Building Cabinet Doors & Drawers

In its introduction, the book claims to fill a gap in the woodworking litterature concerning the building of cabinet doors.I found that this book is really targeted to beginner (nothing wrong about that) and only contains some quick and simple way of building doors.A third of the book is devoted to basic joinery (and the book si pretty slim to begin with).There is also an extensive section on european style hardware, the different type, how to mount them etc. The traditional hinge is mentionned in a small paragraph. There is no explanation of the different style, how to mount it etc.Some information are just not correct such as stating that the main tool to build raise panel are the table saw and the router.Some information is just not there. What about wood movement in solid wood panel how much clerance should I leave, where etc.The worse part is the chatper on drawer. The book is title cabinet doors and drawers. Only 2 simple style of drawer are described. No mention on how to fit them properly. Dovetails are described in the joinery chapter but not even apply to the drawers !!!And I am still looking for the formula to get the radius of the arch panel.I also would have loved some nice color pictures.All in all I don't this book is completely useless for the beginner, but don't expect this book to be a reference on how to build doors or drawers. There are tons of litterature out there that provide more in depth coverage + description on how to build the whole kitchen cabinet for a similar price.

Danny Proulx created a book that has all the ingredients that really matter. He covers all the different types of doors and drawers, and the essential techniques required to build them. Combining this book with experience at woodworking basics, and you are on your way to making first class custom cabinets and doors. I like his tips, notes, and safety notes. Gleaning from 30 years of experience, he mentions the common pitfalls in many of the applications. I had bought some router bits from a gentleman in Canada, who was very helpful. He referred me to someone he knew, who really knew what they were talking about. He referred me to Danny Proulx the author.I coincidentally had bought his book the week before, and was then recommended to him. So I wrote to him about some questions I had. He was kind enough to get back to me with specific answers. I was impressed that a renowned author with many publications to his name, would take the time out to respond to my questions. The nice thing about the author is that he really cares. This book is a keeper. One to keep at the ready to refer to again and again when developing your next project, or for reviewing the specifics of one. It's an easy read. Engineered to simplicity. All in all I give it 5 stars.

I eagerly awaited the arrival of this book after reading the 5 star reviews by other readers. I do not know where to begin to express my dissapointment with the book's contents. I guess I am a more advanced woodworker than I previosly thought. I am starting my own business specializing in custom made, solid wood, raised panel doors. Obviously, I already know how to make them (one would hope !). Since this is what the book's title is all about, I figured I could pick up some good tips. Well, this book is obviously for beginners only. With this in mind, I feel bad for any beginner trying to make sense out of some of Mr. Proulx's "formulas". I got to the chapter where he shows a picture of drawing an arc for an arched panel door. I thought, "Hmm, at least I can see if he as an easy formula I can adapt (there are many !) to draw an elipse/arch based on the door width". Nope, he states the radius of the arc once, with no explanation of why, how, where he arrived at this figure. To add insult, in later pages/chapters involving similar cuts to be made, he says "Refer to chapter #, or page so and so where this procedure or formula was explained/illustrated". Aggravating to say the least. Also, all door types made are with a router and router bits (no mention of shapers in here). Nothing wrong with this, but while I have always gotten by making raised panel doors on a table router all these years, I would think that a pro/author of such a book would mention that a shaper is the way to go, especially when rasing a panel !. He also mentions 3 possible thicknesses of panels to be used in conjunction with frame (rail & stile) thickness. He completely omits my favorite: a 3/4 thick panel that is "back-cut" to make the panel flush on front and back side of the door. There's a lot more, but I'll stop here. If you already know how to make a cabinet door and drawer don't waste your money on this book. If you don't already know how, you can pick up some decent general basics. However, if you're a beginning woodworker, don't even try to understand the section on european hinges (drawings and explanations). These belong in a more advanced edition.

This is my first book on cabinet door and drawer building and I must say I wasn't impressed. The print is way outdated - not in the classic woodworking techniques - but in presentation. Washed out black and white photos that barely show the beauty of wood? You've got to be joking. The only color you'll see in this book is on its front and back. Page 85 (bottom pic) shows author's left hand barely an inch from his table saw's rotating blade as he demonstrates a plunge cut. I hope he still has all of his fingers. I am keeping the book for a basic joinery reference.

I like Danny Proulx's woodworking books, I find them easy to read, informative and well illustrated. This book is no exception apart from the illustrations which I had not realised were in black and white (my fault for not reading the description more carefully). For those of you who prefer colour inside your books then you might be better with the slightly more expensive "Danny Proulx's Cabinet Doors and Drawers: A Comprehensive "How To" Guide (Popular Woodworking) [Paperback]".Having said that I think it is still a very useful addition to my library and whilst some of the Canadian/North American techniques (Dado stacks on your table saw) would not be appropriate over in the UK it still has plenty of useful tips and tricks.

Good quality vs price and fast shipping

It's okay but not up to date and leaves some steps unclear. Would assist a beginner.

good help

It is presented so simply that I feel hopeful that I can make new kitchen cabinets. Will start project nest month.