Adam Savage Builds a Tchotchke Display Cabinet!

The most interesting display cabinet in Adam's workshop may be in the place you least expect: the cave's bathroom, where Adam's tchotchke cabinet he built over 30 years ago resides. But when that cabinet falls and spills its contents all over the cave, it's time to refurbish and reorganize this cherished place of holding. A perfect opportunity to tour through all of its contents!
Shot by Adam Savage and edited by Josh Self
Music by Jinglepunks
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#adamsavage #onedaybuilds

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[@aserta]

A skosh is from Japanese, from military American bases, bringing back the world sukoshi, which means a little amount. :D

[@Picoreefo]

The brilliance of taking the time to remake a fallen cabinet, just to put it on a single nail so it swings and pivots wildly ensuring more content to make when it breaks again. 👏👏👏

[@alw1217]

That and the unwillingness to put a latch on so the door flop around is insanity.

[@MechanicalWhispers]

Adam's going to run out of room on the back to note "rebuilds".

[@jamesleicher]

yeah right and having dunny lid open ,one point was going see him go fish something out of it.

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

Not any different than how you hang photos .. Ive hung photos with a lot more weight than that looks like it has on a single nail - if that’s in a stud it’s gonna be fine. Though I do agree with you on the door latch! My guess is the door swung open and pulled the entire thing down considering how not broken most of the back of it was.

[@davidsalvagni3462]

And he’s in California too. I thought he would screw it to the wall

[@Drew_Snydermann]

Savage is the master of doing things 80% good enough.

[@MattWeber]

the first time that tilted, I would have immediately been "Nope, your going onto a french cleat!"

[@LeftBrainCo]

I love using the metal french cleats found at various hardware stores.

[@billbucktube]

Or at least two hangers

[@mromutt]

I have a similar thought lol. I immediately thought ok now hes going to go grab a new mounting solution.

[@garthor]

@@mromutt and fix the door latch?

[@mromutt]

@@garthor He seemed very set on there not being a latch haha

[@awildschuetz1]

I have a friend whose grandparents buy a vintage letterpress tray for each grandchild when they buy their first home so they can populate it with tchotchkes. It's a fantastic way to highlight milestones and impactful memories with a tactile representation of the event and in an artistic display for a space. I've started collecting trays and building some of my own to pass down to my kids and grandkids one day.

[@bboomer7th]

Ok. That’s the coolest gift ever.

[@tested]

That's lovely!

[@NickUncommon]

It is called. SETZKASTEN in Germany, and I always wondered, why, it being another purpose for a.letterpress. tray makes so much sense. Thanks for your family tradition. I guess, I will have to custom build one with door now, thanks to Mr Savage.

[@paulbenbrook5542]

Marie Kondo's method never worked for me but someone gave me a much better question to ask myself: "If this had poop on it would you clean it off or throw it away?"

[@briansavage932]

That…thats genius. 😂

[@kmw8775]

That's a much lower bar than "does it give you joy?" But it's much easier to implement. 😊

[@lordpablo1985]

Depends how ingrained the poop is tbf

[@2adamast]

So what about toilet paper, buy it or not? Kondo lines it up among its pairs and asks give it joy.

[@bunkerrocketworks3190]

Great advice - upgrading my sub-routines to include that 👍

[@buckleyi]

Case falls off wall, damages case, let's rebuild it and secure it back to the wall with one anchor point. Totally safe now!

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

I’m old enough to remember when Joanie Loved Tchotchke.

[@tested]

LOL

[@LAZER1981A]

And…I’m dead 😅

[@YerUnclePhil]

Came to the comments to find this, and wasn't disappointed. 😂

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

@@LAZER1981A RIP Lazer, the light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long. 😢

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

Is the cabinet hung by a single fixture? Because every time Adam breathes heavy near it, it slips, and it's driving my anxiety through the roof!

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

I'd have at least two screws in the wall and maybe a supporting batten underneath!!

[@woeshaling6421]

but how will he get more content from a single object if he fixed it permanently?

[@donovankillian1532]

It’s always so interesting to look for items in the background that you recognize from other videos and talks. (Like his Maltese falcon reflected in the bathroom mirror as he’s repopulating the cabinet.)

[@craigkennedy5104]

Well spotted!

[@tomhorsley6566]

Trying to get the shelf out of the bathroom reminds me of one of my favorite movie tropes where our hero picks up the damsel who fainted and carries her through the house to gently place her on a couch. I always wonder what kind of tricks they use to make that look elegant, because I can't carry a laundry basket across the house without banging into door jambs and stuff, and I imagine a laundry basket fits in less space than a fully grown woman 🙂

[@stephenaldridgecreative]

I'm really enjoying the ongoing saga of the air compressor.

