STRONG & LIGHT Upper Cabinets In The VAN!!!!

[@bikeninja956]

As a design engineer, I approve. This is probably the cleanest and most professional method for making upper cabinets I've seen to date. I'll definitely be going this right in terms of upper cabinet design. Thanks for sharing and including links to some of the tools you used. Makes the process so much easier.

[@mikezuro1455]

I can and have built everything. You're father must be very proud of you. The best days of my life have been teaching my children to problem solve, be creative, and learn the things my parents taught me about engineering and building. It was great to see you caution the viewers about slowing down and being patient while doing the template. My mother was a perfectionist, and my dad always said "it would look great to a man on a galloping horse." I fall in between. keep up the great work!

[@john1boggity56]

Nice comment !!

[@ifferl8781]

Learning still involves people, not just Google and search engines. Your videos uplift my soul

[@seven_o_savage]

🙂 thank you!

[@64maxpower]

I've watched 100s of van build and i'm an old finish Carpenter. I am so impressed with the simplicity, cleaness and efficiency of your build. And that you are documenting it. There is no frigging way I would feel like videoing and talking about what I'm doing . Good job. Hope to meet you on the road one day

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you 64maxpower. I appreciate the kind words :).

[@keithh7477]

I want to reiterate 64maxpower’s comment. Outstanding documentation!

[@john1boggity56]

Spot on !!! I have shared this video with a few others. We're not looking for the clean look but the strength of this cabinetry is brilliant. We'll watch it again before we commence work on our units. Great video !!!

[@morebucks100]

I've watched tons of videos looking for a method to actually connect the cabinets to the frame of van itself. Everyone leaves that part out. Thank you, thank you.

[@GalangPaa]

use aluminum 80/20, check Greg Virgoe and Humble Road

[@Makelifehappennow]

I am an engineer and building a camper van conversion. I thought I knew a thing or two, then I watched your video. The playdo trick is boss. Great job. Great instructions. Subscribed. Hope to see you on the road some day.

[@brianmi40]

Easier yet, just grind the head off a couple bolts and make them into a point. Now just thread them in to have the point stick out, and "bump" your cabinets after positioning them to set the mark into the wood... reusable, no play dough clean up...

[@srf2112]

That playdough hack ... pure genius!

[@skiplauderbaugh5058]

FYI - Blum makes face frame mounting plates that mount to the edge of the wood frame so you don’t have to add the wood blocks behind the mounting plate - they also make lift arms ( AVENTOS HK-XS) that work with the soft close hinges you used.

[@enmity1303]

Hey Skip, trying to work out the best blum hinge solution for a set of almost identical cabinets to what seven here built - except I want to try and use the lighter 1/2" ply for the cabinet doors. Do any blum hinges work with that thickness?

[@lewisdye1002]

Excellent! I have been into cabinetry for 40+y and this is one of the best overall I have seen. However, in my capacity as OCBB (obsessive, compulsive bombastic boomer); you have actually created an ENDO-skeleton; EXO-skeletal would be on the EXTERIOR. Thanks for the "PlusNuts", I am amazed that in all my years building and installing cabinets I never ran across the play dough trick, thanks again

[@seven_o_savage]

Very true Lewis, endo-skeleton would be the right term! Thank you for the kind words, it means a lot!

[@Greg-tj8rg]

That pinky trick, thats genius. I will probably attach the pencil to a marker or something so to help myself do it in as consistent a manner as possible

[@aldo9564]

Well-Taught ! So seldom do I see these tasks being done RIGHT ! I’ve been building longer than you’ve been Alive, and it is Rewarding to see a young person learning “Done Once, Done Right” 👍🏼

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you, 100% agree!

[@MrBobsVids]

I agree!

[@katherinelankford3083]

Best how to I've seen. Most people say what they are doing or going mto do but never actually show you how. Thanks, Katherine

[@bretthawton]

The play dough trick is awesome!

[@Takingajourney_]

This video is so helpful. The first video that explains making a cabinet and I understand every step thanks so much. You are a lifesaver for my van build 😂

[@errolmagill1611]

impressive build, you explain very well. In the UK, we call the plusnuts "Rivnuts" (as in rivets). I suggest bolting the microwave cabinet to the adjacent cabinets for added strength.

