Thread: help with my first ever woodwork project

i think it would be a good idea to get a router. u will use it for just about any project, then u can make rebates easily for the glass.

If u dont want to buy a router u could make rebates with the table saw but it wouldnt look as good becuase u will have to cut all the way along the top rail then fill the hole in the end. and make the inside pieces thinner and put the glass in.

i just thought about it more and i was wondering what joint u uses to make the door? did u do a stub tenon or whaterever there called when u make the groove along the edge of all the pieces then trim some bits off the end to make it fit in the groove?

Congratulations on a good looking first project!

I would cut a rebate along the back of the members.
Put the glass in and then use fine brads to hold small rectangular strips in to hold the glass. If a pane gets broken in future it can be replaced easliy.

hsvls1255,

That's a nice looking job pal! Great work on the first attempt. Did your parents name you HSVLS1255 or is that just what your friends call you?

I think that Leigh is right that you'll get a lot of use out of the router and it'd be an easier job than using a table saw to make stopped cuts.

Echidna has already explained the time tested (and best looking) method of mounting glass in the frame.

Have a look into a router bit for cutting rebates with a changeable roller bearing. They're cheap at Bunnings (as are the routers) and you can always upgrade later.

You could glue up the door and cut all 4 panes in four passes with the router handheld.

All the best and be sure to post a photo when you're finished!

Al.

thanks for the comments guys.

have finally finished all the cutting of the timber, now got to get the class and insert it, hopefully is will not stuff it up, took me all day to do the doors.

i think i will just user the table saw, have no money left for a router. since this was my first project , did not have many tools, so when i went to do something like the dowels, had to buy a jig, went to clamp, had to buy clamps..... oh well at least i can you them in the future

oh and the login: hsv ( nice cars ) l1 ( the engine inside ) 255 ( power output/KW). i would not be happy with my folks if they christened my with that name

Hello Friend,
What your friends in the land of OZ are calling a rebate, we call it a rabbet here in the USA and I agree with them about getting a router as soon as you have the money as they are indispensable.


The rebate bits the chap was talking about are inexpensive till you can get better ones and some you can get different sized rollers or bearings to change the depth of the cut.

Great looking job also.

Respectfully,

You're going to have trouble cutting stopped rabbets with a table saw. If they're not stopped, they will be visible from the edges of the door and where the muntins cross in the middle. Depending on how you joined the corners, this might also weaken your joints.

An alternative that doesn't require power tools is to use a bead on both sides of the glass. If you use a moulding, it wont look out of place. Fix the beading for the outside face first, then fit your glass, then fit the beading to the inside.

Bunnings have a Ryobi plunge router yhat takes 1/2" & 1/4" bits for $89.00. Don't know what they are like but may be OK as a starter.

Good looking door for a first effort or second or third or whatever. Keep at it. Its the most fun you can have with your pants on.

Regards
Bob

Hey Ralph,
In oz we go ferreting for rabbets.
The sportsmen don't use nets on the ends of the burrows.
Just stand back with a 12 gauge and give the rabbets a fair chance to escape. (Get the odd ferret occaisionaly instead of the rabbet)

hsvls1255

You'll have to change your name to 'hsvls1285' now.

Ben.

If that Royobi router mentioned is the same as a RE175 plunge router here, I wouldn't recommend it. I have 2 of them I bought, and after a short while, the bits will slip out of the collet if there's the slightest amount of chatter while cutting. Definitely will ruin some wood if you're not careful as it drops while you're cutting.

If you can't afford a router right now, see if you have any rental centers that rent out power tools or you can borrow one from a friend. Some of them here do rent out routers. You defintely want a router or shaper to cut the rabbits for your glass.

took the plunge and bought a router, got the ryobi 1300 gof CE. ( damn credit card companys, why did you make my limit so high ) those things a pretty cool as i have never used on before.

i evan made rabbets ( or are thay dados) for my draws aswell. i took everyones advice and made grooves at the back. it is abit messy and looks a little unsightly but it is the back of the doors so i am not too worried. also it is my first attempt so i can be excused.

nearly finished folks. have stained with feast watsons prooftint( jarrah colour) and putting 2 coats ( maybe three on exterios) of mirrortone finish.

i must admit i am quite impressed with myself.

Good job there for a first attempt.
Might I suggest on your next one, line up the shelf dividers with the door dividers/mullions/muntins?
That probably depends on personal taste, but its what I would do.

Cheers, Allan

if you cant afford a router [groan] on your table saw make up some strips of beading then fix bottom peice and 1 side slide 1 pane of glass then attach last 2 peices of beading ....peice of cake and cheaper toooo Tonto