[@tested]

One of these days ...

[@stephenaldridgecreative]

@@tested no rush.

[@AristophMarloque]

"I love meeting people who've chewed the same dirt as me!" This is such an incredible line, I'm stealing it and you can't stop me!

[@chrislembke3823]

The shop reminds me of the backrooms and basements of NYC shops packed floor to ceiling just enough room to get through to do what you have to do

[@toyotaboyhatman]

An object at rest stays at rest.. unless it's a shelf mounted on a wall for 3 decades.. then KABLAM!

[@Hackanhacker]

~"I love Visual cacophony" Wait ... thats me :P Its a blessing Adam Continued filming himself after Mythbuster dude !!! Love this guys !!

[@kylaina]

If Adam ever started a Movie production company, wouldn’t Visual Cacophony be an awesome name?

[@jeffcriton6944]

And that disk sander it still on to this very day! lol

[@ShadowzGSD]

this video has the first appearance that i remember seeing it not spinning.

[@kirloi]

The fact that the cabinet is fixed on 1 pivoting point and constantly swinging is driving me mad aahahah... althought what drives me even madder is Adam doesnt care a single bit. xD

[@mromutt]

I dont think its he doesnt care, I think it was he was more in that hyper focused (hyper fixation) state which was putting his most favorite and precious knick knacks exactly how he wants them. I think he has mentioned ADHD before, but anyway that just like most other things on the spectrum allow for this to happen XD

[@patrickcollier7090]

About a year ago I built a tchotchke curio for my office. I wanted it to look like it could have been something in the bookstore in the first Neverending Story movie. It turned out great and is one of my favorite pieces of furniture now.

[@tested]

Amazing!

[@wobblysauce]

You may say it is poor build quality, but it lasted 30 years just fine. The mounting was the part that failed, and it didn't explode into pieces, which means it just needs a little love. If it was all shiny and new... it would lose the Tchotchke'ness of it, such is life.

[@AdamRapW]

A visitor of the cave goes to the bathroom for a simple body function, then comes out an hour later with a list of questions.

[@UnholiestJedi]

And possibly stitches!

[@JesseKennedy-bw8ly]

Knowing that an oval Hellboy I made hangs behind the Cave toilet is legitimately the best thing. ~Sculptorio

[@waynedeering9642]

While Adam rearranges his favorite things. Then he feels, HE NEEDS MORE! :D

[@pidge414]

"I don't like that sound in the background, hold on". Ten minutes later nailer goes 'click'. 😂

[@zach.0]

That bathroom is chaos

[@Hackanhacker]

Seeing you Repopulate that Tchotchke cabinet made me want to built something similar, it doesworth it :D

[@larrypogue5320]

Shelf still doesn't seem very securely mounted. Perhaps a cleat strip.

[@DrVenture45]

I love how each thing is a memory of sorts, or have some sentimental value and a story to tell. It's like a scrapbook in 3D.

[@mjb7015]

I prefer the term "oddments", because they're odd little bits and pieces. I could definitely use an oddments shelf, at the moment they're on my bookshelf in front of my books.

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

My mom had a shelf like that in our old entertainment center. It was filled with mice statues. And a real mouse. He lived on the shelf and slept by night and did his mouse thing at night. The only way we knew he was there is when we cleaned off the shelf. I told mom this one felt really and laughed until it jumped out of my hands and ran for the backdoor. Leaving me with a present in my hand.

[@tested]

It's like the Mouse and the Motorcycle in real life!

[@MichaelBritt23]

I really thought when the piece of buster fell from Adam's hand, the sound editor was going to insert a "plop" sound as if it fell into the toilet.

[@Misfit-gz6ou]

An upgrade on how it attaches to the wall wouldn’t have been a wasted effort 🙂

[@xliquidflames]

Yeah, we are the exact opposite. I am a minimalist and I like everything to be out of sight and out of mind until I need it. But that said, I love The Cave. I could never live in it - work there permanently - but I love it. My own workspaces don't even look like workspaces when I'm not using them.

[@matthartley7333]

Screw it to the wall mate😂

[@MatchaMakesThings]

After the 2nd tilt i woulda just got my drill and a 2" and screwed it in there.

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

yup! it fell off for a reason!!

[@jeffreybarton1297]

Yes! I give it 6 months before it comes crashing down again. I'd have shoved some JB Weld all over the thing.

