteristics of handmade. There are some obvious exceptions to be found here.
If you are new to woodworking expect to make mistakes. Do not set yourself up for failure by expecting machine made perfection. There is an adage that says 'The difference between a wood butcher and a craftsman is the ability to hide ones mistakes.' Every build will have misplaced cuts, splintered veneers and fisheyes in the finish. Deal with it, imperfections are a sign of handmade craftsmanship. A craftsman is almost always their own worst critic. OK, time to get off my soapbox...
Attached are *.jpg files that can be printed full-size as cutting templates. DXF files that can be sent to a CNC shop are available for the asking. For this build I sent the DXF files to a local Car Audio shop. In return for my $125 I received 10 top/bottoms, 8 internal frames and 3 inner baffles. This is enough to build 3 MTM's and 2 TM's. A jigsaw, router with pattern bit and lots of sawdust later you can have the same frames for a lot less money.
The inner baffles are primarily to provide rigidity while the sides are skinned. The more obsessed will miter both the front and back baffles, I did not. Once the first skins are on and glue cured you have a very rigid and strong structure.
The attached photos respresent a couple of leisurely hours gluing and clamping. The next steps are to cleanup the joints with sandpaper and apply the first skins. Dimensions for the first skins are 9-3/4" x 16" x 1/8".
Tomorrow I will share my frame glue-up procedure. Two 12", four 6" bar clamps and some blue painters tape are needed for each cabinet frame glue up. The HF, read China import, screw clamp type are fine. Till tomorrow...
While curved cabinets are not new here, I thought it might be of value if I were to include drawings that can be used to replicate these cabinets. In addition, I'm going to describe how they can be built and veneered with basic tools.
Since this thread is targeted at the less experienced it is worth talking about realistic build expectations. Since WWII improvements in manufacturing efficiency has created a world of consumers that are not familiar with the satisfaction of homemade craftsmanship or characteristics of handmade. There are some obvious exceptions to be found here.
If you are new to woodworking expect to make mistakes. Do not set yourself up for failure by expecting machine made perfection. There is an adage that says 'The difference between a wood butcher and a craftsman is the ability to hide ones mistakes.' Every build will have misplaced cuts, splintered veneers and fisheyes in the finish. Deal with it, imperfections are a sign of handmade craftsmanship. A craftsman is almost always their own worst critic. OK, time to get off my soapbox...
Attached are *.jpg files that can be printed full-size as cutting templates. DXF files that can be sent to a CNC shop are available for the asking. For this build I sent the DXF files to a local Car Audio shop. In return for my $125 I received 10 top/bottoms, 8 internal frames and 3 inner baffles. This is enough to build 3 MTM's and 2 TM's. A jigsaw, router with pattern bit and lots of sawdust later you can have the same frames for a lot less money.
The inner baffles are primarily to provide rigidity while the sides are skinned. The more obsessed will miter both the front and back baffles, I did not. Once the first skins are on and glue cured you have a very rigid and strong structure.
The attached photos respresent a couple of leisurely hours gluing and clamping. The next steps are to cleanup the joints with sandpaper and apply the first skins. Dimensions for the first skins are 9-3/4" x 16" x 1/8".
Tomorrow I will share my frame glue-up procedure. Two 12", four 6" bar clamps and some blue painters tape are needed for each cabinet frame glue up. The HF, read China import, screw clamp type are fine. Till tomorrow...
Attached Files
Comment