The life of a full time cabinet maker .. I’ve designed and built custom cabinetry for 20 years . It’s a big part of my life and I’ve learned a lot along the way. My dog’s name is Mulder. Many aspects of my life have been quite unconventional on the road to running my own custom cabinet business. The purpose of this channel is to share my experience.
Love this channel. And how proud of your work you are, i was going to comment, with all this knowledge you should give people classes of cabinet making. But then I thought to myself,with this channel your are teaching me and others, thanks brother I just finish my first insets doors ever and this door fitting process was killing me, I couldn’t find too mucho info, but know you put really clear for my and lots to tips, thanks and greetings from Santa Cruz bolivia 🇧🇴
So glad you are back! I really appreciate your honest dialogue vs the rehearsed spiel I see on other channels. I have only found a few channels (yours included) that feel like genuine cabinet builders. I guess the difference is the motivation of the video. You come across as someone who really wants to share information in both directions vs the 2-week-old expert trying to get clicks. I have mostly built cabinets for myself, but I am seriously considering doing this for others. I am in the Midwest so regionally there are significant differences in costs and pricing, but talking about the business side of things is always interesting to me. Looking forward to more of your content!
Wow thank you for the kind words . I can only be me and offer a real perspective on how I operate. Yes it’s the real deal . A simple shop but I’ve been in the trade a long time . Since 2004 full time. . You should do that ! Yes definitely true about cost differences in different parts of the country. More to come !
I would like to see the process for applying the finish. I would also like to learn about sourcing the maple plywood material and/or good birch plywood. Thanks for a good video. Very helpful.
Thanks ! Glad you found it useful. We source our plywood from a local hardwoods vendor , Moore Newton hardwoods in San Leandro ca. as far as finishing I am a bit spoiled in that I have a trusted finisher who sprays Gemini conversion Varnish on all our work . I personally am not an expert in finishing but there’s definitely a lot of clear coat/ varnish options out there.
Absolutely beautiful!!! Great craftsmanship. Love your attention to detail. I like how you shoot your videos step-by-step and also your mindset on how to approach different tasks. Keep them coming!!! Have a great week !!😎
Thanks , works well for quick accurate placement. I have a video posted recently called “flush inset fun with Blum” where I talk all about the hinges and plates I use . . Short answer, Blum
The Lamello is a nifty tool, but if you've already got both the Domino and a facility for pocket screws, and perhaps most importantly a tool most of us will only ever dream of-a Ritter-style assembly table-then it seems to me that the Lamello doesn't offer any features sufficient to justify its steep price. And, while I try not to be doctrinaire, at least reflexively, there's something about plastic gadgets as joinery that doesn't sit quite right with me. In your case, as you're already gluing and clamping the face frames to the carcases, and if you can afford to leave the clamps in place for the thirty minutes it takes the glue to set enough, then you could easily omit the brads. There's nothing wrong with using the brads, of course, but when you can skip a step-or three steps, more accurately, if we count the filling and sanding-so much the better. To that end, when you perform a final dry fit and determine the alignment of face frame to carcase, you can mark them in the locations where you will use the Domino to cut matching mortises in the backs of the face frames and in the carcase edges. I don't know about you, but on my cabinets the amount of face-frame overhang can become absolutely critical, and it's something I'd rather not worry about during assembly, when the face frame is liable to slide around and as the glue quickly begins to dry. The Dominos ensure that the frames register on the carcases exactly where you want them, minus perhaps some very minor tapping, since you'll cut the mortises on the Domino's slightly-oversized setting to allow for that very fine adjustment. Alternatively, where the pocket holes will be hidden (which is most of the time) you can use pocket screws in place of either the Dominos or clamps, or both. During the dry fit, frame-to-carcase alignment is achieved by drilling of the pocket holes with the face frame clamped in place. Then, during assembly, you can choose to use clamps or not-the pocket screws perform their function as they draw the face frame tight against the carcase edge. When I've used this construction method, I drive a few screws deep enough to establish frame alignment, and then I like to use at least a few clamps so there can be no doubt that the frame is tight as possible to the carcase edge before I drive home all the screws. You can then remove the clamps, which makes this method good for people who don't always have more than enough of them but who want to be able to move on to assembling the next frame and carcase. Still, I suppose if you're a professional, and you have to do a lot of on-site work or if the Lamello's unique and versatile features allow you to significantly speed up production and to execute designs that were previously inaccessible to you, then the price is as nothing. It will pay for itself. Otherwise, however, I can't see it as anything other than a toy for the well-heeled hobbyist. You're already a very fine craftsman; be in no doubt about that. I really like your hinge-pad-locating jig, and the 90° drill-driver is a great idea there. The 1/2" cabinet backs are a classy touch. And the way you describe life as a constant panic really, really resonated with me. My only point of criticism-and I know that design is often out of your hands-is the frame-and-panel format of the office drawer fronts. I generally dislike the frame-and-panel conceit on drawer fronts anyway-unlike a door, which can actually be constructed as a frame and panel, on drawers it seems a kind of fib. But, aside from that admittedly personal principle, the space described by those drawer fronts seems too small to contain so much frame, including a fairly wide moulding, and so little panel field. But the proportions throughout the breakfront are extremely pleasing.
