How to make a Stylish Concrete Basin - Don't Make the Same Mistake I Did!

[@PaskMakes]

I forgot to mention in the video that I made a concrete sink about ten years ago. I should've shown it but wasn't thinking. It was for our laundry and was much bigger and heavier than this one. :) Marking knife waitlist paskmakes.com/the-marking-knife/

[@weeveferrelaine6973]

I wonder if you could have burned out the plywood from the middle. It would leave ash, but I imagine the ash is easier to clean/sand away than all the effort you put into removal on this one.

[@psidvicious]

@@weeveferrelaine6973 Using a piece of high density styrofoam (as he mentioned) is the easiest way. Just pour a little petroleum based solvent on it and it melts away. Much easier than stripping a form, one splinter at a time.

[@0li_vi_er]

Beautiful work, as usual The only drawback I can see are the lines around it that will collect dirt. They could be filled with coloured epoxy to give a smooth surface, perhaps a beige tint that matches the wood.

[@steffenschaeuf6759]

Wouldn’t the concrete crack from the heat if you burned the plywood?

[@psidvicious]

@@steffenschaeuf6759 Yes, if you tried to use a torch to burn out the wood, the concrete would pop and spall all over the place.

[@blakewilliams3702]

The “smooth/ribbed/smooth” exterior makes it look like 3 layers of material were used. Way cool job. We all appreciate learning from your first efforts! Thank you!

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you like it Blake! :)

[@TR-rz1xt]

What I always appreciate is your determination to finish no matter what obstacles you encounter. I admire that hugely as it's a discipline I don't possess! Beautiful end result - as always, Thank you sincerely for sharing.

[@cgstadler]

I think I would have thrown it into the sun when faced with chiseling out the plywood.

[@PaskMakes]

I never even thought about giving in - there's usually a way to save most things. Glad you like it! :)

[@JOSEPH-vs2gc]

well it is a discipline you could possess, if your life depended on it. Alas, first-world comforts make one lazy don't it?

[@roboTR4SH]

The part that makes you a craftsperson is learning to fix mistakes and take it in stride otherwise you'll never be able to learn (and apply those learnings) without constantly feeling like it's a failed project.

[@stevekreitler9349]

Nice work. As you discovered, right angles are the enemy of mold makers! Putting a slight angle on everything makes complicates building the mold, of course, but it sure does simplify removal! Showed the sink to my wife, and she got a thoughtful look on her face- until I pointed out that I just don't have time to build something like that!

[@johnmcmunn3827]

Definitely need Draft Angle on your internal core box.

[@ralph5450]

​@@johnmcmunn3827only if you are reusing the mold.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Steve! I thought about adding a draft angle but knew I could get the mold out one way or another. :)

[@zyeborm]

​@@PaskMakesat least for fibreglass blowing air into it is a nice way to get things out. Though I'd be a little wary of how those psi's add up over that much surface area with something brittle like concrete.

[@Bob_Adkins]

@@zyeborm I had 3/16 Formica type laminate stuck to a small countertop and tried everything to unstick it. I picked up my air hose and was blowing off the top of the laminate and it blew into a small hole I had drilled, and BANG! The whole darn thing came unstuck and cracked in several places. Powerful thing, air pressure...

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

I really do love it when makers show their mistakes. It helps more than most realize.

[@johnsrabe]

Man with no vanity builds vanity! I’m just a few minutes in and I’m already smiling that you face, through any project, the same issues we all have, and are upfront about it.

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it John! :)

[@allaze-eroler]

At around 2:00, if you want to avoid your plywood getting exploded when you use the router, it might be a good idea to use some blue tape to protect them, this way, the cut will be perfect and it will not explode as a result, i saw that trick on youtube some months ago. I can’t remember which one but it did works.

[@c.a.g.1977]

If I had only about ten precent of Neil's patience and persistance I'd be a way better man. Awesome project!

[@jth086]

This mistake cost me hours of painstaking work, but I like the outcome better anyway. I might have just thrown it against the wall. 😂😂😂 Your positivity never ceases to amaze me. Well done as always.

[@turtleman190]

I most definitely would have distroyed it in a fit of rage.

