DIY Kaboodle base cabinet to drawers conversion

[twocutekelpies]

Our kitchen is a very long work in progress so always evolving. Recently we decided to change our 900mm base cabinet to 3 drawers to match the set next to it and utilise the space more. Unfortunately I think you need to buy the whole set including the carcass to get the drawers so I decided to DIY instead. 

Materials

1 Sheet of melamine 

10m Melamine edging 

Baking paper for edging

3 x Goliath soft close runners

8g x 50mm Chipboard Screws

Tools

Kreg drawer slide jig

Irwin quick grip clamps

Level

Square

Mitre clamps

Drills

Drill bits

Screwdriver

Phillips bits for drill and screwdriver

Scissors

Iron

Sandpaper on block

Knife

Steps

Step 1

Using our existing 450mm Kaboodle 3 drawer cabinet, I worked out what size panels I'd need for a 900mm unit then put all the dimensions in a cool website I came across that optimises your cutlists (hope it's ok to post the link as it was a game changer for me). This worked out that I'd only need 1 sheet of melamine to get everything I needed and also allowed for blade thickness. 

  

Step 2

My first step installing was to empty the cupboard and remove the shelf and shelf pins. Then using the 450mm 3 drawer cabinet as a guide again, I added the 3 drawer runners to each side at matching heights. I picked up a Kreg drawer slide jig a few years ago so put it to use here. I'm afraid I forgot to take photos of this process. 

With everything cut to size and ready to go, I assembled each drawer with 50mm chipboard screws just like the Kaboodle kits.

Step 3

I ironed edging to the top of the drawers to dress the edges and followed directions on the packet to trim the excess off. 
I tried adding the edging before assembly on the second one but found it easier to do after because I didn't have to hold the individual pieces upright while ironing/sanding/trimming.

Step 4

The final step was adding the drawer slides. I removed the ends of each slide and fixed them to the bottom of each drawer side.

Step 5

The final step was a 2 person job due to the width of the drawers and especially the weight of the bottom one. I had to rope hubby into helping me load the sliders. 
The hardest part of this job is yet to come - hubby and I agreeing on what panels and handles to finish this off. 😅

[JacobZ]

Hi @twocutekelpies,

Nice work with the cabinet conversion project, it looks just like a bought one.

Good luck with the hardest part, the finishes.

Thank you for sharing.

Jacob