I'm new so I have a basic question regarding kitchen cabinet doors. - Woodworking Talk

awegrzyn · 02-17-2008, 03:11 PM

I like specific kitchen cabinet doors, but I'm not sure how to build it.
The following link has those doors featured:
http://www.merillat.com/products/mas...no-Oak-SQ.aspx

My question is this: Is the frame for the door routed using a router or it's possible to buy this frame as a molding basically?
Can you guys help how to build this frame or direct me if it's possible to buy this unfinished molding somewhere.

Thanks in advance.

pianoman · 02-17-2008, 04:08 PM

They look like mitered frame and pannel doors. The pannel was probably milled on a shaper. Most cabinet Co.s use their own knives. If you like that look... there are a number of ways to reproduce it. All depends on that router bits you have. How tou plan to mill them? Rick

awegrzyn · 02-17-2008, 05:10 PM

I looked at all the bits on rockler and I could not find it, so I assumed they were not done using a router. I would like to rout them myself if there is a bit like that.

cabinetman · 02-17-2008, 05:52 PM

The doors on the link are likely not done with a router or shaper procedure, but rather with a multi-head moulder. Common cope and stick (rail and stile) router bits won't lend to producing a mitered corner.

To reproduce that exact set of profiles with different router bits would be difficult. There is an easy way to do a mitered frame profiled door with a raised panel insert.

You could buy just a picture frame moulding that would already have the running profile close to what you want. If you search, you may find the exact profile. On the backside all you would have to do is a run a rabbet 1/4" x 1/4" along the one inside edge of the moulding. For the panel, use the hardwood plywood of your choice in 3/4" thickness, and edge glue solid stock to the edge to receive the raised panel profile of your choice. Having a plywood panel, you won't have any movement issues, which means it can be glued to the rabbet in the frame. Another advantage is you won't have end grain on the tops and bottoms of the panel.

As for the mitered corners, you could biscuit them, or make small splines. Or, you could make a "keyed spline". Gluing in the panel will also keep the miters from moving or coming apart.