74. Wrangling the new campervan worktop to stay in place

[@ferretywalton6860]

These videos are an absolute joy. It makes a welcome change to see real world (well, mine anyway) DIY. Swearing, chuntering, frustration, and the odd injury. 😀

[@jennifermoody487]

David, I so appreciate your sense of humor when you are doing these chores. It's a pleasure to watch you! First of all, it actually shows me some of the ins and outs of what you are doing. Most KZbin channels like this show the beginning and then jump to the end, and I miss all the little in-between bits that I NEVER think of. You are a joy to watch as well as being very clear in the how-to accounts. Thank you, my dear!

[@brbertram]

Put soap on the wood. It will slide in easier. And that is the entirety of advice I am competent to ever offer you.

[@2760ade]

Ooh Matron!!🤣🤣

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Or candle wax

[@nilo70]

If the goggles on your gas mask fog up , you can rub a little soap on the inside of the lenses for a very light coating and that will stop the fogging.😊. Don’t ask me how I know.

[@loki7441]

I found a similar problem as I get older, what the hell happened there? moments and I'm from an engineering background. Scientists a few years ago published a report into peoples brains recalling things and analysing things as they get older. It said older people have so much information stored in the brain it takes moments longer to recall them than a younger person . Reason being they haven't acuminated the knowledge of the older person, therefore they can recall their stored information quickly. Made me feel very happy. Double sided tape is very useful for sticking small pieces of timber in place to get your marking and drilling. Usually replaces the glue too. The new counter looks great.

[@billstevens3796]

David? Are you me? That's a typical project process for me too!

[@Vandemonium]

🤣🤣

[@ben31tube]

Nothing is EVER as easy as it should be!

[@maxiemills6982]

Sometimes you're the bug. Sometimes you're the windshield.

[@spencerjhog4429]

As an "experienced" general practitioner of the building trades let me reassure you that a lot of knowledge comes from discovering all the ways to not to do a job. Eventually, in spite of the frustration one has eliminated all the ways to do a task incorrectly and thus you become an expert! You are 75% on your way to being an expert.

[@Vandemonium]

Ha! I like that way of thinking!

[@zapfanzapfan]

"Section removed for bad language" 🙂 In the beginning I worried the worktop would rattle if not glued or screwed in place but that was such a tight fit it can't rattle, precision engineering!

[@Vandemonium]

Yeah, I drove 160miles a few days ago and it didn't rattle. Annoyingly, something else did!!

[@zapfanzapfan]

@@Vandemonium There is always something... hope you can track it down.

[@lavenderau6326]

I too have had days were I wonder just what I was thinking! I stop so I don't make it worse and then get back to it after a cuppa. What is sometimes worse is when all my cuts and meaurements are bang on perfect, like surely I have made a mistake somehwere and I worry I wont find it till it's all glued and screwed together. I am thoroughly enjoying the van refurbishment.

[@davidpiper3652]

I'd have chucked it in long before you did, your perseverance is astonishing. I hate plumbing and water stuff, it leaks and makes a mess. Give me electricity any day!

[@roland9423]

Patience of a Saint. Well Done Sir.

[@GrahamRead101]

Frankly, I found this very reassuring. My usual DIY experience to a T. (And I do still enjoy doing it!).

[@carycoombe3380]

Watching someone who honestly shows you the problems with RV projects, is much nicer than having them happening to yourself. Thanks!

[@adamnorris8006]

a tight fit is a perfect fit. Good job David, I love your channels!

[@adrianheywood]

Miters. They are my nemesis. I measure, I check, double and triple check. I mark or scribe the piece of material in terms of which way I want the miter to go/be. I cut said material. And, the moment it's cut - but not a second before - I realize that I've cut it the wrong way. Feeling your pain David. We're all cheering you on. :)

[@Vandemonium]

😀😀🤣🤣

[@janebrown3587]

omg, I can measure six times and get still get it wrong, lol!

[@penneynoss9552]

Hi David, the work top looks great. I always enjoy watching you make memories. I have many days like your day. I always think I’m dehydrated and a nice cup of tea will help.could be the tea or maybe the chocolate cookies.😊

[@thomasfrench2012]

I was at our local hardware store today. After I asked about a part, they not only took me to it without asking, but also asked me what I was attempting to accomplish. One could ask for a mailbox and they would still ask that question, because their objective is not simply to sell something, but to sell the right something as well as everything one needs to accomplish the task. They do this because they are competing with a national box store and they can compete in neither price nor inventory against them. But it works because people like me not only save time by not having to go back multiple times, we also save the money by buying the right piece, or pieces, the first time.

