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Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300831]

Thu, 19 May 2016 18:15

bhayes

Messages: 263
Registered: March 2010

Karma: 1

Senior Member

I'm planning to try my hand at building some new cabinets this summer to replace the ones that have turned to sawdust. About the most complex wood project I've ever undertaken is building Pinewood Derby cars, so I'm asking for some guidance from all of you woodworking experts out there.

What wood do you prefer to use?
Do you follow the joint design used in the original cabinet construction, or something simpler/stronger/easier?

Actually, I'm not sure what other questions to ask. I'm still reading up on cabinet-building and woodworking in general, and have been intently following Alan Story's restoration on Facebook (which, by the way, looks fantastic).

Bryan Hayes
'76 Eleganza II
Salt Lake City, Utah

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300833 is a reply to message #300831]

Thu, 19 May 2016 19:45

Justin Brady

Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN

Karma: 11

Senior Member

Bryan,
Any high end cabinet grade plywood will work. Not plywood from the big box store, it's pricey, heavy, and usually not flat. Find a plywood supplier in your area. Avoid MDF or LDF like the factory used. As you've found out as it ages and gets wet and humid it falls apart. A good plywood will be fine for many years to come.

I'm using 1/2 poplar euro ply, it's about 30% lighter than others.
Pocket screws will be your friend. Get a good jig, kreg or general and read up on its use. They make it much easier than it used to be.

When you tear out, make sure to keep at least one wall section so you can copy the curves. Alternately I can send you a CAD file of the curve that I digitized if that helps.

Justin Brady http://www.thegmcrv.com/ 1976 Palm Beach 455

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Re: [GMCnet] Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300834 is a reply to message #300831]

Thu, 19 May 2016 20:36

bdub

Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Everyone would get a kick out of Alan Story's project. He took lots of photos that I wish he'd put on the photosite. Facebook is
just so easy!

You can see them at if you're a member of
Facebook. I'll try to get them downloaded and added to the photo site, but it's gonna be a royal pain.

Wow! I can't believe I gathered all these posts into one place. Turned out to be some work. It is an interesting story though.
Lots of links to follow

https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/466094703515072/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/467281060063103/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/467655056692370/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/469982989792910/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/470483816409494/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/470750463049496/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/471756972948845/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/471993632925179/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/472498372874705/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/472762082848334/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/473096986148177/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/475578062566736/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/476067712517771/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/477364415721434/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/477671832357359/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/477935778997631/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/485051144952761/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/490259527765256/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/490300154427860/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/491032321021310/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/492443170880225/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/496504833807392/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/498437270280815/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/498775003580375/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/499117426879466/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/499431530181389/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/499721670152375/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/500092870115255/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/500754463382429/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/501405583317317/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/502370009887541/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/504563379668204/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/504852486305960/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/506271119497430/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/507947055996503/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/permalink/513534978771044/

I gotta figure out a better way to do this.
bdub

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Bryan Hayes
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2016 6:16 PM

I'm planning to try my hand at building some new cabinets this summer to replace the ones that have turned to sawdust. About the
most complex wood
project I've ever undertaken is building Pinewood Derby cars, so I'm asking for some guidance from all of you woodworking experts
out there.

What wood do you prefer to use?
Do you follow the joint design used in the original cabinet construction, or something simpler/stronger/easier?

Actually, I'm not sure what other questions to ask. I'm still reading up on cabinet-building and woodworking in general, and have
been intently
following Alan Story's restoration on Facebook (which, by the way, looks fantastic).

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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
www.gmcmhphotos.com
www.gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com
www.gmcmhregistry.com
www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes
www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm

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Re: [GMCnet] Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300845 is a reply to message #300834]

Thu, 19 May 2016 22:54

bhayes

Messages: 263
Registered: March 2010

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Thanks for collecting the URLs of Alan's project, Billy. I've also been collecting his pictures and pasting them into OneNote.

Bryan Hayes
'76 Eleganza II
Salt Lake City, Utah

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Re: [GMCnet] Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300846 is a reply to message #300834]

Thu, 19 May 2016 23:05

A Hamilto

Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011

Karma: 39

Senior Member

bdub wrote on Thu, 19 May 2016 20:36

Everyone would get a kick out of Alan Story's project. He took lots of photos that I wish he'd put on the photosite. ...

