
14
8. Apply glue to the bottom edges of the Header
Mounting Cleats (12), then position them on top of
the Header Board (9) between the Front and Rear
Header Rails (10 and 11) and secure with 2" Coarse
Thread Screws (46).
Note: Remove all hardware from the wooden
compnents to make finishing easier. You might want
to delay finishing until you have built the side cabinets
so you can do all finishing at the same time.
Build the Side Cabinets
1. Using a dado blade in a table saw or a rabbeting bit
in a router, cut 3/8"W x 1/4"D rabbets on the rear
inside edges of all Cabinet Sides (49) and the top
rear edges of the Cabinet Bottoms (50) to accept
the Cabinet Backs (56).
2. Using a dado blade in a table saw or a straight bit
in a router with a straight-edge guide, cut a
dado to accept the Cabinet Top (53) across the
inside face of the Cabinet Sides (49). The top of the
dado should be 23⁄4" down from the top of the
Cabinet Sides (49). Be sure to match the dado blade
set-up or the bit width to the thickness of the
plywood to avoid unsightly gaps.
3. Cut a dado to accept the Fixed Shelf (51), with the
top of the dado 241⁄2" up from the bottom of the
Cabinet Sides (49).
4. Cut a dado to accept the Cabinet Bottom (50),
with the top of the dado 51⁄4" up from the bottom of
the Cabinet Sides (49).
5. If you are cutting notches in the back edges of the
Cabinet Sides (49) to accommodate base molding at
the installation site, mark and cut those notches.
6. Drill shelf-pin holes on the inside faces of all Cabinet
Sides (49) between the Fixed Shelf (51) and the
Cabinet Top (53) for the Adjustable Shelves (55).
Perfectly aligned sets of holes are needed an equal
distance in from the front and rear inside edges of
both Cabinet Sides. This plan specifies 1/4" shelf
pins with pin sleeves, requiring holes that are 9/32"
in diameter and 3/8" deep.
7. With one Cabinet Side (49) on the work surface,
inside face up, apply glue in the dado for the
Cabinet Top (53). Install the Cabinet Top in the
dado, making sure that it is square to the Cabinet
Side (49) and that its back edge is flush with the
rabbet at the back edge of the Cabinet Side. Slide
the top end of the Cabinet Side (49) off the work
surface and, from underneath, drill and countersink
two pilot holes through the Cabinet Side and into
edge of the Cabinet Top (53). Attach with 15⁄8"
Coarse Thread Screws (45). These screws will be
hidden by moldings.
8. Apply glue in the dado and install the Cabinet
Bottom (50), making sure that it is square to the
Cabinet Side (49) and that its front edge is flush
with the front edge of the Cabinet Side (49). Slide
the bottom end of the Cabinet Side off the work
surface and, from underneath, drill and countersink
two pilot holes through the Cabinet Side (49) and
into the edge of the Cabinet Bottom (50). Attach
with 15⁄8" Coarse Thread Screws (45). These screws
will be hidden by moldings.
9. Apply glue in the dado and install the Fixed Shelf
(51), making sure that it is square to the Cabinet
Side (49) and that its front edge is flush with the
front edge of the Cabinet Side (49). If the Cabinet
Side will face the Murphy bed cabinet, drill and
countersink pilot holes from underneath and attach
with 15⁄8" Coarse Thread Screws (45), as the screws
will be hidden. If the Cabinet Side will face the
outside, use glue only so no screws will show.
10. Apply glue in the dadoes of the other Cabinet
Side (49) and position it on the assembly so that the
Cabinet Top (53), Fixed Shelf (51) and Cabinet
Bottom (50) fit in the dadoes. Make sure each piece
is fully seated in its dado and square to the Cabinet
Side (49), then drill and countersink pilot holes for
the Cabinet Top (53) and Cabinet Bottom (50) and
attach with 15⁄8" Coarse Thread Screws (45). If this
Cabinet Side will face the Murphy bed cabinet, drill
and countersink pilot holes for the Fixed Shelf (51)
also and attach with 15⁄8" Coarse Thread
Screws (45). Otherwise, use glue only.
11. Turn the cabinet onto its front edges. Apply glue
in the rabbets in the Cabinet Sides (49) and Cabinet
Bottom (50) and across the back edges of the
Cabinet Top (53) and Fixed Shelf (51). Place the
Cabinet Back (56) in the opening, making sure the
correct face will be visible from the front. Secure
one corner with a 3/4" Finish Nail or Brad (40).
Measure the diagonals to ensure the case is square;
make any necessary adjustments and secure the
Cabinet Back (56) in place with 3/4" Finish
Nails or Brads (40) every 6".
12. Using a dado blade in a table saw or a straight bit
in a table-mounted router, cut a groove 1" from
the bottom edge on the inside face of the Front
Rail (52). The groove should be 3/8" deep, and its
width should match the thickness of the Cabinet
Top (53).