What cabinet making asks of your tools
Cabinets are mostly boxes made from sheet goods such as plywood, plus face frames, doors and drawer parts. That puts a premium on three things: straight, accurate cuts, parts that are the same size every time, and assemblies that stay square. The tool list below follows that order.
Cabinet making overlaps with general carpentry, so our overview of carpenter tools is a useful companion if you are starting from nothing.
Breaking down sheet goods
A full sheet of plywood is large and awkward, so the first decision is how to cut it.
- Table saw. The traditional shop choice for cutting parts to size, ripping solid wood and cutting grooves. A cabinet saw is heavier and more stable than a portable one, but a good contractor or jobsite saw can do careful work in a home shop.
- Track saw. A circular saw that rides on a guide rail. Many hobbyists like it because the sheet stays on a work surface and the saw moves, which suits a small space.
- Circular saw with a straightedge guide. The lowest-cost option. It works when paired with a guide or a rip-cut jig and a sharp blade, though it takes more care.
Whichever you choose, a sharp blade suited to plywood reduces chipping on veneered faces.
Accurate crosscuts
A miter saw is useful for crosscutting face frame parts and trim to length, and a stop block lets you cut several pieces to identical length. On a table saw, a crosscut sled or miter gauge serves a similar purpose.
Joinery options
- Pocket-hole jig. Drills angled holes so parts can be joined with screws. It is fast, needs few other tools and is widely used for face frames and cabinet boxes.
- Dado or groove cuts. A dado blade set on a table saw, or a router with a straight bit, cuts grooves for shelves and back panels. This gives more positive alignment than butt joints. Follow the saw manufacturer’s instructions when using a dado stack.
- Dowels or biscuits. Add alignment to glue joints.
- Router. Handy for edge profiles, grooves and flush-trimming. A small router is often enough to begin with.
Clamps and keeping assemblies square
Clamps are one of the more consistently recommended purchases for cabinet work. Typical sets include:
- Bar or parallel clamps for panels and boxes
- Right-angle or corner clamps to hold a corner square while fastening
- Face or spring clamps for face frames and small parts
A large square, or a measurement of both diagonals across a box, helps confirm that an assembly is square before glue or screws set.
Drilling, driving and hardware
A cordless drill and an impact driver do most of the work, with a drill for holes and an impact driver for screws. Common helpers include countersink bits, a self-centering hinge-drilling bit, and a drilling jig for shelf pin holes. Hinge and drawer slide jigs speed up hardware installation and improve consistency.
Measuring and marking
Use a good tape, a combination square, a marking knife or sharp pencil, and a long straightedge. Mark parts with a consistent system so you can tell left from right and front from back.
Sanding and finishing preparation
A random orbital sander handles most surfaces, and sanding blocks reach edges and profiles. Sanding before assembly is often easier than after. Finishing supplies depend on the product you choose, so follow the finish manufacturer’s directions.
Dust collection and safety
Cabinet work generates a lot of fine dust, especially from plywood and MDF. A dust extractor or shop vacuum connected to the saw and sander helps, and a dust mask or respirator, safety glasses and hearing protection are standard. Keep blade guards, push sticks and featherboards available and use them when working on a table saw.
A sensible buying order
- Measuring and marking tools, clamps and a drill/driver
- A way to cut sheet goods accurately (track saw, table saw, or a circular saw with a guide)
- A pocket-hole jig or other joinery system
- A miter saw or crosscut sled
- Router, sander and dust collection
- Hardware jigs as your projects need them
Many people begin with fewer tools than they expect and add machines as they learn what limits their projects. If you will also be installing trim around your finished cabinets, see the finish carpentry tools list.
Frequently asked questions
What skills does a cabinet maker need?
Accurate measuring and layout, safe machine use, understanding how wood and sheet goods behave, joinery, assembly, and finishing. Patience with fitting and checking for square matters as much as any single technique.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a cabinet?
It depends. Building can save money on labor and allow custom sizes, but it requires tools, materials, time and skill. If you do not already own the equipment, the tool cost may outweigh the savings on a single project. Stock or semi-custom cabinets can be cost-effective for standard layouts. Compare actual quotes for your own project.
What are five common carpentry tools?
A tape measure, a square, a saw, a drill and a clamp are all in regular use for cabinet work.
What kitchen color will not date?
No color is guaranteed to stay current. Neutral finishes, such as white, soft gray or natural wood, are generally seen as lasting longer than strong trend colors, and hardware and countertops are easier to update later.