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    How to Make a Shiplapped Back Panel

    Tips and techniques for making an elegant, traditional cabinet back.

    By Matt Wajda Apr 25, 2017

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    Videos in the Series

    • All About the North Bennet Street Toolbox

      January 24, 2017

      For many, the toolbox serves as a badge of honor, but for the instructors at the school, the toolbox is an important teaching tool that covers an array of hand-tool and machine techniques.

    • The History of the North Bennet Street Toolbox

      January 24, 2017

      For some it is a place to put your tools, but for the students of North Bennet Street School, their toolbox is a badge of honor.

    • Panel glue-ups using a spring joint

      Easy Way to Glue up Panels

      January 24, 2017

      Learn how to use a simple spring joint to glue up boards and how to place your clamps to ensure a flat panel.

    • covetailed case layout 16x9

      Dovetailed Toolbox Case Needs Careful Layout

      January 31, 2017

      Dovetails for a toolbox must be strong, but for an heirloom box they also should be attractive. Learn some tricks and techniques for nailing the layout.

    • Hand-cut dovetails part 1 - Pins First

      Hand-Cut Dovetails: Pins First

      February 7, 2017

      Discover the pins-first approach to dovetails that the North Bennet Street School is known for. Learn proper sawing technique and how to efficiently and effectively chisel out the waste.

    • Hand-cut dovetails

      Hand-Cut Dovetails: Tails Second

      February 14, 2017

      After cutting the pins, learn how to transfer and cut the tails of the dovetail joint, the North Bennet way.

    • Finessing the Fit of the Dovetails

      Finessing the Fit of Case Dovetails

      February 14, 2017

      How to creep up to the perfect dovetail fit using a method called "chasing the smudge."

    • case assembly 16x9

      Cutting Joinery for the Toolbox Case

      February 21, 2017

      Stopped dadoes and rabbets are cut by machine and fitted with hand tools.

    • Gluing Up the Case

      Gluing Up a Toolbox Case

      February 28, 2017

      With the North Bennet Street Toolbox, lots of parts have to come together perfectly, so you may need an extra pair of hands to tackle this daunting glue-up.

    • case dividers 16x9

      Making Dividers for the Toobox

      March 7, 2017

      The dividers are joined using bridle joints and mortise and tenons cut perfectly on the tablesaw.

    • The Internal Elements

      How to Attach Dividers to the Case

      March 14, 2017

      Learn an efficient method of fitting dividers to a case and a simple method of installing drawer runners.

    • How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dado First

      March 14, 2017

      Learn how to cut a dado by hand for the drawer partition.

    • In this episode, Matt finishes the dovetailed partition, and glues in the dividers finishing off the internal structural elements

      How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dovetail Second

      March 14, 2017

      Learn how to cut, fit, and glue up the dovetail joint for the drawer partitions.

    • toolbox drawer layout 16x9

      Laying Out Dovetail Joinery for the Drawers

      March 21, 2017

      Tips and tricks for fitting a drawer perfectly and getting the layout spot-on for the half-blind and through dovetails.

    • Half-Blind Dovetailed Drawers

      Cutting Half-Blind Dovetails for Drawers

      March 28, 2017

      Learn how to cut and fit half-blind dovetails the North Bennet Street way.

    • Drawer Fitting 16x9

      How to Fit Drawers

      April 4, 2017

      Learn how to fit an assembled drawer perfectly to its case opening.

    • Frame and Panel Door - Sizing the frame

      Cutting Joinery for a Frame-and-Panel Door

      April 11, 2017

      The door frame is assembled with machine-cut mortise and tenon joinery.

    • Raised Panel 16x9

      Make a Raised Panel for a Door

      April 11, 2017

      How to cut a raised panel on the tablesaw using a clever jig that ensures safety and accuracy.

    • Door Assembly

      How to Assemble a Raised-Panel Door

      April 11, 2017

      Prefinish the panel, cut the mortise for the lock, and then glue it all together.

