Make a medicine cabinet

YOU WILL NEED:

20mm bamboo board* cut to sizes…
3 of 150 x 500mm – top, bottom and shelf
2 of 150 x 400mm – sides
2 of 270 x 400mm – doors
1 of 40 x 400mm – handle
8mm dowels
Dowel centres
4 medium brass hinges
2 keyhole brackets
2 door catches
Masking tape

TOOLS:
Drill/driver and assorted drill and screw bits
Tape measure and pencil
Rubber mallet

*Substitute bamboo board with laminated pine shelving

HERE’S HOW:

1. For a design that doesn’t have any visible screws, use dowel joints. Measure in 10mm from each edge on the top, bottom and shelf sections. The holes should be to a depth equal to half that of the dowels.

2. The shelf is mounted onto the side sections before assembling the frame. Measure up 200mm on both sides and draw a line. Using dowel centres in the drilled dowel holes, press down to mark. Drill the marks out to half the depth of the dowels.

3. Place a small amount of wood glue in the drilled holes, insert the dowels into the sides and then tap the top edge until tightly fitted to the top.

Repeat for the other side of the shelf.

GOOD TO KNOW

Apply a small amount of wood glue in drilled holes to secure dowels.

4. To attach the top and bottom frames to the sides, place a small amount of wood glue in the drilled holes, insert the dowels into the sides and then tap the top edge until tightly fitted to the top. Repeat for the bottom, turn upside down and do the same to attach to the other side.

5. Measure and mark the position for the hinges on the frame and the door, making sure that the hinge pin of the bracket protrudes over the edge of the frame and door, so that it does not affect how the doors sits flush on the cabinet frame.

 GOOD TO KNOW

It’s easier to place the cabinet on a flat, level surface – attach one side of the hinge to the door and then stand the door close to the frame to attach the other side of the hinge to the frame.

6. We have added door catches to the cabinet so that children cannot easily open the doors. To mount the catches position them on the shelf where they will be mounted, flush against the back of the door and mark the holes with a pencil.

Remove the front of the catch and screw onto the back of the door. Screw the main assembly onto the shelf.

Finishing

A panel is mounted on the front of the door as a handle. This slightly overlaps the other door when closed. Use 5-minute epoxy glue so that you don’t have to wait for glue to dry!

Mounting

Attach the keyhole brackets to the back of the cabinet for mounting onto the wall. Transfer the width between the keyhole brackets on the cabinet back onto the wall, at the desired height. Use a spirit level to ensure that your markings are perfectly level.

Before drilling into walls, use an electronic detector to ensure that there are no pipes or conduits in the walls. Drill two holes for the wall plugs. Push in the wall plugs and insert the screw, leaving a 3 to 4mm portion of the head sticking out. Slip the keyhole brackets on the back of the cabinet over this.

Article courtesy of EasyDIY

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