How to Build Upper Cabinet for a Van + Learn to Scribe Part 1 //Ep. 17 DIY VAN BUILD

In this episode of our Van Build Series we build a his and her closet upper cabinet for above the foot of our bed. I give a simple run down of how to use a protractor type scribe tool. As well as show a Kreg Portable Jig for pocket screws. For the cabinet I used half inch birch plywood with cabinet grade pine to create a 1.5 inch face frame. In the next episode, part 2, we will finish painting the cabinet and install it in the van. We will also build a second cabinet for above our kitchen. Stay tuned!
Products we used in this project-
Kreg Pocket Jig W/ Micro Guide~ amzn.to/2OhhM1q
Kreg 1" Screws~ amzn.to/2OfkmVA
Kreg 1-1/4" Screws~ amzn.to/2BuDHPL
Corner Clamps~ amzn.to/39DiRKV
Kreg Clamp~ amzn.to/3hy5mic
Wood Glue~ amzn.to/2VBjgY6
Milwaukee Drill~ amzn.to/2ZGusEr
Craftsman Jigsaw~ amzn.to/2YQaRSO
Jigsaw Wood Blades~ amzn.to/2YQh4OL
Craftsman Circular Saw~ amzn.to/2WV4Hzl
Oribital Sander~ amzn.to/31yQyLq
Shop-Vac~ amzn.to/2VBgwKF
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Buy Havelock Wool~ havelockwool.refr.cc/trailv
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Пікірлер: 52

  • @sarahbray7568
    @sarahbray7568 Жыл бұрын

    I was genuinely convinced you were a cabinet maker, very helpful.. thank you!

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    Жыл бұрын

    Why thank you! I’m glad it was helpful to you! All the best in your build!

  • @luvnotvideos
    @luvnotvideos4 жыл бұрын

    The uncertainty is a real struggle. Especially when it's the first time doing something. Theoretically, everything should be easy - we're just building boxes within boxes with some odd cut-out shapes. But putting theory to practice is nerve wracking! You're doing great so far, though. Looking forward to the next step :)

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    So true. It definitely goes much smoother putting the 2nd one together. I do think I "logiced" the problem pretty well and ended up putting it together in the right order😂 Thank you for your continued support!

  • @Martin-xr1mo
    @Martin-xr1mo3 жыл бұрын

    I took cabinetry classes and build individual bathroom cabinets and 1 kitchen cabinet the in-laws wanted to add to their existing kitchen, I followed your build process like I never build a cabinet b4 lol great video !!

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    3 жыл бұрын

    Did it all make sense? 😂 I hope it was enjoyable and could help those who feel they have no clue like I felt originally. Thanks for your continued support!

  • @alearnedlife
    @alearnedlife4 жыл бұрын

    I’m currently building a Nissan NV2500, and I’m a few steps behind you. I really appreciate your videos, and yes I am running into every one of the issues you have. Thank you for the honest content.....on to my ceiling today wish me luck😁

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    Congrats taking the dive! I'll say it is definitely rewarding (sometimes I wish there were better directions though😂). Thanks for watching! Reach out on Instagram if you ever want to bounce ideas!🙌🏻 I'd love to see the build too!

  • @AnkeneyVanBuilds
    @AnkeneyVanBuilds3 жыл бұрын

    That was a good idea scribing out the lines where the shiplap boards end and cutting straight lines! Another great video! Im starting my upper cabinets tomorrow! Cheers

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!😊 Seemed to work out well! I hope the videos can be helpful to you👍🏼Goodluck with yours!

  • @kaymarpee
    @kaymarpee2 жыл бұрын

    yes, this is my experience too LOL. everyday.

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hehe, hope your build is going well! 😊

  • @johnmca5643
    @johnmca56433 жыл бұрын

    It’s nice to see learning curves. Good work.

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 😊 I've wanted to be as honest as possible and try to give those watching confidence since I'm just an average dude making it happen. Hope the videos can be helpful for those looking to learn a thing or two as well!

  • @HayleyandJake
    @HayleyandJake4 жыл бұрын

    Great job with the cabinets. I enjoyed your pup in the intro "I don't care about your dumb video dad, LETS PLAY BALL!!!!!" The van build is coming along great. Keep making your awesome videos!

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    Haha! I actually have an outtake of throwing the ball and hitting the van's mirror😂 He is ball obsessed, there is a point where I start pushing him to just hope he goes away🤣. Thanks so much! Means a lot that you guys are watching and giving positive feedback!😎

  • @HayleyandJake

    @HayleyandJake

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@Trailvagabonds haha whoops! Jake has an outtake from one of our videos where he's talking and all you hear is "THUMP THUMP THUMP" goes outside and Finnley's standing at the side whaking his tail against the side of the van 😂

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    😂 😂 😂 😂 They are lucky they're cute!

  • @HayleyandJake

    @HayleyandJake

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@Trailvagabonds Jake tells Finnley that every. single. day 😂

  • @dfanman1
    @dfanman14 жыл бұрын

    I think your doing great Matt! I just hope I do as good as you when I start mine soon.

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! 😊 And I'm sure you will! Patience is key. And crossing you fingers here or there 😂

  • @canhaduhi9018
    @canhaduhi90182 жыл бұрын

    great video, thank you for sharing!

