Building a Double Sink Bathroom Vanity - Part 1

For a written tutorial check out my blog at wilkerdos.com/2...
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I am in the process of building a double sink bathroom vanity. I wasn't able to fully finish so I will make another video showing the rest of the build.
If you are interested in the bits I used for the moulding here are links to all three: goo.gl/vZYTbO, goo.gl/yhlppG, goo.gl/Z7tQUQ

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

As a former cabinetmaker, I'll say up front that you did a great job. You'll find cabinet shops all over the world, and every single one of them has "their way" of building cabinets. Some things are standardized, but not many. Sure, some folks might have done some things differently, but who cares? In the end, if it does what you want it to do and you like it, you did it right. No worries. Just a little side trip into "my opinion" land for a second. Talking about being intimidated. Listen to what you said toward the end, when you started talking about making moldings. You're spot on. Apply that to "cabinetmaking." Don't be intimidated - you can measure, you can cut, you can attach, and you know to keep things square. You're already ahead of a lot of people in the cabinetmaking industry. My granddaughter wants me to build her a violin. You wanna talk about being intimidated...

[@Joat2]

Mark Lindsay I agree. This is what I do for a living and I still enjoyed this video immensely! I am a little concerned that there seems to be no space for your toes when you're leaning over the sink, but perhaps she's going to mount it directly to the wall. I'm looking forward to episode 2. April Wilkerson puts out a great product that does what it's supposed to do and looks great.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) thank you guys. I'm actually going to be making feets for it.

[@SteveCarmichael]

April Wilkerson Nice work April. I was wondering about the toe kick too. Good plan with adding feet because I think they make cabinets look more furniture-ish.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Shawn Fogleman Haha, I know Shawn.

[@wajidm5983]

+April Wilkerson nice work

[@SawDustMakerRJM]

April, being intimidated is a whole lot better than being over confident. I was just making a simple door for my shop basement. I thought to myself "this will be a piece of cake". It turned out that I made several mistakes. The only good thing, I am a master of covering up my mistakes :)

[@SawDustMakerRJM]

Saw Dust Maker BTW great job on the vanity so far.

[@rodw]

You should add an Oscar to your list of awards/accolades. If this is you nervous? OMG !! I didn't realize until after watching the video was 4 years old. I've had the pleasure of watching a number of your videos and have been impressed from the very beginning. Thanks for sharing your talent and videos, Rodney

[@davidharris6581]

Beautiful work! But, what I enjoy most is you character & attitude. You admit you are learning, you never try to bs us, you are quick to give credit to others when it's do. All very admirable and uncommon. Thank you!

[@Danwrnr1]

Wonderful presentation and it is so welcome and professional to see a woman in the trade. With that said I have been a cabinetmaker for 30 years and I am learning things from you. please inspire other ladies/men to get back into woodworking it is a wonderful and enduring medium. Thank you April

[@thurlravenscroft2572]

Back in 2015, you were just starting out with woodworking tools. Now you have a huge shop in the wilderness and a reality show. This is America folks, ain't she great!

[@macbirt56]

Kudos April. I am happy to see a woman do some of this work herself. I get the feeling that most of the TV shows have off screen people doing all the real work, for both male and female hosts, that is. My daughter is a crafts person herself. She designs and decorates wooden trays and boxes for local craft shows. BTW, never be afraid to make a mistake, it's learning how to recover from them that makes a person really skilled at this.

[@317stitches2]

You are awesome April. I like the fact that your not afraid to try things..I've always wanted to go to a technical school to learn carpentry and build my own place.My father is really skilled in building things and making his own furniture and cabinets.He has top of the line tools.He's let me mess around with some of his tools years ago but every time I would try to tell him that I had an interest in going to school for this he just never showed any support.It's sad because now I'm a lot older and the lifting would be to much.The closest I got to working with wood was at a veneer plant that I use to work at! We didn't make anything from it,the veneer that is. I was just involved in the manufacturing process so it could be shipped around the country.Learn everything that you can April about building and making things and then teach other young women and start your own company! My dad is old school and he wanted me to be a secretary.No way! I've never had a sit down job.I would be bored to death! Good job April !

[@sinsin1972]

The cabinets looks great so far. I love a woman that knows how to build with her own two hands!

