I’m going to be completely honest. I was growing tired of the same hardcore music over yet another diy miter saw station build. It was something to watch I guess. Somehow RU-vid recommended you channel so I checked it out. (1) I build my own stuff and I feel like I have skills yet I’m learning somewhere between a handful and a dozen extremely useful tips from every video. I can honestly say that’s never happened before. I’m usually lucky to learn 1. (2) I actually really appreciate no music. Not sure why but it completely works. (3) You explain your processes in a way I can immediately understand the benefits. Almost like I’m in your shop. Keep doing what you do.
Thank you so much. I'm happy to hear you are picking up some tricks. Its been a real joy to share here on RU-vid, especially when I know people are finding it useful.
yeah i much prefer seeing stuff made for clients than yet another jig etc with sponsored tools. mike is very professional and has every tool you can ever need, my tool envy steps up another level seeing his vids.
Probably the best DIY voice-over voice I have ever heard. A far better way to show how to, in this case build cabinets, than the jerky explaining while doing the work. Loved it!! Thanks Mike!!
Brilliant video, I'm a 65 year old retired old fart, who enjoys wood working, although my tools are more basic. Your workshop is somewhere I could spend a week in just looking in awe at the equipment you have. A pleasure to watch a tradesman do his stuff, thanks so much for posting, from Garry in the UK
I heard your song recommendation, Tunnel of Love, and I was like, come on, that's old hat! Everybody loves that song? And then I realized that this song could be new to a lot of folks and appreciate you sharing it. Then I put it on and jammed big time. What a, probably mostly forgotten, classic.
Hi mike. I’m a professional cabinet maker from Brighton UK. Decided that as I work on my own most of the time I’m never learning new tricks and tips from other woodworkers so I’d start looking at utube stuff. Anyway, your channel is exactly what I hoped I’d find! Great content, clear explanations and no shit music! Plus a great sense of humour. Please keep putting out the videos. Only trouble is that I have severe workshop envy! You’d be horrified to see the old workshop space I have to work in. 👍David Booker
If 5% of contractors were this honest and dedicated to their work, the world would be a better place, and except for pure hobbyists there would be no DIYers... Thanks for sharing!
Not so much a woodworking shop as it is a CABINET FACTORY. Very impressive. But I like to see videos of work shops doing projects using common tools that most of us can afford to buy for our cramped little shops. Having said that, I will admit your craftsmanship is outstanding.
Thank you. My videos are simply a representation of how I build things. I fully understand your position though, that may be the thing I like most about RU-vid, its possible to see hundreds of people building similar projects in vastly different ways. I think this creates a very rich learning environment.
I love his voice!! It is so confident, calming and matter of fact and I love that while I’m learning !! He has taught me so many techniques I’m a new to woodworking and Mike has given the inspiration to never stop learning and sharpening my craft !! Thank you 🙏🏻
What I don't appreciate about RU-vid is that I can only 'like' a video once. I've watched this three times over the last year or two and always want to smash that button, only to find that I've already done it. Heck, I may have already commented on this one, too. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your day.
You're a real pro. I sent this link to my sister-in-law who is a woodworking hobbyist and asked her to subscribe to your channel. FYI, I watched your video on your dining room renovation and used your technique to install wainscoting in our kitchen nook. Although I'm just a DIY weekend warrior, my wife and I are very pleased with the end result. Thanks for sharing.
Mike, your videos in your work is outstanding. I hope the shop apprentice is doing well and your wife and yourself and business is good. Skilled craftsmen with great talent all the best my friend.
I love the techniques you use, I just started working at a cabinet shop and they do everything the fastest way possible, I like making stuff the way you do more.
I was curious about income, Mike. I just got done reading a Wood Whisperer article where Marc discusses how he no longer makes an income from woodworking for clients. It’s all from advertising and online content. Back in the day, Marc struggled to make a living from actual wood working and never really made it over the hump, so to speak. But there are those folks out there, and I thought about you. Are you the sole provider for your family via woodworking? Have you found it to be a solid means of income even though you’re producing on such a small scale?
@28:50 Mike, if you coil your cables that way, they will kink over time. There's an over under method that will make the cables last a lot longer. And heck of lot easier to unroll w/o kinking. Also, Tunnel of Love has that Sultans of Swing feel to it. Love Dire Straits. I listened to it so much in high school! :) Beautiful work as always.
You sir are a true craftsman. After seeing all the hacks on RU-vid (Jay Bates, that Wilkerson lady) you are a breath of fresh air. It's plain to see that your primary goal is to create a quality finished product for your customers and the videos are secondary (even though are top notch as well). To paraphrase the old adage, those that can, do. Those that can't just make hacky RU-vid videos.
