Cutting Your First Piece

You need to choose nice pieces of pine. If you don't want knots, find a piece that doesn't have any. Make sure there are no cracks in the ends of the boards and that they aren't warped.

Select your first piece and make sure the end is square. If it's not, you'll have to trim the end to get it square. Don't ever depend on factory ends to be square because sometimes they're not.

Measure 36" and place a mark. This is your first side piece. Place it on the miter box and cut it. Lay it aside and measure another 36" on the remaining board. Cut this and lay it to the side.

You should have enough to measure 23", mark it, and cut. This is the top of the cabinet, lay it aside.

Now get your other board out and measure 23", mark and cut the matching bottom of the cabinet.

With all four pieces (two sides, top and bottom) you are ready to start cutting dadoes and rabbets.