    • adding hardware to toolbox 16x9

      How to Hang the Door and Add a Lockset

      April 18, 2017

      Learn how to fit a door, add hinges, and install a lockset that works perfectly.

    • The Back Panel

      How to Make a Shiplapped Back Panel

      April 25, 2017

      Tips and techniques for making an elegant, traditional cabinet back.

    X
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    Previous: How to Hang the Door and Add a Lockset Next: Make Drawer Dividers for Your Tools

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    Comments

    1. wpick | Apr 25, 2017 03:58pm | #1

      Thanks Matt! I learned a lot!

    2. user-4415120 | Apr 25, 2017 04:00pm | #2

      Could you please share the plans for this project ?

    3. Tomandy | Apr 25, 2017 04:24pm | #3

      What an excellent series. Presented to us by a modest, humble and down to earth guy who commands respect and is obviously an expert in his field. The students are incredibly lucky at that school to have such an excellent tutor. Thanks Matt and Fine Woodworking. When is the next one out ?

    4. User avater
      sawdustandwoodchips | Apr 25, 2017 05:33pm | #4

      Matt - great series!!
      will the plans be available?

    5. EdCY | Apr 25, 2017 05:44pm | #5

      This video series ranks among the finest instructional work FWW has ever done. It has been a tremendous value add to the magazine and I hope there is more to come. Matt is a talented craftsman and an outstanding communicator. Ben Strano and production crew, are you kidding me? What a fabulous eye for production, process and presentation. Whoever from FWW that brought Ben onboard is to be congratulated. Fine work all around!.

    6. User avater
      ClevRC | Apr 25, 2017 07:05pm | #6

      Thanks, Matt! Epic series! Can't wait for more.

    7. DJB67 | Apr 25, 2017 08:19pm | #7

      Thanks Matt. The best wood working series I have ever seen. I learned a lot.

    8. OldPoppa | Apr 25, 2017 08:57pm | #8

      Can't tell you how inspirational and educational this series has been. The way Matt shares his thinking process, as well as the methods of work, is phenomenal. I was genuinely sad to see it end. Give us more like this, and more of Matt in general - he is a gifted teacher

    9. wildhorse820 | Apr 25, 2017 09:29pm | #9

      This series, along with Matts teaching has inspired me to not only take my woodworking to the next level, but gave me the skills to do so. Thank you Fine woodworking and Matt. may God bless you.

    10. CHARTER | Apr 26, 2017 07:27am | #10

      Very nicely done! Congratulations to all and I hope many series like this are still to come.

      73 ES GOD BLESS U ES URS

    11. user-6606174 | Apr 26, 2017 09:25am | #11

      Thanks! Amazing series!

    12. jbarduhn | Apr 26, 2017 12:07pm | #12

      This was an amazing series. Kudos to all involved and Matt for sharing his wealth of knowledge. It was so inspiring.
      Hope there are plans - I'd be happy to re-watch this (probably 1000x times, pausing and rewinding lol) and build my own.

    13. user-2816453 | Apr 26, 2017 04:16pm | #13

      Thanks Matt. The series was brilliant and well produced. Your section on dovetails was one of the best I've ever seen.

    14. Bowlanr | Apr 26, 2017 04:34pm | #14

      Looked forward to every installment.
      Thanks and look forward to more!

    15. will_nut | Apr 26, 2017 05:51pm | #15

      Thanks to all that have participated in this production, watching a true craftsman that has mastered their skill is always a joy to behold, especially when they are as picky as hell (that's a compliment), will leave flawless results, it's been a pleasure to watch the series, Thank you.

    16. User avater
      Woodyinde | Apr 26, 2017 08:44pm | #16

      Great series. I look forward to more from Matt.

    17. WoodGuyMatt | Apr 26, 2017 08:54pm | #17

      What a fantastic series! You have set a new standard for the woodworking teaching community. Thank you for all the expertise Matt, Ben, and I'm sure many more unnamed talents.

