Cabinet Questions

[havighurst]

The LOML wants me to build a small cabinet for the bathroom. She wants it painted, so I thought I would make the carcass out of MDF and prime it real good before painting. My questions are: What type of wood should I use for the face frame? If I make the doors out of MDF, should I use 1/2" or 3/4"? Lastly, I have read that MDF doesn't hold screws well. Is there any secret to attaching hinges so they don't pull out?

Thanks.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Why not use MDF for the frame? If thats a no go then paint grade pine or poplar.

I like to pre-drill MDF with taper drill bits and use coarse thread screws.

[cabinetman]

I would add that using 3/4" MDF would be better than 1/2". Don't drill a hole that's larger than the solid part of the screw.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[RayintheUK]

What type of wood should I use for the face frame?
If I make the doors out of MDF, should I use 1/2" or 3/4"?
Is there any secret to attaching hinges so they don't pull out?

I would use Medite (TM), or other similar brand-name water-resistant 3/4" MDF for this project.

I would not use a face frame at all, but attach a full overlay door with European hinges. If a face frame is a must, then I would use the same material, attached with biscuits. Water-resistant MDF has a really dense core and machines real well. If prepared well, it will finish like glass.

You don't give dimensions, so it's not possible to work out whether the door would be rail, style and panel, or a solid rectangle. If rail and style, any panel size down to 1/4" is OK.

If it's a solid piece, attach the hinges (preferably sprung clip-ons) with 17mm screws - don't overtighten them. Use a cordless to spin them most of the way, finally tightening by hand. That way the screw holes will not strip or crumble and your hinges will be good for years.

Ray.

[havighurst]

Thanks for the assistance. I was going to use solid rectangle doors. I don't think I am ready to tackle rail and stile doors yet. However, that could be an excuse for a new tool!