This one is all about assembly! I receive a lot of requests to include more details on my assembly process. This is a detail that many articles, videos, and DVDs tend to leave out, so hopefully this helps to fill some gaps. Keep in mind that every project will require a different glueup and clamping strategy, and this is just one way to get the job done. Hopefully it will give you some tips and tricks that you can put in your virtual “tool cabinet” for future use. I also cover the layout of my tools and how to secure them inside the case.

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Remember, this video is being pulled from the Wood Whisperer Guild archive for your viewing pleasure. For more information about the Guild, check out WoodWhispererGuild.com
Here is a closup of the ply endgrain for those that requested it.

Other Episodes in this Series:
Wall-Hanging Tool Chest Pt. 1
Wall-Hanging Tool Chest Pt. 2

In the second part of this three-part series, I continue with the construction of the main grid-work. I show you a cool trick for cutting small dowel pieces and then the assembly begins. For small parts like this, I actually have a cool method glue-up that involves the use of two different glues. I then cut the triangle shape using a circular saw and a guide, which works surprisingly well. Finally, I add the mitered trim pieces and our Advent Calendar proper is fully constructed!

Want to build along with me? Download the plans and start making some sawdust:
Advent Calendar SketchUp Plan
Advent Calendar PDF Plan

Associated Shop Journal Posts:
Jig For the Advent Calendar
Tiny Door Hinges
More Tiny Door Hinges
Distressed Painted Finish

Other parts in this series:
Advent Calendar Part 1
Advent Calendar Part 3

An important aspect of building furniture that many new woodworkers overlook, is the importance of finishing BEFORE the project is completely glued together. That’s the primary focus of this part of the series.

A few of the topics covered in this part:

• How to deal with color differences between plywood and solid wood trim.
• Raising the grain and applying water-based dyes.
• Theory and application of wiping varnish.
• Creating shelf pin holes for adjustable shelving.
• Applying angled trim to the shelves.
• Final glueup and clamping strategy.

I mentioned my finishing DVD in the video, so here’s a quick link for anyone who might be interested. A Simple Varnish Finish

JIG IT® Shelving Jig Our original JIG IT® Shelving Jig is now even better! Get perfectly, consistently spaced and centered shelf-pin holes! JIG IT® Shelving Jig

Quick Links:
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 1
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 2
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 3
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 4
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 5

The absolute worst time to find out you’ve made a mistake is while the glue is drying. So this part focuses strongly on the importance of a dry assembly, which I consider to be an essential part of the glue up process. By the end we’ll have a partially glue-up entertainment center.

A few of the topics covered in this part:

• Gluing trim pieces.
• Using biscuits.
• Clamping strategies.
• Using a wood filler to hide miter flaws.
• Cutting the big bevels on the top and bottom trim.
• Sanding.
• Dry assembly strategy.
• Measuring and cutting the back panels.
• Initial glueup.

And this is the filler I recommended in the video. If you’ve had bad experiences with fillers in the past, you really need to give this stuff a shot. Shopping through this affiliate link will also help out the show.



Quick Links:
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 1
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 2
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 3
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 4
Low Entertainment Center Pt. 5