Frame and Panel

I need a back piece for my cabinet. I can't just use solid wood. Solid wood moves due to constant changes in moisture during the changes of the seasons. If I used a solid piece the back would blow out. A frame with a solid wood panel is a great way to trap wood movement.




Mortise and Tenon joints is how the frame is put together. Before I glue the panel up, I route a groove on the inside edge so I can fit the panel into the frame.



The Frame all glued up. I made the panel out of Ash. The frame is the same as the cabinet, Poplar. The back piece is oversize; I will plane it down to make a nice tight fit. Once it is fitted, I glue it in place.



I am hoping to have the cabinet done in the next couple of days.

I have learned a lot making this cabinet. There have been many points of frustration. Not every step has gone smoothly for me. I feel very prepared for my first piece, now that I have gone through the whole cabinet making process.

Speaking of first projects. I have spent the better part of this evening drawing my first piece. Most of my drawing techniques come from my blueprint classes while at NAIT. I'm not a great sketcher. I do need to have something to show my instructor what I am planning to build. I originally planned to make a cabinet with a frame and panel door. I did my first sketch and it just didn't work for me. I decided to change the design. Once I finished that drawing I was even more discouraged. Both drawings were boring, had no creativity and I wasn't excited to build them. I was at the point where I decided not to do a frame and panel door. I did a completely different design. I was moving in a better direction.

I decided to take a look at Jim Krenov's book A Cabinetmakers Notebook, to get some ideas for drawers and dovetails. The majority of Krenov's work has a simple design. The small details he puts in his work makes these simple designs brilliant. I came across one of his cabinet's that had a frame and panel door that was just stunning. I now have a new direction and a new design. I am by no means going to copy Jim's cabinet. I now have inspiration to build a cabinet that I am really excited about. Tomorrow I will make a more detailed drawing of my cabinet and start thinking what wood will work with this design!