We went exposed edges, and finished with Osmo (https://osmouk.com/) works really well. It's not like it's being rained on like outside, if your cabinets are getting wet enough for that to happen the chipboard carcasses with blow out first.

Baltic birch also tends to use an exterior grade adhesive for gluing the layers together.

100% agree on the tools, I brought a track saw for the project. First time using one, they are brilliant, and no need to get an expensive Festool. I got this one (https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-erb690csw-185mm-electric-...) and it's perfect for the job.