    18. splinterjim | Apr 26, 2017 09:38pm | #18

      Thank you Matt and Ben and everyone else connected with this series. Best series ever. Great job.

    19. rwebb38 | Apr 26, 2017 10:59pm | #19

      I agree, the best video series I've had the pleasure to watch. Good job Matt and great production work Ben (and others I'm sure). You two make a good combination. I wondered at first if the length and number of episodes would become a little boring, but just the opposite happened and that made it all the more interesting. Thanks FWW for letting them do this.

    20. User avater
      RobertMorris348 | Apr 27, 2017 12:54am | #20

      Fantastic series! Fantastic project! Fantastic workmanship! Thanks much, Matt, I learned so much!

    21. davept | Apr 27, 2017 07:28am | #21

      Excellent video and a great example of how a "simple" cabinet involves so many steps and different techniques, right down to the last episode. The cross grain chop out of the corners! Exactly the way I would have approached my second corner. Thank you Matt, the remarks during the construction were spot-on. Ben, very Scorsese of you. Thank you all.

    22. Kop | Apr 27, 2017 08:42am | #22

      Well, I completely agree with everybody's comments on the superb technical woodworking information, Matt's presentation, and Ben's video production. Thank you all.

      Committing to and achieving this level of craftsmanship on a tool box only means equal or better results when applying this to furniture or the like. Wow!

    23. jleonick | Apr 27, 2017 09:26am | #23

      Great series, one of the best I have ever seen produced by Fine Woodworking!

    24. User avater
      dandegennaro | Apr 27, 2017 12:10pm | #24

      Thank you Fine Woodworking for taking a risk and producing this long and involved series. I agree, it was one of the best because of the craftsmanship on both sides of the camera. I was eager to see each new segment. Well done.

    25. shavingalong | Apr 27, 2017 04:06pm | #25

      Awesome Series! Looking forward to the next !? Thanks Matt and Fine Woodworking

    26. bgren | Apr 27, 2017 04:40pm | #26

      Loved it, looking forward to more in depth video series. Thanks !

    27. Markham15 | Apr 27, 2017 04:45pm | #27

      Matt Wajda's teaching here has been fantastic. Very detailed and tons of helpful tips. This has been the best video series yet! Thank you.

    28. mudcat | Apr 27, 2017 08:43pm | #28

      No, say it isn't so, Matt. This is like a loved novel, that when the reading is complete, I feel a deep sense of loss.
      You are a master teacher. I hope you will do more tutorials in the future.
      Thanks.

    29. User avater
      A_MacNeil | Apr 27, 2017 10:24pm | #29

      Spectacular - great teacher; clearly born to pass on his knowledge. Very well done FWW.

    30. quincy28 | Apr 27, 2017 10:33pm | #30

      Awesome.

    31. User avater
      Doc_Holmes | Apr 29, 2017 10:06am | #31

      Very well done! Matt's teaching and demonstration were illustrated nicely with excellent videography. I'd judge myself to be intermediate-advanced skill level in casework and I learned many things watching Matt. I'll watch this series again for sure. Matt does more than just show how to build this toolbox. He drops many pearls of technique wisdom that everyone will find useful.

    32. jabe | Apr 29, 2017 09:19pm | #32

      great series please do more with Matt. This whole series was extraordinary!!! Jabe

    33. RFD | May 01, 2017 02:58pm | #33

      Thank you Matt and FWW for an informative, detailed instruction series. I've been glued to it since the first episode and look forward to more in the future.

    34. Caroleann8482 | May 02, 2017 01:10am | #34

      Thank you so much to all, awesome series and I second all the above comment

    35. Dan629 | May 06, 2017 10:42am | #35

      Wow! Thanks. What's next?

    36. EC731 | May 06, 2017 11:10am | #36

      An excellent project for illustrating a wide variety of techniques and setups. As one who is sometimes too eager, I appreciated the planning and patience that goes into every 'move.' Matt, you showed me a lot, dividends will be paid for years to come. Many thanks to you and FWW for an excellent series.

