When looking to spruce up your living room, or maybe a add some flair next to your fireplace, or perhaps an entertainment center in your basement, some custom built-ins can go a long way. Here are some tools that I use when making built ins:
Good Table Saw: A good table saw goes a long way, it's important to make sure your lumber and plywood is as square as possible. I also use a quality blade, a finishing blade to avoid tear outs and splintering.
A Dado Stack: Another benefit to having a table saw, is you can install a dato stack blade, this will allow you to cut datos and rabbets in your plywood, or grooves that receive the plywood. This is the best way to ensure you have the strongest cabinet possible. Its reminiscent of old mortis and tenon joinery, the idea being you join the wood together for a strong lasting joint.
Pocket Screw Jig: Kregg makes the best one I've found, its easy to set the correct depth and can be moved to fit on the cabinet, or set up in a clamp for efficient hole drilling. Specially designed screws, as well as some glue, secure the pieces together for a long time.
Wood Glue: Wood glue applied in every joint helps keep the built in or cabinets secured for a long time. Depending on what your project is, you might need a different type of glue, one with more dry tine. Titebond is my glue of choice for most projects.
Hopefully these tips help when trying your hand at building some cabinets of shelves to spruce up a nook in your home.
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