[@brainsironically]

@@turtleman190I was thinking the same thing: Five hours of sanding? Nope, I'd have tossed it on the garage floor and tried again or gone to the big box store and ordered one. lol

[@jasperrodrigues7026]

That contrasting ribbed and smooth texture make the sink look so good. I've never seen a concrete sink that doesn't feel like a concrete sink. They all have that utilitarian, industrial quality but yours feels more refined and beautiful. Thanks for the amazing videos! :)

[@kameljoe21]

I had always thought about making a tool holder for a wood lathe. The fact that you have precise control is what gives a metal lathe and advantage.

[@PaskMakes]

That's why I used it but it really would've been easy enough to finish on the wood lathe. :)

[@kameljoe21]

@@PaskMakes One of these days you might make an attachment.

[@nathancowieson511]

Making your own concrete sink: 8/10... inspiring more than a million people all round the world: a really significant life achievement. Hats off to you sir!

[@Vickie-Bligh]

I'm gobsmacked at the beauty of it. I'm not a fan of concrete cabinets, countertops, and the like but I would love to have this in my bathroom. It looks perfect. The texture is interesting and all over it looks perfect with your cabinet. Thanks for sharing, Neil. Not only your "mistakes here" but your gorgeous sink.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Vickie and glad you like the overall look with the vanity! :)

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

Yeah, the natural concrete look isn't for everyone, but in the way of concrete countertops and the like, concrete IS a great base if you want to then cover it with some swirling colours of resin! I've seen some beautiful and crazy stuff done with that! Worth checking out. :D

[@semtex2987]

I had problems with getting sheetfoam, too. So i used spray foam in an old pastic container and after hardening i shaped the inner mold out of that block. It was also a lot cheaper as the foam sheets would have been 😊

[@PaskMakes]

That's a great idea and if I'd have thought of that I definitely would've gone that way. Thanks! :)

[@robertparker2420]

You are an amazing craftsman and I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you for putting in the time and energy.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Robert! :)

[@minor2528]

Resting the guide of a reciprocating saw with the blade removed on the sides of a mold makes a good vibrating tool. Great job as always 👌🏼

[@charliemason4355]

Kudos, Mate! Five hours to sand out the CA glue. There are things I like to do that I wouldn't want to do for 5 hours!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Charlie! It was good audiobook listening time! :)

[@TgWags69]

Molds with patterns like that, consider place a small amount in and rolling it around edgways to allow the patterns to fill and release air bubbles, even brushing helps. Vacuum degassing or pressure would work too.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks - something to think about fro next time! :)

[@leendert2029]

The way of the monk. Pask, patience, positive and persistent.

[@bamsebrumbamsebrumen5403]

Looking great. 🙂 I always screw together my moulds, I never glue them; if doing deep casting then I add relief angles, 5 degrees relief goes a long way as help, but one has to think ahead how it is to come apart,

[@hanssenden4410]

Me being employed over 25 years in the prefabricated concrete building components I advise you to: A - taper the sides of the mold-component of the inner of the bassin. B - get to round of al te edges possible. C - for small component as this base you can use compressed air, just mount a coupler to connect a hose connected to a compressor. The looks are great !!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much for the tips - I thought about a draft angle then thought it's just a one off and I'd remove the mold one way or another. :)

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

He was probably going for the Butler sink look, which features vertical sides to it. I have a big Butler sink for my kitchen. It's great! It's the proper ceramic one though. :P Big bastard thing is a 2 person lift as it is! I imagine a concrete one would be just as heavy! Definitely need 2 burly men for those kinda jobs. :P

[@mattportnoyTLV]

Absolutely blown away by how fast you are able to sand this mold by hand. It's insane. I've never seen anyone move that fast!

[@_spacegoat_]

Clearly you're not a lazy man, Mr Pask, but hard work alone can't produce this level of craftsmanship. You have to have real skill, too. Well done!

[@pmdinaz]

Again, Neil, your level of patience is astounding! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@williamlott7612]

Well done Pask! I admire that you try so may different things and especially that you show your mistakes. Again, we’ll done. Darlington, South Carolina USA

[@elisabethreeves1786]

The shot of that large piece of the mold coming off the bottom is extremely satisfying! And my condolences for the work that went into sanding out the CA glue. I hope your shoulders got a well-deserved rest afterward!

[@mandyleeson1]

Turned out great Neil. I take my hat off to you for sanding those stains for five hours 🎩, but I guess when you’ve come that far there wasn’t an alternative 🌟

[@PaskMakes]

That's it Mandy - I wasn't going to give up at that point. Glad you like it! :)

[@marius35mm]

The amount of work that was put into making this makes watching you removing the mold nerve wrecking because it's very easy to chip the sink.

