How to use the Domino to build cabinet carcasses.

I've gotten a few question about using the Domino to make cabinet carcasses and face frames. People ask is it possible to use the Domino and if so, how do I use it. The answer is, yes you can use it, in fact it was made for projects like cabinets. Here is how I've used the Domino to build cabinets, both frameless and with face frames. There are many ways to make cabinets, the way I construct them is be no means the only way it can be done. Take the following as concepts and adapt them to your methods.

I use 3/4" plywood to construct the carcass, with dados for a 1/4" back. To join the cabinet side to the top and bottom I use 6mm x 40mm domino tenons. The Domino allows you to center the tenon in the two adjoining mortises or to offset them. I offset the mortises, the top and bottom receive 25mm deep mortises and the sides get a 15mm depth. The 15mm mortises in the sides is to prevent the mortise form going all the way through the sides.

The tops/bottoms can be made flush or inset as shown in this drawing.

6mm tenons are also used for face frames, one at each intersection. I use smaller tenons, 5mm x 30mm, to attach the face frame. Four or five tenons in each side panel secures the face fame, I see no reason to add tenons in the top and bottom panels.

Here is a graphic in x-ray mode showing all of the tenons.

Its pretty much the same for base cabinets, the only difference is the fixed bottom shelf.

To cut the mortises in the side panels for the bottom, the Domino must ride against a straight edge. I use the guide rail on the MFT to index the Domino's base off of. This allows the mortise to be cut in a perfectly straight line. I highly recommend dry fitting all the parts before gluing. Glue the inside of both mortises and the tenon. You really only need a small amount of glue, I use an acid brush to spread the glue. I use clamps for about an hour . I've also used pocket screws when I didn't have time to clamp everything up.

Using the methods here really speeds up the assembly of cabinets. In my experience the Domino tenons are plenty strong enough for this job. I for one am not going to be using dados and rebates any more to join cabinet panels. Once you try it, you too, won't go back.