The 80 Drawer Apothecary Cabinet

I'm back with another large apothecary cabinet! This is my third large one of the year and possibly the biggest challenge yet. The case is oak with a jet black finish. The drawer fronts are from a single chunk of 16/4 mahogany. The rest of the drawers are soft maple. The legs are 6" x 1.5" x 1.5" metal with a matte black finish.
Here are products I like to use often in the shop. These are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links helps support the parillaworks channel. Thanks!
Flat Bottom Grind Blade: amzn.to/3BlAKK7
Dowelmax Dowelling Jig: amzn.to/2VCNRW9
Makita Trim Router: amzn.to/2IbBYOW
Dewalt Trim Router: amzn.to/2I9rEqO
Makita Track Saw: amzn.to/38dwyO5
Double Sided Tape: amzn.to/32Nxd82
¼” Spiral Flush Trim Bit: amzn.to/2uS2ZUQ
Narex Chisels: amzn.to/38fP3l7
amzn.to/2VETFi8
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Mahoney’s Walnut Oil: amzn.to/2VETNy8
Website: www.parillaworks.com
Instagram: / parillaworks

[@brianb9410]

I built a smaller version 20 years ago. As a scientist, I understood the need to keep errors to an absolute minimum. I couldn’t do it. Nearly every single one of my drawers had to be customized to fit its space. As far as I can tell, you are not human. Congratulations on constructing an epic piece of furniture.

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

"But eventually it ended..." I feel that. There is so much of this in production.

[@parillaworks]

There were definitely some moments I felt like I was in quicksand.

[@Daminou7o]

I dunno why, but I want an Apothecary Cabinet since I was a kid. What a weird obsessions. I'll have one like this one day… I will…

[@grimnirnacht]

Same here. They just have such a different feel to them over normal drawers. Like they're much more likely to hold secrets

[@js267]

So funny, me too! Although after watching how much work it takes and knowing the prices, I'm not as convinced I'll have one any more.

[@trevorduppart8841]

this would be great for my Magic the Gathering collection

[@rjsprojects]

Same

[@parillaworks]

I agree! I’m working on a design/estimate right now for a client who wants to store graded sports cards.

[@Msq3dman]

You, my friend, have the patience of a saint! I can't imagine milling the parts for 80 drawers! Very nice work!

[@parillaworks]

It was a lot to keep track of. I was most worried about those drawer fronts…didn’t want ruin the grain match.

[@paul-zx5du]

OCD meets artistry. Gorgeous.

[@MARSPALMA]

Excellent work! I love the style & design of that cabinet.

[@Hvn1957]

We always kerf our stock before resawing. It’s a good practice for many reason, including the ones you mentioned. Beautiful build!

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Victor. Good to know that’s a common method. I can honestly say that my least favorite part of woodworking is when boards warp out of control after a resaw. 😂

[@billiondollardan]

That thing is gorgeous. My gosh I'm amazed

[@kylec4509]

Wow man I’m always amazed by your skills, and making these larger projects in a garage makes it even more impressive! Keep up the great work, such a inspiration

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Kyle! Things get crowded pretty quickly haha.

[@gregstoddard8097]

It's been great watching the changes in how you make these type of cabinets over the years as you do more of them and acquire newer tools that make the process easier and quicker.

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Greg! I try to refine the process each time I make one of these. I always run into some issue each build that gives me an a-ha! moment.

[@Kevin-wo3kp]

I'm insanely jealous! Excellent work. Thanks for sharing.

[@Rox123ify]

This is a gorgeous piece. I love the contrast between the black and the brown on the outside, and the brown and the white of the drawers.

[@parillaworks]

Thank you!!

[@john907]

John this is incredible. I appreciate your documentation of the struggle spots and honesty when concessions were made - I feel like it makes your videos very relatable . Ofcourse the final drawer delivery was a nice touch and fitting positive finishing note. I bet that felt so good !

[@parillaworks]

Thanks a lot John! I’m glad it comes across that way. I try not to be too instructional, just want to give a glimpse into how I do things. Thanks for watching!

[@djamelhamdia134]

Welcome back Mr. Parilla, nice to see you!

[@rubberneck9]

That’s a really beautiful piece and the video is amazing. Good tips and it shows the workflow effectively.

[@davidgregory3207]

Magnificent job. That thing is beautiful! I need one of those in my life.

[@debbyfloyd3592]

Master. Incredible skill and workflow…….love the piece!

[@parillaworks]

Thank you!

[@clarkhussey5865]

Always look forward to your videos. Another beautiful project!!

[@deborahf3738]

I never wanted one of these until I saw your video. This is beautiful. Thanks

[@parillaworks]

Thanks a lot Deborah!