[@ronc9638]

agreed or rivnuts & threaded rod

[@diggiediggz]

I am addicted to your videos!! They really are the best of ALL the videos on van builds, tiny homes, ANYTHING ive seen. Thanks from Bilbao, Spain!

[@seven_o_savage]

So awesome to hear thanks D Con!

[@sandyhernandez4416]

Wow, your explanations are precise and professional like your work! You would make an excellent teacher. 👍🏼

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you Sandy! That is so nice of you to say :)

[@dougyoud5944]

Agreed. The explanation around cabinetry build process is great. I'm learning a lot!

[@007nadineL]

He already is 🤗

[@13699111]

You'd be a top resource for any company's engineering , employee training , systems ,etc . Old school approach family first everyone within the circle is valuable always evolving with confidence . Having honest trusted leadership all will benefit .

[@bandit1732]

An exoskeleton is, by definition, a skeleton on the exterior. Your oak strips create a interior skeleton, or endoskeleton, that is clad with birch plywood. Great hack with the Sillyputty.

[@Twoholesofman]

What do you know, a van build where a guy actually knows what he's talking about and doesn't mention "Squarespace" nine times...Thanks dude, I'm learning more from this video than most of the other ones I've seen put together.

[@cavedwellersound]

Man, your advice trumps that of any I've seen. So many neat tips and tricks!

[@xxdrleek10]

Wow. I just found your channel. I have watched so many van build videos, but yours is the best for me so far. Your explanations are clear, concise, detailed for thosed of us with no to limited building experience. Also appreciate your understanding that, unlike a house, vans need strong, light materials. Innovative use for silly putty. Finally found someone easy to follow. Very professional, thank you.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you Just Say No to Pseudoscience! I agree, building furniture in a van is somewhat similar to building furniture in a house except it needs to stand up to a perpetual earthquake.

[@fancysfolly554]

Very ingenious idea with the play dough!!! Doing something like this...making a mobile home out of your van...is within the means of so many more people...not like building a sticks and bricks home...it opens the doors to so many other things...I love this new tiny home and van living movement! Way to go younger generation!!! 😊. P.S. the compost toilets and the solar panels on top of the vans or RVs...better for Mother Earth. I think in generations to come this, or something like it...will be the way most people live..the era of McMansions is coming to an end...I won’t be here to see it but I believe this will be the future...this is just the beginning...

[@007nadineL]

Vanlife plus #mincome means freedom .

[@ciaranolan559]

I had way too much fun watching this. Thank you. It's been 1.5 years since I started my van build and I started feeling hopeless and stuck. After watching a couple of your videos I feel confident to start up again. I'm now super stoked again to get sh*t done!!!

[@seven_o_savage]

Love it Ciara!

[@meandzogo]

It's a work in progress. Always. Haha. I've been in mine a year and a half and just now putting in my cabinets.

[@shaunmoffett2532]

Legit cabinets...simple and nice looking. Great job! I'm not worried as much tackling my cabinet job now....Thanks!

[@vanessarheadart9708]

Now I need to buy playdoh. I bet I play with it more then work. I LOVE PLAYDOH.

[@michaelb.3774]

Hi from Germany 👍 you could also screw an inbus screw inside the Montes nuts, let it look out some millimeters... and the press the construction against it...no mess with the elastic plastic material

[@007nadineL]

Wow

[@SantiniLinguine]

Savage! Just wanted to say thanks a ton for this guide. I jumped headfirst into building some van cabinets but they came out way too heavy and way too clunky. I rebuilt them using your video as a guide and they came out leagues better than what I had originally done. So for that thanks a ton :)

[@ahmadaizat]

The most perfect video to built upper cabinet. Im looking for this kind of video for many years. Thanks man! Keep it up.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Isaacc!

[@VanaConn]

Looking good ! Mist spray the baltic birch with water for helping it curve.

[@darrenh20102]

Well now I'm truly hooked. Watched 4 or 5 of your vids so far which have been great, hence I've subscribed. But the playdoh trick is true genius. Never seen it before and have struggled on several occasions with similar projects. It's a real game changer and will likely reduce my blood pressure lol. Now I'm determined to watch all your posts to see if you come up with any more nuggets of genius

[@seven_o_savage]

So awesome to hear, thank you!!