Thanks for your very thoughtful and thorough comment ! I do agree with what you say about the lamello and the fact that I already have the domino and pocket screws. However I do desire to try it out and I figure at the end of the day it makes for content to show different methods . I’m sure when all the dust settles I’ll have some kind of good use for it in the business. Maybe it won’t be what I think now and maybe it will. Yeah as for the drawer fronts , the size is precisely why we didn’t want to add handles . It was tricky bc we wanted the knee space a certain size while fitting these drawers and we wanted to match the wainscot paneling with the applied molding detail . I think it’s one of those things that will make more since once it’s in the room where it’s made to go.
@@cabinetwise The thing about that Lamello is that it has potential uses that haven't even been imagined yet. That and, as you say, you'll get some content out of it, and if the videos get enough views it'll pay for itself. I see you building the inset doors. Have you made any cabinets with beaded face frames? Putting those together is the main reason I so badly wanted an assembly table like you have. *Edit lol: I just found your video about the inset bead. I see you run and rip the bead and tack it in place; I cut it directly onto the frame members and notch for the miters. But when I run bead as standalone moulding, I do it the same way you do, the only difference being that narrow cuts on the table saw give me the willies, so I rip on the bandsaw, and the planer pass eliminates the saw marks.
Aha I see yeah that’s another way. Ha , glad you found that vid . That was made a while back . Yes exactly I’m just excited to figure out all kinds of useful applications for different tools .
I have a very similar business to yours and getting a CNC router drastically changed my life for the better. It seems to me that it's the software that makes the CNC a good tool, and I use Mozaik to design everything. Super easy and intuitive to use, and it exports directly to whatever brand CNC you buy. Also no point in getting a CNC unless it has a tool changer (ATC).
Good to know . That’s definitely towards the bottom of my list . To be honest I’m an idiot when it comes to computers so all the software on one of those is intimidating, but who knows I may eventually try it .. especially hearing that it changed your life for the better .
An honest, humble and very talented individual. I like the way you invite the audience into your shop, and look for advice from others. I have no doubt your channel will grow! Oh yeah........ Dominii running before changing settings 👊
Thank you , appreciate that . This is the hope ; I figured there are enough super talented people showcasing their skills . Maybe this will be a little more relatable haha . Plus as I get better those who gave me helpful tips will know they played a part in that. Yes , I did hear that from a few others , definitely won’t do that again 😅
Just subscribed, buddy. As a cabinet/fine furniture maker, who runs my own business, i want to extend my appreciation for you taking the time to document and post your labor. I've thought about doing it myself, but I'd much rather just spend my time watching it than making the content! 🤣🤣. Beautiful work. I'll watch for questions you may ask, and post my input, as well as send questions your way if i get any.
