Bourbon Barrel Cabinet - Handmade - How I Make Them
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- Опубліковано 10 січ 2023
- This is how I make my bourbon (and wine!) barrel liquor cabinets. I source the barrels from local breweries or distilleries after they are done using them.
1) Remove metal bands from the middle of the barrel - keep the ends on.
2) Sand with 80grit to knock off loose dirt, debris and splinters on the barrel.
3)* Reattach metal bands and secure using drill bit + self tapping screws.
*I now use #8 3/4" truss head wood screws - they work great.
Found here: amzn.to/3QJrs5p
4) Decide and mark where you want your cabinet door to be.
5) Cut out the door using an angle grinder and some sort of saw for the wood.
6) Clean inside of barrel using brushes/power washer/etc.
7) Create the inside the cabinets - top and bottom.
8) Install the lazy susan spinning bottom bracket and attach bottom shelf.
9) Install the top shelf using L brackets.
10) Attach the door, placing the hinges were the door will fully open.
11) Polyurethane entire outside of barrel.
12) Install the LED lighting
13) Install locking hinge.
14) Clean up and sand any areas. Recoat polyurethane if needed. Grind down any sharp bits of metal.
15) Load the barrel up with your favorite bottles!
Home Bar Website Page: www.leafandknot.com/home-bar
Based out of Omaha, Nebraska. Barrels cabinets are only available for local pickup. Shipping on other handmade items. - Навчання та стиль
Very nice project. Beautiful execution and something that people will enjoy for years. Well done sir!
Thank you! I'm always working on improving all aspects of it. I'm working on getting painting the shiny metal screw heads, without altering the metal bands. Lots of my customers don't want a black painted metal band because it looks to manufactured and less natural.
That is up-and-coming and I hope to share some videos with the world about the process as I discover new things!
Wow, that's brilliant dude 👍🏽
Thank you! Cheers!
Awesome video. Awesome craftsmanship.
Thanks Howie, really appreciate it!
Fantastic Work !!!! BRAVO
Thanks Mike, appreciate it!
This is one of the best videos I have seen thanks for sharing your knowledge 👍
I appreciate it! I only wish to be straight forward and to the point when it comes to videos. I'm definitely learning myself and don't always get it right the first time. I just want to provide a good video and learning experience for all!
Beautiful work!
Thank you!
You're an artist AWESOME 😎
Thank you! Cheers!
Man not only is that beautiful it is very creative want to repurpose those barrels. 👍🏼👍🏼 great job!
Appreciate it Russell! I found out that when liquor stores/shops do "barrel picks" the distillery just ships the barrel along with all the bottles. The distillery has no need for dumped barrels. Usually the barrels fall apart at the stores as they are used for shelves, then eventually discarded. I'm looking into other uses that can be created from barrels.
Nice! Respect from Australia
Appreciate it! I did the backpacker thing back in 2011. I drank so much goon in Cairns and Melbourne. I'll get back one day!
Nice! I have a barrel and feel confident, using your video to make one of these. Great job!
Let me know how it turns out! The lazy susan spinning shelf is the most difficult shelf, in my opinion. The door can be tricky to get flush and smooth. Good luck!
Amazing talent!
Thank you! I'm always learning!
Beautiful.
I appreciate it. Thank you!
Awesome! Nice job!!🎉
Thank you! Cheers!
Really well made video I have a barrel sitting taking space now I'm putting it to good use thanks 😊
Awesome, hope this helps. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Mate they are mint! From North Wales 🏴
Appreciate it! Cheers from across the pond!
Nicely done! Cheers from Omaha 🤘
Thank you! GBR!
Great video
Thank you! Appreciate it. Always looking to improve!
That is very cool
Thanks Dean!
I'd love one of those
Maybe one day I will tackle the nightmare that shipping this is for a small business gig on the side. Hopefully you can guide a local woodworking person to the video for reference?
Awsome man!
Thanks mate!
Damn do I wish you shipped the barrels! Great man cave piece
It really is! I appreciate the compliment!
Frikkin badass
Awesome craftsmanship
I appreciate it, thank you!
👍😎👍beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
This is a great video, thanks for sharing it. My partner works for a vineyard so has easy access to old Bordeaux wine barrels, but I'm a Bourbon drinker so would love to get my hands on a Bulleit, Jack Daniels or Four Roses barrel!
My first barrel was actually a wine barrel. They are usually in much better condition and easier to work with.