[@Vandemonium]

That's a good store!

[@chrisaris8756]

If you want wood to slide, traditionally one would rub candle wax on both surfaces. It will last a lot longer than soap!

[@kentolsen7384]

This reminds me too much of almost every DIY I've done. I'm anxiously awaiting the second video.

[@Vandemonium]

Second? This is about the fifth, you may have some catching up to do 🤣🤣😀

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I appreciate you sharing your frustrations and setbacks; so many DIY shows explain the plan, a few timelaps shots and then the next shot is of everything perfectly done!

[@rickkearn7100]

David your industriousness never ceases to amaze. Your van interior is looking spiffy. Much harmony and obvious forethought in the design. Well done! Really enjoyed this one as I do all of your posts. Cheers.

[@barbarataylor1535]

Do it yourself is a winner and satisfying, not necessarily saving money

[@Vandemonium]

Absolutely! That's my reasoning, for certain.

[@mabecka]

Best channel ever! i have the same van but it's Fiat badged, the scudo. I went the no-build route and use Helinox furniture, an Eco Flow powerstation, a Thetford Porta potti and a homemade kithen module. I sometimes need the space in the van for other stuff and need to empty it completely. Cheers from Sweden!

[@gardeninginthedesert]

"Thirty nine and a half point three" You really were having one of those days. 😂

[@michaelburroughs7494]

Welcome to the world of woodworking!

[@nesleinf]

Not exactly your day - but the more learning for us (how NOT to do) 😀 Love from Denmark

[@Vandemonium]

So true!

[@okbanlon]

So nice to see you! Keep on wrangling - you're doing just fine. Much better than I could do, definitely.

[@bennysh]

David, you are a true brit showing us the famous "keep calm and have a tea" moto 😊 can't imagine you mad and sweary..

[@simonstork9404]

Always take that one win and be gratified, I feel your frustration. A win is a win no matter how long it takes to achieve it. Bravo intrepid diyer you made me laugh out loud 😆

[@lilbatz]

You did a wonderful job staining and varnishing. Love the way the counter top looks.💪💕

[@neilbroome4941]

David, to fix the worktop down. Remove the tank door from the end of the unit, drill o hole in the top frame, fit a screw through the frame into the positioning wood that you glued and screwed to the underside of the worktop. Hope this helps you. Best Wishes. Neil and Anne

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers. I don't want to screw it though, the idea is to make it removable without tools if I want to 😀

[@hughcarson6837]

Well now you are learning why most people can't be bothered with DIY, it can be total frustration. Keep up the good work

[@paulmurphy5648]

Oh, Dave...welcome to my world of DIY!!! One job leads to another for which I do not have the tools, which causes me stress....so I make a phone call and go to the pub until the expert sorts out the mess I have made!!!

[@Dmate89]

At @13:36 I just snapped back to your self-laughing DIY in your narrowboat, if I recall correctly it was during your bathroom project, when you said "hehe, DIY is never easy" But remember one crucial thing, David: It is your project, and your standards, and your time you spend on it, for your own satisfaction. So if frustrated, you can stop and drop everything as you like, and return to it after a cupper, or a g&t

[@paulhoughton5266]

Another gem from David. I love this REAL diy

[@charlevoix418]

English is not my first language but just for your's, I am litterally addicted to your channel!

[@Vandemonium]

Haha thank you

[@charlevoix418]

@@Vandemonium From French Canada: I watch so many euro van videos like Greg Virgoe and so many others but for the real english terminology and expressions, you're the best!

[@davedanic1288]

Yes David, been there, done that! Ugh!!

[@algernonblack]

I have to say that I have not laughed so much for a long time. Thank you.

[@judithmatthews8460]

I found myself in this video muttering “what do you think you’re doing?” I’m thinking those bolts will look a bit Heath Robinson, amateur night? I’m a simple soul just screw it down. But on reflection the video would have been over in 1 minute and your inspiration of trying to “have a go” wouldn’t have been satisfied. So I await the look of the bolts. Prepared to be shot down in 🔥

[@terrycook8914]

You did well to not just give up and walk away! Any progress is good progress, and I think you're doing really well with the remake. I'm looking forward to the next installment! :0)

[@eekee6034]

I have days like that so often, I'm afraid to start anything. It's getting to the point where I've got to try to do stuff anyway. I actually had a panic attack last week which I can trace back to never really feeling like I've _done_ anything in the last 16 years.