[@KublaKhanONE]

Literally yelled that at the screen. 🙄

[@markmcgillicutty6644]

Visual cacophony! Excellent description of the environment I thrive in! So hard to describe to someone who craves order... :)

[@gl15col]

It falls off the wall by itself; he hangs it back apparently exactly the same way it was before. And eventually a big truck will drive past and it will fall again. Why not put up new hangers, or screw it directly to the wall? I don't get it, it's already sliding around with the smallest touch...And no latch. He didn't clean the glass. My brain hurts.

[@jeffreybarton1297]

Yes.....Especially the wall fixing and glass.....

[@1FatLittleMonkey]

Adam's brain is the most fascinating room of all.

[@MatchaMakesThings]

I've never seen Adam and a pigeon in the same place......

[@joshuajones6460]

All that work to fix it; puts it back on the same shoddy nail🤣

[@NotOnLand]

Start of video: "Stupid air compressor, be quiet" Literally 10 minutes later: "Why don't I have air for my brad nailer?" The eternal struggle lol

[@TheWadetube]

For trinkets with chains I recommend a slight lip on the front edge of a shelf to keep things from rolling off due to the weight of the chain slipping off. A lip will help everything stay on the shelf.

[@kazoosc]

perhaps some hooks to hang a selection of watches from in a long vertical section? playing with width and depth ,, but why did it fall?

[@shawnholbrook7278]

😊It's really cool that you have something of your dad along with all your faves. I like that I learned a new word!

[@DavidPetersenChannel]

Happy to see the Black Axe from Mouse Guard make it back into the cabinet!!!

[@shaunwhite2486]

a wall clock made to store a bunch of pocket watches seems like a fun idea!

[@Elderslash-tb3uh]

Glad he used the same parts the tchotchke is a memory as well as what it contains

[@Sumaleth]

I didn't know Scotts family names had mottos. Looked ours up and its "Tutum te robore reddam" (I will give you safety by strength).

[@dunadan57]

Mine's: Insperata floruit Translation: It has flourished beyond expectations So, we didn't die out as expected 😂

[@slugdaluga]

Now I have to see if I have one.

[@spacepiratecaptainrush1237]

I am very much the same with Tchotchkes, knickknacks, and trinkets, any space I live and work in gets an explosion of odd stuffs I like to look at.

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

One nail/screw in the wall by the left lower corner will stop it from shifting when you open the door!

[@ChristopherOdegard]

Why is this titled "Adam Savage Builds a Tchotchke Display Cabinet" when what Adam did was REPAIR a Tchotchke Display Cabinet? Also, as mentioned by other commenters: FRENCH CLEAT for heaven's sake.

[@MrChief101]

I can't believe you didn't screw into a wall stud. Okay, fine. Hey! Show us your model stash-- I spotted two stacks. I think.

[@Kristian_theDane82]

Beautiful display, for all off your bibs and bobs 😁👍

[@lauramaeda7214]

Visual cacophony. A perfect description of my collections. I have multiple empty walls in need of shelves.

[@Cotfi2]

In other news, online tchotchke auction incoming!

[@fubaryt]

That big pocket watch reminded me of John Harrison's H4 marine chronometer, and now I need to go re-read Longitude!

[@GlizzyTrefoil]

For the desire to see many things at once, what would you think about the layout of the old Cincinnati public library? I guess that one would be a worthy successor to Adam's current workshop, spacewise at least.

[@polischuk16]

In Russian it's "cacky" or "tsatsky" (цацки), which means miscellaneous items or toys/trinkets that have no practical use :)

[@evilamy5]

Ah tchotchkes - the debris of a life well lived. Sure it's just a rock, but maybe it's the first gift your kid gave you in earnest. Something that reminds you of an old friend. Delightful.

[@stoneyowl6164]

It was about to fall again the second he put it back up! What is wrong with him?? Fix it right dude!!!

[@JohnStrosnider]

8:20 I'm screaming "Clean the glass!"

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

You know you made it as a maker when your product makes to Adam's bathroom. Lol

[@mikekmit6045]

In the Midwest, we called those "knick-knacks".

[@mikedytham9996]

That is a cabinet of curiosities. I like that. Nice idea. I often wonder what to do with all my oddments. They usually live in a box but if would be good to display them like this.

[@johnsolorzano6395]

I can't wait for the air plumbing video

[@RXRXING]

Cabinet Hanging Abilities Have Room For Improvement

[@kevinlucas8437]

Sorry, Adam, but I'm not sure this cabinet is hung too well 😮

[@xliquidflames]

15:34 Was anyone else saying through clenched teeth, "Oh no, don't hit your head when you stand back up"? Then the thing shifted a tiny bit and I was so certain he was going to hit his head _and_ knock the thing off the wall again.

