Build Kitchen Cabinets with a CNC

Using my homemade cnc to build kitchen cabinets. I use Fusion 360 to design and manufacture my cabinets. Fusion 360 is an Autocad product. I cover uses of making and creating your cabinet library and the tooling that I use for the production of my prefinished birch cabinets. Construction details are blind dados, frame less Euro style cabinets. I use Blum drawer guides and hinges. Edge banding is 1mm thick white pvc applied with mt new Maksiwa edge bander.
There has been interest in uploading my Fusion files. I am listing them on Etsy. I will be adding more until the library is complete.
Here is the link for my Fusion files on Etsy:
www.etsy.com/listing/10695568...
or here:
www.etsy.com/shop/OldGuyWoodw...
Links to products:
Edge Bander: amzn.to/35axH9Y
Edge banding: amzn.to/3xeHIz1
CNC 3/8" compression bit: amzn.to/3vgiaQT
5mm cnc bit: amzn.to/3gfd1nR
1/8" cnc bit: amzn.to/3cArJ6A
Doweling Jig: amzn.to/3iQMtI7
Knobs: amzn.to/2Cqw2m1
Brass Inserts: amzn.to/2PMADlI
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Want stuff? PM me at / oldguywoodworks
Contact:
instagram @oldguywoodworks
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/OldGuyWoodw...
It helps when you buy the stuff we use:
Canon EOS R : amzn.to/3dlU2nu
3M Accuspary system; amzn.to/3dlXsH8
General Finishes conversion varnish satin: amzn.to/2AoskYV
General Finishes conversion varnish semi-gloss: amzn.to/3gDv2u3
Blum Drawer Slides : amzn.to/2XGcqB0
Blum Half Overlay Hinge: amzn.to/3cbYCn6
Blum Hinge Pocket Jig: amzn.to/36M7PRY
Walnut Edgebanding: amzn.to/3eyXcV9
CA Glue: amzn.to/3eyb2XV
Kohler sink: amzn.to/2zBMDlF

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Using a cnc for cabinet build almost makes me a 2 person shop.

[@delimastein8044]

May I ask what kind of CNC you use to build these cabinets?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@delimastein8044 I built my own from various components online. The software I use if Mach4 from Artsoft which is the CGode reader for the files I get from Fusion. Fusion will generate a bunch of GCode for different cnc machines.

[@delimastein8044]

@@OldGuyWoodworks okay, thank you so much!

[@MrTresto]

Beyond the fast cuts, having the holes, dados, etc pre-drilled is the real game changer. Takes forever to adjust cabinets built/cut by hand

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

And my cnc is slow. Thanks for watching.

[@CarlosEcheverriaOne]

Sr., You're a master on all axis, from all the cabinet makers trough CNC I've seen on KZbin, I'll give you the first place as you were able to build your own Wooden CNC.. almost a master piece all that Fusion 360 Cabinet library builder yourself.. Happily impressed with your smart stuff..!! ✌️✌️🎖️🎖️🎖️🏆🏆🏆

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I'm glad you enjoy watching. Thanks for the support.

[@erikslagter3231]

wow, that is another level. Great to see such a complete video about a real job!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@courtneyfaas1266]

This is awesome. I love how detailed you get in your design. Most people just get mad at me when I try to show them my designs! They dont get it.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching.

[@parsonswoodworks6559]

awesome video ...surprising how useful even a homebuilt cnc could be ..even at an hour a sheet when you factor how much handling you reduce through all the subsequent steps its really a force multiplier for the shop. Between that and the edgebander set up, really an affordable set up to be competitive cabinet shop.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

You are correct. An hour a sheet sounds terrible, but You can do plenty of things while it's doing it's thing.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Great video. I might need to binge this channel next year. My mom needs a new kitchen, but prices have gone through the roof, so the only way it's going to be affordable is if I can do a lot of the work myself. Time is the main challenge, and CNC routing might be the partial solution.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I appreciate the support. Thanks for watching.

[@m41lo20]

Nicely done sir

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I appreciate the kind remarks. Thanks for watching.

[@stephendallasdraws2929]

Great video! I grew up in a cabinet-maker's home. The business my dad owned had a CNC machine that cost around $250,000 at the time. Now the price/size has come down enough, I'm thinking about getting one in my garage haha.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Sorry for the late reply as we are in the process of moving the shop. It’s amazing even in the last few years how much the price has come down on CNC’s. Thanks for watching.