[@ArchEdge]

Great Video Neil.. Lots of helpfull tips in there. Im glad you dont hide mistakes - cause it adds so much more to the video know what and why things happened, and how you remedy'd them.

[@negotiableaffections]

Really, really nice, Neil. The minor imperfections are witness marks to the medium used. The ribbed surface was an inspiration and thankfully, the pva gave up the fight - phew! And doesn't it look grand against the wood of the cabinet. Art & utility in perfect harmony - now, go wash your hands hehehe!

[@tomim7187]

Neil, that is a really nice complement to your awesome vanity cabinet! It is going to look smashing installed!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Tom - Glad you like it! :)

[@thesjyoungjr]

Happy Birthday🎉🎉. A little late but no less from the heart. Thank you for inviting us into the shop for some quality time.

[@peterl9097]

I get Pask just explains stuff in his videos... but every video I learn new tricks! I think that's because he tells you when he messes up and how he messed up, I appreciate that! (because I would probably make the same mistake too)

[@maxximumb]

For the corners, if you do this again, make one corner block, drill it out, then cut into 4 pieces, one for each corner. Much easier than drilling out 4 corners.

[@damonroberts7372]

I was thinking, "why not use a cove bit on the router?" A couple of ogees set at right angles could give the corners an interesting fluted effect.

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

You have not thought this through. He had to make a extension as it was, just to drill out the depth he had for one single corner. To do one single one that is long enough to cut into 4 pieces of the right height, would be VERY difficult! If you meant in some other way, you're going to have to have a go at explaining it better, because this is how I understood you to mean.

[@maxximumb]

@@TheMurlocKeeper My thought was as he's drilling out 4 quarters of 4 blocks. Instead make one block that is twice the width on both sides. Then drill out the centre. This would be easiest on a lathe. You wouldn't need a Forstner drill bit just regular lathe tools. Then cut the hollow block into four and glue them in place in each corner. Boring a hole on a lathe is a lot more simple than making a drill bit extension.

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Wow, that was a lot of work. I admire your determination and patience. I genuinely thought that you were making a reusable mould for starting a side business. You put so much effort into making the mould, but it seemed like it was three times the work to remove it afterwards. You have an incredible amount of tenacity to see the job through 👍

[@sparksmcgee6641]

There is a reason custom concrete countertops are the most expensive type of counters. Lots of hours.

[@bigburlymikesmswoodworking]

The ribbed look on the outside of the sink is definitely different and turned out great. It stinks you had to go through so much sanding because of the stains. Can't wait to see more as this project progresses.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Mike! I wanted texture but still wanted something stylish - I think I achieved it. I didn't mind the sanding too much as I liked how it turned out in the end. :)

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Wow, I didn't realise just how pleasing the sink would be aesthetically. I'm well impressed.

[@robovampire]

Consistantly the most innovative, interesting and inspiring craftsman on youtube... love ya Neil!!

[@samanthadean1083]

This renovation is going to be amazing!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@billbucktube]

I especially like your “this is what happened” approach to your videos!

[@mr_jake.y8348]

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. You do the best work my friend.

[@QuietTom]

I really like the bubbles/holes/whatever in the planter and on the corners of the sink. I like the look.

[@geckobaldy]

Nice job. I made a rustic style rectangular planter using 2 cardboard boxes, one for inner and one for outer shutter. As the concrete mix (cement, sand and peat ratio 1:1:1) was placed the cardboard deformed and was propped with sand (inside) and concrete blocks (outside) to create an irregular surface. Looks similar to an old carved granite trough.

[@Ebikelover]

For your first time the end result turned out amazing Mate, can't wait for more of the remodel. A cordless sawzaw with the blade removed makes a good option for vibrating out air bubbles.

[@kzookid2051]

I love the ridges on the outside. I found a few times when I thought you'd made a mistake or were going to, but was quite surprised when it turned out to be the staining. Bummer that it took so long to sand out, but it turned out great.

[@jandavis1523]

This is fantastic!!! I can’t wait to see the finished sink cabinet and bathroom!

[@genevieveard2246]

Next one, you might want to install an integral over flow drain. Also? A heavy layer of wax on the plug and body helps to prevent staining and allows easier removal.

