Stop Feeling Guilty For This!

[@Ferreri.Workshop]

the overhead shot with paper templates was beautifully shot and extremely effective at showing your decisions. greta video!

[@richpeggyfranks490]

Love your perspective. I single-handedly, completely remodeled our kitchen while tending to my 50 hour/week day job. I gutted the whole space down to studs and concrete. I made 16 lowers (including 33 drawers), 11 uppers, an L-shape island, TV corner cabinet, pantry cabinet, laid flooring, re-routed water and electric, installed backsplash, drywall, etc., etc. It turned out great with lots of one-of-a-kind custom touches. But, it took me a whole year to complete and I lost 40 pounds in the process from overworking and lack of eating. To this day, I can't say it was worth it. Thx.

[@mattrinne]

Do you have kids? Cuz that adds a difficulty factor too that I've experienced trying to get big projects done.

[@myhoneyshandmade1077]

@richpeggyfranks490 I gutted our kitchen 3 years ago. First time making a king cabinets, banquette and range hood. I learned a lot.

[@InspiredCraftsman]

@richpeggyfranks490 very impressive! I'm in a similar boat. I'm a year into my project. Almost whole house down to studs, moved walls, plumbing under foundation, rewired everything, new duct system, new windows/slider/doors. I'm wrapping up drywall now, then flooring and cabinets that I'm milling from rough lumber. All while working along with a toddler and another one due in December, it's been a lot of 2am work nights. Worth it though.

[@johnsatta7488]

I am really enjoying your new approach to making videos. This new less frenetic style gives us time to breathe and appreciate your commentary. I've enjoyed your content for years and watched with interest your evolution in woodworking and video creation. Thank you for letting us come along on your journey.

[@ananunleysmith]

Major respect for the honesty in this video. And the butcher block install was also genuinely helpful and accessible for me as I plan on doing the exact same project in the future and don't have the means to make either cabinets or butcher block anyway.

[@keatonbeyerwoodworking]

Im really enjoying the shift in your content. Its refreshingly calm and easy to watch. I appreciate you taking the risk and really hope the analytics are reflecting a reward for the shift.

[@chriss.7168]

Thats exactly what I needed to hear right now. I have finished my desk with cabinet and bookshelf integrated this weekend and it took me all weekends for over a month and seemed to never end. Things take time and you don´t have to feel guilty about it.

[@rclastinger]

You have become a voice of wisdom, letting experience guide you. Thank you for letting others know it’s okay to say “no” to yourself. Also thank you for reinforcing and leading by example the phrase, “just because you can does not always mean you should”. It’s been a pleasure watching this new methodology, meaning doing what YOU enjoy and letting go of expectations of others. It would have been an “easy” mental decision to decide to build the cabinets yourself, install them, etc, because that’s what the KZbin community “expects”. You have discovered that this community really just enjoys watching your process and hanging out for 15 minutes (plus or minus). Agreeing with others comments, loved the visual aid with the colored paper cutouts! Keep up the great content!

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!

[@riddle451]

So much respect for the philosophy you've adopted.

[@vulgarwoodworks]

I recently renovated my mom's kitchen. I refreshed the carcasses with paint, built new doors, then used floor boards (coincidentally from LL Floors) to clad the existing laminate counters. David, you're absolutely spot on. Just because we can, doesn't mean we should. A major kitchen reno is one of those projects I most certainly could do, but know it wouldn't be enjoyable and would probably empty my motivation tank for weeks afterwards

[@dougprentice1363]

Nice countertop. And you did make it. You didn't cut down the tree for cutting board, you still made it.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Wire mould is my first thought for cable management but it's kinda ugly and office building like. I've done this for clients in thr past it's cove back trim put in reverse with a piano hinge intended in the back . Just flip the cove trim around do a roundover on the inside some have a flat chamfer. Attach the piano hinge anyway it makes sense if it's brads or fun colored it looks like a feature not a detraction. Then it just flips up or outta put the cords in. Hope this helps 👍

[@CAJLAMB]

Not sure if anyone has ever mentioned this. I, like many people I suspect, watch KZbin videos at 1.25 or 1.5 x speed. Your music (whilst also being excellent) is almost the only music I can think of on a KZbin channel that still sounds good at different speeds!