[@bikergirl2000]

Just beautiful. And you have the patience of a saint!

[@ShredPile]

What an heirloom. Your ability to leave room for accuracy to either expand into or shrink back out of during the construction is why it turned out like it did. Great project, it was a pleasure to watch.

[@parillaworks]

Thank you Jake!

[@zxborg9681]

Man, that's incredible. One of the things that I've always struggled with is having the patience to get dimensions just perfect, and not rush on and get ahead of myself. Watching you create such a beatiful cabinet really motivates me to slow down and enjoy the process. And man, that final shot brought back so many flashbacks of good times in my university and public libraries back in the 80's, flipping through the card indexes. Nice job.

[@coyley72]

Wow. Amazing canbinet.

[@josh_watson]

Thank you for answering the wood movement question around the 13:40 mark. I believe I've asked you that before, so I appreciate it. Another stunning build sir. Well done.

[@parillaworks]

I appreciate it! One thing I didn’t point out is that I will leave a little extra room when building these in the less humid season down here (November-March).

[@briangmurray6367]

As usual, an awesome piece of furniture and again, you make it look SO easy.

[@parillaworks]

Thanks a lot Brian!

[@josephbuttry9921]

Looks great! I don’t usually love black dyed wood, but this is very well done.

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Stunning work.👍👍

[@itsjustmetomc4848]

That project turned out to be a beautiful piece of furniture! Great work and thanks for sharing. Shalom

[@parillaworks]

Thank you!! Shalom!

[@cobaltwoodcraft4365]

Holy drawers, Batman! That cabinet is beautiful. I can't imagine how frustrated you had to have gotten with this project. That black Rubio looks outstanding. Maybe a blessing in disguise having to resand the cabinet . . . twice. Excellent project!

[@parillaworks]

Ya it was tough because I was so close to the finish line and kept hitting these road blocks. Luckily it all got sorted out and the cabinet looks great.

[@StephRenee812]

I have been wanting one of these so bad.. I guess I will have to make my own.. I also want to make a big shadow box I can put all my little antique collectibles, like pins marbles, just little trinkets and stuff. Thank you for sharing

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Wonderful job John! Thank you for sharing it with us!💖👍😎JP

[@alitabattlechicken9732]

Awesome job man. I too, love my Milwaukee pin nailer. 7 months with not a single jam.

[@kenc2257]

The drawer fronts look great.

[@calebjiang7282]

This is incredible! Definitely will go down as a high quality antique or a family heirloom

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Caleb!

[@viorsa8200]

Excelente proyecto muy bien desarrollado y mejor ejecutado , una cosa está clara usted es el REY de los gabinetes , nadie los hace también , ya le tiene el punto cogido , gracias por compartir tanta creatividad y conocimientos ,un saludo cordial y por supuesto un gran like desde Narón , Galicia ( España ) 🤓 😜

[@parillaworks]

Thank you very much!!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I love this! But of course… I love everything you do. It’s always amazing craftsmanship. Beautiful piece.

[@parillaworks]

Thank you Angie!!

[@jimp7181]

I admire your skills, the tools, and the attention to detail. What mystifies me is the quality of the lumber you obtain.

[@parillaworks]

Thanks a lot Jim. The big chunk of 16/4 mahogany was pretty special. I was lucky to find it for one of the cabinets I did earlier this year and had just enough leftover for this one.

[@marcuscicero9587]

really nice, beautiful fit and finish

[@rolandgdean]

Out-FREAKING-standing John! Just brilliant sir!

[@parillaworks]

Thank you Roland!!

[@WesHamstra]

great job! this has been on my list for years

[@tonydamata]

Fantastic work!

[@wernerpfeifer]

A luxury box! Great! Too good for a workshop!

[@1pcfred]

You've obviously never seen Fleets wood shop tour.

[@fishintime249]

You are a master! Patience pays off

[@parillaworks]

Thank you!!

[@noradaly1]

Wow! You.are.talented! 🤩 Absolutely stunning.

[@twobitwoodworker]

Epic amount of work, nice job man.

[@parillaworks]

Thanks!

[@Smudgie33]

Beautiful. Very striking. Love it.

[@parillaworks]

Thank you!

[@kiwdwks]

Wow...nicely done!

