Compiling only the base system?

[Lowell Gilbert]

Cordula's Web <cpghost at cordula.ws> writes:

> how can I compile just the base system (sysinstall's minimal install)
> from CURRENT sources in /usr/src into DESTDIR=/some/nonstandard/path?
> 
> I don't need the complete system, just the stuff that is normally
> available under /cdrom/base on a RELEASE CD (packed) or, if that is
> too hard, the unpacked files.
> 
> Same for /cdrom/crypto.
> 
> Is that possible without having to download the complete CVS repo and
> making a custom (snapshot) release?

I'm having trouble understanding the goal here.
In what way does "make world" not fit the bill?