[@philgray1023]

I learned a trick from Mr Koubou. Use double sided tape to locate items you are going to screw onto other things. Also never underestimate Velcro. We all have these days. Hopefully mine isn't today. Also plumbers tape on pump hose tails, or 316 hose clamp.

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

David's journalistic technique: the cliffhanger along with the belts and braces. Until when....

[@maarten_notjustagrip]

Oh David! All you needed was a little cube at each front corner of the cabinet, stuck underneath the worktop, and jobs a goodun.

[@Vandemonium]

Go big or go home!! 🤣

[@davidoickle1778]

@@Vandemonium Maarten de Groot took my very comment. Oh well!

[@alisonmani3114]

Bless you, David. I understand those kind of days. Well done for getting the sink sorted, anyway.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@barbaradionne7768]

Well! That was a day , absolutely filled to the max, with ridiculously annoying stuff! 🤬😡Tomorrow will be a better day, I’m convinced. Carry on David. The van will be super when you’re done.

[@hamshackleton]

If there was no challenge - it wouldn't be fun! (scream!) 🙂

[@lilbatz]

We all have wonky brain days. I was returning an item back via FedEx. The clerk and I could not figure out why the QRS code was not working I was at a UPS store, not FedEx. Neither of us realized it until we really looked at the form. 🤣 Wish I could go back to bed and start over!

[@Vandemonium]

Hahaha that's hilarious!!

[@craigbowie8925]

Yes I have days like that David

[@loughkb]

Use the straight pipe for your pump. Then, down at the pump, drill a small pilot hole through the side of the pipe into the bit of pipe on the pump and put a small stainless steel screw through to keep them together. 🙂

[@NeverlandSystemAngel]

I found this series through a friend that watches your narrowboat adventures (which I don't particularly find interesting- I'm a van life fan)... but these, especially the build process and renovation process vids... these amaze me. I love your handiness and your creativity, and that you share HOW you did it all- even if not a "tutorial". Great stuff man. Great stuff! Can't wait to see what adventures you have in this wonderful van.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@lynmoore8355]

well done

[@esiebert7625]

I think the countertop is fine as is as long as you don’t flip the van 😂 that one corner will eventually settle down, clamp it for a week if you want to speed it up.

[@pamelaselmer3270]

David we understand your problem… it’s winter here so we just say our brain is in hibernation…

[@Carlos-im3hn]

White color synthetic Rectorseal Tplus2 pipe sealant (non-toxic PTFE enriched) will plug up any water leaks in the grey plastic pipe and is 100% safe (from across the Pond). It goes on wet but will slowly dry and stop any leaks on smooth pipes (maybe also used some sticky duct tape to keep from slipping out when on the road). Usually the Tplus2 is for plastic threaded pipe...but should work on your smooth grey plastic wate pipes. Use it liberally underneath your new sink. You may want to attach a small pipe "hook" for stress relief on the new grey hose underneath to prevent other slippage under heavy use. However, on second thought now, separately strongly consider strong epoxy glue (plastic epoxy 5 minute cure) for the exit water pipes as that will never let loose...epoxy down there on the new grey water pipes would make it completely bulletproof never will open up again (permanent).

[@literyAZ09]

Great work! Its normal. Sometimes these days come and there is nothing to do with it.

[@Lego6980]

Thanks for sharing this - I can totally relate to this kind of frustrating DIY day, when you think you’re going to achieve ‘x’ and then all these crappy little things conspire so you only achieve ‘x-5’ plus zero satisfaction. Thankfully, as we’ve seen in your other videos, most days go better. Can’t win ‘em all.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

I have heard it said that "custom" anything is really "Cuss em" soundly. I have also had those days where I measure something twice, cut it once and find it is wrong. Ugggg time to sit in the moaning chair (every shop has one) and rethink the project. Hang in there David, you can and will do it.

[@jabbertwardy]

"David and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" Hoping for a better day next time!

