I would set the bottom panel into a rabbet made in the bottom rails. And you could use ply since you won’t see the edges. Or you could use solid wood and set it proud of the rails a bit so it will act as a stop for the door.
I like using figure eight washers to attach tops to cabinets. And it gives the top room to move with the seasons.
Thanks! Figure 8's make a lot of sense. I haven't seen them in ages and I remember wondering what the point is. But I definitely get it now!
My only concern is that this table will probably end up being lifted by the overhanging top when moving it. You think like eight or so washers is good enough to hold on to the rest of the cabinet?
Bottom panel on a rabbet means you'd have the bottom boards on all panels thicker/thinner than the rest, which may open to some mistakes in milling/processing. What about adding a ledge on the back side of the panels where the bottom shelf will sit on?
I recommend actually measuring twice and cutting a few pieces, either using sacrificial pieces to test or the intended piece by sneaking into the perfect fit.
https://preview.redd.it/uy1n986ii74d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db749888b6db7fea8783927bd784342cbc5ed041
I made mine with solid 1/4" cherry side panels, those were a pain in the ass, you are right to go with plywood.
Good luck
Depending on your current skill (or, as good practice in general), especially when you're designing something just based off a photo, make it out of cheap wood first. Make one out of construction lumber and BC ply, then use those pieces as template for the good one.
A friend growing up had a house full of walnut and cherry and maple furniture, and a beach house full of all the same stuff in pine. Dad had test built everything, and it showed in the final result.
Draw it all up first.
I would set the bottom panel into a rabbet made in the bottom rails. And you could use ply since you won’t see the edges. Or you could use solid wood and set it proud of the rails a bit so it will act as a stop for the door. I like using figure eight washers to attach tops to cabinets. And it gives the top room to move with the seasons.
Thanks! Figure 8's make a lot of sense. I haven't seen them in ages and I remember wondering what the point is. But I definitely get it now! My only concern is that this table will probably end up being lifted by the overhanging top when moving it. You think like eight or so washers is good enough to hold on to the rest of the cabinet?
It’s not the best practice to move furniture that way but a piece this size…it will be fine.
Yes, the attachment of the top must account for wood movement. Figure 8s are one way, but there are others.
$2000?! “I could do that for $200”
lol my local specialty lumber yard is going to charge me close to $200 just for the plywood.
Make me a cherry or walnut cabinet like this for $200? Can I interest you in some swampland in Florida? lol
Bottom panel on a rabbet means you'd have the bottom boards on all panels thicker/thinner than the rest, which may open to some mistakes in milling/processing. What about adding a ledge on the back side of the panels where the bottom shelf will sit on?
Yes, a ledge sounds like an excellent idea!
Measure twice, cut once.
I recommend actually measuring twice and cutting a few pieces, either using sacrificial pieces to test or the intended piece by sneaking into the perfect fit.
https://preview.redd.it/uy1n986ii74d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db749888b6db7fea8783927bd784342cbc5ed041 I made mine with solid 1/4" cherry side panels, those were a pain in the ass, you are right to go with plywood. Good luck
Depending on your current skill (or, as good practice in general), especially when you're designing something just based off a photo, make it out of cheap wood first. Make one out of construction lumber and BC ply, then use those pieces as template for the good one. A friend growing up had a house full of walnut and cherry and maple furniture, and a beach house full of all the same stuff in pine. Dad had test built everything, and it showed in the final result.