[@jrholliday7]

Appreciate the video! Fusion is awesome

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

What I really like about it is the ability to send to CAM and create all my GCode. Cost is reasonable too.

[@paramtrx9558]

Amazing!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I owe it all to Fusion. Thanks for watching.

[@Adrian-y-una-casita]

I want to learn from this man!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Thanks for the endorsement. In the process of building new shop. Hopefully more videos coming soon.

[@db0nn3r]

Technology for the win.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

No kidding. More accurate and efficient every time. Thanks for watching.

[@arelfarrington9943]

Thanks for sharing! I'd like to eventually run a cnc in my shop for the same purpose. Def will save time and be more profitable.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

You won't regret it. It's like another person in the shop. Thanks for watching.

[@jimihills]

Your the mān Thankyou for this video

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I appreciate that. Can you pass that on to my wife?

[@paramtrx9558]

Dude! Your parameters had inches and millimeters.. thats some high level stuff!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Depends on what dimension I'm using. I use mm for reveals and wherever I install hardware as they are all European.

[@graveurgraveur2691]

Bravo!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@dsaworxcarpentrysolutions9155]

Nice 👌

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching.

[@decaf80]

Awesome job need your library 🤣

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I'm in the process of cleaning up the files and will be posting them on my Etsy page.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Just started loading some files to Etsy. Hopefully I'll have a complete library soon. www.etsy.com/listing/1069556804/base-cabinet-with-full-height-doors?ref=shop_home_active_1

[@paramtrx9558]

You can do other things while the machine is running.. so true! You can work on the parts from the sheet that's hot off the presses

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Absolutely!! Thanks for watching.

[@stoiawooddesign]

Great video! Curious where you purchase your doors, drawer faces and boxes from? Thanks!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

From a place in Huntington Beach, CA. Ideal Drawer.

[@lorihughes8873]

Impressive John!! Carries kitchen? I’m going to need a tv cabinet 😜

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Yes it is the kitchen.

[@magicman9486]

piece of advice. turn your nailer perpedicular to the piece you nailing to prevent nails from hitting something hard and deflecting out the side of your work

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Roger that.

[@pazuso]

Amazing video. I was wondering how much time and effort to package (wrap and box) the assembled cabinets for delivery to the site? Or is there a 3rd party company that does that?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

You were watching the delivery guy. The job was close by. i just put them in the back of my truck and hauled them over there. I don't take the boxes with doors mounted. The doors get loaded flat between blankets.

[@chrisgardner3606]

Correction, a high end CNC can drill, machine joints and cut a average sheet of plywood full or cabinet parts in 5 minutes or less.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I am jealous of the high end cnc for sure.

[@chrisgardner3606]

@@OldGuyWoodworks Well then you got to figure out how to keep it busy.

[@acerjuglans383]

Your 1/8" endmill looked burnt. A better alternative when drilling all your different sizes of holes would be to use drill bits meant for CNCs. I just bought an industrial 1/4" drill bit with shank adapter for my Axiom 2' x 4' CNC, so I can drill dowel holes in my projects. I think I'll be getting a 5mm bit and adapter next.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I'm sure it is. I need the ability to control the speed on my router, otherwise it can't be avoided. Thanks for the input.

[@acerjuglans383]

@@OldGuyWoodworks Ohhhh, yes. My 1/4" bit from Amana is rated at 8000 rpm maximum.

[@morganrawlings20]

Hey love the video. What edge banding machine do you use? And trimmer?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I was just using it this weekend and I was thinking how much I love this thing. I did a video. It's the Maksiwa Bander and Trimmer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e169dYyXp5t7rZo

[@kartiksundar5531]

Thanks for the video! I bought your Fusion 360 from Etsy. I have also built my own CNC (can't do homing yet) and learning each day 🙂. I have a basic question - As 3 different bit sizes are intended for this cabinet build, there are three different G-code files being generated from CAM in Fusion 360. When I attempted to click on the Setup node in CAM and then generate G-code it mentioned Fusion 360 free version doesn't support Tooling Changes. My question is, how do you generate the G-codes? One for each drill bit operation (If so, does the CNC orient properly upon loading each file?) or do you have the paid Fusions 360 version and does it generate a single G-code file for all the operations (pre-drilling, dados, and cutouts)?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I create a separate file for each tool. When I first set up my cnc I create my home for the X and Y axis. The Z axis is set each time I change operations.

