Medicine Cabinet

There have been two outstanding jobs in the bathroom renovation project: building a medicine cabinet and trimming the window above the cabinet.  I deemed these to be jobs for Paul because is a professional with the required skills in contemporary cabinet making, whereas I am generally locked in the 70's and 80's.

Paul did a magnificent job in supporting me through the worst of the renovation project, where I was vulnerable and totally dependent on him.  He was always there at the right time and for that I will always be grateful.  But when the bathroom became functional I told him that there was no rush with the last two jobs, aware that he would be busy at work and have a lot of projects around his own property. 

As time passed Paul seemed to become busier - last time we  spoke he told me that he had just worked a 72 hour week - and I began to think of doing the work myself.

I decided to use 10mm marine ply for the back - marine because it had a better grain that promised to come out well when stained and varnished.  But first I had to solve the problem of the cable on the inside of the wall carrying 12v power to the navigation lights display on the other side. 

Blue tack holding wire in place

Saw set for a very shallow cut

Channel for wire successfully cut

I decided to use the table saw to cut a channel for the cable at the back of the ply board sheet.  If this worked I would proceed with the project.  I used blue tack to hold the cable perfectly vertical along the wall then took some measurements and marked both sides of the plyboard. I then set the circular saw for a depth of about 3mm then made 3 cuts: one along the marked line and two approximately 4mm on either side.  That worked fine so I decided to proceed and  purchased the necessary jarrah.

Back stained and in place

Cabinet Completed

Style fits in nicely with the rest of the woodwork

The photos tell the rest of the story.  The cabinet is made of 19mm thick and 140mm wide jarrah, the sides nailed to the wall studs and noggins using 2mm nails, then the shelving cut to fit the imperfections of the cavity (i.e. the shelves did not have exactly 90 degree corners).  I used gloss varnish as usual because it brings out the grain of the wood better than mat, and I relied on the varnish to glue the shelves to the supports and that seems to have worked out well.

The result may not be professional grade, but it is in keeping with the style around other parts of the house and I am satisfied with it.

If I can figure out a way to make the cabinet door I will do it and spare Paul the trouble.  The issue here is how to make the door in the jarrah style of the cabinet without it being too heavy and clunky.