DIY Apothecary Cabinet

Intro: DIY Apothecary Cabinet

This little cabinet will test your ability and patience in woodworking

but at the end you'll have one wonderful cabinet for generations to come.
Happy woodworking.

Link to material used for making the Apothecary cabinet:

http://bit.ly/Apothecary_Boticario

Here is video build with no narration (below find longer narrated versions):

To see construction details with narration please see these videos:

STEP 1: Dimensioning the Wood

This cabinet is made from White Oak, Olive Ash, Iroko and some plywood for dividers, back and drawer bottoms.
Every project I start with dimensioning wood since I buy it at the local lumber mill.
There I buy smaller scraps at a very good price that would otherwise be burnt.

STEP 2: Cutting the Dovetails

Don't be fooled by the size of this cabinet. It has all hand cut dovetails joinery - 116 through dovetails and 96 half blind dovetails!
But with patience this is done in few days of cutting and chopping.
I can't stress enough how important is that your tools are very sharp, it will make this job pleasant and safe as well.

I made videos on how to cut through dovetails and half blind ones, check them out:

STEP 3: Cutting the Grooves

After dry assembling the dovetail joints I took the carcass apart and started to cut the grooves for the back panel, and dividing panels. I used 4mm and 8mm plywood for those.
When grooves were cut in the carcass I assembled it with glue for a permanent joint.
Then I cut dividing panels and grooves in them as well and glued them in the carscass.

There are a lot of steps here so the best is to watch my video few times to pick them up.
Once you have it it will go easy.

STEP 4: Finishing the Carcass

I glued all of the dividers in place as well and covered the plywood edges with solid oak strips.
The painter's tape works great as a clamp until the glue dries on those narrow strips.

I planed and sanded flush the dividers and attached the plywood back to the cabinet.

Finally I applied boiled linseed oil and dark furniture wax to bring that beautiful oak grain and pores to life.

STEP 5: Drawer Wood Prep

I repeated the same steps as with carcass material to prepare all the pieces that will be used for the drawers.
It is best to mill the wood and then leave it laying flat for few days to acclimatise to your shop.

STEP 6: Cutting the Drawer Dovetails

This is the most time consuming part in the project

but a nicely made joints will make this piece heirloom worthy and last for many generations.
So take your time and make it your best.

STEP 7: Finishing the Drawers.

Drawers get glued, the bottom fits in the grooves cut on the table saw and some by hand.
Finally install the hardware you want, I love this vintage looking brass hardware with labels.
I got them from amazon super cheap:
http://amzn.to/2FiIPDY

STEP 8: Beauty Shots

The cabinet is finished and I'll keep organized my tea collection in it.

I love how it looks and it will look even better as the wood ages and gets darker.

If you like this one please check some of my other projects on my YT channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArzensekAndrea

Comments

[JenG34]

Lovely cabinet but it looks like the link to supplies is incorrect.

[octoberbill1842]

Same issue. Went to something about buying a kit of medical supplies? Something is off but I love this project!

[Leigh AnneP]

The link for supplies worked for me. Maybe you have a popup blocker on?

[ChrisD547]

Nope, the bitly link is wrong for me too. Take you to the wrong website.

[ChrisD547]

Maybe a regional problem

[ananda310]

Bravo! Truly a Master cabinet maker. My father converted his garage to a woodworking space for his hobby.
Using tools handed down from his grandfather (in the original tool chest that he'd made,) my dad built gorgeous heirloom pieces for my mom, my brother and I, as well as my nephew and niece.
Your fine work brought back beautiful memories. Thank you.

[ChrisD547]

Lovely craftsmanship. A true labour of love.

[mrh4276]

first, BEAUTIFUL work. I do have one question. it looks like you cut 2 grooves per divider. is that correct and if so, why?

[oduczek]

My partner is teaching me how to build things! Do you have the measurements for this so we could tackle it?

[Carito]

Wow! Beautiful

[Honus]

Absolutely beautiful work. Love it!

[DIY Andrea]

Thank you very much! Cheers

[lukej32]

Phenomenal stuff. Really enjoyed the way you put the video together as well

[DIY Andrea]

Thank you very much!
I made 2 videos with narration explaining the process and then one complete video with no talk and just woodworking.
Cheers!

[ztifpatrick]

Nice work, what an amount of dovetails to cut! How long did it take you to make this , start to finish?

[DIY Andrea]

It is crazy amount, but it is doable.
It took me about 2 months to finish, but I was doing many things in between.
Sometimes is nice to take a break from repeating task, like chopping dovetails.
If I had a deadline (and dry, planed wood) I would probably be able to make it in 7-10 days.
Go and try making it, it is possible and the result will make you smile everyday you see it.
Cheers

[attosa]

Super impressive. :)

[DIY Andrea]

Thank you Attosa :)

[WindowsA]

awosome work. I am fasinated by your results it looks great

[DIY Andrea]

Thank you very much. I'm very pleased wit the outcome :)