Awesome! Thank you .. yes I will carry the torch🤣 it’s definitely more work making these vids than I could have imagined but now I’ve thrown myself into it and there’s no turning back
Hi Richard! Just came across your channel, Love it ….. your work is Beautiful!!!!! I have say I do enjoy your thoughts and commentary. The office desk and cabinet are stunning….Well done Sir😊 look forward to seeing past videos so I can catch up to your current work. Wishing you nothing but the best in your Endeavor’s. Can’t wait to see this Channel grow. Cheers!
Beutifull work, my only gripe would be the blocks behind the hinges, were you not hable to build or get the correct overlay for these so you didnt have to do that?
May I suggest you look in the hinge manufacturers catalogue they sell a hinge backing plate to bring the hinge forward which would achieve a neater look without having to flush the walls out.
Yes I will do that. This is a great example of someone pointing out something to me that , while it may seem obvious, I didn’t do because I was trained a certain way and just kept doing it . This is a good suggestion that can easily be changed .
Just concerning social media views - So I am an avid woodworker and have been doing it for ten years. I, generally speaking, learn nothing technique wise at this point from watching others (not that I am not a lifelong learner or presume to know everything, I have just seen a lot). I still love watching videos. Particularly the ones that are narrated. I like cremona, blacktail studios, tww, keith johnson etc etc. i like the format of your videos. I notice through the comments huge amounts of people who are probably much like me, we like to watch people achieve things. Its like when someone drops a comment in some random video “i never knew I need to watch a person clean a rug for 30 minutes”. Or make custom shoes. I find your formatting to be on point and I enjoy your narration. I am confident your channel will grow if you continue to invest your time into making content.
Nice job! It must be a treat to have a market that customers can afford projects like this. Are those Cal Door doors? Do you know if they outsource that type of glass door? I know they outsource their curved doors.
Yes I definitely am where I am for that exact reason even though overhead is higher than most other places it’s worth it ! Yes from cal door . Yes they outsource the curved doors but not the curved mullions They make these ones in house . I have too much going on right now to have time to make these but I think it would be neat to show a video in the future of me making these since I can do it . For me it just takes too long . More than I have right now .
Great Job! With you focusing on cabinet type work I would make a list of needed capital equipment and their priority. This will keep one focused with limited capital while increasing types, quanity, and quality before continued growth makes adding workers a necessity. In that vein from my very limited perspective my next large aquisition ( my advice is always based on what I would do never what others should do) would be a rip saw and then a panel saw or a sliding table saw if space and capital allows. These machines will increase your thru-put/productivity while enhancing initial quality w/o needing as much hand finishing to get space frames and panels for doors to align and fit. Good luck. Ray Stormont
I just screen shot this , really appreciate all your thoughts! Yes others have suggested a rip saw and sliding table saw , would be super useful. Definitely on my list. I like your idea of having separate lists and order of priority
Agreed ! These are from my local vendor cal door but now that I’m seeing there’s interest in them I will do a vid making them . Just was limited for time this go around
These are from my vendor cal door so I didn’t make those the focus this vid as I’m limited for time . But I will do a vid making these in the future since I now see there is interest in that.
Richard, your attitude will take you far. I greatly enjoyed and learned from your earlier videos when you were doing them. You are miles ahead of me, I have done it part time for a couple years now. Your way is not wrong, it was perfect for its intended purpose, and now it is evolving as you and your vision change. I’m watching out of order, I hope some detail on those awesome doors is in the other! Looking forward to your lamello videos too, I know the tool would help me, but alas, budget requires other things first! Keep up the good work, and great to see your beautiful wife supporting you in your journey.
Perfect for its intended purposes , very well said .thats so much for the support it means a lot . Really grateful to hear that . Yes budget haha. I actually was going to buy this months ago but had to wait till I had some extra money. Yes she’s amazing .
Hey buddy as a finish carpenter sometime cabinet maker? I think pocket holes and brads are fine! I hv every tool known to man but not that ! It’s really overpriced Biscuit joiner ?
There are always different ways of doing things. I sometimes slip a carcass behind the faceframe instead of joining them and sometimes pocket hole face frames on when it won’t show. Whatever works is the right way including glue and clamping face frames on. Great job!🤙🏼
That wasn’t the focus in this video since I got these ones doors from cal door , my door vendor , but I’ll happily make a video on how to make these . It’s actually not that difficult. It’s basically a shaker door , with an applied moulding . So if you can make a shaker door and do basic trim work you can do it .