As a weekend warrior, I have learnt so much from your channel. Thanks so much for all the hard work you put in to making thses videos. West Midlands, England
Thank you Simon, I'm happy to hear you enjoy them and picked up a tip. Jolly England, love it! My wife lived in London for a year when we were younger.
Just finished up an interior painting project and found myself asking what to do until my next project which starts tomorrow. So I started cleaning up the shop and watched/listened to your video. Your commentary and explanation of tools and process is very entertaining. You have a very clear voice and your not too serious which I enjoy. Love your shop!
Finding this channel was literal gold. I watch other channels but none offer the insight and knowledge you do. You’ve helped me take my cabinet making to a nxt level. Thank u so much.
Nice build Mike, thanks for sharing. Appreciate the intelligent commentary minus loud music. Learned quite a bit from this one video, looking forward to more from you. Perth, West Australia
You should ask your customers if you can pop back once the project has been completed to get some final photos. Beautiful work BTW. Enjoying your videos and your dry humour very much. 👍
Dude, I stumbled onto this video looking at fireplace mantels. Within a few minutes I realized this was way too in depth for what I could do. But kept watching because of the quality of the video and narration detail. I watched the entire video and the knowledge and pride in craftsmanship is incredible. Probably one of the best videos I’ve seen on RU-vid. Great work man!
Thank you very much. One of my goals has been to put out videos that are the best I can make with what I have. I am happy to hear that those efforts are being noticed. I appreciate you watching.
Came across your video by accident. I started to listen (I’m from the UK) and I thought “who’s this cocky bloke with a workshop that makes me hate him because it’s so nice I really really don’t want to like this guy!!!” But, I kept watching....and by the end, your comments started to make me laugh 😆 And to be honest, I’ll admit I learnt quite a few things. You’ve won me over. Subscribed just now 👍
Thank you. Great to have you on board. I'm happy to hear you picked up a couple tips and that I won you over. And I know that I'm so fortunate to have the shop I do. Thank you for watching.
I got to Mike’s channel from watching you (Gosforth Handyman) and 10MinuteWorkshop There are some great youtubers out there. I don’t know how you guys find the time to record, edit, narrate and then publish. But I and many others are thankful you guys do 👏👏👏
Mike Farrington where can one buy this spare time from that you talk about? Lol :) I don’t have any. I’m genuinely impressed from all of you guys on RU-vid. 👍
Cadex! Cadex! Cadex! I’ve have mine for 10 years now never had an issue and I actually use it everyday. Plus the built in blow gun is such a great feature.
Just looked and the model is CPB 23.50. As to dropping any of them I can’t say I remember a good drop as they have the belt hook. Although I’ve had about a dozen apprentices over the years and they’ve made it though with flying colours.
I know the feeling about the end of a project. I built a very nice dice tower for a friend of mine -- it was my first "real" project with hardwoods (maple and purple heart), and as soon as it was done and finished, I packed it up and shipped it off to my friend, half a continent away. I was proud of it and of the things I learned while making it, but it was definitely a weird feeling completing a project I was never going to see again. Almost like finishing a good book for the first time.
- Nice end product & when I can get hold to a few hundred thousand dollars to put into my professional woodshed, yours is exactly what I dream of it being. Thanx for sharing.
Your thumbnail should be the finished project. You would definitly get more views. That doesnt mean youre not good looking ;) Greetings from southgermany
Hey Mike, thanks for a great channel. I've been in woodworking for 30 years and I appreciate watching a true professional work. It's so rare to find someone on RU-vid who was an expert before they started their YT channel. I know you're the real deal for two reasons: 1)I always learn a little tip or add something to my workshop shopping list when I watch one of your videos 2) Your self deprecating sense of humor. "A hack cabinetmaker such as myself." You let your work speak for itself and it speaks volumes, my friend.
Thank you very much. Its great to hear you pick up a tip here and there. That is really my goal with these videos. I always find it important to never take myself too serious.
First off, I love that you include your son in your videos. Next, your attention to detail is impeccable and is sadly lacking from a majority of professional carpenters these days. I agree with your feelings after delivering a piece. It’s hard to see something you put your heart into, be gone forever.
Mike, you have skills and I appreciate your explanation and calm voice. Your work is impeccable and high quality workmanship. Your little one is adorable-she's lucky! Thanks for sharing your talent.
