What is a cabinet maker

The Cabinet Maker Trade

Cabinet makers are woodworkers who specialise in designing and constructing built-in or custom cabinets. In addition to designing and manufacturing exquisite wood furniture that compliments cabinetry in homes and business offices, they also create and manufacture cabinetry.

A cabinet maker also fixes or makes products out of flat panels or solid wood. They build different products for clients based on the item's size, design, or use. Today's cabinet makers have various employment opportunities, including creating their businesses and working for established woodworking or cabinet firms.

Some everyday things that cabinet makers can be a part of include the design of antique furniture, bedroom sets, kitchen furniture and cabinetry, and wood furniture for entertainment, among other things.

What Does A Cabinet Maker Do?

Cabinet makers construct, repair, and install custom cabinetry per client specifications. Cabinet builders concentrate on the finer points of woodworking, such as using different building materials and operating various instruments, such as saws and sanders.

These specialists may operate in the home or commercial environments. Cabinet makers may work independently or for furniture makers, building firms, or contractors. A cabinet maker's typical responsibilities may include:

• Wood selection and preparation, including raw timber and finished boards
• Making various pieces of wood into a finished product
• Home cabinet installation
• Making doors, windows, drawers, and shelves
• Installation of hinges and locks on windows and doors
• Repairing splintered wood and wooden cabinetry
• Interior design projects
• Trimming and gluing multiple wooden pieces
• Design specification interpretation
• Using cutting-edge 3D woodworking machinery
• Using hand tools like drills, jigsaws, and sanders
• Adding finishing touches to wooden features
• Material ordering and transportation

How To Be A Cabinet Maker In Australia

Cabinet makers are often required to get a Certificate III in Cabinet Making. This apprenticeship program can be completed as an apprenticeship and provides unique avenues into specialised employment.

Completing the required certifications can provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a skilled cabinet maker. Here is a beneficial guide on how to become a cabinet maker below:

Step One: Take on an apprenticeship

You can study skills and knowledge to help you carry out duties as a cabinet maker throughout your Certificate III in Cabinet Making apprenticeship. The total duration of the training varies based on where you live.

A cabinet maker's training typically lasts approximately three to four years. Apprenticeships are a great way to get both training and on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job training with theoretical education.

Registering with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network can assist you in locating the best apprenticeship for you. Apprentice networks can help you find possible work and give you advice on training contracts.

Step Two: Consider specialised paths

A Certificate III in Cabinet Making provides a general qualification. There are, nevertheless, two specialist paths accessible. You can specialise in furniture or kitchens and bathrooms while earning your Certificate III in cabinet manufacturing. The full length of the apprenticeship is usually not greatly affected by which path you choose.

You may be able to get jobs renovating and restoring old wooden furniture and elements if you study the furniture-making pathway. Your woodworking interests and skills may influence the best path for you.

Step Three: Apply for cabinet maker jobs

After completing a Certificate III in Cabinet Making, you can begin looking for jobs as a qualified cabinet maker. You might find work in tiny workshops or major factories. When searching for a job, be sure the information on your resume is correct and up-to-date.

Qualifications, accomplishments, and work experience are listed on your resume. You can also include a cover letter that talks about your interests and why you want to work making cabinets.

Must-Have Tools For Cabinet Making

Of course, this is not an entire list, and additional equipment is undoubtedly available to help you master your skill and increase the quality of your finish. However, this post is for you if you're searching for an excellent place to start. Without further ado, let's get started!

The random orbital sander

A random orbital sander is the simplest way to finish a cabinet with the cleanest surfaces. These helpful tools are necessary for eliminating wood defects and completing various finishing procedures. Another benefit of using a random orbital sander is that you can sand faster and safer while using a vacuum and hose to get rid of extra dust.

Chisel

A chisel is an essential item in any cabinet maker's toolbox. It's almost as if chisels were manufactured and explicitly constructed for cabinet manufacturing. They are ideal for precise cabinet manufacturing due to their high strength and stability. With a strong chisel, you can easily cut out mortices and other defects in the wood, and you should be able to go for a long time between sharpening.

