Main issues with the delta is they sort of exist as they have been bought twice recently.. Iirc steel city sold the same unit under their name but they are defunct. I'm not sure I'd buy much anything with the delta name on it yet unless I knew I could get parts from another vendor as machines are mostly the same regardless of brand.

I'd look at going with the 24" grizzly myself new or used if you can't find another company selling that machine (for future parts)

Yes caulk would work, but it's almost permanent. There is a product in a caulk tube called Seal and Peel. When you want to remove the screen, the material will pull off in a long string.

Call them for a replacement

Chisel out the mortise's for the hinges and raise them up.

Oil based paint is the standard. There are foil strip that are also used. Unfortunately very few seal the bottom of the countertops and the sides of the cabinets. That steam out of the top of the door takes a toll on particle board.

Epoxy will strengthen it and protect it. Pain to do though.

You won't need the edging on the back side, I just built one that has 34" shelves, and only edged the front. But I'm not sure I see any problem putting the shelves (adjustable shelves, right?) If the edging goes between the face frame stiles, you will have to tilt it to get the shelf into the cabinet, then lower the back into place first, followed by dropping the front with the edging between the stiles. Or am I not following the question?

Gee, I don't know, the gassing off of normal household products (e.g., carpets, plastics, etc.) in the main house (or in a new car for sure) seem to me to be more worrisome than that of domestic wood. I view the issue of particulates in the air to be more of an issue than "gassing" of wood aroma. But then again, we all die of something. I use a dust collector for TS, jointer, planer and have a Griz air cleaner, and feel pretty good about the air quality in the shop. I would think that an air purifier would get buggered up by the particulates in a shop environment, even with hand tool use.

It all depends on the fire rating of your safe.

So which ones do you like or dislike?

I do not have one nor plan of getting one but making lathes easier to use if good.

Arlin

Can't give you any advice on the wood, etc, but what about a stainless steel band clamp like we use to hold DC hoses onto DC ports to hold the staves? Not sure how big you're planning to go.