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

Upper cabinets are an essential part of almost every van build. It's important that they're strong and easy to use. This video covers all of the tips & tricks for building & installing super strong, super functional upper cabinets.
Product Links:
Plusnuts - amzn.to/2MgKVcz
Blum Hinges - amzn.to/2S11qwH
Hinge Jig - amzn.to/2RpgV0L
Dewalt Drill / Impact Driver - amzn.to/38NCTkL
Dewalt Jigsaw (THE BEST) - amzn.to/2EnvNFF
Dewalt Random Orbit Sander - amzn.to/35trEfo
Wood Sealer (Water Based Polyurethane) - amzn.to/2RUvgDj
Playdough - amzn.to/2M3wuZ3
Support the channel on Patreon: / seven_osavage

[@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

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@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...

[@fractalzoomgoggles]

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

[@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!

[@karenkeller5866]

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

[@cocojones3479]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 .

[@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.

[@schausage]

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

[@srf2112]

That playdough hack ... pure genius!

[@jeannettevelasquez7350]

I am impressed, well done!

[@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 🤗

[@shaunmoffett2532]

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

[@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

[@mariaas148]

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

[@itsatale5957]

What an great instructional video.

[@alanmason2885]

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

[@dennisgodaire485]

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

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Dennis!!

[@lakesideparkplace]

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

[@billshelley1448]

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

[@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 😂

[@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!

[@douglasharley2440]

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

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Douglas!

[@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.

[@chrishoulding5065]

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

[@marcobonechi6928]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@DrMott]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@vincentmcguire]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@vanessarheadart9708]

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

[@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!

[@jafarhash]

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

[@charlieboylinton]

Great tip with the Play Doh

[@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....

[@markb8888]

Love the playdoh trick!!!!

[@JG-ky6pw]

Awesome job man, I love your work

[@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 :)

[@cavedwellersound]

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

[@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 .

[@samuelroy1275]

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

[@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

[@johnmca5643]

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

[@anatolykurochkin3021]

Thank you! Very useful

[@theresedignard7445]

Nice cabinets. Great tips. Thanks.

[@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!

[@bretthawton]

The play dough trick is awesome!

[@Nicecrispies]

Just stumbled onto your channel and really enjoying your videos.im thinking of redoing my van and your inspiring me

[@madbikeboysins]

That was worth watching - thank you. Also subscribed.

[@pcspoor]

Thnx! Made mine exactly like this👍👍👍

[@thizizliz]

Beautiful work!

[@37nongbu]

wow!! good job

[@skbg59]

Awesome Job!!!

[@mitchengelking]

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

[@ilyarique]

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

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you jrcometa!

[@NicholasMaietta]

Holy shit, the playdoh trick is awesome.

[@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.

[@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

[@sN4Re]

beautifully done!

[@ifferl8781]

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

[@seven_o_savage]

🙂 thank you!

[@waynedeadder664]

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

[@williamirizarry1113]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@red7media]

love your videos, if anyone is making these cabinets use 2"x3" strips to hold the hinges , all else is good! as 7 savage ran out of screw hole room on those hinges, it happens.

[@baddalailama310]

Excellent excellent job!

[@LaurelHill2024]

I've learned sooooo much from you. tysm for the videos

[@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]

🙏

[@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

[@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!!

[@mallorymcguire833]

These carpentry tips are really helpful

[@lishayost144]

You had me at play-doh! Great tip!

[@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.

[@petefrost1787]

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

[@theresedignard7445]

Great cabinets.

[@TheFeliceSkye]

Wow. You're good!

[@andersandersson9442]

Great job.

[@qarmy329]

I don’t know who these 18 AHOLES are that thumbed you down my friend (just nasty jealous wanna be’s !!!) BUT I’ve watched nearly ALL of your videos now and I’m just completely BLOWN AWAY at your TALENT and PATIENCE, your work is INCREDIBLE and to video everything at the same time just for US which adds so much time and effort to your projects ... well I’m hooked and I’ve learned sooo much from watching you I can’t tell you how much I APPRECIATE the time and energy you put into making these videos THANKYOU SEVEN YOU ROCK 🤩

[@VanaConn]

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

[@marysuetells9173]

Very helpful. Ty

[@jonettang]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@stingrayshark9373]

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

[@jkvlx]

great video mate! shooting you a couple of follows !

[@keyvinco2379]

New here 🤘🏼 Thanks buddy Jim 👍 Saving seven O’savage from getting a screw lose 👍 Nice clear content 💙

[@seven_o_savage]

Welcome! Jim is the man, although he might be a bit late for that loose screw 😛

[@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

[@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

[@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