[@matteedstrom]

Air leaks in a high preassure system, is more expensive then you can think^^

[@artfx9]

Hehe, made a display case just like that 60x60cm some 10 years ago 😊

[@johnderoy916]

I think there was a missed opportunity to buff up/clean the plexiglass before the frame was reassembled

[@alexwoodhead7281]

You could use the space between the rafters and some plexi to display some more tchotckes, props and anything else above you

[@bgtyhnmju7]

Lovely episode. Side note; I've found myself thinking I could actually use a measuring tattoo on me somewhere. Somewhere handy.

[@drewb9022]

Why does this feel like Part 1 of 2 of Tchotchke repair, " stay tune for next time when..... "

[@cornovii3012]

You signed it upside down, that is going to trigger a lot of people 🤣

[@AnthonyfromPhoenix]

He signed it the right way up. You can see the fixture to hang it right above.

[@cornovii3012]

@@AnthonyfromPhoenix look again at him carrying it into the room.

[@tomhorsley6566]

Can I suggest a french cleat?

[@gibberishname]

I theorize "Tchotchke" is spelled with the "tch" combination twice because Yiddish uses the letters "טש" where ט makes the T phoneme and ש makes the SH phoneme to create the CH sound

[@borfie]

Holy god. Gloves and eye pro my brother!

[@daleswiney]

As I'm not getting older and a great collection of stuff I realize that the things I value will have no value to my kids like my dad when passed his most prized possessions ended up in a small box that my brothers took some and rest went to goodwill

[@Drew_Snydermann]

Savage knows he's signing his stuff to add to the future value. That's going to be one hell of an auction. 😊

[@tested]

Oh, it's more that he gives that sort of thing away when it's time to replace it, and it's meaningful to the person he gives it to.

[@1fosters]

Use it to store batteries so you can go to your tchotchke station to pick up some power converters

[@kgchrome]

put in a remote controlled outlet for your compressor.

[@woodycolin]

The fact that you are never fully prepared when you press “REC” grinds my gears with rough sand..BTW if Norm is still working with you - sack him and set him free.

[@colin125gwr]

All the gear and had no idea it fell off the wall !

[@HunterThinker]

Seeing your collection of stopwatches, and knowing that you have recently acquired a mini lathe IIRC? and jewelers tools....methinks some kind of bespoke timepiece may be in our future? 🤷‍♂

[@garthor]

"I don't need a latch" Feel like a latch would have helped all the stuff falling out when it fell off the wall... >_>

[@donaldevans5752]

Great video Adam , your enthusiasm is infectious .

[@RetNemmoc555]

I winced in obsessive-compulsive pain when you reassembled the door without cleaning the plexiglass while you had it out. Breathe... breathe... breathe...

[@myasar974]

Have you ever looked at the floor wear patterns to help determine how to organize your shop?

[@margarethorrall8621]

Replumb your compressed air supply. It will make a great 1 Day Build and will stop your compressor interrupting videos.

[@cweatherington]

The beginning is a bit motion sick inducing but otherwise a great video. Thanks as always.

[@frankcolwell3593]

Lookin at ur shelf reminds me of my own watches knives rings semi precious stones each a memory for me

[@frank-qg3vb]

Joanie Loves Tchotchke

[@ladislavpolak8810]

I'm from Slovakia and funnily enough we say tchotchke with the same pronunciation, but spelled as "čačky". New York being historically one of the main destinations for Slovak imigrants seems like a good coincidence at least.

[@douglasholt563]

Adam, I love watching your videos, but watching you hang that with one nail and no latch makes me scream at my computer. Priceless tchotchkys and the open toilet bowl should be a great follow-up build. (Which of course I will watch). Thanks for your amazing content.Duggy!

[@BobLoudist]

I am so glad he pronounced his title when he started the video I thought it said somthing way to different 😂!

[@Hydrart]

I used to do storyboard rough timing, I was thinking of how timing turned up some interesting consistencies .

[@rvaughan22]

A little toilet paper on that empty roller might save someone a sock.

[@Damia_C]

In France we could name this "Bibelots", or we could name this "Cabinet de curiosités", which could well be a cabinet, or just some shelves, or many shelves where you display your Tchotchke. Fun note : a cabinet in french is the name of the actual chair you sit on to … do your "things".

[@KeithMcWhirter]

Treated the Tchotchke cabinet, like a Tchotchke itself ... and kept it original. Perfect!

[@anonymousaccordionist3326]

Are you related to Colin Mochrie's wife? In a house tour they did years ago he showed the crest on their front door and mentioned they chose to use _his_ family moto instead of hers because her family moto was "Dread God."

[@wraith1977]

I was this years old when I learned how to spell tchotchke.