[@MrScot1265]

I have work in the construction industry most my adult life and to tell you that you are a great wood worker is an understatement this is a great project and if you were intimidated it did not show you think outside the box and if if you dont like what you see on the shelf you make it i just hope when I get started doing wood workng I am half as good as you

[@tomdoe6399]

Glad to see you jumping in to try new things. Many times I start out not knowing how to do something but I am confident that I will when it's done. Glad you didn't settle for purchased molding. Using a project to justify the purchase of a tool or in this case a router bit is a fundamental aspect of woodworking and should never be passed up. I always enjoy your videos. I'm looking forward to seeing how the vanity turns out.

[@velray1231]

Hi April . I am a pallet artist . Unemployed and all I can afford . love your builds am learning so much . My tools are your basic crap but you do inspire me to continue my crap ur craft thank you . looking forward to continuing my lessons with you .

[@jamesb7651]

APRIL! Never fear. With your shop tools, you have everything you need to build a cabinet case. And, you've designed and used the dado method, which I believe is the best for strength/squareness. Good show.

[@billfromelma]

Hey April, cabnet is looking great. Can't wait for part 2. You did make ONE mistake. That was to make your owm moulding. NOW , you ll never be happy with "store bought" again. You set up a good router table with a quaity lift and you'll amaze your self with the nice sharp mouldings or picture frames you can make. Mix different bìts , cut rabbits , glue them together, neat and fun stuff you CAN'T buy in the store. Keep up the great work!

[@AprilWilkerson]

No mention of a suggested outfeed table?!? ; ) Hi Bill. This Triton router actually has a built in lift! So all I need to do is make a table for it. It's on the list with the outfeed table. Haha. I think you are right! Making the moulding was my favorite part so I'm sure I'll want to make my own from now on.

[@billfromelma]

I saw the triton, my buddy bought one, really good. Mabey you could put the router table into the outfeed table? You'll need onr miter gauge slot. Just gettin ya thinkin. Enjoy your trip.

[@rjdshmetal]

I love the moulding and like the fact that you made your own instead of buying them already made. Great way to challenge yourself.

[@bufford14]

Hey there girl, you did a fine job on your first time making a cabinet. Your dad will be very proud of you and he should be. I hope your dad asks you to wear your respirator more often, you know it's not healthy to breathe all the dust that's been kicking up. The next thing on your list after this build should be to finish plumbing your dust collection system. You have a good start on it right now. I do hope you don't get angry at me, I'm old enough to be your granddad, and have some experience with dust from working in the mines. God Bless you youngin and keep up the carpentering, your doing a fabtabulous job. mark

[@BuddhaMan]

I've been following your channel for a while now and I've watched every video. You do some awesome work. I'm far from professional and I don't make a living at it but, I do enjoy being out in my shop when my health allows it. Keep the videos coming. I look forward to them!

[@scottrogers9542]

As a fellow cabinet maker and installer. I would like to recommend trick when making your own molding. If you sand the wood first, you’ll save a fair amount of time hand sanding the moldings. The bearing on the router bit follows the wood exactly, if your wood has imperfections, so will your molding. I’ve been using this trick for more than 20 years and let me say most of my moldings are near perfect right from the router. Cabinet looks great.

[@IdRatherMakeItMyself-Net]

My dad always said that building cabinets is just building boxes. If you can build a box, you can build a cabinet. I think he is mostly right. Nice job on tackling a somewhat intimidating project. It looks like a great start!

[@donaldjackson9747]

I worked in a cabinet shop for ten years and just because you do it different than I might from what I'm seeing it looks just fine, and its more unique that standard cabinets. Good job

[@pythonmaker]

Hi girl. I do not know anything about carpentry but, of course, I want to learn and this is the reason why I love your videos. I hope someday to become as talented as you. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I started out not knowing anything but started small and built on my experience and confidence from previous projects. Then I was able to do more complicated builds. You can do anything you set your mind to! Thanks for watching.

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

Nice work April! You do an excellent job of explaining each step. You would make a great shop teacher... With a good "let's learn together" flavor!

[@BrainFizz]

Making your own mouldings with a router is way more rewarding than buying off the shelf, Plus a bit of router action is way more fun! Also you can choose the basic timber more critically! Good job April Wilkerson ! Looking forward to the second part! Enjoy your out of town trip!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

i concur with mom, knots are lovely in finished wooden pieces. you're looking wild and free, firey and focused. good to see you.