[@daisykabiru6774]

I've been doing my research towards woodworking and your channel popped up on my feed just last night and I was scheduled to go buy equipment (3 pieces) the following day so as to start my wood working journey. In my country equipments are too expensive and most tools are not available. I'm taking a leap of faith and tuning in to all your videos. I quickly signed up for the wood workers guild and as a beginner this is the best investment thus far. Thank you for the discount. Your videos are educational, refreshing and easy to watch. Thank you . Wish me luck in my new journey..🙏

[@MakeSomething]

good luck and enjoy!

[@warrenwerks]

I’ve used LL flooring butcher block in multiple coffee shops and houses. People tend to like the bit more character it has, of course I always show a sample first. Have used the maple and walnut, both have come out beautifully

[@ranyalbegwein7470]

The voice over style is refreshing. I liked it! Thanks for a great video as always!

[@kenschinkel1499]

I am glad that you build what you want and not what the KZbin people say. I love your off the wall designs, they inspire me to get super creative in things that I build to sell at my farmers market. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@kjacquin]

Great perspective on buying verse building. We all know we can build it, but for me it always comes down to time and/or money. I dig the mash up of voice over and screen chat video style. As always…keep up the good work.

[@amwtm]

I made a little hall table by cutting a piece of store-bought oak in half and gluing the long ends together, then mounting it to a singer sewing table. It felt like cheating. Everyone that sees it loves it.

[@corymiller1821]

I feel this! Love your videos, thank you for the content! I started with a coffee bar(expanding the kitchen) like you're doing and now 3 months later I'm deep in the kitchen remodel. We're 8k in on RTA cabinets when I used to build my own - the me 5 years ago would be disgusted with myself. Now I'm trying to find motivation to build the pantry cabinet & fridge pieces. It's a struggle when sometimes.. every little thing drains the tank with a full time job. I feel your comments about passion every day I'm doing this.

[@benadkison6578]

Love the video style-I know you've been experimenting. It's a nice mixture of your old style with the new storyteller style. Cabinets / Countertop are amazing!

[@zachpygall3063]

Thanks for another great video David! I’m really enjoying your new video style and the level of passion and empathy you’re bringing to the videos. It feels like we’re getting to see the real you 😊. The guilt is definitely real! We all come up with so many exciting ideas for our homes, but it’s just not realistic for many of us in terms of time or money. I haven’t heard many people talk about it so it felt great to hear you say it as someone with so much of their work in their home. On the other hand, it feels like a real treat when you do make something for yourself! 😃 I’ll be starting my new home renovation soon and this made me feel a lot better about knowing my limits.

[@JkCanvas]

Great video on how to work smarter and not harder. Yes sometimes it may cost a little more but the time you saved along with the lack of headache is worth it.

[@shauncho6738]

Great video! I couldn't agree more with the sentiment here and all of the points made. Make what you want, not what you need and you'll be much happier with your overall experience.

[@Jevans3141]

Kitchen-gadget collectors, such as yourself (and I as well) will never have enough countertop space! It's simply more room for more gadgets! Great build my friend, and love the video as always! 😀 🍻🪚

[@ButchB81]

Love it - Felt the guilt of making everything as well, which has definitely stunted a lot of projects in our house. In fact, just this month I’ve finally thrown in the towel and bought a bunch of cheap picture frames to finally get a bunch of art hung…maybe someday I slowly make the frames or maybe they stay in cheap frames. Just got to keep it fun.

[@JTWoodworks]

Turned out looking great! The paper explanation was very helpful. Loving that pop of color with the orange cabinets too!!

[@jeremyspecce]

Good perspective! We all feel it, OR, we suffer for years because we’re “going to” make it, but never do. I think it would help elevate the counters to add a solid edge band on the butcher block to hide the finger joints. I don’t mind it much but it would definitely take it up a notch.