I've done a Bulleit with great results. I have a 2nd video with some updated methods coming soon that hopefully might help everyone.
Appreciate the comment!
I love the look. One observation though: bourbon barrels are made exclusively from quarter sawn white oak. Maybe your average person wouldn’t pickup on this detail, but that pine shelf sticks out like a sore thumb. Again, it’s a beautiful piece, but I think the project would be that much better if the shelves were also made from quarter sawn white oak. Keep up the good work!
Hey Cody, thanks for the feedback! You are correct. I based my barrel off what was available on other channels/websites and saw most people used glass or a "lid" of another barrel (which would keep the oak component). However, I don't have a glass source and the lid doesn't size up well. I could purchase white oak planks and glue them together to make a wide enough shelf, but the cost and weight increases significantly, plus they wouldn't have the aged look to match the barrel. I considered making fancy shelves - using live edge slabs, etc, but in the end, I don't think most customers would pay the increase in price for a shelf.
Regardless, this was a starting point and glad you pointed it out. They are very customizable barrels if you put the work in!
Thanks for the response! I figured cost could be a factor for sure. I bet a green felt, something akin to a billiards table, would look fantastic as a shelf as well.
Nice work, I think I’m going to make this my next project.
I’m also in Omaha. O.W.L
Just started re-reading my comments. I've made a few barrels for locals in the OWLS group. Working on a project for S&T Liquors right now, actually!
Good job 👍🏻
I just finished mine last week, I agree, fitting the lazy Suzan's - and getting that shelf contred, was the biggest P.I.A.
I ended up screwing the sheves onto the lazy Susan 'top down', then covered the small pilot hole. Not ideal, but it was my last resort to solve a real problem.
I'm trying a semi new method of securing the lazy susan to a square wood panel the centering and "blindly" screwing upwards from the bottom of the barrel into the wood base, which secures the lazy susan hardware. I think it's slightly easier, but still, lots of double checking and work.
nice,
Thank you! :)
Something I do for centering lazy Susan hardware is to use 2 sided tape to attach a thin piece of cardboard or thick paper draw to lines from 12 to 6 and 9 to 3. The cut out a hole about an inch across.
Then find the center of the area where the lazy Susan is being installed draw the same intersecting lines thine those up with the ones on the paper.
Thanks for the advice! I'm getting the hang of centering and using spare wood - or in your case - a paper template/guide.
nice
Thank you!
めっちゃかこいいです。
ありがとう！
Nice job. Suggestion. When I made these in the past I put the hinges and screws in a mix of muriatic acid to rust them. Be careful. They end up looking rusted like the staves. You can also use a lazy Susan hardware kit with a center pole to have two rotating shelves. Much easier installation.
Hey Andy, thank you! I started just painting my hinges with a hammered metallic black paint (and the screw heads) since customers started requesting it. I've seen the lazy susan double shelf pole hardware, but it's not available instore here where I live. I'll have to get it online and very well might try it out in the future!
Did the same thing from a Whiskey barrel. When i cut the door out i did a plunge cut using a circular saw.
Believe it or not, I actually don't have a circular saw. I have a lot of tools, but not that. I use a jig saw now to save a little time and effort.
Great project and potentially interested.
Thanks Vince! I don't ship them at the moment, but if you're around the Nebraska/Iowa area it might be doable for pickup.
I wish I had this, so cool. I wonder if you could have the leds automatically turn On and Off when the door opens and closes. Beauty build!
I'm actually experimenting with a new light source and have seen some people do this. I'll have to release a video of my v.2 barrels.
Niice, would be so satisfying.
You can also take a hand propane torch to the hinges to remove the zinc coating...unless the hinges contai plastic washers. The result is a dark gray metal look rather than the harsh silver.
Another tool I need to buy - propane torch! I've been needing to buy one for my lighting my smoker anyways.....any reason to buy tools!
Beautiful work. Not sure I would pick shellac on shelves for bottles since it is soluble in alcohol.
Thank Brad! Good call on the shellac. I do only use polyurethane right now for current barrels. Hopefully, the interior shelves see none or very little alcohol droplets from bottles. The top of the barrel is where I'm expecting most people to spill at. Good info though - polyurethane in the future it is!
@brad Macaulay how will the shellac get through the glass bottle into the contents?