[@alanmason2885]

I've viewed lots of van builds but this channel is spot on for me. Very practical and strong solutions. I've subscribed.

[@sherryberardino6032]

The pinky finger is a great ideal, your video was very informative, you are very creative.

[@sherryberardino6032]

And the ply doe was great ideal

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you! Glad I could help :)

[@alwaysblessed7480]

I'm glad to come across your channel. Your tricks and knowledge are going to be very helpful for me and many others. Have you ever consider selling or marketing your templates to others it would save fellow builders a lot of time and frustration for people not as skilled as you! Thanks for what you are doing.

[@schausage]

I've been looking for a decent video making cabinets from scratch. This was awesome. THANKS

[@mitchengelking]

dude... the play-doh tip is a game changer. New subscriber, props.

[@lorinatzen]

Recommend some wide fender washers for the Plus Nut Screws... Don't want vibrations to work a divet into the wood over time... ;)

[@charlieboylinton]

Great tip with the Play Doh

[@johnmca5643]

You're smart and talented. Yo ure doing it right and not rushing it.

[@wildaussielast7139]

You've impressed yet another viewer! There'll be another one of your cupboards (and a few other bits too I suspect) driving around Australia shortly! Thanks heaps....

[@TheHermitHacker]

Holy shit, the playdoh trick is awesome.

[@TempleGuitars]

An alternative to the pinkie method for templating is to do it with your pinkie the first time, then just run the pencil body against the roof, and it will be super accurate.

[@red7media]

i use a marker/pencil with a roller bearing from an old router bit, works killer, same idea as yours, you put the bearing around the pencil. and roll away and mark.

[@bandit1732]

Most carpenters use an inexpensive compass from the dime store. Simply keep it vertical or horizontal as you mark the cardboard with your pencil and trace the curve with the pointed end.

[@christophermoon3717]

I've watched this like 3 times, I've heard at least 2 others mention your video as well. Thank you homie!

[@seven_o_savage]

🙏

[@stingrayshark9373]

Tip on getting an easier faster & accurate contour, get a Contour Gauge Duplicator.

[@petefrost1787]

I am impressed. Excellent descriptions, video and results. I may copy your method rather than using pocket hole joinery. Thanks very much!

[@m4rku53]

Been binge watching all your stuff. Awesome! Easy to follow! Not annoying at all like some people are! Keep up the great work! Currently planning my own build! Stupidly Ocd planning 1st then find the right van. Then follow my planning and make sure it turns out amazing like yours has. Love the 80/20 frame design just watching more on it to see if its something I'd like you use. Only touched upon the aesthetics of how I want it to look and what i want it to do. Obviously all depends on budgets.

[@markb8888]

Love the playdoh trick!!!!

[@brycemoon2712]

Been watching vanlife videos for years as I myself live in a van and am looking to upgrade to a larger van, and I think the way you are building your van is the best I’ve seen yet! Love your magnet trick for the ceiling, the plus nuts, and the sliding bed for extra room! Will defiantly be referencing your videos during my next build out! Thank you! Ps. Love the energy my guy!

[@seven_o_savage]

That is awesome Bryce! Thank you man!

[@kirker1229]

On your kreg jig door hinge they have two little hole guides on the tool itself to pre drill the hinge screw holes FYI

[@jafarhash]

You are doing great ... i love how presice you are .. and creative.

[@turneround8963]

Van's coming along real nice seven, great job on the cabinets 👍I'm so tempted by vanlife the more I watch about it

[@seven_o_savage]

That’s how I ended up getting convinced as well

[@mallorymcguire833]

These carpentry tips are really helpful

[@philippelitzler9168]

Your explanations are so precise, it gives me the confidence to try it myself to do a really nice job, even for a novice like me.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Philippe Litzler, I was in the exact same boat before starting this project

[@dennisgodaire485]

Hey Seven ... You did an all-around, awesome job on the cabinets. Thanks for sharing.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Dennis!!

[@waynedeadder664]

I work on houses and thought I knew a lot. Dude, that play dough idea was boss Nice

[@JasonChristison]

Loving this build. I’ve been sweating how to construct upper cabinets for my 144 but now I’ve got a righteous plan to follow

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Jason! I appreciate the comment man. Dm me on insta if you have any questions.

