How to Make Plastic Cabinets

Plastic comes in many shapes and sizes, and can be used for practically anything. Acrylic plastic is an easy plastic product to work with, as it primarily comes in squares (although other shapes are available).Because acrylic plastic can be either clear or frosted, it can be used to build cabinets. Frosted panels can be used for the cabinet frame and shelving, while the clear panels can be used for cabinet doors.

One large square (get the largest piece you can) of acrylic plastic panel, one-half inch thick
One large square (get the largest piece you can) of acrylic plastic panel, one-fourth inch thick
Measuring tape
CNC panel saw
Acrylic glue (may also be called solvent welding)

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase the two panels of acrylic plastic, in the dimensions listed.
- 2
  Decide how large you want your cabinet to be. (See Tips for more information.)
- 3
  Once you have determined how big your cabinet will be, use your measuring tape to measure off eight pieces of the one-half inch thick acrylic panel. Four of them will need to be cut to the height you have decided; the other four will need to be cut to the width you have decided. Mark where the panel will need to be cut.
- 4
  Use the CNC saw to cut the acrylic panel into the sizes you have measured.
- 5
  Use the acrylic glue (solvent welding) to glue together two of each of the eight pieces of acrylic panel. (The two pieces to be glued together should match in length and/or width). You want to end up with four matching acrylic panels.
- 6
  Use the acrylic glue (solvent welding) to join the four pieces into a square.
- 7
  Once the panels have dried, if you are not going to use shelves, cut a solid piece of the one-half inch thick acrylic panel to use as a “back wall”. Use the acrylic glue (solvent welding) to attach it to the four pieces.
- 8
  Cut another solid piece (you might want this piece to be clear, especially if the other pieces are frosted) to be used as your door, if you are going to have a door.
- 9
  If you are going to use shelves, decide how many shelves you want to put inside your cabinet, then measure so that the shelves will be evenly spaced apart. Use the CNC panel saw to carefully cut a small groove into the pieces of acrylic panels that are being used for the sides of the cabinet. This is where your shelves will fit.
- 10
  Use the CNC saw to cut the1/4-inch acrylic panel into the proper number and size of shelves you will need.
- 11
  If your cabinet will have a door, attach two plastic door catches that have been designed to be used on acrylic panels to one side of the door panel and to the corresponding side of the cabinet.
- 12
  Attach a small decorative doorknob to the other side of the door panel, in the middle.

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