Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jun 28, 2007 05:09am | #1

   Vanities are just simple carcasses with face frames (or frameless), doors, and drawers.  If you feel comfortable making these, than I'd say go for it.  I, too, laugh at the crap the stores want to charge $1500.00 for, made from veneered particle board.

   I made all the vanities in my home, but I've been a cabinetmaker for 20 years.  I don't think you'll have any trouble.  Ask questions if you get stuck.  That's why we're here.

   Jeff

2. 
   mapleman | Jun 28, 2007 08:57am | #2

   Montanaman,

   Jeff's right, there are plenty of people here who can help you through any hurdles you might run in to.

   I would suggest "building traditional kitchen cabinets" by Jim Tolpin as a reference if you wanted to read up on cabinet-making before you jump in.

   Good luck,

   Lee

3. 
   MikeHennessy | Jun 28, 2007 02:33pm | #3

   By all means. Assuming you have a dado blade, it's no big deal to throw a vanity together out of ply and a hardwood face frame. If you need an excuse (as if!) to get some new tools, you might want to pick up a router and a Kreg jig. Even with these added expenses, you'll still wind up spending less $$ and getting a better cab.

   Guide book: I believe Taunton has a pretty nice book on kitchen cabs. Same idea, different room. That said, you probably don't need a book. Just cut your sides to size, run a dado for the bottom and back and glue up the box. Corner blocks in the top corners will add stiffness. You can simply glue/nail the toe kick on. Make up a face frame from whatever suits your fancy. I use simple butt joints with pocket screws and glue. Takes about 10 minutes per frame. If you want to get fancy, you can run grooves for the cab frame to fit into, but not absolutely necessary. You can attach the face frame with glue & pins or nails.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

   
   

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   Edited 6/28/2007 7:41 am ET by MikeHennessy

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Jun 29, 2007 12:33am | #4

   One of the first books on woodworking I bought and still one I refer to.
   http://www.amazon.com/Building-Your-Kitchen-Cabinets-Layout-Materials-Construction-Installation/dp/0918804159/ref=sr_1_1/104-9822440-3198333?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183066217&sr=8-1Note that this is for traditional face frame construction and pre-dates common use of biscuit joiners, pocket screws and Dominos, but the information is there and I found it good for a beginner-level.

4. 
   SVSander | Jun 29, 2007 01:33am | #5

   Like you I had some experience in construction - working for my general contractor father while I was in high school and college. The first cabinet project I built was a vanity for our house when we remodeled it in 1977. That project taught me that I wanted to build cabinets and furniture (for a hobby). In my opinion, a vanity makes a great first "fine" woodworking project.

   Good luck,
   Richard Baker

1. 
   Montanaman | Jun 29, 2007 02:31am | #6

   Thanks to everyone for the info. and encouragement.  I'm headed to Barnes & Noble to check out the books.  You've convined me to do it!  I'll keep you posted.

1. 
   smslaw | Jun 29, 2007 02:52pm | #7

   I second the recommendation for Jim Tolpin's book.  I had dabbled in house building about 25 years ago, but had very very limited finish carpentry skill and no fine woodworking experience.  When we recently had a big addition built, which was to include a new kitchen, I pointed out to my beloved that if I had a few more tools, I could build the cabinets and save some $$.  Since we had the old kitchen to use while I labored, the pressure wasn't too bad.  Several months of weekends later, project complete!  Once you build a vanity,and realize yours is nicer than what you could have bought at most sources, you can move on to other seemingly difficult jobs, all of which require more tools.  Its a win-win situation.

1. 
   Montanaman | Jun 29, 2007 07:35pm | #8

   Got the book last night and am about half way through it.  Thanks