[@markglabinski526]

I think you made a wise choice. Almost as wise as I when I first hit subscribe to this fantastic channel. Thank you.

[@yamahaxt652]

You already had a great cutting board when you cut the sink hole! And it would have matched! 😂 Seams like I haven’t seen a vid from you in awhile, but thanks for this one! Top notch!

[@DavidPlass]

@@yamahaxt652 ha I thought the same thing

[@AtomicThingyMaBomb]

Great perspective! I’ve wanted to make a kitchen island for years, but the thought of making cabinets bores the crap out of me! I ended up getting some under desk cabinets from the Swedish flat pack store, and a butcher block blank from the big orange store. I used some creativity to get it to counter height, and my wife absolutely loves it. I got into woodworking for the enjoyment, not to add stress to my life. Great video as always😮.

[@Ben_Marshall]

I am really enjoying your new approach to your storytelling. I hope it is reflected in your numbers. I like the fact that you're doing projects that are usable. There have seen so many videos on making things that people just don't need.

[@PearlJam2k6]

Thats something i've recently accepted as well, sometimes you can just "get" the item you need and either upgrade it to your specs, or leave it as it is. You dont NEED to make everything yourself, especially if it strains you or doesnt fit your work flow. For the cables, i know it might not be your aesthetic but i've seen people use metal plumbing to hide their cables inside of to give it that semi rustic, industrial look. In the same vein, you could just cut out wooden "rails" or wall frame/boxes to keep all your cables inside but still give it an elegant finish instead of that tangle of black cables. Advantage being since its small, you can probably add small LEDs to them so the counter top also has a nice moody light to it when you dont want to blast the entire kitchen with ceiling lights.

[@nicholasmanovich4330]

Agreed about cabinet builds. Im finishing up making a couple things for the wife's classroom and in hind site i wish we'd of just bought em. By the time ya add up the costs of all the materials and my time the cost is comparable, but more so i just dont enjoy these style builds. Maybe ill take my own advise next time and just buy. Room tirned out nice. I will say you definitely like the color orange.

[@GeekRedux]

The sink cut-out from the counter top seems like it would make a decent cutting board. Great vid.

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT project David. My wife is full Dutch and we like the "homeland" color! !! !!!

[@ltandrepants]

I’ve used the same butcher block from lumber liquidators many times and it’s a good product

[@shaguito87]

Awesome finish to your cabinets. As for cable management, maybe using adhesive type cable clips that you can run along the base board or against the wall. If you're able to find orange clips, even better.

[@justmakesstuff]

A suble change in tone and style to previous videos. But it really worked. Keep on creating and iterating. Thanks for all the content.

[@autisticallyleathal]

Exactly what I needed to watch. I was getting project anxiety

[@pmdinaz]

Bought all my kitchen cabinets too. I installed them, as well as the granite. I don't regret buying them one bit. I did dress them up with some crown molding to make them 'better' haha

[@steveferguson1232]

You are so true about woodworking being fun. My projects have to push me to try new techniques and to me, this makes it fun. Love, love the cabinets(the color is awesome) and thanks for telling us that LL Flooring has butcher block countertops. The color variations in the maple don’t really bother me, because to me that enhances the top.

[@hjanssen7903]

Technivorm Moccamaster. Nice! Coffee snob mode enabled! This is one of the best coffee makers there is and the design is a couple years old already.

[@genisis53]

We have that same kettle! And my wife has some Rothy shoes as well! Y’all have good taste

[@washinthewind]

These came out great! Thanks for the nudge to actually get around to making the "make vs. buy" video that I've been meaning to do for months.

[@joefaraone977]

David - love your taste in design! It IS a project. You did Make Something (see what I did there?) Love it. Your mug rocks!

[@APITTSfurniture]

Great video. Simple task as you stated but packaged perfectly into an enjoyable watch

[@TimberworksTables]

This is a lesson I had to teach myself years ago, and it applies to jigs in your shop, too. I buy most jigs if they're commercially available. I build and sell tables professionally, so the time spent building those jigs cost me money. Buying them is often less expensive than building.

