I spent so
much time talking about the new shop, that I neglected to say that there was also an
addition with a new bathroom and bedroom — and other projects to keep me busy.
So this picture marks the beginning of a new project: a "Cape Cod Style
Vanity." I have a space 6 feet wide and a sink — no plans yet, but I want to
make this very similar to the sideboard that I completed several months ago.
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I don't have plans, per se, but know in my head what I want to do, and I can
work out some of the details (drawers, doors, top) as I go.
In the picture above, I decided that I could have a counter depth of 27
inches. That would give the basin some nice room in front and to the rear of it.
I am ripping the sheet of birch ply to 24". This is, of course,
economical use of the sheet but also works out well for the 27 inch dimension. I figure,
24 inches, plus 3/4" for the face frame, and then the counter can have a 2¼"
overhang.
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I am measuring to crosscut
the sheet 70" for the top and bottom. I know that I said that I have a 72"
space, but the walls aren't plastered yet, and that 72" might change a bit. I will
make the front face frame 72" wide with the expectation of scribing the two ends to
fit — the same with the top which I am going to make from mahogany. I will also be
making the cabinet total height 34" — a few inches higher than normal, because I
am higher than normal.
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I use a trim saw with the guide clamp to make this cross cut. Cross
cutting an 8-foot length on the table saw is difficult — this is easy, fast, accurate
and safe.
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I have centered the
template for the sink on one of the 70" boards and am now cutting out the opening
that is required.
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I
install my new dado set. I will make some tests with the cutter and shim combination. I
want to have tight dados on this 3/4" stock.
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I got lucky on
the first try. This 3/4" ply is 3/4" thick. It doesn't always work that way. I
have added the sacrificial fence and am now rabbeting the four sides of the cabinet to
accept the back.
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I am ready to start
assembling the case. I will use glue and finishing nails.
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The speed square helps me
keep the panel vertical as I toenail this piece with 1½" finishing nails.
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It's going together
nicely, so far.
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I didn't build
the kick space into the case but opted to make a 2" X 4" base frame. I am
using 8d nails to toenail the members to the back piece.
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