[@masterQ20]

*Awesome guy, love his videos, great inspiration just gets better* 🔥💚

[@murphymmc]

Nice save, inside forms are always the tough ones to remove, cutting the form almost all the way through on the sides and simply adding a cross support makes removal far easier. The inside corner reinforcing blocks were not needed, the concrete had minimal weight and 3/4 plywood is plenty strong with a corner that is under compressive force. There again, adding internal lateral supports that are easy to remove is key. Concrete stain is another option for color. This sink turned out really well, the next one will be much easier.

[@Kineth1]

I think he put that extra material inside the corners because he wanted to make sure there was enough material for the round-over. He didn't want to end up going all the way through.

[@Rockwoodworkshop]

I do this for a living with dry cast, i recommend tapering where you can and mold release oil works wonders. Apart from that, sound!

[@Bloodray19]

I really love your videos. Your problem solving skills, your patience and the general quality of your work is exceptional. Keep up the good work. ❤

[@nagyesszep]

thanks for showing the plywood chipout and the CA glue mishap these are really valuable for learning makers

[@Gegsite]

Való igaz!

[@Vikingwerk]

That was a crazy amount of work, glad it turned out! I’m always nervous doing projects like that; where there are days of complex prep, and the final step can ruin it all.

[@a0flj0]

A jigsaw with an old blade hitting the mold sides also works well for removing bubbles, IME. And doesn't mind, the way a sander might. If you ever make another one, you might try acid staining as a finish before sealing it. It can create marvelous colors and patterns.

[@adrianwilliams763]

Reminded me a little bit of the old concrete laundry tubs from yesteryear. Although they weren’t as classy as this version. Great job.

[@keno926]

It looks really great! When the yellow spots appeared, I already thought that would be impossible to repair. But you managed to make it look soo good!

[@abcxyz-lj3pk]

please never stop posting such awesome videos, thank you

[@meikilettymadlela8894]

I just realised that I would have taken that frame and did the wood sink with it , but great job . I'm going to try it and also wood sink since I like to do DIY projects even if sometimes it is so not working.

[@veryoldjohnson]

Happy Birthday Neil!!!! I celebrate this Friday, 09-01!!! Hitting 78!!! I've never been this old before!!! Any vacay pix? How did you like Atlanta?

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Neil! Nicely done! 😃 But yeah, you should've definitely used foam for the inside part. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! I looked everywhere for high density foam but it seems like it doesn't exist around my way. :)

[@MCsCreations]

@PaskMakes oh... Yeah, I couldn't find it here in Brazil neither. I was going to use it to build rc airplanes... 😕

[@Jim-yk9zw]

I made glass fibre concrete stuff for years. Sinks were the worst. Cake decorating ball tools make the best corner tool for silicone as they are always perfectly consistent. And that sander was a good tool for vibrating just would have been better using the foam face. Nice job!

[@Nemozoli]

Nicely done! Even with the extra sanding... The only thing I woud have added are steel bars or a mesh (more like a cage) all around to prevent fracturing later.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

Wonderful. The grooves give it a natural stone look.

[@aliasks6559]

Oh the rollercoaster of ups and downs but it turned out great (as expected). Beautiful combo with the vanity!

[@jewdd1989]

Omg it’s stunning!!! I love the texture, it takes it to a supreme level of beauty and craftsmanship and ik that had to have been a daunting task but you’re the man to do it and it’s literally a one of a kind and just beautiful! I love after you’ve sanded a bit to see light flecks in the cement… gorgeous! Now can you try making terrazzo? Lol I’d love to see your take one terrazzo but again I’m thrilled to see what’s next

[@TDuySculptures]

It's good to see someone putting a lot of effort into even the smallest things.👍

[@konstantinkolov7179]

Happy birthday, Dear Mister Pask! Best wishes to You from Ukraine! You are totally awesome!)

[@johncarter9067]

I am always amazed at your incredible patience

[@sapelesteve]

Well done Neil! That sink turned out looking great! 👍👍

[@picoboomama9391]

Beautiful job ! Thank you for sharing ! Suggestions/questions : You know there are silicon products that you can use in the kitchen, and also in woodworking, that make release so much easier? Parchment paper is coated with sillicon, and there are silicon baking mats. Also, as for getting the inside of the form removed, would you have been able to soak the wood for a couple of days to soften it, or would that have worked against you ? Would it have helped cure the concrete slower, which always makes for a harder finished product? or would it have degraded the concrete ?