Yep. It would be nice to see them full scale instead of squinting at the FB presentation format:

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/12421553_10207552003545895_1374554415_n.jpg?oh=354f65d2c0b48cb995db960ebd43be31&oe=574189E2

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300847 is a reply to message #300833]

Thu, 19 May 2016 23:11

bhayes

Messages: 263
Registered: March 2010

Karma: 1

Senior Member

SONICJK wrote on Thu, 19 May 2016 18:45

Bryan,
Any high end cabinet grade plywood will work. Not plywood from the big box store, it's pricey, heavy, and usually not flat. Find a plywood supplier in your area. Avoid MDF or LDF like the factory used. As you've found out as it ages and gets wet and humid it falls apart. A good plywood will be fine for many years to come.

I'm using 1/2 poplar euro ply, it's about 30% lighter than others.
Pocket screws will be your friend. Get a good jig, kreg or general and read up on its use. They make it much easier than it used to be.

When you tear out, make sure to keep at least one wall section so you can copy the curves. Alternately I can send you a CAD file of the curve that I digitized if that helps.

Thanks for the tips, Justin. I'd love to see the CAD file you created.

I also got the LED flush mount lights yesterday. Thanks! My first mini project might be to create new overhead speaker/light fixtures in the cockpit to replace the old plastic ones, using the flush mount lights to replace the original incandescents.

Bryan Hayes
'76 Eleganza II
Salt Lake City, Utah

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300859 is a reply to message #300847]

Fri, 20 May 2016 08:36

Justin Brady

Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN

Karma: 11

Senior Member

Bryan,
Cool! I need to do the same it's been on my list for a long time, but too many other projects are calling first!
Here's some photos of my side cabinets coming together. The cnc helps a lot, but it's obviously not a necessity to do this! I could use the plotter to print a template of the side curve file if needed.

http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side-1.png

http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side2.png

http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side2.png

http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751056793.jpg

http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751093994.jpg

http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751132156.jpg

Justin Brady http://www.thegmcrv.com/ 1976 Palm Beach 455

[Updated on: Mon, 23 May 2016 08:48]

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Re: [GMCnet] Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300867 is a reply to message #300859]

Fri, 20 May 2016 09:34

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Justin,

I would suggest that you finish all sides of the wood with a waterproof finish which would render it impervious to water leaks. IIRC
there are products that soak into the wood that work well.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: Justin Brady

Bryan,
Cool! I need to do the same it's been on my list for a long time, but too many other projects are calling first!

Here's some photos of my side cabinets coming together. The cnc helps a lot, but it's obviously not a necessity to do this! I could
use the plotter to
print a template of the side curve file if needed.
http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side-1.png
http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side2.png
http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side2.png
http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751056793.jpg
http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751093994.jpg
http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751132156.jpg

--
Justin

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: [GMCnet] Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300873 is a reply to message #300867]

Fri, 20 May 2016 10:41

Keith V

Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Use something light. My ex Royale is a heavy beast with it's pretty oak cabinetry

> Justin,
>
> I would suggest that you finish all sides of the wood with a waterproof finish which would render it impervious to water leaks. IIRC
> there are products that soak into the wood that work well.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> USAussie - Downunder
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Justin Brady
>
> Bryan,
> Cool! I need to do the same it's been on my list for a long time, but too many other projects are calling first!
>
> Here's some photos of my side cabinets coming together. The cnc helps a lot, but it's obviously not a necessity to do this! I could
> use the plotter to
> print a template of the side curve file if needed.
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side-1.png
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side2.png
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cab-side2.png
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751056793.jpg
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751093994.jpg
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463751132156.jpg
>
> --
> Justin
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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Keith Vasilakes
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75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
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My427v8@hotmail.com

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300888 is a reply to message #300859]

Fri, 20 May 2016 16:18

bhayes

Messages: 263
Registered: March 2010

Karma: 1

Senior Member

SONICJK wrote on Fri, 20 May 2016 07:36

Bryan,
Cool! I need to do the same it's been on my list for a long time, but too many other projects are calling first!

Here's some photos of my side cabinets coming together. The cnc helps a lot, but it's obviously not a necessity to do this! I could use the plotter to print a template of the side curve file if needed.

You know, I've put a CNC on the Christmas list every year for quite some time, but Santa still hasn't brought me one. My wife keeps saying something about it being outside of Santa's budget. Smile

Smile

Thanks for the pics!

