North Creek Big Kat North D28 User Manual - page 16
Cabinet Assembly
1) Pre-assemble all parts without glue, to view the cabinet inside, bracing structure, and
test the fit.
2) Mark "FRONT" and "TOP" directions (and use arrows) on the inside of all panels.
Use a large black marker.
3) Mark the ladder brace edge and corner distances from the front of the cabinet sides
on the inside of all side panels. Make sure to leave enough room at the top edge for the
top panel, and do not go too low or the ladder braces will be in the way of the shelf
brace.
4) Begin the gluing process by laying up the inner back and outer back with North Creek
Soft Glue. A few well placed 1" brads will assure the panels will not flow. Also, attach
the ladder braces to the side panels with hard glue. They will try to move, so it is
easiest to hold them in place by tacking them with a 1 3/4" or 2" brad.
5) Begin the main gluing process, starting with side/top/back. Break several hours
between steps to allow the glue to dry. (Or use the "two drill method" outlined in the
North Creek Cabinet Handbook.)
6) Gluing order is side/top/back, inner front, horizontal shelf brace bottom, side. It is
easiest to install the cross braces with pinch clamps.See the drawing next page for the
brace positions.
6) Test-fit the Lower Back Cover. It may need to be trimmed a touch to be a perfect fit.
7) Drill the pilot holes through the Lower Back Cover into the Inner Back. The pilot
holes should be 1/8" for #6 - 1 5/8 drywall screws.
Advice
When pre-assembling, take your time to make sure the panels fit together perfectly.
This usually means rotating and revolving panels until a set is reached that works just
right. Label each panel carefully on the inside with a large black marker to assure the
sets do not get mixed up during assembly.
Use a lot of glue. It's much easier to get the glue between the panels before they are
glued together.
Remember, when clamped, panels tend to "flow" to relieve the pressure. An
inexpensive air brad nailer and a variety of nails is invaluable in stabilizing the panels
while they dry.
Pinch clamps for the cross braces are invaluable. To get pressure on the top or shelf
brace, use scrap wood though the woofer holes with a long clamp to make a wedge.