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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: mike802 on March 11, 2012, 06:59:42 AM

Title: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: mike802 on March 11, 2012, 06:59:42 AM
I got started on the cabinets in the bedroom.

MC9 bus cabnets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVSR-3CUIQI&list=UUxXnIREb0sbedL_D9gVwztg&index=1&feature=plcp#ws)
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: TomC on March 11, 2012, 09:27:14 AM
Very nice workmanship-I wish I had a shop to create nice furniture like that.

I used only four drawers in the kitchen-total in the bus.  Drawers are real space eaters-as you can see by the gaps (which are necessary) around the drawers.  While more a pain to use, shelves with doors will give you more usable space.  I'm working on my kitchen installing in place the custom made overhead cabinets.  I do this since there will be no partitions in between taking up any room.  Also I don't use glue on the cabinets-just L and T brackets screwed-allows for movement without, for instance, popping glue joints.  I used this method on my bus and the cabinets (22 years later) are still tight-but capable of being taken apart if necessary. Just my way.  As one said-the is no right or wrong way of doing cabinets-just so they stay together and not fall off the wall when driving-then you did it right.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: bevans6 on March 11, 2012, 10:42:55 AM
I really enjoyed that!  I like doing face-frame cabinets too, but for lightness I use a quality veneer 1/4" ply for the fields.  I'm getting the materials in to do some with sun-darkened cherry frames and a contrasting white maple field for my kitchen.  Nice to see real craftsmanship in progress.

Brian
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: FloridaCliff on March 11, 2012, 06:18:37 PM
Mike,

Looking good!

Enjoyed seeing your progress....

Cliff
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: Mex-Busnut on March 11, 2012, 07:20:54 PM
You, sir, are without a doubt an artisan. Very good work! Can you get down to central Mexico next week?

Only one suggestion: Waterproof the inside of the birch panel where you will run your plumbing, in case you ever get a leak.
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: Fred Mc on March 11, 2012, 11:32:56 PM
"I used only four drawers in the kitchen-total in the bus.  Drawers are real space eaters-as you can see by the gaps (which are necessary) around the drawers."

If you use European style cabinets (i.e. no face frame) there is only 1/2 inch wastage between the drawer and cabinet side. The doors then overlay the cabinet sides.

Regards

Fred
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: mike802 on March 12, 2012, 07:10:20 AM
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the comments.  One of the reasons I choose pine was because of its light weight compared with other hardwoods. Also the fact that it is readily available and inexpensive, comparatively didn't hurt either.  Yes, European construction without face frames would have been a more efficient use of space, but I sacrificed some space to hopefully accomplish a "look", I am attempting to build the bus on the theme of a turn of the century, the last century, east coast sea side cottage, or at least my interpretation of one.

QuoteOnly one suggestion: Waterproof the inside of the birch panel where you will run your plumbing, in case you ever get a leak.
This is an excellent suggestion, although all the woodwork, including cabinets in the coach are all sealed, face, ends and backs with several coats of poly, I can see where some additional water proofing in this area would be good insurance. 
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: Oonrahnjay on March 12, 2012, 07:17:30 AM
     Nice work, Mike.  Clean, solid good looking work. 
Title: Re: video on building bus cabinets
Post by: Seangie on March 12, 2012, 09:43:48 AM
Mike,

Awesome Job!  I think we are right about the same spot - I am currently in the process of building out the cabinets over the bed. I was just getting ready to post some pictures of where we are at and I saw this post.

We have finished the substructure for our cabinets over the bed and mounted it to the 3/4" and 1/2" that is mounted to the bus frame.  We are now sizing all the facing and making sure it fits. 

After we sand everything down to fit just right we will screw in all the facing and be putting up the doors and then the electrical in the bedroom.

Thanks for the inspiration.  Love your router table. 

Love the videos as well...keep them coming.

-Sean