As always...enjoyed your video. For me it was a good reminder of taking time to do the job correctly and having the diligence to be thorough! I didn't have much luck with the Blum drawer locators; I've been using double sided tape but i'll give 'em another try.
Great video! Content like this is what should be on TV instead of that over commercialized junk. I wish I would have seen this before I did my first built-in. Thanks for doing these videos it really helps us weekend warriors and hobbyist. Cute clips of your son playing in the snow. My wife is pregnant with twins, our first kids. OK time to watch the video a 2nd time.
I hardly ever comment on a video but Mike your work and videos are so great. I hope you continue to find success in your endeavors and you're able to share more with us. As someone who only gets to do woodwork once in a while (when my real job is slow enough) I find your videos so helpful for inspiration and learning. Thank you!
I have to say my hitachi np35a has never let me down in 2 years of semi-production work. And it’s hard to beat $90. New subscriber, really like your production build style.
Mike, I’ve been using a hitch I pin nailer for about 10 years and have yet to rebuild it. Now I will be honest I don’t use it anywhere close to the amount you do but for it getting used for for a couple hundred pins each time I pull it out, it still hasn’t failed once. Just keep a drop of oil in the air connection before and after use and it keeps shooting no matter how long it sits. Great videos!
I always enjoy these videos. Quality work, camera angles, editing, and narration. I especially appreciate that you call out part numbers for hardware and tools.
I always enjoy your build videos.. I learn so much... I’ve only been woodworking for a few years. I’m a Compounding Pharmacist during the day but I love to be in my shop every chance I get. I’ve been watching your videos for a while especially the “built-in” cabinetry ones...My daughter has asked me to do some built-ins for her and you make it look so easy. Thanks so much for inspiring me to try new things and always sharing your work... Greg
Another "most excellent" video. Thanks Mike! (It's 2022 and a friend called about her son who just bought a house. ~~~ The request is for some inexpensive book shelves. ) ~~~. I'm just talking about dado slots to hold the shelves. But a review of your work is an inspiration. Thank you so much.
Process, process, process. It is so important for consistency and budgeting. You sir, have it down in spades. I really enjoy you walking through all the steps. Great video! 👊👍
Hi Mike. I am a carpenter for living but cabinets making that s my hobby and new passion. I don t post reviews often. But what I can tell you that your skills and shop inspiring people like me to make something nice, not nessecery to make money but also to enjoying that. Good lock Bro and can` t wait for another video. and new tricks and ideas.
Hey Mike, I love your teaching skills. Your explanations are very easy to understand and so is your smooth delivery of instructions. When I worked as a Route Salesman delivering bottled water, one of my stops was a furniture and cabinet builder. I'd walk into their huge wood working shop every two weeks and twice a month, I was inspired to be a cabinet maker... lol Btw, I am real close to retiring from my job as a Set Lighting Technician in the movie industry and I still want to learn how to build cabinets and make furniture. If you ever need an older apprentice, I will be available in a few years. Thanks for sharing, cause I've learned a lot...
Thank you for the kind words. I could probably learn tons from you about lighting. I don't know much about lighting, but I know its pretty much everything when filming.
Thanks Mike. I’ll need to study up on pressurized pots (I’m using gravity feed) to spray without thinning. Maybe the board room will have a special on spraying. Thanks again. Love your work.
Nice job as always Mike. Really illustrates how many steps and parts go into a "simple" cabinet build. I also enjoy picking up new techniques from your videos, and seeing what tools you've added to your shop!
Hi Dave! Thank you. Yes, woodworking seems so simple until you actually try to do it. After I completed this project I went on a spending spree and bought a few new tools which I will show in the next couple videos. See ya soon.
Your best video yet, in my opinion. Thanks so much for going into so much detail, I totally appreciate it. I'm just getting into doing more built-ins with my business. You have a wealth of experience and great tips and techniques, you have taught me a lot. Your shop and tool collection is quite enviable as well. Cheers
Thank you much! I feel that going into more detail is worth the editing effort. I was hesitant in my first couple videos to make them too long, but after hearing peoples reactions I think this is the direction I should go. I am fortunate to have my shop and tools.
Thank you. I feel if people are going to take the time to watch my videos and comment, the least I can do is answer, even if its a simple thank you. Its a show of respect. At some point my channel my become too big to respond to every comment, but I will certainly try.
Collins clamps..... I use those a lot, and recommend them to every trim Carpenter I run across. Surprising how many people don't know about them. And the company that sells them he does a phenomenal job with customer support.
Totally agree. What a great trick of the trade. I will say I didn't know about them for a few years. Once I found them I knew they would be a great addition to my work. On of those huge bang for the buck tools as well.