Bryan Hayes
'76 Eleganza II
Salt Lake City, Utah

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #300897 is a reply to message #300859]

Fri, 20 May 2016 20:26

Jp Benson

Messages: 649
Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

Karma: 2

Senior Member

SONICJK wrote on Fri, 20 May 2016 08:36

Bryan,

Here's some photos of my side cabinets coming together. The cnc helps a lot, but it's obviously not a necessity to do this! I could use the plotter to print a template of the side curve file if needed.

Nice precision work. That can be done without CNC but it sure is a lot harder. Looks like that cabinet won't be coming out once it's all glued together. So seal it up tight as Rob advised. One thing I don't see are access cutouts over the fuel senders. They can come in pretty handy.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior/p59278-floor-insulation.html

CNC was used to cut the window openings for my Royale. By installing the panels horizontal I could cut 1 window per 4x8 sheet.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior/p59282-wall-panel.html

For the cabinets I used the original walnut face frames and 1/2" cherry veneered cabinet grade plywood for the interior parts. With an open back/top they turned out very light.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior/p59277-test-install.html

FRP (installed lengthwise) was used for the headliner. It finishes the interior of the cabinets nicely.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior/p60774-open-back-cabinet.html
The dark strip across the bottom is 90% transparent smoke gray acrylic sheet so it allows light to enter the cabinets from the outside. At least in the daytime.

The benefit of installing the ceiling panels lengthwise is the two foot wide center strip which can be easily removed for servicing. Which I did recently to install wiring for my rooftop A/C.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior/p60776-ceiling.html

My goal is to put everything together so that it can be easily taken apart if/when necessary.

JP

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #301023 is a reply to message #300897]

Mon, 23 May 2016 09:12

Justin Brady

Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN

Karma: 11

Senior Member

JP,
Your work looks good, I'll be doing the same on the windows, but with foamed PVC rather than wood.

As for the sender access holes, I considered it, but we are going for a really clean minimalist setup, and I couln't come up with any good looking way to make them accessible. The flooring will be vinyl wood look planks, so there's no way to seamlessly make them accessible.
I don't really mind dropping the tanks if I need to. I've already done it a few times. It would be nice to be able to get to them from the top for sure, but not worth the trade off to us.

Justin Brady http://www.thegmcrv.com/ 1976 Palm Beach 455

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #301025 is a reply to message #300831]

Mon, 23 May 2016 10:08

lqqkatjon

Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Dale Ropps presentation I seen in Chippawa falls on west systems epoxy in building plywood drawers, and misc, was very impressive.

He showed how to use the west systems epoxy to bond pieces of wood together, and I pretty sure I remember him showing a plywood drawer he built for his coach, that was made out of some thinner plywood only held together using the epoxy, that seemed to be extremely strong.

seems you can make some pretty strong wood structures out of some lighter weight wood, by utilizing the epoxy correctly.

Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #301027 is a reply to message #301025]

Mon, 23 May 2016 10:11

Justin Brady

Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN

Karma: 11

Senior Member

lqqkatjon wrote on Mon, 23 May 2016 10:08

Dale Ropps presentation I seen in Chippawa falls on west systems epoxy in building plywood drawers, and misc, was very impressive.

He showed how to use the west systems epoxy to bond pieces of wood together, and I pretty sure I remember him showing a plywood drawer he built for his coach, that was made out of some thinner plywood only held together using the epoxy, that seemed to be extremely strong.

seems you can make some pretty strong wood structures out of some lighter weight wood, by utilizing the epoxy correctly.

John,
You certainly can. We use a lot of epoxy. You can use it like glue to bond wood, or you can use it as a filler, or for shaping and fiberglass work. It's very versatile.
Once it hardens it's basically rock hard plastic and it doesn't break.

Justin Brady http://www.thegmcrv.com/ 1976 Palm Beach 455

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Re: Wood preferences for new cabinets [message #301031 is a reply to message #301025]

Mon, 23 May 2016 11:17

Matt Colie

Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan

Karma: 7

Senior Member

lqqkatjon wrote on Mon, 23 May 2016 11:08

Dale Ropps presentation I seen in Chippawa falls on west systems epoxy in building plywood drawers, and misc, was very impressive.

He showed how to use the west systems epoxy to bond pieces of wood together, and I pretty sure I remember him showing a plywood drawer he built for his coach, that was made out of some thinner plywood only held together using the epoxy, that seemed to be extremely strong.

seems you can make some pretty strong wood structures out of some lighter weight wood, by utilizing the epoxy correctly.

Jon,

Oh, You bet you can. And they won't flex and break at the joints if you do it right.

Matt

Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit

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