[@kenreynolds1000]

Fun fact: That coloration comes from the source, recycled sugar maple. Great wood, this is replanted as a renewable resource. I did a huge kitchen island and matching counter-height table with butcherblock maple from Grizzly years ago. Harder to find these days as they switched to selling parawood work tops (rubber tree).

[@CoffeeStreetWC]

NiceTechnivorm coffee maker there. I consider myself a coffee snob also! Love it! You could make a wooden channel using a dado and similar wood to the backsplash, mounting it on the top of the backsplash.

[@steven4298]

Your montage/soundcloud music is always a banger. Would love to see you work on any of that stuff.

[@sgsax]

I'm just here to have fun. It's more fun when you're having fun too. I like the "B grade" countertop. The variation in color gives it more character and interesting to look at. And this was totally a project. Thanks for sharing!

[@nighttruck70]

An idea for hiding the cords could be a short stand for the small appliances to sit on. The cords could be hidden in the back with access to the appliances and outlet with notches. You could even have a shallow drawer underneath or open bellow with a false back. Hope this gives you some inspiration.

[@MakeSomething]

I really like this idea.

[@philipcraig956]

I did something similar. I bought the cheapest countertop from our local Box Store (Bunnings). It was hickory butcher block counter. The difference was that I spent a few hours sanding and finishing the countertop. The finished product, looks amazing and nothing like a big box store cheap countertop. Another thing I did that was really satisfying and helped ease the guilt (yes, I do still have some) was to use the scrap piece I cut out for the sink, and turn it on the lathe into a platter.

[@ncwoodworker]

Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts about woodworking. Most of us have been there. The rest of will be sooner or later.

[@waynehegg8847]

I love watching your videos!! Simple and to the point

[@mikefas5406]

This is exactly what we go through in my house. Sometimes I want to make it and my wife finds something better and cheaper online and other times I have no will to make it even though it's easy and cheaper. Great video. Really hit home for me.

[@schoppworld]

In the process of renovating our laundry room. Decided to to do the same. Bough the cabinets and installed them. Currently applying the finish to the butcher block, purchased from Lowes. Just wasn’t “feeling” the cabinet build process. Good to know I’m not the only one that felt the guilt.

[@cappy9282]

I just built a set of cabinets for my kitchen to do pretty much the same. We needed a coffee bar, better place for microwave, and a bit more storage. I enjoy cabinet work so I built a base cabinet, wall cabinet, and a pantry all with raised panel doors. I did buy the butcher block counter top to save on time. I finished the countertop with waterlox tung oil and h2olok. I'm in the same boat when it comes to cord management. I have tried a power strip on top of the backsplash but didn't really resolve the issue. So it would be interesting to see ideas from others.

[@forby_]

turned out great, man. love the paper explanation too

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, Dave! The place turned out fantastic! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Perfect use of the space. Put all the outlets inside the base cabinets. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing.

[@thegentlemanmaker]

Too right David. Focus on what you love, leave the other stuff to off the shelf purchases.

[@johnburks1486]

I just joined the guild. Thanks

[@LewHarriman]

Absolutely. Make what gives you satisfaction, so that life does not become drudgery. Of course that's not always an affordable strategy... for 35 years we lived with 2nd-hand, recycled kitchen cabinets I cobbled together to make cabinets for our bathrooms. But when life and economics allow, it's really sweet to be able to work on pieces that provide pleasure and satisfaction every day, instead of the grudging necessity of "good-enough" functionality and compromised aesthetics. I'm with you, David.

[@johndoe6032]

Butcherblock countertop is one of the best and cheapest ways to go for a countertop and I think it will always be a good look. I finished mine in Rubio Monocoat since it's so easy to sand and reapply if you get bad spots over time. If you go with unfinished butcher block it saves thousands versus other quality countertops. Can't believe you didn't just turn the sink cutout into a cutting board. That's what I did with mine.

[@taichigoodness1798]

Thank you for speaking the truth!