[@queenkris2811]

Thank you for making this video. Exactly what I was looking for to learn to build my own cabinets in my van. Awesome job on this video.

[@jonettang]

Did I just hear you say vantastic?? Great vids. I learned a lot from your videos.

[@fractalzoomgoggles]

I would've applied tape under the playdoh for clean removal...but the playdoh idea itself is awesome

[@mariaas148]

OMG! Not even building a van but I've subscribed! Amazing explanations, thank you!

[@64maxpower]

The next van build get yourself a set of Vix bits for self centering the hinge screws

[@007nadineL]

Omg speak english

[@piccolo6214]

Just FYI for anyone looking to do a similar project there is such a thing as bendable plywood. Most regular plywood you find at places like HD and Lowes is comprised of layers of plywood which are sealed together in alternating wood grain directions. Bendable plywood is sealed together with the grain all going in the same direction. It works really well when you need to make a tight curve but it will also cost a bit more.

[@cocojones3479]

One of the best I've seen. Well done!

[@Rob-pw5ph]

I've watched a lot of van build videos and this is by far the best out there. Awesome work 👍🏽 hopefully starting ours at the end of October.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Rob, I appreciate it! Good stuff man van builds are life-changing projects.

[@billshelley1448]

Great job Seven! You're videos are super helpful!

[@lishayost44]

You had me at play-doh! Great tip!

[@lakesideparkplace]

you explain everything so well! I feel empowered to make cabinets now!

[@vincentmcguire]

Great video mate thx for helping me make my cabinets, cheers from Scotland

[@barry-cq4xg]

really nice job. good to see wood glue (pva) used in cabinet assembly - most self builders don't use it. The rivnuts (that what we call them in Europe) are the best way to attach cabinets to van. One alternative to Birch plywood is Poplar plywood which is even lighter. Great job.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Barry. I agree, wood glue is legendary.

[@barry-cq4xg]

hi Seven. thanks for your reply. I noticed the tool you were using to insert the rivnuts into your van. is this a proprietory tool or homemade. either way it worked very well. Thanks. barry

[@douglasharley2440]

my new favorite channel! love your work, and editing, and everything. much thanks

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Douglas!

[@WATCHLLS]

Your a talented fellow, I will be building cabinets for my cargo trailer conversion. You could also use white wood instead of the oak. White wood is a fairly hard wood but less weight than the oak and less expensive for sure. I will also install a second bottom with some cross members to carry more weight.

[@JG-ky6pw]

Awesome job man, I love your work

[@remytompkins8427]

This was a very helpful video. Thanks for all the details which we will use for our upper cabinet build we are starting today.

[@JayBuffington]

Looks great! I'm just about to start my build. I love the details in these videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Jay!

[@itsatale5957]

What an great instructional video.

[@DrMott]

Fantastic content with great narrative and tempo to the videos!!

[@kathleenpierz]

Thank you so much for doing all of these videos. They really are the best I have seen. I'm about 1/2 way into my second build and still solving problems, but your suggestions are awesome.

[@TSnowy23]

Jim the Hardware store guy sounds like a very rare person. Most store workers have no idea what to do or who to do things.

[@seven_o_savage]

Soooo true. I love Jim

[@drew.blanks]

Love your build and video series. Definitely stole a few tricks and ideas from you! Starting my 144 build shortly and will be documenting it as well

[@karenkeller5866]

I love watching your videos, I learn so much from them. Thank you

[@MrBobsVids]

Awesome cabinet build video, I agree with most commenters, the best I have seen, and I have watched a lot of videos. I call you the 'terminator' of van build, calmly and quietly getting it done in a super solid efficient way, leaving no doubt.... Great work, and thanks for sharing! I am almost done with my build, just now starting cabinets. It seems that everything I do works out, and when done I get all sorts of ideas how to do it better, quicker, and with more useful features if I did it again. That is my question, what would you do differently next time? The things on my mind are using Oak 1x3s instead of 1x2s, using 1/2" Baltic Birch for the vertical supports, using 1/8" BB for the inner skins, and using a hinge that incorporates a 'hold open' feature. What do you think?

