Shaker doors are a type of door that is characterized by its simple design. It consists of a frame and panel that is surrounded by a thin border. The door is usually made out of a single piece of wood, which makes it sturdy and durable. Shaker doors are popular because they are easy to make and they look good in any setting.
If you want to make your own shaker doors, you can do so on a table saw. The process is simple and only requires a few basic tools. In this guide, we will show you how to make shaker doors using a table saw.
How To Make Shaker Doors On A Table Saw
Here is the Step by Step guide on how to make shaker doors on a table saw.
Measure & Shop for Materials
– Tape measure
– 1×4 wood boards (8 feet long)
– Table saw (here are some suggested top quality table saws under $700 budget)
– Miter gauges
– High-grit sandpaper
– Stiles (2 per door)
– Construction adhesive
– Cordless drill
– Paint or a sealant (optional)
– Hinges (3 per door)Take the measurements.
Set Up Your Miter Gauges
To make the door frames, you’ll need to cut 45° angles on the ends of your stiles. To do this, set up your table saw with a pair of miter gauges. If your saw doesn’t have built-in stops, add a couple of blocks of wood to use as makeshift ones.
Cut Parts to Length
Once your miter gauges are set up, cut the stiles to length. You’ll need two per door, and they should be about an inch shorter than the width of your door opening.
Mark the Parts
Use a pencil to mark the locations of the tenons on the stiles. For each stile, there will be two tenons; one at each end. The tenons should be about 1/2″ wide and 3/4″ long.
Cut the First Pass of the Groove
To cut the tenons, you’ll need to make a series of cuts in the stiles. First, set your table saw blade to 3/4″ high and adjust the fence so that it’s about 1/2″ away from the blade. Then, make a cut along the length of each stile, stopping just before you reach the pencil marks for the tenons.
Cut the Groove Second Pass
Next, reset the height of your blade to 1/4″ and move the fence so that it’s about 1/8″ away from the blade. Make another pass down each stile, this time cutting all the way through the pencil marks for the tenons.
Set Up For Cutting Tenons
To cut the tenons, you’ll need to make a series of cuts in the stiles. First, set your table saw blade to 3/4″ high and adjust the fence so that it’s about 1/2″ away from the blade. Then, make a cut along the length of each stile, stopping just before you reach the pencil marks for the tenons.
Cut the Tenons
Next, reset the height of your blade to 1/4″ and move the fence so that it’s about 1/8″ away from the blade. Make another pass down each stile, this time cutting all the way through the pencil marks for the tenons.
Set the Fence
Now that you’ve cut the tenons, it’s time to cut the grooves that will hold the door panel in place. To do this, set your blade to 1/4″ high and adjust the fence so that it’s about 3/8″ away from the blade. Then, make a pass down each stile, stopping just before you reach the tenons.
Cut the Panel to Width
With the grooves cut, you can now cut the door panel to size. The panel should be about 1/4″ narrower than the width of your door opening and 1/2″ shorter than the height of your door opening.
Measure for Length
Once you have the panel cut to width, use a tape measure to mark the length of each stile on the panel. These marks will serve as a guide for cutting the rabbets that will join the panel to the stiles.
Cut the Panel to Length
Use a table saw or a router to cut rabbets along the length of the door panel. These rabbets should be about 1/4″ wide and 3/8″ deep.
Dribble Glue in the Grooves
Next, apply a bead of construction adhesive in each groove on the stiles. Then, insert the door panel into the grooves and clamp the joints tight.
Slide in the Panel
Once the adhesive has dried, remove the clamps and slide the door panel into the grooves.
Clamp the Joints Tight
Use clamps to secure the door panel in place while the adhesive dries.
Finish it Off with Hinges
To finish off your doors, add hinges and a handle or knob of your choice. Then, hang them in your desired location and enjoy!
Watch this useful video guide created by Training Hands Academy.
FAQs
What kind of wood should I use to make a Shaker door?
There are a few different types of wood that can be used to make Shaker doors, but the most popular type is Cherry. You can also use Maple, Alder, or Poplar.
What is the best way to cut the parts for a Shaker door?
The best way to cut the parts for a Shaker door is with a table saw. You will need to set up your miter gauges and use a fence to get the best results.
How do you make a tongue and groove Shaker door?
The Shaker style of furniture is characterized by clean lines and simple, functional designs. Tongue and groove Shaker doors are a type of door that features interlocking boards that fit together snugly, creating a seal that is both strong and aesthetically pleasing. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a tongue and groove Shaker door:
1. Cut the boards to size:
The boards for a tongue and groove door should be cut to the same width, but can be cut to different lengths depending on the height of the door.
2. Create the tongue and groove joints:
To do this, use a router to cut a groove into the edge of each board. The groove should be slightly wider than the thickness of the board. Then, cut a tongue on one end of each board. The tongue should be slightly narrower than the width of the groove.
3. Assemble the door:
To assemble the door, start by fitting the tongue of one board into the groove of another. Repeat this process until all of the boards are assembled.
Once the door is assembled, use clamps to secure it in place while you attach hinges and a handle. Finally, apply a finish of your choice.
How do you change flat cabinet doors into Shaker style?
Shaker style cabinet doors are a popular choice for many kitchens, but they can be expensive to purchase new. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to give flat cabinet doors a Shaker style makeover. The first step is to remove the old door panels and any hardware.
Next, you’ll need to cut new rails and stiles to size. For the best results, use a router to create rabbets on the inside edges of the rails and stiles. Once the rabbets are in place, you can assemble the frame using glue and clamps.
To finish the doors, you will need to add new door panels. These can be made from plywood or MDF, and they should be slightly smaller than the openings in the frames. Attach the panels using adhesive or brads, then add any hardware of your choice. With a little time and effort, you can easily transform flat cabinet doors into stylish Shaker style doors.
How do you make cheap Shaker cabinet doors?
There are a few different ways to make Shaker cabinet doors, but the most cost-effective method is to use 1/4 inch plywood. First, cut the plywood into strips that are 1 1/2 inches wide and 2 inches longer than the desired height of the door. Next, glue and clamp the strips together, making sure that the edges are flush. Once the glue has dried, sand the door until it is smooth.
Finally, drill a hole in the center of the door and screw on a knob or handle. With some basic tools and materials, you can easily make your own Shaker cabinet doors at a fraction of the cost of buying them ready-made.