    37. ed1949 | May 13, 2017 04:13pm | #37

      Excellent, excellent, excellent. Sad to see it end. This will be re-watched . Thanks to everyone evolved.

    38. wjsjr | May 21, 2017 02:42pm | #38

      Thank you so much to all involved. I learned a lot and will definitely be rewatching. It was an awsome program! I too hope there are more projects coming like this one. Well done Matt!

    39. STA_Lindsay | May 23, 2017 10:56am | #39

      A huge Thank you to everyone involved!

      It's already been said many times here, but truly exceptional work both from Matt and from FWW. I really appreciated Matt's calm, confident approach and his clear mastery of the craft. I also really appreciated the video work, although it is a world I am not involved in it was clearly well done. Nice, easily digestible segments. Great detail.

      To the editors at FWW, this series has been a home run. Please do more like it. What a fantastic gift to the craft and to generations of woodworkers to come.

      Thanks,
      DS.

    40. dlbfw | Jun 28, 2017 11:48pm | #40

      This was a terrific course. I learned a lot, much of which will find its way into the arts and crafts chest of drawers I'm working on. Many thanks to all who contributed to the course, with particular thanks to Matt for sharing his skill and his approach to the work. dlbfw

    41. User avater
      user-1097652 | Jun 30, 2017 11:30am | #41

      Outstanding project, outstanding series, outstanding teacher! Thanks Matt, thanks FWW, and thank you to the North Bennet Street School! I'd love to see more like these.

    42. User avater
      user-6838114 | Jul 07, 2017 04:25pm | #42

      Wow! I feel I have just been to school.
      Thanks.

    43. rdubya | Jul 29, 2017 12:50pm | #43

      This was an amazing video series. The instruction and camera work were first rate. In addition to using this video series to build this tool chest, I will use it as a reference on how to cut dovetails, drawer making and fitting, case work and on and on. Thanks to all - please make more of these videos. (Watch out Wood Wisperer)

    44. LRenzo | Jul 30, 2017 08:26am | #44

      Outstanding series. Hope you produce more of these. Love the level of detail and time taken on every process. Great Job, Matt.

    45. Whitby | Aug 05, 2017 02:05pm | #45

      Excellent series.....drawer reveals - a lesson for me ......slow, methodical and patience in the effort to produce each piece is also a rewarding lesson. Camera work couldn't be better. Thank you Matt and FWW.

    46. user-206917 | Sep 05, 2017 01:04am | #46

      Excellent series. Liked the emphasis on using both machine and hand tools. Also the "tips" on when Matt liked to do something a certain way to emphasis the "custom" appearance of the piece were good. This piece has a bit of everything (hence the use as a first project in the teaching I assume). Also fun to see the wonderful tools the shop has, especially liked the mortiser machine--wow what a giant with excellent control.

      Also appreciated the tips on the high feather board and the many, many explanations from Matt as to "why" he was doing something.

      Would have been nice to have an episode on the finishing. Hand finishes are a section unto them selves, granted, but the simple sanding and finishing would have completed the project. I suspect some inside surfaces were finished before assembly and the explanation of this, etc. would have been instructive since Matt is obviously a woodworker first and a finisher second his perspective would have been useful.

    47. user-2732801 | Sep 27, 2017 11:33am | #47

      Thanks Matt and Fine WoodWorking.

      I would really like to see many more full length builds just like this one with the associated plan available for sale(which I bought)

    48. user-6903723 | Oct 24, 2017 01:38pm | #48

      Well worth watching. Thank you!

    49. user-3236769 | Nov 13, 2017 10:40am | #49

      This is such a great series. Like others have said, I'm saddened to have reached the end of it, but I will come back to it I'm sure. I wish I had gone to a school like NBS when I was younger, but videos like this allow me to learn from a great teacher nonetheless. I'd love to see as many more videos by Matt as you can convince him to do. I especially appreciate the way he shows us how and then explains the why of what he is doing. That helps to cement the knowledge, the hallmark of a great teacher. Thanks Matt, Ben, FWW, and NBSS for a great series!