@@jacobyjackson3530 alcohol running down the side of the bottle after a pour. That can get on the shellac finish and ruin / dissolve shellac. Some people are super sloppy when they pour drinks. I built out my liquor stand with mirror bottom and glass top just because I didn’t want to deal with refinishing if things got messy.
Make a concaved cradle footing for barrel to rest in while sanding, a whole lot of wobbling will be reduced and it won't be a pain in the backside.
I'll end up making a jig that uses caster wheels on a square frame. That way I can set the barrel and spin it on it's side when needed and lock the wheels to keep it from rotating when not. Doing this in the driveway is definitely a pain!
Super helpful video! What can you use to cut the wood AND the metal straps around the barrel?
I used a handsaw to cut the barrel staves and an angle grinder to cut the metal bands.
You could use a jigsaw to cut the barrel if you can drill an entry point first (what I do now)
I’ve used the lazy Susan hardware many times. I suggest you mount the hardware on the bottom of the shelf first then remove leaving four pre drilled holes. Then cut a larger access hole in the barrel bottom. That’s the best method I’ve ever found and it’s only a slight pain in the butt…😂
Appreciate the advice. You can tell it's my least favorite part given the poor camera angles quick footage, ha!
Larger access hole? I’m confused by this
@@hyphymane1 he drilled a small hole in the bottom of the barrel to stick a screwdriver through for tightening the screws in the shelf. I suggested making those access holes larger so you can get a better view to line up the holes. When you flip the barrel back on its bottom the shelf will cover the access holes so you won’t really see them. I’ve lost count of the number of these things I’ve installed over the years and the way I described is the best method I’ve ever found. Hope this explanation helps.👍
Love the video! Trying to make one of my own. Interested in knowing tapping screw length / type. Would love to find black finish, but am willing to spray paint if needed.
Hey there, in the video I think I used a #8 1/2" tapping screw. However, I switched to using a #10 3/4" tapping screw. Much more secure and bite depth.
I couldn't find any black ones and spray paint the heads prior to installing them.
@@leaf_and_knot Awesome! Thanks for the info.
Very informative video and my only question is what size hardware did you use to secure the bands, hinges etc…? Thanks in advance.
I used 5/8" self tapping screws for the metal bands. I've since started using 3/4" self tapping screws since the staves are about all about 1" thick. More peace of mind.
For the hinges, I use wood screws and pre-drill the holes.
I may switch over to 100% wood screws for the metal bands in the future if I can find the right style. I believe pure wood screws will secure even better in solid oak.
Very nice! Do you find that the door holds its shape well enough over time without any kind of brace?
Time will tell, but I selected these hinges due to their strength rating. I think they were rated for 30lbs a piece and the wooden door, although heavy, isn't near that weight.
Nice , I’m tempted to make one of these but would need to sell them an not be holding on in the workshop taking up space , or might even make it a tool cabinet
I hear ya! I live with 2 roommates and our garage was full of barrels at one point. They're not easy to move, dent wall corners and take up space. But look great when they're finished!
Great video! New sub. How big are the barrels you typically use? In terms of gallons?
Thanks! I use standard size bourbon barrels which are 53 gallons.
Appreciate the sub! I hope you enjoy the videos I'll be making in the future (and the items in them!) :)
Love the video! Hope to do this project soon! You said the top shelf was a larger circle. For the lazy Susan you used the bottom of the barrel to determine the size. How did you figure out the size for the top shelf?
Hey there. I typically measure the inside of the barrel around the upper middle metal band. Or roughly about 14" inches down from the top. I usually get about 22.5" to 22.75" for the diameter. Then I cut off the edge of the shelf to make it flat across - but you could leave it as a large circular middle shelf - up to you! I found trimming it straight made it easy to reach bottom shelf bottles.
Good video. Just made one myself. I did find it easier to place a couple 1x’s on the bottom to make it a little easier to secure the lazy susan. My question is how did you tame the polyurethane smell afterwards?
No real secret, the fumes will go away as the polyurethane dries. I polyurethane it in the garage or outside and wait until it dries there. (1-2 days)
Great job. I'm in the process of building my cabinet, and was wondering how easy it is to reach in and spin the lazy susan if it is filled with bottles?
Really easy - just use the closest part of the shelf to the door and give it a spin. It won't spin freely very well when its loaded up, but it rotates freely.
Nice job. One critique. Did you try mounting the hinges on the metal bands? Might be a slightly cleaner look. Wish I could source the Bullitt barrels myself.