[@FuzzyScaredyCat]

I'm in the process of trying to make my first one of these. To say it's not going well would be an understatement. For my dados I kept the boards double width so that I could do 2 at once, flipped the boards did the other side then ripped them in half. Looked great until I discovered that for some reason the dados weren't all the same depth. I've managed to 'solve' that and now I'm creating a face frame to cover the hideousness below. I haven't even started on the 42 drawers yet and I'm already getting close to chopping it up for firewood. I admire your ability to make this look easy, but I also curse you for it ;)

[@parillaworks]

Sorry to hear that…there’s a lot that can go wrong with these things considering how many dividers and joints there are. 42 drawers will be quite the handful…I’d be interested to see the finished product shoot me a few pics when it’s done!

[@deepsgnips]

This is sick… and gorgeous

[@roguecthulhu6002]

I like that joint you use on the drawers. I'm going to have too look into that.

[@parillaworks]

Thanks! I have a video on the channel from a few years back that goes into more detail about it.

[@glenndornak6410]

Another awesome job.

[@deanauguste544]

You killed it bro.

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Dean!

[@lesleyhamilton9904]

Wow 😲 stunning

[@terristroh3965]

Back in my day, that would sit in a library and be called a card catalog. That was how we used to find books. Do you remember books? 🤪 Seriously, fantastic work!!

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Terri! Dewey Decimal!

[@jopperdepopper]

I like your work.. 👍 Can sort of feel why you like this kinda projects! 😜 Looking forward to more!

[@5280ryan]

Wow. Really nice.

[@normolson1]

Excellent, thank you

[@b3ardedbarbarian]

Really cool piece. I want to build a much smaller version for myself. Maybe for all the nuts, bolts, screws, etc I've collected in my shop

[@herbwoodworks]

Finally got to watch. This is so damn impressive, man!

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Tim!!

[@jcsrst]

Wow! What a nice job! I notice there have been some very nice tool upgrades... I like those TSO products they make Festool and apparently Makita tools complete. Beautiful work and tremendous patience😊

[@parillaworks]

Thanks! Ya earlier this year I made a few upgrades to my workflow including a prioritization on the tracksaw. I’ve been a big fan of the TSO stuff so far.

[@woodfather]

what an awesome cabinet! and wow, that last black finish just went on so nicely too. well done man!

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Mario!!

[@ediii89]

Man, thats impressive 👍👍👍

[@theofarmmanager267]

Beautiful work. I’m not sure what you would fill 80 drawers with but the aesthetic is very very nice. I have one poster in my workshop which is adapted from something I saw in a Arts and Crafts house here in the UK. Three words. Patience Precision Perfection. Whenever I’m doing a tedious, repetitive task, I keep looking at that. It makes me refocus on the task. No music, no distraction, just focus on patience and precision. I don’t have a CNC and my method for the jig for cutting repetitive dados has to be different. I cut small pieces very accurately to match the width of my bushing. I then cut longer pieces exactly the width that I want between the dados. Then glue a long piece, then a short piece (at either end), then long piece, then short pieces etc. I find I get a very accurate jig that way. It might help others who who can’t access a CNC. Finishes. They can make or break a project. I don’t how much the timber in this cost; I don’t know how many hours of labour we used - but let’s say a lot. Despite the capital cost, I always go for the best possible finish which is squally the most expensive. I may have been able to got away with a cheaper finish but, my way, I have less stress and (usually) a guaranteed quality finish.

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, John! It looks incredible! 😃 Should be a massive headache to keep track of everything... But it's well worth it! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

wow. very nice. bravo.. thank you so much. be happy... see you.

[@chriscooks5437]

I hope you earned at least $8K for this. It's beautiful.

[@50guitar]

Wow……that’s one hell of a jointer.

[@robbennett7129]

I'm looking to build one of these. Thanks for the video

[@parillaworks]

No problem! Good luck!

[@alsanova]

Beautiful! 👍👌

[@smallspacecreation5768]

Really nice job 👍👍👍👍

[@pappalapapphochzehn2799]

Wow no wonder these can be quite expensive 😳 looks amazing, you are very talented sir 🙌🏼

[@parillaworks]

Thank you!!

[@maryastorga330]

Hermoso trabajo , felicitaciones!!!!

[@stevezyzzygowski52]

Beautiful!

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Steve!

[@TheSMEAC]

I love the dado jig. I’m building a Christmas Card exchange post box/cubby for my church and so I’m going for 24 cubbies (6x4). It’s an oak outer case with oak edge stripped (1/2”) on pine dividers for color contrast and lightens the weight and cost considerably. I’ve edged all the dividers and ripped to width before running it all back through the planer at one time for consistency. I don’t need drawers, so a modified (non-CNC) jig like yours seems like a pretty neat idea. The case is 10” deep joined with 7 tails each corner. Going to offset depth and cut a Rabbet inside perimeter for a inset back panel. I was looking for a good way to do the dado since I’m not going to cut all these by hand 🤣 and moving a guide along trying to constantly align things seems like I’ll introduce a bunch of error. Thank you again and I’ll DM a pic of what I come up with. I think a trial/practice run or two are certainly called for 🤪

[@parillaworks]

Sounds like it’s going to be awesome. In my first big cabinet like this I used a jig that moved along the board for each dado and I definitely ran into compounding errors. Good luck!

