How to Make a Custom Entertainment Cabinet

Design the cabinet on paper, ensuring all measurements are accurate. Account for complications that may arise from the thickness of the plywood, as board measurements are slightly less than their advertised nominal sizes. Use the tape measure to determine the dimensions of the cabinet entertainment system. Confirm that the unit is adequately sized to support the weight and volume of all components.

Mark cutting guidelines onto the veneered plywood, molding and lumber, using the tape measure and a pencil. Double-check measurements to help reduce wasting costly building supplies. Adjust the circular saw or table saw, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cut the materials to size. Trim the edge banding with a utility knife. Compare panels cut to the same measurements against each other for correct sizing. Correct slightly uneven edges with the hand planer.

Prepare the cut veneer plywood for assembly. Use the power drill to cut a series of evenly spaced holes for the shelf pins along the cabinet's inside walls. Lay strips of edge banding along the edges of the plywood. Seal the edge banding with the heat gun. Attach the 1 by 2 inch lumber to the shelves' visible edge with the nail gun, to provide extra support. Coat wood glue along edges and sections of panels where they will make a joint. Fasten the side panels to the bottom panel, using the power drill and screws. Attach any additional vertical panels to the bottom panel. Work through each section of the cabinet in ascending order, finishing with the top panel.

Cut an opening with the router into the back or side panel, for electrical wires. Assemble the cabinet doors. Attach the hinges, using the power drill and screws, to the inside of the cabinet doors and veneered plywood. Affix the cabinet handles to the outside of the cabinet doors. Insert the shelf pins into the holes drilled into the veneered plywood. Slide the shelf in place and ensure it remains stationary. Finish the cabinet by using the nail gun to attach the molding to exposed edges. Move the entertainment system in place. Organize and place the television and electronics within the entertainment center.