Well done Sir. I am going to make one, but it may elevated and sideways. Does anybody find bending over to the floor to get a bottle a pain?
No customers have mentioned it yet, but I suppose they were planning on it. You could definitely elevate it with a platform. I tell people to place it on a spare carpet piece or rug to prevent the bottom metal ring from scratching up the floor.
Hey. Great Video and Good work. Thanks for the inspiration.
One question about the hinges. I have seen some manuals with only a single hinge…I think your version looks much better, but I get the manuals telling me to use a single hinge in the center of the door since the Barrel is bulgy…don‘t you run into trouble with the hinges this way? Do they give you enough clearance (since the upper hinge should pull a little upwards and the lower hinge downwards due to the shape of the barrel)?
It‘s a bit complicated to explain but I hope the question is understandable.
Hey there! I do know what you mean. You are correct, the bulge or roundness or circumference of the barrel in the middle can create a problem with any door that opens flush with it. I only place my hinges between the two inner metal bands. Placing them any higher and the door won't fully open. The hinges do have a little stress on them from the roundness of the barrel, but they are working. I would recommend using two hinges due to the weight of the door. The door can sag, even with two hinges, so it's important to mount it correctly before screwing into place. I don't trust one hinge.
In the future, I will try doing a French door - basically two smaller doors that open from the middle.
Hope this helps!
Hi. Thanks a lot, I'll factor that in. Yeah I will try and go for two doors as well. Still the hinge issue kept me thinking but your insights are very helpful.
very cool project...thanks for sharing. Two things: they don't make a lazy susan bracket that comes apart so you can shoot the screws in and then reassemble? Why not make the shelves out of white oak to match the barrel a little better?
Thanks Colin, appreciate it! If they do make a lazy susan like that, I haven't seen it around here. That would make life waaay easier! I'll have to google around a bit.
The reasoning for the shelf if mostly cost. Trying to make two round white oak shelves ~19.5" and ~22" require a lot of wood planks to be glued together and the a circle cut out of them. They would have to be stained as well, as the new white oak is way to light in color. Weight is also saved by using pine. I'm not against doing it, but I would ask for more $. Most people just want the exterior of the barrel to look awesome and interior to be more functional, rather than seamless.
In the future, I'm looking at making at least one barrel with the interior fully decked out. Live edge, sold hardwood, more unique shelving designs, etc. We'll see if it's worth the extra work and cost, but it will be fun regardless!
@@leaf_and_knot that makes sense. Oak is definitely more expensive and white oak typically isn't available from a big-box store. I've never used one of these lazy Susan pieces. Maybe someone makes a two-piece version.
now after power washing the cask it will dry out hoops will get slack and joints will all open up?
Hi Joe, the barrel was already mostly dried out. After powerwashing, I'd say only about a millimeter of water absorbed into the wood in some areas. It was back to dry in about 2 hours. No issues with expanding or shrinking beyond what it already was.
i make whiskey barrel cabinets in ireland. i always have a lot of trouble getting the door to fit after i cut it out. i clamp it and brace it on the inside but it never fits nice without a lot of sanding. any tips.
Hey there! I have the same issue on probably 50% of the barrel doors. Sometimes the issues is a poor hinge with too much play. I try to angle the door upwards just a bit to compensate for the sag.
The other technique I am trying right now on a new barrel is not removing the metal bands for sanding. Leaving the metal bands on the barrel and sanding around them seems to keep the barrel wood in place better. I wish I had a better answer because it is a real problem and some customers aren't happy about it.
Is there a way to install the hinges from the inside so they're more hidden or does the curve of the wood prevent that?
I believe there are some that open from the inside that may have the reach called a concealed hinge. You could also experiment with a 170 degree hinge that has a unique range of opening. Otherwise, the curve of the wood will get in the way of a normal hinge.
What did you use to reinforce the back of the door staves? Mine seem to move a little
Hey there! In the video (but not really shown) I used some aluminum strips. Maybe 3/8" wide and trimmed the length to size. It helped a little.
What did you use at the bottom your door to reenforce the bottom inside part?
I used a piece of aluminum that I bought at a Menards. The bottom staves were just a bit wiggly for my liking. I don't think this is needed for all barrels.
How long did you let the barrel dry out for before you started working on the project?
Maybe about 1 hour. You can start working on the barrel fairly quickly.