[@drvwoodworks]

Great job. Perhaps you can do a video on how you made the homemade cnc step by step. I'm also curious how much it costs roughly to make one from stratch 🤔

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I did. The playlist is here. kzbin.info/aero/PLKf-yhnIRIB1AtmNG2BbFoX23kpoaVmLQ . Some of my older videos. Quality is fair.

[@drvwoodworks]

@@OldGuyWoodworks cool thanks ill be sure to watch it. 👍

[@pmcummer]

Amazed by how easy it is to modify predesigned cabinets in Fusion. Have you considered sharing the Fusion files for your cabinets?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I have. I'm not sure everyone would think like I do when it comes to the actual build/design. There are still some bugs here and there that I keep finding. Nothing terrible, just annoying. The more I use them the better they get.

[@pmcummer]

@@OldGuyWoodworks well I am very interested. Please let me know how we can arrange this. [e-mail]

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@pmcummer I would probably just put them on my Etsy page and sell from there. My issue being I don't want to be a software company that has to support the files.

[@RyoKKK]

@@OldGuyWoodworks are you still planning on selling it on your Etsy page cause its a awesome library

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@RyoKKK yes. I am in the process of "cleaning" the files right now and will be putting them on the Etsy page soon. Not sure exactly when, the process is tedious.

[@arcone3055]

Hey buddy. Thx for the vid. I'm having a major headache with my cnc. I'm cutting mdf boards for kitchen cabinets and most of the time, like 8 out of 10 cuts, the laminate chips off from where the bit enters and a lot of times where the ramps end and inbetween. I use mostly 6 and 8 millimeter downcut bits. I've tried to avoid the ramps, but it chips off the laminate from the other side. I've also tried different entry points and that didn't help. My feed rates are around 3k/min and plunge rates are a little less. I'm using aspire for modeling and mach 4 hobby for g code. The cnc machine has some years on it, but I don't want to jump to that conclusion yet. Could you give some advice on that or maybe direct to an honest forum? I think I have about three weeks until I'm sacked.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I will admit that I use all the defaults on ramps and feed ins and it works fine for me, so I'm not very good with ramp and lead-in speeds. Are you using a down cut bit? If you want both sides to avoid chipping while you cut full thickness, you'll more than likely need a compression bit. I'm not an expert, but I think I would avoid ramping and start my feed from outside my cut. As we speak I'm cutting melamine and the chipping is driving me nuts. The forums I have had the most luck are www.cnczone.com and www.machsupport.com.

[@DesertGardenPrepper]

super interesting video, but seeing that nail come out the side at 8:46 hurt like watching someone get kicked in the tender parts, because it has happened to me so many times 🤣 is there no better way to do assembly? after all that time and expense to get to that stage, and it kind of got ruined, or am I just being a perfectionist? what do you do you recommend?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

That nail came out of the bottom which is under the cabinet and won't be seen. The nail is only to hold it in place once I get it in position and I always angle the nail to make sure if it gets exposed, it comes out on a non visible area. You don't even have to use the nail, it's just for convenience. Perfectionists make the best woodworkers. If I have a "shiner" in an exposed area I will go as far as to make a new part if I can't fix it.

[@zeketeccnc1207]

Great video. After watching this I think I'll have to look at Fusion. One question though. What do you think your costs savings where over buying the cabinets flat pack?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Not familiar with cabinets flat pack.

[@zeketeccnc1207]

@@OldGuyWoodworks Unassembled cabinet kits that come in a flat box. Ikea is an example. Last three kitchens I've done were this way (not Ikea though).

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@zeketeccnc1207 I couldn't tell you if I was saving money or not versus the flat packs. I never considered using them. I am more concerned about making my own custom sizes and controlling the quality of my material. (not to say the flat pack is poor quality).

