Sorry if these questions seem a bit basic, but none of my books seem to hold
the answers I need and I haven't done much frameless. Alway been a face
frame kind of guy.
I'm getting ready to build a new vanity for our bathroom. 52" wide, std
heigh/depth, divided approx in half. I want to go frameless. The left (sink)
side will be a false drawer with two slab doors. The right will be four
drawers (slab fronts). For the two finished ends I'm using cherry ply. Euro
stye hinges for the doors. My questions...
1. Since I'm going frameless, is there any pros/cons to edge banding the
fronts vs. just cutting a 3/4 x 3/4 frame around it from sold stock ? If I
use banding, how would I handle the mid style between the right door and the
row of drawers on the right ?
2. How about the doors ? Just make them from ply and band ? or glue them up
from solid ?
3. If I use edge banding, is it a worthwhile investment to get one of those
dual edge banding trimmers ? Everytime I look at those I think it's just
asking for the blades to 'catch' and try to tear/split the banding, trying
to follow with the grain (if you can picture what I'm saying). I can easily
see how that works well with melamine or similar - but something with grain
?
jim
Jim Bailey wrote:
> Sorry if these questions seem a bit basic, but none of my books seem to hold
> the answers I need and I haven't done much frameless. Alway been a face
> frame kind of guy.
I got into euro style construction in Australia. It always seemed to me
to be a 'cheaper'(less expensive) construction method.
>
> I'm getting ready to build a new vanity for our bathroom. 52" wide, std
> heigh/depth, divided approx in half. I want to go frameless. The left (sink)
> side will be a false drawer with two slab doors. The right will be four
> drawers (slab fronts). For the two finished ends I'm using cherry ply. Euro
> stye hinges for the doors. My questions...
>
> 1. Since I'm going frameless, is there any pros/cons to edge banding the
> fronts vs. just cutting a 3/4 x 3/4 frame around it from sold stock ? If I
> use banding, how would I handle the mid style between the right door and the
> row of drawers on the right ?
Whatever you like. A veneer edge is going to look more like a single
piece was used for the end. We built a lot with melamine board - that
is a coated particle board I believe is now referred to as MDF. The
stuff you get at the building supply places as shelving.
In the construction I have seen you would have three ply pieces running
vertically and front to back. One at each end and one in the middle to
support the drawer runners.
>
> 2. How about the doors ? Just make them from ply and band ? or glue them up
> from solid ?
This is where I would use a ply center and edge with solid timber.
Routed to provide a decorative trim. Consider how humid your bathroom
is.
>
> 3. If I use edge banding, is it a worthwhile investment to get one of those
> dual edge banding trimmers ? Everytime I look at those I think it's just
> asking for the blades to 'catch' and try to tear/split the banding, trying
> to follow with the grain (if you can picture what I'm saying). I can easily
> see how that works well with melamine or similar - but something with grain
> ?
Never could get the knife type trimmers to work. I use a sanding block
pressed at an angle. Be very careful or you sand through too much.
** The opinions expressed are just mine and not meant to be great
answers by a skilled craftsman. **