[@WayneBrownWoodworking]

Your moulding design made a simple cabinet a Wilkerdo original.. Once again, you have taken it to the next level. Looking forward to the next video. Great job April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thank you Wayne

[@jeffb957]

Looks like you had nothing to be nervous about. It's coming together perfectly. My grandfather was a master carpenter. He always told me that good craftsmanship wasn't so much about not making errors in your work. As long as we are human, errors will happen. He said it's more about building it sturdy, strong, and long lasting, then cover your goofs with moulding =))

[@AprilWilkerson]

Well knock on wood! It might be one of those cases where it looks like it's coming together, but once I try adding doors and drawers, nothing fits! : ) So lets just wait and see. I like your grandfather's philosophy. ; )

[@Mike-uj1wr]

All that's needed is common sense, a creative mind, and a lady named April! Very good!!

[@Jay2525Jay]

April, I know your parents will be so proud of the vanity. Great build looking forward part two.

[@sailorbobp]

I'm impressed! Never having make a cabinet and working without plans, you are doing an excellent job!

[@jimhester2004]

Nice going, April. You have a talent for keeping things simple and uncomplicated. A good friend of mine says that I have M disease (or meticulous syndrome), and that I need to learn the definition of "good enough". I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

From what I've been seeing I'd say your wood working is top notch...This Vanity is coming along very nicely April, I can't wait to see the Vanity when finished. I bet you're going to make your mom very happy. Thumbs way-up :))

[@AprilWilkerson]

:) Thank you, I appreciate that. My fingers are going to stay crossed until I get the doors and drawers on!

[@clemkonan]

Wow you inspired me keep up the good work; the takeaway for me was not just the chance to save money (from the big box store may actually be cheaper) it was the self sufficiency you can meet your own needs with a few tools and your God given abilities.

[@WestSenecaValleyRailroad]

Beautiful job, April, and very inspiring! My little girl loves it and loves watching your work - I think she hopes to be just like you some day!

[@Piccolacleudia10]

Wooow I love those molding designs!, and that vanity looks really beautiful! You inspire me!! Thanks a lot, God bless you!.

[@davycrockett9891]

Love watching your vids. Tailored for the average worker like me. I grew up watching Norm Abram on PBS. Love his stuff even till today. He has many great ideas thru 22 seasons of The New Yankee Workshop. I have wanted to do the things you do for decades. I do many handyman items and have built a few things around the house but I have finally built my shop and ready to get something going. Being 49 now, I figure no better time than now... Check out some of Norms furniture making. He makes it seam so easy and as do you. Keep up the great work April!

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Wow. Nice job so far. Making that moulding takes a lot of power from a router. Love your channel. Don't change what you're doing.

[@davidg105]

I always enjoy your narration on your vids, it's honest and candid. Once you understand the basics of cabinet making, someone of your skill can easily build them. Designing them needs a lot more thought and study. As some have commented a level is not a reliable tool during assembly. Accurate measurements and cuts along with good layout marks and constantly checking square will ensure a good build.

[@michellee8913]

I just like to say you are an inspiration too many women including myself out here thank you

[@TheAughoti]

I really enjoy your videos. I have learned a lot from you. One of the best 'chippies' around. I hope you keep making the videos. Hello from Scotland.

[@user-lt7cq3uw2e]

I am from Iraq and the tools that you have are very beautiful and your creativity is beautiful

[@gentlemensedge5503]

Excellent job sister! You know you're showing me up, right! Very nice, I think you showed some real craftsmanship when you leveled your work from the beginning. Nice!

[@gentlemensedge5503]

***** She's very text book..

[@handydan1591]

Great work with the molding. I personally agree with your mom. The knots give great character. Can't wait to see part 2

[@perogi21]

I made the cabinets for our kitchen and mudroom using the sommerfeld system. Worked very well and solid. Keep up the good work!!

[@rsmith2237]

That is going to be an awesome vanity for your parents! Looking forward to part 2 of the video.

[@thomasrbishop8736]

Very nice well done. I really like the molding you made and it added a nice touch . Most cabinet are so plan anymore, looking forward to part 2 . Thank you from West Virginia.

[@mhaz49]

For somebody who doesn't know about building cabinet carcasses, you have made a great start. The Woodworkers Guild of America has just released some tutorials on this in their members area if you need more guidance. I like your use of the router to make you own edging.

[@paulratay4205]

You look very comfortable and confident in your work. You also have some good design skills. I enjoy your videos. Nice craftsmanship.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I really thought the biscuit joiner was going to come out of it's case for this one. Gotta love the Kreg though. I get intimidated by projects too sometimes but getting into the Zen of woodworking makes it worth it. Great vid. I'm loving your channel.