[@janebrown3587]

Hey hey - it's looking pretty spiffy! 👍

[@billharris6886]

Hi David, if your head becomes foggy, I find it is best to take a break or continue the project the next day. If I try to push myself to follow through in that condition, I end up making a lot of mistakes and, in severe cases, injuring myself. That flexible drain hose you are trying to use looks like electrical conduit so, sealing it against leaks may be problematic. If you visit your auto parts store, you may be able to find an engine coolng system molded hose (by measuring/trial and error) that fits perfectly, is flexible, and non-kinking. Don't obsess over getting that cook top perfect, you can always refine it later as you come upon new ideas. Note that if the cook top fits tight when assembled, it may be impossible to remove on higher humidity days due to the wood swelling.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers; it is actually dedicated caravan waste hose, seriously!

[@billharris6886]

@@Vandemonium Interesting, never would have guessed!

[@joopjansen9102]

I've learned to recognise "those" days as such and quit - leave while I'm ahead (or behind, as the case may be). You plough on where I couldn't - in my case, stuff would go full fubar. Take care & stay safe.

[@henrywilliam8506]

Van Morrison, ’Days Like This.’

[@stevealharris6669]

Hope for the best - the DIY mantra i live by.

[@danieltaylor5231]

If you feel yourself feeling like that again David you need to stop immediately! You had way too much blood in your teastream! You needed to have an emergency cuppa much sooner. Then another with lunch. At the end of the work day it works well to have a G&T to help settle the tea.

[@evelynsutton4411]

What patience! There will be much satisfaction when it is all done, but my goodness it is a maddening job! l hope it doesn't dtive you mad in the meantime!

[@brianlopez8855]

I can breath again now David, thanks for putting up Part 2. Come on break out the wine and get your hammer out to 'sort it'. Get the catches on too David don't skimp. Stick a nice jubilee clip on the pump pipe outlet to the rigid white pipe. Put some pdfe tape on the waste outlet connector

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers! The waste outlet is all sorted in the next video 😀

[@johndagle4249]

David, I see myself in your frustration. Many a DIY project where, "what was i thinking becomes the mantra"!! Just a thought but. If you can hook or pin the back edge down under the back Rail you could mount the bolts onto 3/8" thick blocks on the underside of the work surface and slide it in holes drilled in the front rail..

[@dmcarpenter2470]

David, enjoyable vid. That you show the rough with the smooth makes it "real".

[@fairmania]

I too have had many a day like this. I have learned to walk away, as to continue as you did can end up self-defeating. Great progress so far, I felt your pain far too clearly, so please take it easy!

[@KerrikkiLurgan]

Such a tight fit!

[@gafrers]

Great job

[@jamesa7506]

😀 if it all went together perfectly the first go round your head might swell up with the hot air of pride and then your hat wouldn't fit! You're actually saving money in the long run... Thank God for the learning curve. 👍😉

[@pilpelet100]

When you get days like that it's better to just give it up and come back to it the following day!

[@debbie62140]

David, I do love your videos. As a retired boatbuilder, I find myself shouting at the screen with advice, even though I know you probably finished the job days/weeks ago. All you needed to do is fix a small flat, wider piece of wood on the far batten that you screwed under the worktop so it slides under the cabinet frame by a few mm, then simply put a single screw through the top of the near frame into the batten near the sink. No need at all for catches or bolts, and really easy to undo if you need to remove the worktop.

[@Vandemonium]

I'm trying to avoid screws!

[@linz_in_NZ]

You've probably sorted the waste pipe by now - I was thinking, make a full loop with the white flexible pipe to give you a trap, then go into the waste tank. I really don't like that hard plastic fluted pipe - I got some that is smooth inside, its so much better, more flexible and can be clamped too.

[@peterengel7885]

Well you did a bang up job. pat yourself on the back. Must be cosmic intervention because you ended up just how I would have done it. Time and space who would have known......

[@Richard.oo7]

This was like watching the Chuckle Brothers. Only without the other brother. Good effort nevertheless 👍

[@Vandemonium]

To me, to me...

[@Richard.oo7]

@@Vandemonium To you, to you...

[@maryannvangrevenhof8769]

Ugh, I had one of those days yesterday. Nothing was going right. Walk away and come back later!

[@davidjones8680]

Obviously a case of not enough cheese on your cheese sandwich David. You should always have a cheese sandwich with extra cheese before attempting to do such work as this. I will sit paitently awaiting the next installment. Erm, maybe I should get myself a cheese sandwich while I wait, probably with extra cheese as you maybe a while. David in Dudley.