[@robertlaschon6640]

Dude, I love your video, is just great! I was wondering if you would share some source codes for the cabinets you made. Your work looks awesome and I am a beginner, I wouldn’t know where to start. I just bought a vertical cnc, M2 from Maker made, and I almost finished the assembling. It can handle a full sheet of plywood, at once. Hopefully, it will be up and ready shortly, and with some codes I can start creating 🙂

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I have them on my ETSY page. Never though about selling them, but I had a lot of requests.

[@zoritongogaro711]

Loved the video. Would love to build my own CNC machine. Couple of questions for you. 1. Do you have a video showing your CNC build? 2. Why don't you make your own cabinet doors and drawers instead of ordering from somewhere else?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I have a whole series on my cnc b uild Start here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2imh5SAfbmMnq8. If I have just a couple doors or drawers, I build them myself. It isn't time or cost effective for me to build my own drawers or doors otherwise. The vendors I use specialize in doors or drawers and do a much better job that what I can do in my shop.

[@zoritongogaro711]

@@OldGuyWoodworks Thank you for the response. Do you mind sharing some of the vendor names where you get your drawers and doors. Thanks!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@zoritongogaro711 They are in Southern California. If you are not nearby the shipping will probably be cost prohibitive. I get both from Ideal Drawer in Huntington Beach, CA. He doesn't make the doors, but has a vendor he uses.

[@matthewv4086]

Hey, would you let me know what cnc machine should I buy if I want to make cabinets at the hobby level. For my house, I have to build cabinets for two kitchens, a few bathrooms, and closets for bedrooms....

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

That's a loaded question for several reasons.Buying a cnc for just one house of cabinets isn't cost effective. So much depends on your budget. That's why I built my own cnc. At the minimum you would need a 4'X8' to accommodate full sheets of sheet goods. I wouldn't buy a cnc to do one job. If I had a decent budget I would get a cnc with a tool changer and vacuum hold down with at least a 5hp 3 phase router.

[@robrocco5420]

9:47 Do you order your doors and drawers? Or do you make them?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Used to make them all, but I order them now. Just not time efficient and hey do a way better job.

[@brianrinio1476]

So you dont face frame any of your cabinets? Do you do any finishing on them (staining, painting, lacquer finish etc.)?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I do face frame from time to time and do all my own finishing. I use white lacquer quite a bit, but lately it's hard to get. I have a few videos of my weathered sand through finish.

[@mtzmechengr5781]

Is this cnc your own build? Do you have a video on that? Awesome work!!!

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I sure do. It's an ebtire series. kzbin.info/aero/PLKf-yhnIRIB1AtmNG2BbFoX23kpoaVmLQ&si=TZJCwI66Dsl0iaZn

[@jessebeaverson3890]

Your skills are humbling! I am not worthy! Did you build your own cnc??? 🤯

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Yes I did. Thanks for the compliments and for watching.

[@benjaminu12]

How did you learn Fusion 360 to design cabinets? Any particular training program, etc?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I had some training using Solidworks which is another CAD program which helped quite a bit. I may have done some online classes on Lynda.com as well. It's been a while so I don't remember exactly. I know I've watched stuff on youTube quite a bit.

[@sameerabuhmaid8007]

Hi, I'm trying to learn the cabinetry business as I'm planning to start kitchens/ cabinets making business. I still need to learn a lot. I am thinking to buy cnc saw cutting/ nesting machine, banding machine and cnc for drilling. I am thinking to produce the cabinet doors and use laminated particle wood. My question which is better for precision of cutting/ neat edge without breaking the hpl laminate. Do you recommend a cnc saw or cnc router for cutting.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I personally think the cnc router would be more versatile and give you the clean cuts you are looking for.

[@sameerabuhmaid8007]

@@OldGuyWoodworks thank you for your prompt response and sharing your know how. Actually, I noticed the cut of cabinet doors made of laminated particle wood were not neat. Although the banding machine has a tool to improve the cut finish before banding but still u could notice the hpl/ formica breaking. I believe they use table saw cnc (sizing/ cutting cnc)

[@garethkalber7236]

Hey John you should look into the new nesting feature they have in fusion, it will automatically and optimally layout your parts for you

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I will definitely give that a try. It will make my life so much easier. Thanks for the tip. I learn something new every day.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Just checked that out. I had no idea. What an awesome feature. I guess I better get that machining extension.