Mike Farrington ..... I preassemble most of my small crown projects and then nail them to the ceiling or columns as needed. The clamps make all the difference in the world
Excellent video. Your narration is so sincere and perfect. You're not trying to make corny jokes all the time, but you slip in some great dry humor now and then. keep it up!
I use the SENCO FinishPro 23LXP. I've had it for about a year and use it for 8 hour stretches, about 2 to 3 days out of the week. It's nowhere anywhere near being worn out. It's a good gun but quirky - like all 23 gauge nailers I've used. They are as follows: Up here in Idaho it gets very cold in the winter. The first 3 nails of the day tend to end up proud of the board. It requires 1 drop of oil in the morning, no more and no less. You can put your nails in at an angle without them going in proud but you have a to learn what positions it works for. Load up on soft tips - they wear out fast.
Great video mate! I probably like it so much because you build almost exactly the way I do with one notable exception. I'm WAY lazier than you, so when it comes time to paint or finish the doors and drawers fronts, I get three finish nails and pound them on the back side of the doors/drawer fronts, in the most inconspicuous places, typically next to the hinge cup hole. One nail is on the opposing stile in the middle. I know you're completely confused at this point, but what I'm doing is making legs to keep the door above the surface of the table so I'm able to spray the backside of the door first, turn it over and spray the edges and front. This allows me to spray the entire door at one time. I like the Blum drawer adjusters but I'm too cheap, and lazy, to use those, so I just use double sided foam mounting tape to temporarily mount the drawer faces and tweak it, then I shoot screws in from the drawer side. Love your shop! I can only dream of something that nice
Looks great Mike, you're a man after my own heart. I wish I could spray my own work too. The painters never do them justice. You asked for comments on a 23ga nailer. I have used a Cadex that quit and I could never get it working, due to limited customer support and no authorized repair centers nearby. I have also used the Grex that I love. If your like your Grex I would get another one, I am not sure there is any better.
Painters paint my work once in a while. I always try to explain to them to charge a little more and take their time, do it right. It seems like every 23ga gun has its ups and downs. Here is one thing I will say, I really don't mind spending big money on a tool that does the job every day, every time, for years. What I don't like is spending money on a premium brand and having it fail long before it should, i.e. your experience with Cadex.
Mike Farrington Used that tapered sanding disc on some basswood drawer sides for my wife's kitchen. Very nice. Should work well on our MDF window extensions we install.
Big fan of the biscuit joiner as well, my go-to for table top glue ups. You make it look very easy but can you spend some time explaining how you measure out and mark up where your cuts so they all fit together. Especially when joining multiple surfaces, workbench top to torsion box for example. Thanks - keep up the great work.
Thank you. Any time I am going to be putting a bunch of biscuits in a project at different angles, and positions, etc. I always come up with a consistent layout. So at each end, then at 8", 14", 20" etc. I pick a layout that is easy remember, and transfer it to all pieces. I'll show more in an upcoming video.
You are very talented! I appreciate the fact that you put the same level of care and precision into these videos as you do your work. I hopefully will be where you are at with skill and equipment soon. Keep these amazing videos coming! God bless you and your family.
It's been a few months, and you may have already bought a new pin nailer, but I have almost exclusively Senco nail guns from brad pinners to house framing. They are pretty much bullet proof and I am very happy with them.
Hay Mike I'm a carpenter that specialized in staircase Railing and finishing work( moldings etc). Just wanna say your videos are so inspiring and educational to the "T". Just by looking at your shop I have to say im far from being close to have what you have
Can you please do a video of your shop? That would be so awesome to get a tour. Wish I had a shop like yours! Maybe one day! Thanks for all your great videos. You ROCK!
I love seeing different ways to build cabinets from other pros. Cool to see another perspective and see if theres any ideas I wanna steal. I attach my horizontal cabinet cases to the face frames in the exact same order as you do. I'm considering stealing your process of using biscuits for lotsa stuff. I probably will. I'll probably steal the edge tech thing too lol
I normally build overlay doors and drawers but if i ever need to do inset then I'm definitely gonna get the Blum adjustable drawer front pokey things and the side to side adjustable to undermount brackets too lol. I have a jig that normally gets my drawer front acceptably accurate for overlay but i wouldnt trust its accuracy for inset.
I just found your videos on RU-vid today and I’m loving your work. I am eventually going to get around to building a bar in my basement and I would love to see any work you have done like that if you could share a video in the future of that. Thank you for the great videos and again, awesome work!