Taste is personal but skill is universal. I’m not a fan of the aesthetic of this piece; but so what? It wasn’t made for me and I’m sure the new owner loves it. However, the skills shown are extremely high. And that why I’ve just subscribed. I’m not sure it there is, or why there is, any difference between a cabinet and a piece of furniture. As William Morris said, try to have nothing in your house which is neither functional nor beautiful. Most pieces of furniture perform a function - if it doesn’t, isn’t that then art? A cabinet forms a function as does a table or a chair or a box. So, for me, there is no meaningful distinction. I do understand that cabinet makers are likely to use more flat sheets of timber and perhaps more man made pieces such as plywood. But that perhaps only means that some of their machinery and tools are more aligned to that. I’ve been woodworking for well over 45 years and I think the only pieces I’ve ever made which have function and maybe not a lot of beauty have been for my shop itself.
Yes this is all very well said ! And everyone’s tase and preference is indeed different. Each piece is made to fit the room /decor ( in this case existing wainscot paneling) and the client’s requests/ needs . I’m really going to think about what you said because I like this mentality and very much want to apply it to all that I do as I continue to grow in this craft. Thank you
I use a lot of walnut myself. I’m curious if it will be lacquer. I’m not fond of the ambering over time and so far the only one that doesn’t is a water based urethane finish which doesn’t bring out the grain much. Any thoughts?
It will be a low sheen clear Gemini catalyzed conversion varnish . This is thicker than lacquer so it requires less coats while also providing a substantial protective barrier . Ambering doesn’t seem to be an issue but conversion varnish is difficult to do . I have a finisher who does it . The water based which dont have as much experience with , does give the wood a more natural look and therefore yes most muted grain. Also seems so be the thinnest and will offer the least protection as far as standing up to use over the years in my opinion. Probably will need many many coats but your correct it will amber less and will stay more brown if that’s the the goal between that and lacquer .
I am new to your videos, but it appears to me that if you are gluing together many boards to make panels from various solid woods your operation would benefit greatly adding a dedicated rip saw. Nice to see biscuits used for keeping boards aligned. Why do you hold or position the belt sander at an angle to grain rather than parallel? Ray Stormont
Yes agreed! I just chose a few short clips to show belt sanding but in a scenario like this I’ll start at an angel to cut across the planks as that will cut through faster as I’m smoothing out the surface . then I straighten it out and run it back and forth with the grain . Then multiple passes with the orbital to ensure every scratch mark from the belt sander is gone . Yes running it at an angle will create cross scratch marks the needs to be removed . Perhaps it’s just my impatience but I like doing it that way.
Really appreciate that ! Yeah I don’t plan to stop. Last time I started making videos a couple years back I was in a very different place . It was a trial run. This is the real thing. Already have 3 more videos in the works . Although don’t expect them all to be equally good 😂
Thanks appreciate that . I do need tone that back . I try to make it feel fast paced so people don’t click off haha . I’ve just uploaded a new vid I’d be curious if you think I’ve dialed it back enough or if i still need to go further in my path to stability .
@@cabinetwise That looks like a gorgeous piece you’re building. I will have to watch it with my coffee in the am 😃 Yes, scale it back about another 80%, slower transitions. Great the way you show the plans and explain everything, then going to execution. I’m glad I found your channel. You do nice work. AND please don’t take the comment in a negative way, I want to see your channel blow up with subscribers. See you around. PS, give the helper a cookie 🍪
@3Dgifts haha will do , thanks ! No worries about that I do like to know where I can improve because at the end of the day I just want the best result , Appreciate the support !
Thanks ! Just wanted to show a different method and that there are many methods to arrive at the same result . Plus I’m sure more people have a biscuit joiner than a domino .
Appreciate it ! Well I do think this is a great thing to have for this purpose but you could get the same result many other ways including a hand plane , table saw , track saw , orbital sander , belt sander . Just have to be careful and meticulous about it .