[@samcitoooo]

You're very good and helpful mate! Keep it up!

[@chrishoulding5065]

Great video with detailed explanation and super result. Looking forward to viewing your previous videos now I've subscribed.

[@baddalailama310]

Excellent excellent job!

[@nutzer63864]

Thx for sharing your expirience! Appreciate that a lot! I‘d be interested in a quick overview on how you drill the holes in your van minimising the metall dirt by magnets.

[@fsecofficial]

No gas struts on the microwave cabinet? I would think that one would need them for sure. If you’re pulling out something hot you need both hands for it. Nice build it looks awesome.

[@WATCHLLS]

Have been building stuff for 45 years and never knew the screw difference :)

[@marcobonechi6928]

Great! You are inspiring me for the construction of my van. Thank’s

[@theresedignard7445]

Nice cabinets. Great tips. Thanks.

[@timothybroderick253]

Presentation as always is excellent, nice job! Maybe change the title of the video to omit the 'light' part, these super strong upper cabinets have full thickness doors, hard wood and high ply count cases (even though used sparingly) and lots of hardware, perhaps you could highlight the simplicity of the design in the title rather than the weight.

[@daveeckblad]

one of two things: put a shirt on or add a hipass filter at 100hz on your mic.

[@cocacola3452]

I would never have attempted to build my own cabinets. After watching this video I believe I can do it. I agree with many of the positive comments. There is consumer speck, military speck, and then there is Savage specification. Fantastic job!!! I've subbed. Safe Travels!

[@seven_o_savage]

Haha love it! Thank you!

[@kevinkukla3948]

@@seven_o_savage Hey, I hope my cabinets come out within "Savage Spec"!

[@longhairmullet]

Reattaching the ceiling board.. you just put up ceiling over the plus-nut then drilled through cabinet into the nut through the ceiling board?

[@ilyarique]

you have fresh ideas in this build. loved it! subbed!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you jrcometa!

[@sN4Re]

beautifully done!

[@Azranihil]

Bro, this is so good I feel like I owe you a lot of money.Keep up the amazing work, will be folowing!

[@007nadineL]

U can paypal him anytime

[@SaintTrinianz]

Playdogh😳🤨😎...Brilliant!!!

[@ohmercy5924]

OMG Dude! Where/ how did you learn all of this? You could have a business doing this- of course it would cost a fortune with how meticulous you are and how much time it takes you. Your work is superb. I’m a 71 year old woman wanting to go PT van life. Well no, I want to go full time but trying to be practical and hang onto an apartment in case I have any issues that would keep me immobilized as I get older. I’m in no position to get anything remotely like a sprinter, transit etc- in fact I’m afraid it would be a used minivan. Sigh. What could you do with that? Lol! Though maybe a regular van if I can scrape enough money together. Anyway- your work is superb. That ceiling idea was brilliant and I love your bed. Though for me I want a fixed bed and it can be a twin. Well, in a mini van it would have to be even smaller than a twin- wouldn’t it! Looking forward to seeing each phase and completed project. Even if I never get to do this watching others live their best lives is gratifying and so inspiring! Thank You

[@mallorymcguire833]

ohmercy I'll be selling my minivan camper in June/July....nice camper, reasonable price, meticulous maintenance.

[@ohmercy5924]

Mallory McGuire hi. I’m just starting to try to accumulate money for something by selling all my “stuff.” Where are you located? Etc.

[@mallorymcguire833]

ohmercy I'm in SoCal, Orange county. I won't be selling until end of June, so that gives you time to save? Do you have a Facebook account? I could send u some photos and information via messenger.

[@ohmercy5924]

Mallory McGuire hi- I’m in NJ on jersey shore. But I have a brother in Irvine who might be able to take a look at it when the time comes. I am on FB- Diana Wolf, though I rarely get there. Yes DM me. I just want to give you a heads up on my situation and possibilities of me “saving” money. I’m on SS and being from the hippie generation worked off the books a lot- so low SS fixed income. Saving doesn’t happen- however I have enormous amounts of things to sell online. Hopefully I’ll get enough together by the time you sell if it’s the right fit. Not to give you my life story or anything! Lol! Ttyl

[@37nongbu]

wow!! good job

[@anatolykurochkin3021]

Thank you! Very useful