Great video! I wound up hitting a snag when I cut my door: the metal slats expanded and unbeatable and boots the door won't close... any suggestions?
I've had that happen before. You can try and remove a stave or two and bending the metal back into a more circular shape. I don't think it's possible for it to be 100% flush, but should be close.
@leaf_and_knot thanks. I wound up getting some Steel wire and some tightening devices and I'll try and bend it to my will the week. I'll let you know how it turns out
How many stave wide is the door ? Thx. Nice job.
On this build, I went 9 staves in width. However, this varies from barrel to barrel since each barrel uses random sized staves. More importantly, I try to center the door with the bunghole (used as my power cord exit) and center the door with the distillery logo. Hope this helps!
@@leaf_and_knot Thank you very much. Cheers.
@@leaf_and_knot Thank you.
How would you make these waterproof/resistant for, perhaps, an outdoor electronics cabinet?
That's a tough one. Barrels will develop natural gaps between the staves. The polyurethane will protect the wood, but probably not be enough to seal it completely.
Maybe try clear caulking each gap and cleaning up the excess?
@@leaf_and_knot Yup, I get it. Thank you for your response.
Do you have a list of supplies to purchase, minus the barrel?
Hey there! I'm making another barrel with some updated methods and parts listing. It is a more detailed video on how to make a barrel cabinet. I'll release it soon.
In the meantime:
1 lazy susan bracket (home depot if in USA)
2 heavy duty hinges
100 self tapping screws (5/8" or 3/4", #10)
I used a harden drill bit to make the pilot holes in metal bands. Same size as screws used.
1x12"x6' board cut in two to create shelf (x2) I couldn't find a 1x12"x4' board
LED light strip with AC power from Amazon (warm lighting used, not daylight. Preference)
1 can of warm polyurethane - g;pssy or semi gloss
2-3 foam brushes
You'll need your own tools to make the cuts, sanding, etc as seen in the video. Updated vide coming soon with better description on what I did.
Where do you get the curved hinges or do you do that buy hand?
Hey there, I bend them at home - smacking them with a hammer and adjusting to fit the curve of the barrel
I put larger hinges on the door and when it opens it drops down a little on the right side Its like t he hinges has a little play in them how can i fix this without moving the hinges or putting smaller hinges on the door. Thanks in advance
Hey there. I don't have a great solution. I was able to fix it on a previous barrel by drilling new holes and initially lining the door up a bit better and taking the flex into account. I used wood filler to hide the holes.
It's probably too late now, but I've angled the hinges upwards just slightly to try and offset the door sag. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I don't have a great solution for the hinge flexing.
Some of my barrels are perfect and other rub too much. You can try sanding or removing some of the excess wood on the door where it runs.
What size screws are you using to hold the bands on?
I currently use #8 3/4" self tapping screws with a round head, which work great.
I used #10 5/8" in the video, which I've since changed to the above.
@@metzvm started my barrel today and picked up the #8’s. They worked great. Thank you for the reply.
How many coats of polyurethane did you put on the outside of the barrel?
Great question - I do 2 coats on the sides of the barrel. The top of the barrel is 3 - 5 coats. Whatever I feel makes it smooth and clean since it will be the table-top-display part of the barrel. It will also likely see the most wear and tear, so multiple coats are used.
The interior shelves are 2 coats, for reference.
Ship to Sweden one day?
I ship my smaller items worldwide, but not barrels. I don't ship them within the USA yet. Maybe one day!
What kind of wood did you use for the shelves?
Hey there, sorry for the late reply. I used pine/fir and stained with dark walnut.
How long were the screws you were using?
In this video I was using 5/8" self tapping screws. However, I no longer use them. I started using #8 3/4" truss head wood screws that are much better. Like these: amzn.to/3QJrs5p
What's the charge for this work if someone supplied you the barrel?
I charge $500 if someone provides their own barrel, assuming they want all the things - lazy Susan, LED lights, etc.
Could tell the customer that charred wood is considered a finish and will preserve it from rot
Good call! Even though I polyurethane most of the barrel, I still suggest indoor use.
Do you still sell these?
Hey Alex, I do. I'm taking a break during January and a bit of February due to the cold here in Nebraska. But I have about 5 more barrels lined up to be worked on.
Nice tough a tip screws could had been more inline
I agree. It's one of the many things I didn't pay attention to at first. Luckily, my newer barrels are more flush and inline. :)
Which screws are you talking about? The ones on the metal brackets??