[@michaeltorres9575]

THATS GREAT MISS APRIL, YOU ARE DOING SUPER GREAT, YOU GO GIRL

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Ayyyyy Im glad to see you using my "tip" about holding the nailgun perpendicular. its good that we can all learn from each other as up n coming builders. of course theres no guarantee to avoid blow outs but with the gun in that position it definitely lowers the possibility. cant wait to see this vanity finished up

[@Prawnchowmein]

Beyond awesome-there's something just amazing about a lady using power tools...keep it up

[@Retroweld]

Loved the intro...funny. Those are some serious clamp. Nice. I'm building cabinets for my garage and I have no idea what I'm doing. Looks great! Excellent job.

[@aaronhernandez9348]

“My mom looks at something like this and sees it as character instead a flaw” really was such an impactful statement.

[@davidharris8171]

Great work. I have built a lot of cabinets and you seemed to naturally flow into a quality build. Looking forward to how you finish this.

[@garyjerniganjr]

to have never done this before you made it look easy. hats off to you.

[@NaeDeen]

You go girl!! I was looking for inspiration, as I want to build a vanity for my mom. Boy did you deliver. THANK YOU!!

[@Rockinrollin62]

Very nice vanity. You’re a very capable craftsperson.

[@mattrage101]

The cabinet is looking good can't wait for part two

[@kring1a]

Looking great! I probably don't have to tell you this, but remember to leave enough space for plumbing when you are making shelves and drawers. I have messed that up before, and it is no fun to have to re-saw things when you are ready to install.

[@sikhulilenyathi9292]

You are so amazing, I wish so many women can learn from you and know that nothing is impossible , if you are dedicated to do well.

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Great job April! The cabinet is looking good. Your moulding design looks really nice.

[@davidscott3046]

So far you have done a fantastic job so can't wait to see it finished

[@daleschmitt8902]

April, Excellent job!!!! I am amazed how your skills have improved since you started building things. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@TyMoser]

That's a great start to what I think is going to be a great looking vanity! I'm sure you mom is going to love it. Now you need to get a router table to go with that new router and all those molding bits. I've never done much with molding bits, it's nice to see how easy it was. (Or at least how easy you made it seem.)

[@abdulmufti4913]

I have a daughter, now i'm persuading her to start making something that has to do with wood. Thank you for your video. Regards, from Indonesia.

[@AMATEURDECORATINGLIKEAPRO]

Great Job! I would have been so intimidated but eventually I would get over it. You are my hero!

[@HovingtonInstruments]

This is a nice start, looking forward to the second part! I must say I'm like your mother and love the imperfection in cabinets and furniture. I like the idea for cheap molding too...

[@eln74]

A nicely performed job that encourages all of us to make our own cabinetry, tnx April for sharing your vids!!! :D

[@calhounov]

I like that you use proper terms at doing things

[@hammer4570]

Great job I love to see women taking on new non traditional trades. Also, it is a little more work, but try a tong and groove system on the face frames. That way you can use all pocket screws and never have to worry about putty or anything else when you finish the cabinets

[@patrickrobbins8563]

Awesome job! Seriously impressed. One thing you could make that would help you with dado's would be a sled for your table saw. Makes gang cutting really easy also. Keep up the awesome work!

[@2300Kenzie]

It's usually good practice to verify level on the base before accepting the vertical plumb. Nice work.

[@icawn]

looks terrific! hopefully your parent's floor is level and consistent:)

[@rickwilke9399]

Wow so far so good! And well put by the way around the 5 minute mark. Built it to your personal preference. Loved that most of all! You rock!

[@zandemen]

I just noticed a spot where I can give you a helpful tip, yeah! At 4:30 it's really hard to keep the router level following such a narrow face. You might be able to sister another board beside the work piece clamped together or screwed temporarily to double the width of the face and make it easier. Or use a router table with a nice high fence.

[@andersonhurit6]

hello ... I like it when there are great women like you who are good at wood working, success is always diving from Indonesia

[@marceaton3128]

For someone who is intimidated you sure did a great job. Put a router table build in your future plans.

[@Willtrax]

So cool. Great Shop. Very inspirational. I think I may try and make my Mom a vainity cabnet too. She bought sink she likes, now it is up to me to build the cabinet.

[@acraig5075]

Beautiful job so far, the moulding really dresses it up nicely. Looking forward to part 2.