[@garethkalber7236]

@@OldGuyWoodworks I’m so glad to have passed it on. Ironically I found your video looking up videos about it. Your knowledge of fusion is awesome.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@garethkalber7236 it’s been a steep learning curve. I started in Solidworks, but changed to Fusion because it was free. That was 3 years ago. Now I pay. Solidworks is great, but alone has no cam abilities like Fusion. Thats another expensive program.

[@c.stewart000]

Try map boards plug-in!

[@ianklipa3572]

Where do you order doors and drawers from? Is this a common approach?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Extremely common among cabinet shops. I used a guy in Huntington Beach, CA. There's a lot to be found out there.

[@ianklipa3572]

Who knew? Thanks for the reply and for sharing your knowledge!@@OldGuyWoodworks

[@joselopez633]

I'm in the market for a cnc for cabinetry work. What are your specs on your cnc ? Cutting speed? I'm looking at the Artisan 408

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Cutting speed varies from tool to tool. My 3/8" diameter end mill cuts nicely at about 40 ipm. My router isn't strong enough to cut any faster without some chatter.

[@joselopez633]

@@OldGuyWoodworks this would be my first cnc (Artisan 408 4x8) just trying to compare yours and something like that 408 so I can make cabinets with it.

[@Visionery1]

8:48, ouch! Have you considered the OVVO system?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Clean miss. Bad example though.

[@richardarcher5789]

What CNC router are you using, I’m trying to setup a similar setup as yours overseas.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

As far as the actual CNC, I built it myself. The actual router is a Porter Cable, but I have a 2200W spindle which I'm preparing to change out to. My software for my CNC is Mach 4.

[@richardarcher5789]

@@OldGuyWoodworks I would love to build my own, that sounds awesome. Are you on the east coast?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@richardarcher5789 No I'm in Arizona. I do have a whole series of videos on how I built it. They were my first videos, so the quality is not as good as what I'm doing now.

[@richardarcher5789]

@@OldGuyWoodworks I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks again.

[@iliketakingshowers]

What sort of plywood is that?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

3/4” birch pre finished

[@benjaminu12]

What is the hole in the one front corner for? Leveling system?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Exactly.

[@benjaminu12]

​@Old Guy Woodworks OK, I'm guessing the EZ Level system? Works good?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

@@benjaminu12 Yes. Works very well. A little pricey, but you have to quantify the ease of install against that cost. Which was worth it for me.

[@camerondavid8089]

Where did you buy your CNC?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I built it myself.

[@TheOmar1389]

you can save a lot of time buy using cabinet vision or mozaik or KD ...

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I have cabinet vision and it definitely is better, And more expensive. Not in everyone's budget. Thanks for watching.

[@TheOmar1389]

@@OldGuyWoodworks good luck

[@jerrywinburn6315]

Do you sell your fusion files by chance?

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I have had a lot of interest. I am cleaning up a couple files and will be putting them on mu Etsy soon. I will be loading a couple at a time as time permits. I hope to have a complete library upload within a month or so.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I just started loading some files to Etsy. www.etsy.com/listing/1069556804/base-cabinet-with-full-height-doors?ref=shop_home_active_1

[@th3count]

Hey Old Guy, I am trying to follow your facebook link and am getting the following error. I do not know if it is a facebook problem at the moment or if it a setting you have on. "This Content Isn't Available Right Now When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted."

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

My error. I am no longer on Facebook.

[@th3count]

@@OldGuyWoodworks No problem. I will reach out to you on Etsy

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Just started loading some files to Etsy. Hopefully I'll have a complete library soon. www.etsy.com/listing/1069556804/base-cabinet-with-full-height-doors?ref=shop_home_active_1

[@MrSaltydevildog]

Would you ever consider selling your cabinet files?

[@MrSaltydevildog]

Nevermind found your Etsy

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Be me to it.

[@k2line706]

If you can't drive a nail straight like at 8:46 you probably shouldn't put your hand there. Hope that isn't an end piece...

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

Came out of the bottom. I use the pins only to hold it in place wjile I screw. If it was exposed I'd replace the panel if it couldn't be fixed.

[@BenJohnsonDotNet]

1¾ old guys is better than me with half a brain 😆

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I appreciate the vote of confidence and thanks for watching.