So I haven't completely finished my parent's kitchen remodel... obviously time to start a new project!  

Walnut vanity with adjacent storage cabinet


I saw a photo... scribbled a design... bought some wood.

I am sure doing real shop drawings would expedite the fabrication process and minimize the 5 minute "stand back and stare at the wood" design on the fly sessions, but its too late for that.  The idea is in my head, I now have to figure out how to build it.  

process photos:

Black walnut- one of my favorites


I am using the cheapie HD saw horses to hold up my cutting/ assembly table. They are horrible.  My Trojan saw horses are holding up a concrete countertop right now, yes they are worth the extra money.  

Bow Clamps - straight lined with the TS55 for gluing



Rough outline of the final piece


I purchased the lumber surfaced, but the thicknesses varied by over 1/8".  There was some bowing and cupping but a few minutes of the router sled flattened out the panel nicely.  
 


A buddy of mine pulled this little number out of a dumpster for me.  He said he thought of me when he saw it... it was dirty and broken  
It gets the job done and cost $0.00


1/4" deep should be strong enoug




I used prefinished Maple for the carcass.  While throwing the sheet up on the cutting table, I noticed the B side of the sheet had awesome grain and color.  If you look at the photo above, the clear blonde maple is on the outside, which will have walnut covering it.  I think using the B side really adds character to the inside of the box.  Maybe I will be the only person to open this box and be happy with the coloration of this maple...




And in my best Bob Ross voice: one more pretty little knot.



I am thinking of using Waterlox as a finish, but don't really want the golden color to come through.  Any suggestions on other finishes that might keep some of the gray of the walnut?  

Loving the grain in the  Black Walnut and agree with you on the 'B' side grain, it's got some character to it. I have been using a lot of American Black Walnut lately and like the way it can be worked with hand tools but dislike the amount of creamy coloured sapwood we seem to get in every board.

On the bandsaw front, I inherited my Dad's old one and remember he had issues with the power switch on it. After buying several replacement switches for it some one told him it was a dust problem, the switches used to get clogged with dust easily but are simple to remove and clean out and reinstate (unplugging from the mains supply first of course ) So if you ever have it not power up check that first...... after the fuse and that it was switched on at the wall We've all been there!

Rob.

Isn't that the only way?    Years ago, a very good friend asked me to build a "Special" fireplace for her and her new husband.   After looking at their house plans, i immediately drew a very fine picture of what i wanted to build.  The problem was that the picture was behind my very thick and impenatrable skull.   I described what i proposed and since she was also quite artistic, she knew right away what i was describing.  Her husband did not.  He insisted on a drawing which, I attempted with very unsatisfactory results.  I had a good friend who was an architect and his wife drew many architectural pictures for his houses as well as most historical houses in the area.  I described my idea to them with a sketch of the interior of the room to host the chimney.  Once the pic had been completed, i took one look and (TO MYSELF) thought it was nothing like what i had in my head.

I took a ride to Martha's Vineyard over a weekend to show the pic with explanation it was nothing like i had proposed (in my head).  My friend understood as she had known me all of her life and i had known her for most of my life.  Her hubby took one look at the pic and decide we should forget about it.  Well, i guess we found out who was the boss in that house, as i ended up with the job.  The unusual design (I have never seen anything quite like it before or since) came out beautiful.  Being on Martha's Vineyard with its rich history in the whaling industry, i had designed the fireplace with an opening to look like (artistic license) to look like a giant open mouth of a fish. i ran into lots of construction problems with that job, most of which i could only solve as the construction moved along.  The finished project was a surprise for me as well.

Most of my fanciest projects were done with plans drawn only in my head.  This was over 50 years ago. Today, I don't know as anybody accepts a job without all of the dots and tees spelled out to perfection.
Tinker

I like what you are doing.  Can't wait to see the finished project. 

it came back to bite me yesterday...  spent half the day yesterday working on a detail that I thought would be really slick.  It didn't work out, but luckily with a few on the fly design changes I didn't have to buy any more wood.  Something that would have definitely been found if I took the time to draw it.         

This is inspiring!  Can't wait to see the project through to the finish.

Brad

You are welcome and thankyou.

Got to agree with Ghostfist there too, so often wood ends up looking like plastic mouldings, too clinical, I like character!
Rob.

Thanks, those butterflies are always hit or miss in my opinion.  too many, the wrong shape, any little thing and they kill it.  I also feel like they need a certain level of imperfection to make them believable.  Its worth it for that 1 person out of 50 that will stop and run their hand over it. 



thanks,

the Blum website says 2 cliptop hinges should hold 15lbs (6.8kg).  You got me worried, so I weighed the doors and they are less than half of that.   

Unfortunately, sitting and staring at the wood doesn't make the finish dry faster. 

Should be installing tomorrow.
  

I too am in Jersey and would like to know where you got the walnut. Have been to Condon lumber in White Plains, but the prices...

Very elegant and distinguished looking...

I got the walnut from Boards and Beams in Fairfield, NJ.  They are about 10 minutes away and I needed the wood ASAP.  I think I paid $6.50 b.f. for 4/4 x 6" boards.  That is probably on the high side, but figuring convenience of travel time, gas, etc. it was worth it.

They have an okay selection, but I don't think I would compare it to Condon or Hearne.  If you do check it out, I would call ahead because they probably don't have 50% of the stuff listed on their website.        

I also have "a guy" with a mill and 50 acres somewhat close by.  Black walnut, oak, poplar, locust and any other tree that grows in this area...
 I think this stack was less than a buck a board foot
8/4 x 9-10'

Hey Vindingo, really like your design. We don't see many built ins, especially vanities, with anything but white melamine interiors down here in Aus. The finished ply adds a real touch of class.
Cheers, Lincoln.

The project is just about finished, had some issues with the marble top, and the tile was a pain in the rear

Here are some teaser pics, need to find a wide angle camera to capture the space

The grain is amazing.  Beautiful cabinet

Vinny,

Superb work!!!

Vinny, Great work, I'm sure your parents are very proud of you and your excellent skill.