Four MDF Alcove Units - WIP

[BradNaylor]

I'm now three days into a project building four alcove units to be fitted into an Edwardian house in north Manchester. I'm trying to get all the making done this week so I can spend next week painting them, and the following week fitting.

I started off with a cutting list for each unit produced on a spreadsheet. I only have to enter in the size of the alcove and the computer does all the work.

I started off with the doors. Componants cut and machined

Assembling

A couple of brads on the joints saves time and clamps

12 doors in 5 hours - not a bad start.

Day two began with cutting and laying out the componants for the face frames for the upper units

This is where the Domino really comes into its own.

Routing a small moulding round the inside of each frame

Clamped up to set overnight.

Day three is building the carcasess for the base units.

Here I'm screwing on an end panel

Everything is on adjustable legs for levelling

And guess what. The doors fit!

Today I'll be onto the upper cabinets, followed by a lot of sanding...



Cheers
Duncan

 

[Doctor]

Wow, true to your word Dan, it really is all MDF.
You are the alcove King.

 

[BradNaylor]

Wow, true to your word Dan, it really is all MDF.

Funnily enough I've been having second thoughts on the thin rails of the face frames. I'm a bit worried about shelf sag.

I think I'll replace the rails with beech ones.

You are the alcove King.

Hey, it pays the rent.


And some!

:wink:

 

[PowerTool]

Great photos,Dan - thanks for taking the time.
And what a simple (but brilliant) idea your racking is for stacking the doors while they set

Andrew

 

[Dave S]

Interesting to see how you go about making this type of Unit, Dan. Thanks for sharing.

A question about the Domino - presumably, before the Domino, you would have used biscuit for the face frames. How do the two compare for this type of application?

cheers
Dave

 

[adzeman]

12 doors in 5 Hours! isn't bad its brilliant. Your methodology is an eye opener you really have put the manufacture into a fine art.

Do you have an apprentice/family member to pass these skills onto?

Keep up the good work

 

[mailee]

Ah so that is what the rack was for! brilliant! I did mean to ask you about that while I was there Dan but it slipped my mind with everything going on. I can see I have to try harder to get my times down to yours. Great post mate. Keep up the good work. :wink:

 

[BradNaylor]

Ah so that is what the rack was for!

Actually, the rack is for putting doors and panels on while the lacquer or paint dries after spraying. Very handy!

Meanwhile, I acomplished very little today.

I had to take Dan jr to school so didn't get in until 9.15.

Then Karl came round bearing chips for dinner. :lol:

As soon as he'd gone I had a phone call from potential client wanting me to quote for some work so I went out to Mobberley in the afternoon. I got an order and a deposit for two MDF alcove units!!

On the way back driving through Wilmslow I spotted an A board advertising hand-made furniture. So I stopped and popped in. It turned out to be this guy. http://www.garryolson.co.uk/

He was a lovely bloke and we spent the rest of the afternoon gassing about woodworking.

So it was a very nice but unproductive day. One of the luxuries of being self-employed.


:lol:

I promise to do better tomorrow.

Dan

 

[Doctor]

I never get that, being self employed I always want to work harder, I really couldn't imagine just chatting to some one all afternoon when there is work to be done.
Don't get me wrong I like visitors to the workshop but after an hour I just want to get on.

 

[joiner_sim]

I like the method and line of production so far. I am jealous that being self-employed gains you a break when you feel like it though! :roll:

 

[BradNaylor]

I never get that, being self employed I always want to work harder, I really couldn't imagine just chatting to some one all afternoon when there is work to be done.
Don't get me wrong I like visitors to the workshop but after an hour I just want to get on.

That's why I'll never be able to buy a new Lotus!

Thing is though Doc, I work hard. I also like to take time out when the mood takes me though.

For me, self employment with no debt and low costs gives me the freedom to do as I please, within reason.

If I fancy the day off with Mrs T and Dan jr, I can take it. If I fancy spending the afternoon in the pub with Phil instead of working, I can.

It doesn't happen often - I'm usually grafting away - but I have got the choice.

And that to me is the luxury of self-employment!

Cheers
Duncan

 

[Doug B]

I never get that, being self employed I always want to work harder, I really couldn't imagine just chatting to some one all afternoon when there is work to be done.
Don't get me wrong I like visitors to the workshop but after an hour I just want to get on.

That's why I'll never be able to buy a new Lotus!

Thing is though Doc, I work hard. I also like to take time out when the mood takes me though.

For me, self employment with no debt and low costs gives me the freedom to do as I please, within reason.

If I fancy the day off with Mrs T and Dan jr, I can take it. If I fancy spending the afternoon in the pub with Phil instead of working, I can.

It doesn't happen often - I'm usually grafting away - but I have got the choice.

And that to me is the luxury of self-employment!

Cheers
Duncan

My thoughts entirely Dan.
The last week of taking the kids to school has reinforced my determination to put work second, & enjoy what i`ve got, while i can.

 

[Doctor]

Believe me Dan i'm not knocking you for it, I just can't work like that.
Even though its my business I still like to work a regular schedule, I take more holiday than a normal job though and enjoy a few more luxuries.

 

[BradNaylor]

I'm not going to waste any time this morning playing on the interweb. A quick cup of tea and in the workshop by 5.30.

Just what the Doctor ordered!

:wink:

Dan

 

[MickCheese]

These posts are a bit like a TV serialisation, Lost or Heroes, I get to the last post and am disappointed.

I want to change to a pay channel to get the rest of the story before anyone else!

This is really interesting and very informative.

I really like your work.

Thanks for sharing.

Mick

 

[BradNaylor]

Just for Mick then, here's a little taster of the next installment...

Cheers
Duncan

 

[woodbloke]

Dan - where's all the shiny hand tools gone that were on that bench last week?..I thought you'd have at least got a few by now :wink: :lol: - Rob

 

[BradNaylor]

Dan - where's all the shiny hand tools gone that were on that bench last week?..I thought you'd have at least got a few by now :wink: :lol: - Rob

I've been using plenty of hand tools on this job, Rob.

Festool hand tools!

:wink:

Dan

 

[mailee]

I'm not going to waste any time this morning playing on the interweb. A quick cup of tea and in the workshop by 5.30.

Just what the Doctor ordered!

:wink:

Dan

Good Lord Dan! you start work earlier than me! :shock: Mind you I was knackered the other day after starting at 6am and finishing at 8pm.

 

[BradNaylor]

I like to be in the shop by 6.30 - 7.00am

I can get more done in the first few hours before I wake up properly than I can in the rest of the day!

If Mrs T is on an early shift and I have to take Dan jr to school however, I don't get in until after 9.00.

I have been known to go in for a couple of hours before she goes to work at 7.00 though.

Best time of the day!

Dan