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    2 жыл бұрын

    I hope it can be helpful! 😊

  • @RachelleBall
    @RachelleBall22 күн бұрын

    The question is: How do you know the bottom of the templates are level to the floor? Especially when making multiple panels along the van?

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    22 күн бұрын

    Very good question, it was a struggle for sure. Mainly eyeballing. I suppose left to right (driver to passenger side of the van) you could use a small level on the bottom of it. But front to back you cannot because the floor isn’t level with the van slopping to the front. I did my best to show my process for everything I did through my build, mistakes in all. I’m sorry I don’t have a better answer for you.

  • @barry-cq4xg
    @barry-cq4xg3 жыл бұрын

    Great job.

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 😊

  • @politikopinoysaamerica
    @politikopinoysaamerica Жыл бұрын

    you got a perfect spot doing this build, my biggest problem is I live in a HOA neighborhood and houses are close to each other. and my wife is WFH, definitely those saw noise is not good to hear.

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    Жыл бұрын

    Our yard in NC was great for the van build. I could definitely see that being an issue for you! Good luck with your build and finding time to not get in trouble with running the saw😜

  • @politikopinoysaamerica

    @politikopinoysaamerica

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Trailvagabonds where in NC, im thinking buying a property in there

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    Жыл бұрын

    @@politikopinoysaamerica Winston Salem. Very affordable city

  • @coover65
    @coover653 жыл бұрын

    For scribing I used a small wheel about 4" diameter, and put the pencil through the axle hole, then roll against the wall and ceiling. Bigger gaps? Get a bigger wheel.

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oooo, great idea! I way have to try that when I get to my pull out pantry here soon! 🙌🏻

  • @michaelheppler2193
    @michaelheppler21934 жыл бұрын

    Doing good job I’m not sure I will build my own but I have a ways before that happens

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! You'll get there sooner than you know and I bet you could crush them out no problem! 🙌🏻

  • @gabentg
    @gabentg2 жыл бұрын

    What thickness and type of plywood did you use for the cabinet?

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    2 жыл бұрын

    I used 1/2" Baltic birch. With covid supply chain issues it's become extremely expensive when I've looked for it recently. I was getting it in 5'x5' sheets for a fairly affordable price

  • @outsidevibes
    @outsidevibes4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome work Matt, cabinets look great! I saw you used wood glue to help attach the face frame, do you use wood glue for any other connections? Like between the individual pieces when putting together or just the pocket screws are enough. Cheers

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! 😊 Yep, I used wood glue for all of the connections. I had read in a forum it helps reduce any squeaks or vibrations between joints so wanted to make sure we didn't have to worry about any of that. Might be overkill but wood glue is cheap enough and a single bottle goes a long way. Hope that helps!

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'll add, if you get a micro jig and use the 1 inch screws I found that setting the jig to just over 1/2" and the bit to just under aided in screw heads not popping out the face of 1/2" to 1/2" connections. I had issues with the tips of screws coming out. Not sure if I was missing something setting it up originally or screwing down too tightly

  • @outsidevibes

    @outsidevibes

    4 жыл бұрын

    Matt & Katie perfect thanks! Yeah I was planning to glue, always good to do extra, didn’t even think about the squeaking sound!

  • @outsidevibes

    @outsidevibes

    4 жыл бұрын

    Matt & Katie awesome Matt, great tip i will make sure to do this. Thanks for all the advice. Your build is looking stellar 🙌🏻

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@outsidevibes thanks brother!

  • @boacimovic1860
    @boacimovic18604 жыл бұрын

    Hey Mike, as you know I am following several weeks behind you with my build. Question, I didn't see you add any supports into your ceiling (looking at you ceiling video) that go the length of the van. Are you just going to attach the cabinets in places where your cross beams are? Do you feel that's enough?

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    4 жыл бұрын

    I ended up screwing them into the cross framing and the framing into the wall which were all bolted in with cross nuts to the vehicle frame. I also put screws into the ceiling boards where there isn't framing (since our ceiling shiplap are such stout boards I feel that helped). I am not worried with how many places there are solid connections. The whole van shakes grabbing and trying to move the cabinets. We've gone on a 1k mile trip and nothing squeaked or moved. Hoping it's legit! More to come in next week's video

  • @boacimovic1860

    @boacimovic1860

    4 жыл бұрын

    Matt & Katie good stuff, glad it worked out!

  • @glenstamate7990
    @glenstamate79908 ай бұрын

    Where did you get that jig that you use for the center of long pieces? The one you use with a C-clamp

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    8 ай бұрын

    The one for drilling the pocket holes that clamps on with the Kreg clamp? Or a different one. Sorry it’s been awhile since I made this video and lll need a little more clarity if I used a different item

  • @karenthompson9815
    @karenthompson98152 жыл бұрын

    You make it look so complicated.

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hehe, well I'm glad you watched the video and decided it shouldn't be that complicated. Everything is a learning experience, good or bad. Hopefully our content can still be worthwhile even if you find it's not the way you would do something. All the best! 😊

  • @llewvirtue861
    @llewvirtue861 Жыл бұрын

    You will learn nothing here,too fast

  • @Trailvagabonds

    @Trailvagabonds

    Жыл бұрын

    I’ve done my best to show my process. Sorry it’s not living up to your expectations. Luckily there is a pause and rewind button to revisit or slow things down. All the best in your build.