Router

Routers are used to cut, shape, and create the square, straight edges required while building cabinets. Similarly, these devices are ideal for cutting grooves in panel doors and profiling different rails and stiles. A good router can rail or stile a joint, produce elevated panels, and join edges. This gives you the flexibility to customise every part of your cabinetry.

Self-centring drill bits

The ability to generate exact pilot holes in door hinges and butts is an advantage of employing self-centring drill bits. The fantastic thing about these drill bits is that you can't drill anywhere but the exact centrefold of the conical spring-loaded nose piece. They are great if you aren't very good at using a drill and are worried that your accuracy will slip and that a tiny mistake will ruin the whole job.

The biscuit jointer

Using a jointer enables incredibly rapid joining methods as well as the use of unique fittings that make robust joins at all angles.

A high-quality biscuit jointer enables you to make high-quality furniture in record time. If you genuinely want to construct the best cabinets without devoting too much time to the task, this device is a must!

Cabinet hinge installation jig and bit

A cabinet hinge installation jig and bit are required for installing cabinet hinges with no measuring errors. This is useful even if you only need to repair a few cabinet doors, so keep it in your toolbox. It's also great for marking out your setting, boring, and then installing with precise alignment for a flawless finish.

Additionally, this tool might help you save time. Fitting hinges can be a fussy nightmare without the right tools, but this specially designed tool makes it a breeze.

Jigsaw

You may make elaborate forms with a jigsaw by creating compound and bevel cuts in wood and other materials with the correct blade. A jigsaw can also remove some of the thickness from built-in cabinets or trim artistic profiles in the cabinet base after it has been built. Simply said, a good jigsaw will provide you with all the versatility required.

Coping sledge

Coping sledges let you work with maximum control and precision when making cuts by securely fastening your workpiece. This helps to cushion the impact and keeps the piece you're working on perfectly steady, allowing you to work with maximum accuracy.

The coping sledge fits perfectly over your router bit, ensuring the workpiece is square in your mitre slot. With this equipment, you can quickly work on cabinet doors on a router.

Scraper plane

You can scrape flush into corners and along neighbouring surfaces by using a scraping plane with open sides and a full-width blade. A scraper plan can also smooth out a flush or angled surface.

This is the ideal tool for removing glue from assembled items without causing damage or creating residue. It is an essential tool for cabinet makers who want to achieve a faultless finish every time.

Boring jig

A boring jig is an electric drill-powered tool that can identify screw and cup holes for 35mm cup hinges. Avoid using costly manufacturing line machine tools or a jigged drill press. Instead, you can complete these activities yourself with portable power tools. Another nice feature is that it will fit into your toolbox!

What Are Cabinet Makers' Working Conditions?

A cabinet maker can operate in either home or commercial settings. They can do it from their garage or another location if they choose to work for themselves. Working in warehouse facilities is typical for industrial furniture manufacturing enterprises.

Another option is working for home builders or commercial construction companies, which may entail on-site production and assembly. The workspace is usually adequately illuminated and ventilated for safety and health reasons. Cabinet makers can also get insurance.

A Cabinet Maker's Typical Work Week Length

A qualified cabinet maker will typically work a conventional 40-hour week. Many of them work eight-hour days, five days a week. Several cabinet makers will face peak seasons, and they may be compelled to work extra in such circumstances.

A cabinet maker who works for a reputable company may get paid more for overtime hours, but for others, it depends on the project. A cabinet maker's job is physically challenging and demands a high level of ingenuity and artistic talent.

It's a task that requires specialised tools, can be dangerous owing to the use of sharp or cutting equipment, and should be taken seriously. Safety equipment is required to limit the risk of serious harm. But it can be very rewarding for passionate, motivated people who like to work with their hands.

Hire A Good Cabinet Maker For The Best Cabinet

Cabinet makers are vital to the success of your home improvement project, especially the bathroom and kitchen renovations. Hiring a cabinet maker with the necessary skills and experience who can pay attention to detail is critical to the success of any kitchen or bathroom remodel.

So, when planning on renovating or making new bathroom and kitchen cabinets, it is essential to pay attention to the skillset and experience of the cabinet maker you are hiring. Additionally, you can always reach out to a professional home improvement company. They are bound to have experienced and trusted cabinet makers ready to tackle anything you throw their way.