Saratoga Joinery

Course Description:

This 2-day cabinetmaking intensive is perfect for intermediate woodworkers who want to learn more advanced cabinetmaking skills. Students will get hands-on experience using essential tools, learn about pinned rabbit joinery, and complete a solid wood cherry cabinet. The course will cover woodworking techniques, safety practices, material selection, and installation techniques. Students will leave with their completed project — a wall cabinet — and the skills to take on more complex woodworking projects in the future.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will:

• Safely and accurately use power tools and joinery techniques
• Construct a cabinet carcass using solid wood
• Build and fit a mortise and tenon door with glass pane
• Apply basic sanding and finishing prep

Materials & Equipment:

Safety Gear: safety glasses (required, provided), hearing protection (recommended, provided), dust mask (recommended for dusty operations, not provided).

Tools: table saw, drill, router, jigs, clamps

Materials: Solid cherry hardwood, wood glue, sandpaper, glass, and basic hardware (hinges).

Optional: Personal tools if preferred (e.g., clamps, marking tools).

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

1. Introduction & Safety Refresher 

• Shop rules, PPE, tool safety
• Review cabinet types and terminology 

2. Reading Plans & Material Prep 

• Go over cabinet drawings & cut list
• Solid wood allocation
• Hands-on: mark and cut cabinet components

3. Carcass Construction 

• Joinery: pinned half lap joints
• Assembly: sides, top/bottom, back
• T&G back milling
• Clamping and squaring technique

4. Door Construction 

• Shaker-style glass door with mortise and tenon, pinned glass stops.
• Hinge mortising 

Day 2

5. Hardware Installation 

• Hinge install using jigs
• Door alignment and mounting
• Pull/handle installation

6. Cabinet Assembly Finalization 

• Final fit checks and adjustments
• Sanding and edge cleanup

7. Surface Prep & Finish Discussion 

• Sanding sequence & techniques
• Filling, sealing, grain direction
• Demo: wipe-on oil or water-based polyurethane

8. Final Project Review & Wrap-Up 

• Clean up and group project showcase
• Q&A, instructor feedback
• Next steps (further learning, resources)

Required Materials:

All tools and materials will be provided. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Safety glasses and hearing protection, will be provided. Please bring a dust mask should you wish to wear one during the class.

Scheduling Note

This class is scheduled for two full days. It's expected the total working time will be between 16 - 18 hours between the two days, depending on prior experience. There will be a break each day for lunch and shorter breaks throughout as necessary.

About Owen:

Owen is an Assistant Editor with Fine Woodworking magazine. Owen formerly worked as a professional cabinetmaker in Upstate New York with Rowan Woodwork as shop foreman. His past work ranges from historical preservation and replication to modern architectural millwork. He presents at KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) on the topic of Custom Cabinetry: Trends and Techniques from Inside the Woodshop, giving designers an inside look at what the builders do. Owen’s interest in woodworking sparked early, when he was exposed to his great-grandfather’s work building wooden boats, some of which are still in the family. Owen enjoys the community aspect of woodworking, trading stories and techniques about the craft with mentors, peers, and beginners alike. When he’s not in the shop he loves to spend time with his wife Megan and little dog Otis. His ATFTOAT (all-time favorite tool of all time) is the OLFA 25mm breakaway utility knife.