Sigh! In a day full of s**t. one ray of sunshine: AN HONEST PLUMBER. (OK, down boys; I know there are many of you out there!) I first contacted plumber that had done some work for me in the past, but his hourly was ridiculous, and that isn't just my opinion.
Then I got a recommendation from the store where I bought the basin, faucets, fittings. "Sid" is an older guy with know-how out to here. He went to a lot of trouble to solve my problem -- get sink that fits the cut-out in my antique sewing machine cabinet. Mfgrs apparently changed basin measurements since long-ago sink install.
"Sid" sent his son "Jim" who had been in the biz for ages, and he also took a lot of trouble and did a great job. Warned me of every possible pitfall ahead, just to avoid surprises and give me choices. He went back to the store with old sink; they sold him one that didn't fit the cut-out; he went back and got the almost-right thing. Had to gouge out of the greenwall a space behind to fit the sink.
Looks gorgeous; I always wanted dual white handles.
"Jim" said it would be less if I paid in cash, so I said drive me up to the ATM; he said "nah, just drop it off when you get a chance". !!! Modest bill; a fraction of what first plumber would have charged, and I doubt if he would have been so caring & creative, based on his first visit to check it out. OK, so now I know who to use next time!
Reason I am posting this: "Jim" said he father was trained in the UK, where they have to take a lengthy course of study to get licensed. Said U.S. plumbers may know how to do stuff, but don't know what's behind it. Hope this is clear...?
Interested in reactions.
HB