[@anneoreilly4900]

Love the kitchen shots. Appliance junkies unite!

[@perrinaybara8048]

Just a quick FYI. I signed up to the wwgoa and have just canceled as I got a random nearly $100 charge and had to cancel my card because of it, so be careful and use one of the digital cards available through most banks these days

[@garryr]

I feel you. I want to make a couple cabinets and a top to put on casters to make a moving island for my kitchen but with the cost of cabinet grade plywood its just to expensive to make myself.

[@danscrima]

I've gotten counters like this from Floor and Decore (if they have a location in Toledo) and the prices were great

[@zekeallmon7122]

Edit: I was wrong :) Leaving my comment because you never know.. maybe someone will read it and it might help them if they are remodeling. Had to pause and comment because I think I know why a simple countertop install becomes complicated. I’ll come back and edit this if I’m way off base. But… I’m guessing that the angles are going to be off. I remodeled my old house and quickly learned that none of my cornered walls were exactly 90 degrees. Which I think is going to throw off your cuts. We will see! 😊 The finished product looks amazing brother! Well done!

[@BowlerDo0d]

The similarities between this and what I went through with my own kitchen are crazy. I luckily didn’t need to buy new cabinets, just painted existing. Made the same decisions on butcher block counter tops (with the same finish as well…how many coats did you use?) I still have one more of them to do….someday. I also have the same problem with cable management on the counter. If you ever find a good solution, PLEASE share it haha. GREAT video! By the way….first comment on your channel! Look out world…

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks! I used 3 coats of polyurethane.

[@EricFMyers]

This was an excellent video! I really enjoyed the personal, conversational feel. One thought on cable management: I've seen the best results using holes and rubber grommets to hide cables, but it's really inconvenient to plug and unplug devices. A power strip along the underside of the upper cabinets might be an interesting alternative, but I'm not sure how to conceal the cables going up. Regardless, I absolutely loved the video and the coffee station. It turned out beautifully!

[@jerryvanderloo7945]

Thanks!

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!!

[@shaynesabala]

Great video thanks.

[@ClayVella]

You got me at 7:41! Its getting late here in Malta and I was about to yawn but I held it back because I didn't want to breathe in the saw dust. 🤦‍♂️ Really enjoying your videos and this new format that you have. Keep it up buddy!! 😁

[@jimrosson6702]

Loos great David and yes it’s still a project.

[@makeitkozi]

Wow that looks really good! I’ve been considering butcher block and this doesn’t seem as intimidating as I thought. Nice mug btw 😂

[@RunarMagnussen]

I'd say you did make it, even though you didn't make the butcher blocks you did shape them into what they ended up being! It did turn out great, although it does remind me that I still need to refinish my own countertop and install the last piece of trim. Oh well! Side note: I had auto subtitles on and it interpreted "end grain cutting board" as "Adria carda board"! I don't know who that is, but it does sound like a very fancy kind of cutting board.

[@chris_thornborrow]

Wow I got the membership ! A bargain. I never get bargains. Thank you so much. Also yes Ive been feeling tge guilt for so long. Thanks for this video.

[@dbnoho]

Things to build once you get good and want to save $50,000. Cabinets. Closet walk ins. Cutting boards. Things you realize after the fact that even though you can do, you outsource. Baseboards. Crown molding.

[@andrewslater6846]

This video has me so captivated

[@theJonnymac]

the beauty of projects like this is you get to put your effort where no one else can help you. And you still end up with what you want. And 10 years from now if you have time and want to put a new butcher block counter that is perfect. You can do that too. All while enjoying something all the way along.

[@sarinhighwind]

I had to do some makeshift stuff for my poor kitchen to. It wasnt fun. But i have more space now. Sometimes you gotta use what you got. I used all reclaim salvage so i had to do no finishing.

[@whhsfordian]

I am really enjoying the new style (?) of your videos. I don't know the right words to use but they feel more 'cerebral' to me. That's not meant to sound snobbish or elitist but rather than being silly/stupid videos meant to get clicks, they invoke a more thoughtful and mature approach that a 70 year old (me!) appreciates. Hopefully that style reaches across all age groups and ultimately rewards you with more viewers.

