COURSE CONTENT
This course has ten lessons, as outlined below:
Lesson 1. Nature and Scope of Cabinet Making
- Introduction to Cabinet Making
- Design of Cabinets
- Types of Cabinets
- Construction Materials
- Career Opportunities in Cabinet Making
Lesson 2. The Cabinet Maker’s Workshop
- Introduction to the Workshop
- Workshop Safety
- Workshop Tools and Equipment
- Hand Tools
- Power Tools & Machinery
- Sawing Machines
- Other Equipment
- Tool Care
Lesson 3. Job Preparation
- Introduction to Planning
- Taking Measurements
- Measurement Equipment
- Understanding Technical Drawing
- Types of Drawings
- Making Drawings for Clients
- Taking On-Site Measurements
- Estimating Costs
4. Cabinet Construction
- Benchtops
- Strength in Construction
- Frameless Construction
- Framed Construction
- Cabinet Making Jigs
- Adhesives and Sealants
5. Cabinet Doors
- Introduction to Doors
- Cabinet Styles
- Types of Cabinet Doors
- How to Make Doors
- Hanging Cabinet Doors
- Hinge Types and Installing Hinges
- Sliding Doors
6. Cabinet Drawers
- Drawer Design Introduction
- Making Drawers
- Types of Joints
- Drawer Fronts/Panels
- Installing Drawers
- Installing Kitchen Benchtops or Work Surfaces
- Installing Wall Cabinets
- Adjusting Fitted Units
7. Onsite Installation
- Installing Base or Floor Cabinets
- Installing Benchtops or Work Surfaces
- Installing Wall Cabinets
- Adjusting Fitted Cabinets
8. Free-Standing Cabinets
- Versatility of Free Standing Cabinets
- Types of Cabinets Room by Room
- How to Make Free-Standing Cabinets
9. Finishes & Furniture
- Surface Preparation for Finishes
- Finishing with Paint
- Using Stains
- Special Finishes - Veneers
- Natural Timbers Finishes
- Outdoor Finishes
- Protecting the Insides of Cabinets
- Cabinet Furniture
10. Special Project – Build a Cabinet
- Option A: Making a Cabinet
For this option the cabinet to be constructed can be a relatively simple cabinet such as a small wall cabinet/medicine cabinet for a bathroom, or it can be a free-standing cabinet like a dressing table or linen cupboard, or it can be a fitted cabinet like a built-in wardrobe, bathroom cabinet, or kitchen unit.
- Option B: Restoring or Altering a Cabinet
Alternative project for those unable to make a cabinet:
Students must restore a cabinet or make significant alterations to a cabinet. The cabinet selected for restoration or modification can be any sort of cabinet that the student has access to.
Written by experienced ACS content writers with knowledge and skills in engineering, construction, carpentry, materials technology and design.
The course varies in breadth across ten lessons, with expertly designed tasks and activities to support depth of learning too. A practical and hands-on course which demands commitment and dedication from students.
Some of What You Learn:
- All components of cabinets, cabinet materials, types of cabinets and the role of cabinet makers.
- Workshop layouts, hand tools, power tools and how to operate them.
- Job preparation for projects, and recognise specific skills needed to prepare well.
- How to construct different types of cabinets.
- Different styles and components of cabinet doors.
- The construction of drawer boxes and fronts, including the installation of the front panel, and explain the completed drawer installation.
- Safe and proper onsite installation of wall mounted or fixed cabinetry.
- The construction and assembly of free-standing cabinets.
- How to finish different types of cabinet making materials.
- Construction of a cabinet or restore or make alterations to an existing cabinet.
Opportunities in Cabinet Making
Cabinet making requires different skills - technical, organisational, and craftsmanship.
- It can involve installing cabinets in different space such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and in different locations such as residential properties, commercial buildings, onboard ships, or in aircraft.
- Cabinet makers can work on projects in different industries like manufacturing, construction, or retail.
- In manufacturing, cabinet makers may work in warehouse facilities or factories.
- Cabinet makers are often self-employed or establish small businesses. Self-employed cabinet makers might work from a home garage or something similar.
- Some may service the private sector only making cabinets to order for businesses and retail customers.
- Other opportunities can be found as subcontractors or employees of construction companies or small-scale home builders.