LESSON STRUCTURE:  Cabinet Making Online Course

There are 10 lessons:

1. Nature & Scope of Cabinet Making

• Introduction to Cabinet Making
• Design of Cabinets
• Types of Cabinets
• Construction Materials
• Career Opportunities in Cabinet Making

2. The Cabinet Maker’s Workshop

• Introduction to the Workshop
• Workshop Safety
• Workshop Tools and Equipment
• Hand Tools
• Power Tools & Machinery
• Sawing Machines
• Other Equipment
• Tool Care

3.  Job Preparation

• Introduction to Planning
• Taking Measurements
• Measurement Equipment
• Understanding Technical Drawing
• Types of Drawings
• Making Drawings for Clients
• Taking On-Site Measurements
• Estimating Costs

4.  Cabinet Construction

• Benchtops
• Strength in Construction
• Frameless Construction
• Framed Construction
• Cabinet Making Jigs
• Adhesives and Sealants

5.  Cabinet Doors

• Introduction to Doors
• Cabinet Styles
• Types of Cabinet Doors
• How to Make Doors
• Hanging Cabinet Doors
• Hinge Types and Installing Hinges
• Sliding Doors

6.  Cabinet Drawers

• Drawer Design Introduction
• Making Drawers
• Types of Joints
• Drawer Fronts/Panels
• Installing Drawers
• Installing Kitchen Benchtops or Work Surfaces
• Installing Wall Cabinets
• Adjusting Fitted Units

7.  Onsite Installation

• Installing Base or Floor Cabinets
• Installing Benchtops or Work Surfaces
• Installing Wall Cabinets
• Adjusting Fitted Cabinets

8. Free-Standing Cabinets

• Versatility of Free Standing Cabinets
• Types of Cabinets Room by Room
• How to Make Free-Standing Cabinets

9.  Finishes & Furniture

• Surface Preparation for Finishes
• Finishing with Paint
• Using Stains
• Special Finishes – Veneers
• Natural Timbers Finishes
• Outdoor Finishes
• Protecting the Insides of Cabinets
• Cabinet Furnitur

10.  Special Project: Build a Cabinet

Option A: Making a Cabinet
For this option the cabinet to be constructed can be a relatively simple cabinet such as a small wall cabinet/medicine cabinet for a bathroom, or it can be a free-standing cabinet like a dressing table or linen cupboard, or it can be a fitted cabinet like a built-in wardrobe, bathroom cabinet, or kitchen unit.

Option B: Restoring or Altering a Cabinet

Alternative project for those unable to make a cabinet:
Students must restore a cabinet or make significant alterations to a cabinet. The cabinet selected for restoration or modification can be any sort of cabinet that the student has access to.

Please Note:   Each lesson requires the completion of an assignment, submitted to your tutor and marked and returned to you with tailored feedback, relevant suggestions, and extra reading if required.

Learning Goals Of This Online Course

• Discuss the components of cabinets, cabinet materials, types of cabinets and the role of cabinet makers.
• Describe cabinet making workshop layouts, hand tools, power tools and how to operate them.
• Describe the reasons why job preparation is important before beginning any cabinet making project, and recognise specific skills needed to prepare well.
• Describe how to construct different types of cabinets.
• Discuss different styles and components of cabinet doors.
• Describe the construction of drawer boxes and fronts, including the installation of the front panel, and explain the completed drawer installation.
• Explain safe and proper onsite installation of wall mounted or fixed cabinetry.
• Describe the construction and assembly of free-standing cabinets.
• Explain how to finish different types of cabinet making materials.
• Design and construct a cabinet or restore or make alterations to an existing cabinet.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF GOOD CABINET DESIGN?

The design of cabinets will determine what components are needed to construct them.

Cabinet Components
The key components for cabinets are those components which make them cabinets as opposed to some other type of furniture.

Key Components
Carcass – all cabinets have a carcass which is the casing i.e., side panels, base, and top. It makes up the main body of a cabinet and is the part that the doors, drawers, shelves, etc. are attached to.

Frame – cabinets may have an internal frame that the carcass is fitted to. Often with kitchen and bathroom units they do not have an internal frame as such. Sometimes they might just have internal frameworks to support drawers.

Sometimes cabinets have what is known as a ‘face frame’ which is a wooden frame that is secured to the front of the cabinet carcass. A frame adds structural stability and can also be used to house drawers or doors. The vertical members on the frame are known as stiles and there may be a centre style or several central styles.

The horizontal members are called rails. These can also be referred to as the top rail and bottom rail. There may also be a middle rail or rails. Other cabinets are known as ‘frameless’ and have no face frame at all.

Top – the tops of kitchen cabinets are enclosed with the kitchen benchtop typically in a more durable material than the cabinets. Sometimes with solid timber kitchens the benchtop is the same timber as the cupboards but made from thicker board.

Base – the base of cabinets differs according to type. Sometimes the base board is fully enclosed, and sometimes front, back and side walls sit on top of it. Free-standing cabinets may have legs or feet. Some have what is referred to as a scrolled base.

Cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms usually have a toe-kick or kickboard and this may be secured to legs behind it. The legs of kitchen cabinets can be adjustable to aid with getting a level work surface for food preparation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.