[@squeekhobby4571]

Work of art. The way you made the mould is very good

[@charliemiller20]

Wow, that was a lot of work, but it turned out incredible! Well done.

[@Khitiara_]

as long as you make sure to clean all the dust and grit off the lathe ways then using a metal lathe for wood is perfectly fine and can be quite useful

[@slotho122]

I wish I could be in your head when you are coming up with these craft ideas. The drafting process must be interesting.

[@Andrew-zk4hk]

Nice. I no its done now but i wonder with the stain if some Hydrochloric acid might have cleaned it up. And your right about the foam.. for the molds just use a little fuel to dissolve any leftovers.

[@kenc2257]

Ver nice sink--the concrete work looks great. I like the ribbed exterior band. This was quite a project.

[@nathaniellangston5130]

I cast an epoxy granite machine base in a foam board mold and I found that out of all the spray on mold releases I used, by far the best was to use that Synthetic food grade grease with PTFE in it like Superlube makes or other companies.

[@ianvicedomini2648]

I think it turned out perfect Neil. I like the groove finish. I'm looking forward to the next video mate.

[@bobbyjackson4452]

Awesome work. I've worked with concrete in the past for larger scale things like driveways, sidewalks, & curbs. We always used hydraulic oil to prevent the sticking to our wooden forms. For a project like this, I'd think vegetable oil would work the same. Thanks for the video. :)

[@Jim-yk9zw]

I used to use a product called 'Crete lease' working with glass fibre concrete. No matter what you use those damn sink moulds never ever come out easily.

[@kovarka4]

Looks really nice! I like the textured look (ribbed stripes) outside. Good job!

[@MrMarkRoads]

I've never done small forms like this. Doing huge forms, we often cut the plywood almost all the way through and brace it. Once you remove the bracing the inner form is easier to remove. Cheers.

[@scav0enger]

Enjoy the holiday! Going to take a small sketchbook with me when biking but no idea if anything is going to happen 😊

[@mlstrib]

I admire the hell out of your tenacity good sir. Way to go

[@Smithb83]

Wow it's beautiful! 😍 you are so tenacious at solving problems. Hope you had a good birthday 🥳, thank you for the videos

[@adachiluis]

Fui diversas vezes no botão do Like pra ter certeza que já estava clicado 😂 Esse video merece um belo Like 👊🏼😉👍🏼

[@helderlage]

happy birthday... hope this new year brings you everything you wish for, and more unbelievable projects like all the ones you share

[@babthooka]

Happy birthday, Neil!

[@court2379]

Nice work. I am thinking that putting a couple small holes in the bottom of the mold and putting compressed air on them may pop the mold out. It would probably need a little bit of draft to the mold though.

[@garagemonkeysan]

Wow what an epic build. So much work. Sink is gorgeous and unique. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! :)

[@ourtube4266]

You have a remarkable amount of patience, I would have botched the mould removal for sure.

[@markh5889]

Great job! Interesting to see just how much work goes into it.

[@AlishaOdonnell-y1v]

This is really coming out looking sharp! Nice work!. As usual, your patience and persistence are inspirational. Looks awesome!.

[@KF-qj2rn]

I really appreciate the speed up because I can only watch mostly on weekends, and didn't touch the 2x

[@briandavern8741]

Happy Birthday Neil and may you have many many more!

[@karlsjov]

Impressive work. I truly enjoy warching your videos, and I’m very impressed by your patience 🙂👍

[@loverofchrist22]

Love this, the hard work was definitely worth it. Thank you for sharing. What was the concrete mix?

[@plainnpretty]

Way cool project I’m looking forward to the other cabinet and seeing it all come together. Thanks

[@howder1951]

Awesome job, though it really looks like a lot of work. I imagine it would be easy to add pigment if so desired. It makes such a nice pairing with the vanity. Enjoyed, cheers and happy birthday!

[@johnbradford9235]

I reckon that looks fantastic Mr. Pask 😉 👉👉👉. Big up to you for - as always - finding the solutions to the problems that you encounter along the way 👏👏👏. If there are any air holes or slight imperfections, I think that just gives it more grace, and makes it so much more yours. Hard won as well. Thanks man 🙏. 😎

[@ebrewste]

Lovely job! Polished concrete like that looks very nice. Please update on the durability after you use it for a while. I've done concrete countertops before and am concerned about the durability of the sealer in a sink.