Cabinetmaking Procedures for the Small Shop: Commercial Techniques That Really Work

An amateur cabinetmaker, no matter how skillful, runs into a whole new set of problems when he or she takes on a large project—building all the cabinets for a kitchen or a study, for example—or ventures into cabinetmaking as a commercial venture. For these larger production projects, the issues of accurate and consistent measurement, standardization, efficiency, and procedure become crucial. This practical manual explains how to keep the work flowing and how to keep the quality high in a custom cabinet shop.

An amateur cabinetmaker, no matter how skillful, runs into a whole new set of problems when he or she takes on a large project-building all the cabinets for a kitchen or a study, for example-or ventures into cabinetmaking as a commercial venture. For these larger production projects, the issues of accurate and consistent measurement, standardization, efficiency, and procedure become crucial. This practical manual explains how to keep the work flowing and how to keep the quality high in a custom cabinet shop.

Library Journal

Even relatively new woodworkers can make a single serviceable cabinet, but making an entire kitchen-full presents a much greater challenge. Written by professional cabinetmakers, this volume offers a number of production methods used in cabinet shops, which could prove useful for both home woodworkers and professionals. Pros must work quickly and efficiently, but they also have to achieve a high level of quality. Numerous parts must be milled and then kept in order so that work can proceed smoothly. Fristand and Ward show methods, developed over 20 years in the shop, that work for them. They assume that readers are competent woodworkers, covering a great deal of ground in only 93 pages. Minimal but adequate illustrations supplement the text. Useful for both amateurs and professionals, this title is appropriate for comprehensive woodworking collections. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

John Ward is the founder of Artisan Woodworks, a custom cabinet shop. He lives in Sonoma, California. Kevin Fristad was the foreman at Artisan Woodworks and is now the general manager of a large cabinet shop. He lives in Freeland, Washington.