[@Galerak1]

I like the idea of having the worktop easily removeable but I'm not sure those little draw bolts are the way forward. They'll be fine while you are stationary but unless you make sure there is some pressure needed to draw the bolt into it's locked position you may find that they rattle about while the van is in motion, maybe even enough to vibrate all the way to the unlocked position (depending on orientation of course).

[@Galerak1]

Maybe a strip of thin foam draft excluder strip or some such device on the top of the cabinet, then have the draw bolts positioned so that you need to press down on the worktop, crushing the foam, to fasten the draw bolts. That should keep enough pressure on the bolts to stop them vibrating loose and will also prevent any wood-on-wood squeekage that may occur due to the worktop not being permanently attached to the cabinet.

[@MissScrappy]

"Obviously I meant to do that for a reason but no longer have any clue as to why.." is my constant mantra while engaging in DIY. Step back... Have a cuppa... Perhaps a cheese sandwich.. 😃 We love our David! Cheers =^··^=

[@gregbolitho9775]

Not quite that far, yet. Picked up a Tv Cabinet yesterday that 200mils to tall. Your doin well m8, thanks.

[@familyw5661]

LOL one of those days your brain "just isn't functioning" so good. Love it David great job!

[@shirleylynch7529]

Oh dear not a good day for you. But knowing your talents you will succeed. Well done on another great video .

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks 👍

[@isobelchapman9548]

Ach David, talk about a gamut of emotions!! What a day you had, I’m exhausted watching you!!!

[@hectorshouse7348]

Oh, the frustration of ‘jobs’. Nice work though 😃👍

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Yesterday I had to correct 20 different documents to be accurate and in harmony with each other; I couldn't remember for even a few seconds which one i had just changed or which ones still needed attention!

[@StuartLomas]

Plasticised/Rubberised curved pipes can be straightened by putting it in boiling water, make it soft, out it on level surface with a straight edge either side & it will cool straight!

[@t1n4444]

Interesting to see what you are getting up to now you're ashore. At the risk of teaching you to suck eggs might I suggest that IF you encountered any "snits" (snits = trapped dust particles or tiny bugs) on the varnished work surface you might try the following to get rid of said snits. Best to allow the varnish to dry thoroughly. Use wire fleece (unbelievably fine wire wool) coated with "proper" wax polish and "gently" rub over the surface of varnish. As for plumbing issues then you might consider using self amalgamating tape wrapped and lapped over any joints. I have used this method very successfully when mating drain pipes to existing pipes attached to through hull fittings. Would suggest it is better to err on the side of generosity when applying the tape. Further suggest you are very careful to apply tension on the tape when wrapping.

[@smilysun8358]

I’m always amazed about the creative solutions you come up with; initial failings come with the territory. The top looks super and Im sure you will find your own solutions for the other changes. ☺

[@Size15s]

If you get a tape measure like the Hultafors TALM3 3m Talmeter Marking Measuring Tape you can use it to transfer and mark the distances rather than measure them. I find that I avoid mistakes that way. FastCap tape measures can be marked on the tape with a pencil and simply rubbed clean with a slightly damp finger. They do a flatback tape that is useful in some situations

[@spotweld]

somehow it makes me feel better when you have troubles. Something almost always goes wrong for me, no such thing as a 10 minute job..

[@dashinka719]

I love the idea of the bolts very smart idea

[@propulsar]

Some days are just like that. No matter what you try to do it all just goes wrong. It doesn't fit, won't stay on, falls down etc.etc. Tomorrow it will all drop into place and everything will be like a well oiled machine.

[@0HARE]

Nice work so far, David. I know you’ll get it right eventually. Your overall design seems solid, and the aesthetics look right. Best Of Luck

[@Rovinman]

Try Plastic pipe cement, works on all types of plastic pipe ! Also you could try turning the basin outlet round to point to the waste bottle ! Keep going ! Stu xx

[@Vandemonium]

Haha wait for the next episode!! 😉

[@lightdark00]

Time to make the engine modular too!

[@jimfoster9980]

To make a better and water tight fit to the waste pipe use some PTFE tape then use a jubilee clip, the pipe will then be a song fit

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers, the pipe gets sorted in the next video!