I have a wavy bowl that I want to sink into a bathroom cabinet. How can I cut an opening to fit it in 5" deep?

Question

I'm sure there is a trade secret, but can't figure it out. Since the bowl/sink is not only and odd shape but also widens, it is near impossible to determine the size and shape of the opening I need to cut into the top of the cabinet. I've thought of taking molds, but that seems too troublesome. There has to be a way to outline the mid section of the bowl. Remember the bowl is not round or oval, so I can't start with a small opening and incrementally make it bigger until the desired depth is found. Thanks for any advice!

Answer 1

I would start out with some craft paper, or part of a paper bag, if its big enough.

Trace the outline of the bowl rim onto the paper.
"Ballpark" measure the bowl at the 5 inch depth you want it to be, at the top of the counter. Simply get a rough measurement, in two directions.
IF the bowl is smaller than 8.5 x 11 inches -- you can take advantage of some modern equipment, hehehe....Remember that trace? Take it to a copier and shrink it to the size of your "ballpark" measurement. Center the "shrink" outline on the "full size" outline, and cut it out. Now youve got a pattern you can use on your sink top... BUT, just to play it safe...try the cut out on a piece of plywood FIRST. Check the fit of the bowl on the plywood.. if you like it, then repeat it on the countertop. If not, then you still have the opportunity to adjust your pattern.

If the bowl is larger than a standard sheet of paper, then you might try "free handing" the trace, to shrink it to the size you need. Just try to keep the new lines the same distance from the full size tracing. (this is where a 'compass' comes in handy... you can buy one at the school supply section of any store. Its got a pencil on one side and a 'pin' on the othe.) Set the distance between the pin and the pencil tip to match the difference in size you need from the full tracing to the 5 inch depth, and then drag the 'pin' side of the compass along the full size trace line, with the pencil inside the tracing. This will give you a good approximation of the pattern you need. Again... try the pattern on a piece of plywood first!

Now... Thats one way to do it.

Another option is to actually make a mold... and it's not as hard as it sounds. Since you do not need a "perfect" mold, but only enough to get a good pattern for a cutout, there are a few things you can use.
Dap insulating foam (get the 'minimal' expanding stuff, not GreatStuff) Use plastic wrap on the bowl, set it in a box, and fill the box to the 5 inch mark. The bowl lifts out easily, because it is not stuck to the foam (had the plastic wrap on the outside of it). You may have to hold the bowl in place, or weight it down, while putting in the foam.
Modeling clay! -- take some modeling clay, and apply it to the bowl (again, I would use some plastic wrap, to keep the bowl clean). Get a good layer of the modeling clay around the bowl where you want it to be at the countertop, then, if needed, you can add a small piece of wire around it, and continue to build with a bit more clay. This will strengthen the clay mold, and allow you to lift it off the bowl, and transfer the shape to some paper, or thin plywood, to make a template.
Drywall Mud! - Again, still using some plastic wrap to keep the bowl clean... apply drywall mud to the outside of the bowl, at the level you want buried in the top. Allow to dry, and repeat. Never put too much on at once. You can use the same technique with plaster.

In my opinion, the fastest and easiest method is with the copier, providing your bowl is small enough for that.

When you KNOW you have the right size template (remember, you should be testing the template on plywood first!), then you can get ready to cut out the countertop. I would use some painter's masking tape, and put down some tape where I was going to cut the hole. (The tape will help keep the laminate from chipping out, and is easy to remove afterwards)
Trace the pattern onto the tape, and use a drill to start a hole. The drill bit should be as large as the saw blade you are going to use to cut the hole. I would use either a "jigsaw" or reciprocating saw, to cut the countertop. Take your time. If this is a small bowl, the jig saw will be easier to use.
Dry fit the bowl. If you like it -- remove the tape. Apply a few spots of construction adhesive to the 'edge' of the countertop (not the top surface) This will help hold the bowl in place. If you intend to remove it occasionally, then do not use the construction adhesive.
You can finish it off by applying a small amount of caulk around the edge of the counter/bowl to seal it, and make it leak-proof. I would suggest the 'squeeze tube' type of caulk, if you don't mind it being white or almond, hehehehe. This type of caulk will clean up with water... stay away from silicone caulk.

Have Fun!

Answer 2

Start with a piece of cardboard a gradually make a la larger whole in it the shape of the bottom of the bowl. Carefully fill in if you took too much off with tape. When if fits accuately, mark the counter top with a marker. Use bath caulk to fill in around when you drop it in.

Answer 3

it ought to be that the backside of the elbow of the percentpipe is come loose ,attempt to tighten it , in the propose time place a plastic field under the sink to avert the water from puddling or maybe rot the conceit, in case you pass to abode Depot in the plumbing branch you could locate some tape to seal the leak ,yet for the 2d dry the percentpipe remarkable and wrap it with some duck tape , that's in elementary terms a Band -help restoration , besides the undeniable fact that it is better then having water throughout !