You know I have limited handyman skills

[ParadigmDawg]

Ok, today is the day I drill the cabinets for the harware. What is my best approach? I have the 'Laurey 98201 Perfect Mount Precision Allignment Template for Cabinet Hardware', a drill and a buch of bits.

Should I tape the wood where I will drill?

Is one bit better than the other?

Do I need to press hard as I am drilling?

Should I start with a smaller bit and the sneak up on the final size? This seemed like a good idea when I did the harware on my bathroom last week but it was splintering the wood when the bit would break through. I then tried just using the bit I needed and it didn't splinter using the bigger bit.

The cabinets are oak if that matters. I can't have any splinter issues on the redone cabinets.

 

[Alex2507]

Tape is a good idea.
Use that blue tape made by 3M.
It is light tack and won't peel off your new finish.

Pre drill with an 1/8" bit to mark the spot on the back of the door and then drill with the right size bit but only 1/2 way from each side. Making a template is a good idea. If you are using a paper one or just measuring, an automatic center punch is helpful. Bosch is a good brand of drill bit available at HD.

Why don't you hire a carpenter so that you can have somebody fresh to reem out on this new day?
j/k ... kind of ...

It's the other kind of 'drilling' where pushing hard gets favorable results. Don't approach this like you're taking the field. I know it's early but it is Sunday so a couple of 'relaxation' drinks might be in order to set a nice calm tone for this labor of love.

 

[Adam]

Why don't you hire a carpenter...

Honestly, that came to mind for me, too.

How forgiving of drilling mistakes is the hardware? Probably fairly forgiving on the side that faces out, if the handles are like what I'm thinking. Does the interior use a washer or anything, or will it be obvious if you mess up?

You can do it, man. Just take your time getting set up. Once you get your feet wet, it'll go faster.

 

[Alex2507]

Once you get your feet wet, it'll go faster.

... read...

Once you f^%& up the first 3 doors,
you won't care so much.

No, you'll be fine. People have been putting holes in wood forever. Like after the wheel was invented the first thing to happen must have been a hole, right?

 

[Rickster71]

I'd mark, or circle the template hole that you're using. So you don't use the wrong hole on every other door.

I'm wondering if the finish is totally dry, and safe to put tape on? Just a thought.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

First two handles are on and look good. No issue with splinters or finish pulling off.

 

[Alex2507]

First two handles are on and look good. No issue with splinters or finish pulling off.

I think the one on the left is a little crooked. You should yell at yourself.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I am starting to get some mild splinttering; could my bit be getting dull?

 

[Adam]

People have been putting holes in wood forever.

That's like a dyslexic version of something that I'd expect Alex to say.

[Sorry, Greg - I don't know why you're getting splinters, so I'm no use on that one.]

 

[Alex2507]

I am starting to get some mild splinttering; could my bit be getting dull?

That's pretty unlikely. Press thes tape on harder. Try two layers of tape. Increase RPM and decrease pressure. Wood is different from piece to piece. Try a new bit too. They're $2 and it's worth a shot. Touching up those doors should be easy. I know it's not a help to you but this should have been done before the refinishing. You'll know for the next time you do this. Gotta go.

Adam: outstanding.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Got them all done with just one mistake. I actually put a knob on the wrong side but it is a cabinet we never really get in and it looks like it is where it belongs.

I was supposed to have time to do it before they started the cabinets but then all the sudden, they told me they had to get started on the cabinets a day early.

All worked out in the end. I will update pictures when I get a chance.

You guys rock as always.

Thanks!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have a fear that someone on here will look at all of Alex's "Thank yous" and ask him for advice on HT gear. Little do they know that he knows nothing about audio and most of the "thanks" came from me trying to complete various projects.

hehehehehehe

 

[Adam]

Little do they know that...most of the "thanks" came from me trying to complete various projects.

That, and monkey porn.

 

[Adam]

BTW, congrats on finishing the job, Greg. I bet that you could fill the misplaced hole without too much trouble. It probably wouldn't cost much at all (heck, with your skills, they'd pay you) to get the finish put on the patch if it was required.

 

[sawzalot]

Since u have ample expert advice I'm just waitin to see finished product ...Great job by the way I am always happy to see such fine updates to the kitchen its where the day starts so why not start with a bang..

 

[Alex2507]

I have a fear that someone on here will look at all of Alex's "Thank yous" and ask him for advice on HT gear. Little do they know that he knows nothing about audio and most of the "thanks" came from me trying to complete various projects.

hehehehehehe

I have actually been PM'ed a couple of times about stuff.
Not to worry though. I always come clean.
There's enough misinformation out there without me adding to it.

 

[Adam]

I have actually been PM'ed a couple of times about stuff.

"Can monkeys really DO that?!?"

"Hey, video doesn't lie."