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you thank you!

[@TheNewJankyWorkshop]

There is definitely something to be said for doing something entirely by yourself from the ground up. Then, once you have gained the knowledge, it gives a great perspective to then the next time it comes around, to buy what you can. I spent a couple of years learning how to cook everything. Made some pretty spectacular dishes along the way. Most of the time now, we just make bulk meals (protein + a ton of veggies) that will last us a week. Sprinkle a little cheese on it, and some seasoning... and we're happy. Takes a LOT less time, in fact, hours less every single day. But I have the knowledge and experience if I need it. I think that is why I make so many different things... I just want to learn how to do everything at least once. Time is money, and it's the only real currency worth a damn with the short amount of it we get, so if we can save a few minutes here and there and not be stressed out... I think it's definitely worth it. Great video brother!

[@dandavis5832]

Great video Dave! Remember when you HAD to make things because you couldn't afford to buy it? You've come a long way!

[@MakeSomething]

Ha! Yep! ❤️

[@sarinhighwind]

Also. Nice ae1-p. I still use mine

[@tsquaredwoodworks3037]

Am I the only one screaming "SAND IN THE PLACE WHERE YOU LIVE"" during the sanding montage? Great message and as always, great video!

[@mwrcrft]

Interesting build , as for the cord management reddit has some good tips. My take on it is there is to much boring space between the top cabinets and countertop. This is a opportunity for something to fill the space and distract your eyes from the cables. The receptacles are placed high over the counter top so they hang there. A vertical reed wall would give plenty of shadow lines to soften the look of the cables.

[@MakeSomething]

ohh, interesting!

[@mwrcrft]

@@MakeSomething yes very.

[@InsideTripNinja]

Flip-down backsplash for cord management

[@jlivewell]

Well…You did make it! Great build.

[@jdbigsur5503]

As a fellow woodworker I really appreciate your perspective. I have taken on a few projects that I did not enjoy and felt guilty for not enjoying the thing I claim to love. The beverage area looks great and piecing the counter together and finishing it so beautifully is still woodworking in my book. As an aside I am a fellow bald guy that wears glasses and I really like your glasses. What brand are they?

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks! Etnia Barcelona

[@horacioguerrero8522]

I feel so represented!!!

[@Mandurath]

Never really thought about it like that. It's always cost vs value for me. I enjoy the work regardless, and time is something I have. Budget however... So, if I can buy something of reasonable quality cheaper than I can make it then I will likely buy it. But if I can build it cheaper and have better quality then I will do so. Some empty areas in our home due to that, but they will get filled sooner or later.

[@DanielNisbet]

Designer-to-designer: I got a smile seeing the Draplin and House Industries books hanging out in the corner of your bookshelf!

[@MakeSomething]

Excellent eye! Good books!

[@johnthompson3462]

Looks great.You are correct.As woodworkers we tend to feel if I don't make it I have failed.WRONG? I am just finishing off an 8' dining table so we can seat eight people.Someone asked if I was going to make the chairs. No. One I do not have any experience in chair making and two I know i would get nothing from it, so we bought them.Woodworking is my hobby,I do not want to turn it into work

[@mikepaul136]

Fellow coffee snob and DIYer here, also trying to find a solution for cord management. I thought about building a decorative panel to act as the backsplash but with a gap behind it to allow for the cords. I’d love to know if you come up with anything!

[@rickcimino5483]

btw, you had a perfect cutting board when you cut out the sink!

[@peregrine5327]

I think a great lesson in this video is that being a woodworker (or any kind of craftsman) enables you to go with the cheaper option sometimes. You knew you weren't going to get A grade butcher block, but as a woodworker you had a shop full of tools and a brain full of solutions to deal with that fact. You sort of get to have your cake and eat it too -- a lot of the "ugh" work is already done, but you still get to scratch that maker's itch by working on it.