[@davidmorgan7522]

Worked out the intimidation pretty quickly! Very nice. Looking forward to the finish. Take care, Dave

[@jerryquarles1625]

Hi Ms April...I really enjoy your videos. I build face frames in a high volume cabinet shop in central Texas. A suggestion: the face frame is the most critical part (dimension wise) of a cabinet...as I'm constantly told! Build your face frame first and then make the box to fit. Screws are ok if you're covering them as you did otherwise nails/brads are good. Keep up the good work...you give me some great ideas.

[@rogerbeaulieu9734]

As for being intimidated, I don't believe it. Keep on going Girl. Keep up the great work and your variety of projects.

[@disconeil]

Well in my opinion you had no need to be intimidated! You made a "cracking" job of part one. The only thing that would puzzle me is whether or not to buy the "moulding bits" for my router. I don't know if I would use them enough to justify the price of them compared to buying moulding off the shelf. Also I wouldn't fancy all my work having the same trim. Having said that, it wouldn't happen because, as you pointed out there are several ways to do things and you could use different combinations to trim out your projects. Thanks for the cracking work April, I really appreciate all the effort you put into your channel. Keep it up! N.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I hear you, and the only reason I felt comfortable with the purchase of the bits is because I plan to be in this hobby for a very long time. So I look at all the tools I purchase as investments. : ) Thanks! I'm glad you like it.

[@mikegreenebass]

love that syc up to your first cut.... reminds me of football players getting ready to bust out of the tunnel ! Great work. you rock

[@tommie293]

Extremely not too bad! I remember back when I had all that enthusiasm.

[@01gt46]

I just stumbled across your channel and like it a lot. You do some really great work. My only complaint is now I'm spending too much time on KZbin, when I need to be working. Keep up the great work!

[@chrisseats]

I like knots and imperfections too! My uncle and I make up stories (or lies, lol) about interesting ways the imperfections in furniture occurred years and years ago. Even if it is something I made yesterday :-)... I'm one of those who will hit stuff with chains or hammers or scrape wormholes into things....just a fun way to add interest

[@trentmyers538]

wow ! I love what you did April I was really impressed with the molding I never thought to use cheap 2x6 lumber wonderful job.

[@justindesilets3526]

Just subscribed to your channel (was actually watching Alain Vaillancourt's channel). I saw about like 9 to 10 of your videos tonight and I really enjoyed them. Makes me want to start working with wood even more. Can't wait to see the rest. Good luck!

[@sjbl1962]

April, that is a great looking piece so far. I can hardly wait to see the end product.

[@dholm904]

Very nice, young lady. I specially liked that you decided to make your own trim. Today's suggestion is that you have invested in some expensive and very nice router bits, so you'll want to be a little less aggressive with them. Take an extra step and use your table saw to cut as much away from the board as possible BEFORE using the router. This will make the cutting faster, taking less wood off will keep your bits sharper longer, and you'll be less inclined to burn the wood trying to push through bulk. The middle trim was a prime example of where this would apply. The top trim would be difficult to do this, so this would be where you would use two or three passes, each a little deeper, rather than one full on assault with the blade. Better for the blades, less burning risk, and safer as the machine is less likely to jump. Craft on!

[@fastdraft69]

hello April. the vanity looks great! I like the use of molding in the middle, nice touch.

[@zanecourie2325]

Well April, you did it again. Made things look way easier than they actually are. With a brain like yours, I find it hard to believe you being intimidated by pieces of wood. Well done and Thanks again for all the videos.

[@JohnBare747]

Intimidated or not you as usual are doing a great job of diving into the unknown, just think how much easier the next one will be or the 20th. It all starts at the start, everyone had to do their first one of everything and if it does not work out you learn more than if everything goes as planned.

[@mariocespedes7086]

John Bare

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Nice work! I think the only things I would change would be to install the bottom all the side mouldings. Doing these finishing steps on site allows for scribing to a perfect fit in case any shimming is needed.

[@rayberesh6696]

Great job! There’s a lot to taking on a challenge like this. I especially like your molding. Could have taken the easy route by buying it but you chose homemade. Love it!

[@itsty4short392]

Thank you 🙏🏾 I’m also a young female carpenter and things I never did before also intimidate me but this helped alot

[@bigguix]

Why be intimidated when you have a pro level like that ! hehe. gj as always. one step at a time !

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes, one step at a time! ; )

[@s10m0t10n]

I wish my wife were a fraction as confident with tools as you are, April. She needs an instruction manual for a hammer. Great job and I'm looking forward to seeing it finished.

[@TimJacobsen]

Very exciting! It's only when we step out of our comfort zone that we grow the most. Can't wait to see the end result. :)