[@TheSMEAC]

@@parillaworks the stop/locking blocks are the key I think, but it’s still all head work for me right now; we’ll see tomorrow afternoon 👍

[@Dan-jq8se]

Excellent video...

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Dan!

[@BigLousWorkshop]

Very well done my man, another great project… from one Florida Maker to another I feel your pain on dealing with the humidity!!

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Lou! Rust just floats around in my shop 🤣

[@BigLousWorkshop]

@@parillaworks I don’t know what part of Florida you’re in … but I’m right on the coast in Jacksonville and that means ocean air all the time!! it’s bad enough Florida is already a swamp!! LMFAO!!! 😜🤣

[@1pcfred]

@@BigLousWorkshop Florida is more of a swamp than many know. It got drained in the 1950s. It was quite a project. There's videos here of them doing it. The last time I was in south Florida it looks like they still got a ways to go. It looks solid on a map but in person it's a lot soggier.

[@jonpaul5255]

Very Nice.

[@marciowashingtonmartins3954]

Very good

[@jamartin1]

Very nice!🙌💜

[@clementdistanos1526]

Très très beau travail. Bravo.

[@Torkvi]

Great! And almost 100k!))

[@parillaworks]

Thanks! Hopefully I get there soon!

[@garagewizzard]

Nice!

[@grimnirnacht]

It's so beautiful 😍 also that tradition 😂

[@parillaworks]

Haha thank you!

[@jholyhead]

"but eventually it ended" 💀 Seriously dude, this is an incredible build and a beautiful finished piece. I'm always suspicious of black staining, but paired with the mahogany draw fronts it is perfect

[@liliaanimobono6328]

Magnifico. Iscritta. Saluti da Italy

[@jsoliman85]

This was an awesome build! You should look into India Ink as a wood dye. It goes on super easy, it is jet black, and water based poly goes on fantastic as a top coat. I've used it several times with no issues.

[@parillaworks]

Thanks John! Good call. I’ve used it before and considered it for this project. I may go back to it in the future for non-Rubio applications.

[@ReubenCornell]

Goodness me. You are a beast!

[@mykalimba]

7:00 I've never had to do a glue-up like this, but every time I see a complicated one like this, I think that a simple jig to hold those vertical pieces in alignment while the top piece is attached would help tremendously.

[@parillaworks]

Ya that’s a really great suggestion and something I’ll consider next time, especially if I have that many dividers.

[@tonypittsley6172]

Awesome work! I am looking for an excuse to use Rubio Monocoat products, I love the look of ebonized oak! Very beautiful!

[@parillaworks]

Thanks Tony! It’s a great and simple finish to have on hand.

[@kristinhill7655]

The mini bike!

[@parillaworks]

Had to dust it off a little bit!

[@88joshnesius]

80 drawers! Here I am complaining about the 24 I just did haha

[@NicoSmets]

Beautiful. I have built myself a closet with 70 drawers. I feel very uneasy thinking about the amount of work involved.

[@parillaworks]

It was definitely an undertaking to say the least!

[@Ashdad99]

My little St Petersburg FL open garage shop gets so dam humid as soon as I bring a project in the house wood starts to move. I worry more about twisting and cupping than shrinking or expanding.

[@parillaworks]

I suppose that’s a valid point. I don’t notice anything like that on a cabinet which is somewhat locked in place when all is said and done. Now, a table top on the other hand can definitely experience that sort of movement. The one in my dining room has some slight twist. I will probably include a breadboard end next time I make one.

[@garenne0169]

great job how many times to build that ? Thanks

[@TheFishingExperience916]

more drawers, more space 😉

[@parillaworks]

Exactly!

[@mj28inpa]

Another amazing piece! Man I wish i was local to you.. I would commission a piece in a heartbeat! This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for and cant find it anywhere!

[@parillaworks]

I appreciate it! I do ship these, in fact, this one was sent to Alaska!! Shoot me an email if you want to discuss a commission. ([e-mail])

[@zephyr1408]

Don’t you just love that block plane? I hv about 5 blocks planes and just give all of them a beating! Not my little lee Nielsen ! It’s in a sock always clean & sharp!

[@yvesb4762]

Magnifique

[@user-tt3bk7bc8r]

ты очень крут!!!прекрасная работа!!!привет из России))))