    50. User avater
      JK42K | Dec 29, 2017 08:17pm | #50

      This was done so well. I think I learned how to avoided making most of the mistakes that I typically make in case building. The demonstration and explanation of dovetails was invaluable.

      Thanks Matt

    51. Todd_Zucker | Jan 02, 2018 07:45pm | #51

      What an excellent series. I have been binge watching and really learned so much. Thank you for doing this.

    52. User avater
      user-6981428 | Jan 06, 2018 05:32pm | #52

      I watched all segments. What a perfect and meticulous work of Art woodworking project. Matt, at times I was getting a bit impatient how meticulously and patient you went about perfecting the your work, but when you finalized the project and seeing how perfectly the project was finalized I understood why you were so detailed in every aspect of it, and I will keep that in mind when I am doing my project. What a lesson to learn.

      You are one hell of a furniture maker. Thank you for your time and efforts and appreciate your patience completing this project in such a perfection form.
      Thank you.
      Ed

    53. dfr | Jan 11, 2018 07:04pm | #53

      G'day,

      As an educator myself, Matt is outstanding. His attention to detail is very professional and especially illuminating.

      Thanks,
      dfr
      Professor of Aerospace Engineering (Emeritus)

    54. Xxxxther | Mar 18, 2018 02:27pm | #54

      This series alone is worth the price of membership! I have watched this twice and I think I learned as much the second time as the first. Great series taught by a great teacher.

    55. TboneTim | Apr 07, 2018 04:47pm | #55

      Cleaning up the rabbet for the backboards in the final episode really caught my attention. I can see myself doing that in 1/3 the time and getting acceptable results. But look what I would lose. Watching Matt, I could experience the visceral sensation as he chopped gently but thoughtfully across the grain and shy of the line, and even more so watching and hearing the sharp chisel slice a precise and clean corner, where a less perfect result would suffice. It is that extra bit of care and precision with a sharp handtool---even in a corner that would probably go unnoticed by most---that gives so much satisfaction to the one fortunate to be doing the work.

    56. WoodStack | May 10, 2018 06:34pm | #56

      this is why i subscribe. depth not usually found in youtube land. Thanks Matt, Ben and team

    57. user-5393046 | May 11, 2018 11:47pm | #57

      What a master!!!! The level of detail and the explanation as to why it is needed is just oustanding. Thanks Matt and hope to see you soon in another series.

    58. user-7111988 | Jul 14, 2018 12:40pm | #58

      A wonderful experience watching a master at work. Watched from another part of the world. I learned so much. Thank you Matt!

    59. User avater
      FabianoL | Jul 28, 2018 01:59am | #59

      I was so sad when it finished..... the quality of this series is just beyond words. the professional Matt is a master. the chosen project is very complete and beautiful.
      I wish I could find more of these out there. The only thing missing to really complete it is the drawings to make is 100%perfect.
      pls try to do more series like this with North Benett pros.

    60. Wamoo | Dec 05, 2018 04:49pm | #60

      This was probably the most informative half day of woodworking instruction I have ever experienced. I've been doing casework pieces for about 20 years and thought I knew a lot about the subject but there was not one since episode that failed to relay a significant new lesson or insight. Having watched this series (which I'll certainly wath again) has undoubtedly improved the precision of my work. This series alone is worth the price of admission!

    61. Markgoldbaum | Feb 17, 2019 12:24pm | #61

      Thank you Matt. Just viewed the project in 2019. The most informative and valuable tutorial I’ve seen, and thanks to Finewoodworking. Reading the previous comments, please do it again!

    62. rockinrolly | Jul 28, 2019 01:41pm | #62

      Great learning project. Matt’s pace of instruction is superb - he is quick enough not to lose my interest and methodical enough to make his point clearly. Great teaching skill.

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