A person with moderate skills, using the Veritas 32 cabinetmaking system,
can build a complete set of kitchen cupboards using an electric drill, a
table saw, some clamps, and basic hand tools. The system can also be used
for freestanding wardrobes, entertainment centers, bookcases, and a variety
of built-ins.
Virtually all good kitchen hardware today is based on European designs
developed after WWII. A cabinetmaking system was developed that used standard
drill sizes of 5mm and 8mm and standard hole spacing of 32mm (about 1-1/4")
for dowels, shelf supports, drawer slides, and hinges. With frameless
construction (vs. the North American face frame construction), the system
is a series of boxes with standard components — left and right
panels are interchangeable, as are tops and bottoms. Because the hole
pattern is designed to fit various fittings, the unit can be converted
at any time from one configuration to another and allow for last-minute
changes when you are building.
With the Veritas 32 system, all holes are measured with
consistent 32mm spacing and all in reference to the sides and ends of
the panels. The gauge head has both metric and Imperial graduations to
make settings easy. Although materials and cutting measurements can be
either metric or Imperial, we recommend using metric for the design and
construction stage to reduce rounding errors.
In high-production use, metric measurement is used because only three
basic panels are needed, all of which are "balanced". Balance
simply means that the panel is symmetrical. It may be flipped end for
end or back to front without a change in the hole pattern, so that left
and right panels are completely interchangeable, as are top and bottom
panels. Our instructions detail the method for making balanced, half-balanced
and standard panels.
After
cutting all panels, tape or apply edging to exposed edges. Place the jig
on a side panel and, depending on which system you choose, set the rail(s)
37mm in from each edge (the standard inset distance for all European hardware)
and clamp into place. The system holes (vertical holes for screws, inserts,
shelf supports or hinges) and the construction holes (horizontal holes
bored to accept dowels) can then be drilled. The bush carrier straddles
the rail, with the selected bushing in the hole in the rail where the
first hole is to be drilled. Drill as required, according to your design.
The dowelling jig bases allow for drilling of dowel holes in the ends
of the top and bottom panels. Assemble the case. The dowels make it easy
to maintain squareness in assembly.
We offer a basic jig and individually priced components for those who
would prefer to build their complete system over time, or who want only
a single rail model. We also offer a deluxe system, which includes all
but the extra-long rods.
The Basic Veritas 32 System includes one rail with fixing screws, two
regular-length rods (for work up to 12" wide), two clamp heads and
two tails, a bush carrier with 5, 8 and 10mm bushings, a 3/32" soft
bushing, a hex key, and a register pin.
The Deluxe Veritas 32 System includes all the items in the Basic System,
plus two extra rails, two long rods (for work up to 24" wide), a
gauge head, dowelling jig bases, connector rods and plate, an extra register
pin, plus a fitted wooden box to store all parts (except the rails and
long rods).
To view the instruction booklet that comes with the Veritas 32 system,
click on "Instr" below. It provides detailed instruction on its various
uses and the basic procedures for making a cabinet from particleboard.
The same system would apply for solid-wood panels or plywood. Printed
booklet is also available at no charge when added to an order.
Made in Canada. Patented.