Matt's Basement Workshop Video Feed

We're nearing the end of the Walnut Buffet build. Just a couple more episodes and we're done. If you have any questions so far about some aspect of the construction, drop me a line EMAIL YOUR QUESTION or leave a comment in today's shownotes.

Today I'm showing you how I constructed the drawer boxes for the two large drawers. Drawer box construction is really simple. At the heart of it, it's nothing more than assembling an open topped box that slides into an opening. The big question on my mind when I'm building drawers for any project are how will they slide in and out of the opening and what joinery am I using to assemble the drawer sides to the front and back?

The first joint most woodworkers will answer with - dovetails. But is it the only joint you can use? What if you don't know how, or you're just not fond of them? Let's discuss some common joinery techniques that not only look good but are just as strong as the dovetail. That's what's coming up in the second half of the show today.

We're almost done with the construction of the Walnut Buffet, only a couple more episodes and this series will be wrapped up. If you have any questions about what I've covered so far make sure to send me an EMAIL or leave a comment in the shownotes. I'm planning on doing a followup show to answer any you have.

In today's episode we're building the base for the buffet. It was a simple construction, 3 pieces in all. One long span down 2/3rds the length of the bottom and butted at either end by two feet that were approximately 2/3rds the depth. I attached the pieces with screws and glue, but after assembling it I was a little worried it may be pulled apart during regular use. So I decided to reinforce the end grains with dowels. How'd I do that? Checkout the episode to find out.

On today's show we're wrapping up the walnut buffet build. Really there's not much more to discuss other than the finishing process, and how and why I chose to roll my nicely laid out mitered edges on the top (here's a hint, sharp edges won't just bite you when you bump into them. They also like to break off too).

And then there was that whole moment where the buffet fell 3 feet off the sawhorses and came smashing down onto the workshop's concrete floor. What, you didn't hear about that? With all the crying and gnashing of teeth I don't know how you could've missed it.

Well regardless of whether you knew about it or not, I'm going to show the life-saving technique Kari Hultman demonstrated for the Popular Woodworking Magazine Tricks of the Trade column that kept me from going over the edge. After you watch me do it in the second half of today's show, check out Kari's version by visiting the video HERE.

Maybe I'm getting a little kit crazy, but I've built my second hand plane from a kit and I'm loving it. In today's episode I'm showing off my new Hock Shoulder Plane that I built a few weeks ago.

It's a great way to spend some time in the shop and have something you'll use over and over on a variety of projects. And on top of it, it wasn't very difficult. The instructions are easy to follow and everything you need to complete it (except the glue) is included. It's a great project for woodworkers of all experience levels.

Available at Highland Woodworking or through Hock Tools directly.

Other kits and items mentioned in today's show:

Today we're starting a new build series on the show. Over the next couple of weeks we'll be covering the construction of an entire wall or two of book shelves. This is a repeat client for me and I'm more than happy to fill their house with more of my projects.

In fact, the shelves I'm building are a continuation of existing shelves I built for them several years ago. So I'm very familiar with the design already, which if you had to put a label on it, would probably be considered modern with it's straight lines and complete lack of mouldings and ornamentation of any kind.

It seems recently we've been working with a lot of plywood in our projects here and the fact is, we have. Plywood is a great material for a wide variety of builds because of a number of reasons. The obvious being it's easier to cut a sheet of plywood to a wider dimension like 11" or 12" than it can be to glue up a couple of solid boards, plane them flat and even with each other, and then cut them to their final dimensions.

Now don't take that as being lazy, it's just a simple fact. Still, I've been known to do just that with solid boards for a given project and I still think plywood goes a little quicker. Of course one downside to plywood is it's edges and depending on the manufacturer the face veneers themselves. But that's a topic for an earlier show!

The Sagulator

Milescraft Saw Guide for Circular and Jig Saws

Bora Saw Guide

Bora Wide Track 100" Clamp.

In today's episode we continue the construction of the "Walls of shelves" for my client by routing the dadoes for the fixed shelves and then ripping the sides to size.

Also we'll cut the fixed shelves and create the blind rabbet joint that not only attaches the top fixed shelf to the sides, but will help to add some rigidity and strength to it.

Once this is all done, we're about halfway through the construction phase and we can begin to move into the assembly of the shelves next week.

In the second half of today's show I want to discuss a little bit about understanding the basics of the plywood grading system. Other than exterior vs interior plywoods, the biggest concern is understanding how the grading system can tell you which pieces are best for fine woodworking and which ones are more utilitarian.

In the episode I mention a great article at WOOD Magazine's Website which is a nice basic look at understanding the grading system and what you can expect from the various grades of plywood. CLICK HERE TO VISIT.

Items mentioned in today's episode you may want to add to your shop:

Plywood Router Bits

Kreg Tools

Kreg Precision Router Table Set Up Bars

Quick Clamps

So far in the "Walls of Shelves" series you've seen me working on some rather straight forward, basic shelving units. Along with these regular pieces, the client had asked if I could build a corner shelving unit for them also. The corner piece isn't all that different from the other units except for the curved shelves.

In today's episode I'll demonstrate how I cut those curved shelves using a tablesaw and a jigsaw, and then in the second half of the episode I'll share with you some optional tools we can use to make the same cuts.

If after watching the show you have an alternate method I didn't mention I'd love to hear about it, leave a comment below or drop me a line by CLICKING HERE.

It's the final episode in the "Walls of Shelves" series. In today's episode I'm applying a veneer edge banding to the exposed edges of the shelving units and ALL the shelves that go with them.

Unlike in previous builds where I've opted to use solid edge banding, this time I'm turning to the pre-glued version. I've always been skeptical, to some degree, about how reliable it can be. But once the heat re-activated the glue, all my skepticism went out the window. It not only holds better than I anticipated, it set up faster than I thought it would. So there was a bit of a learning curve to getting it in place without a lot of swearing.

My other big concern with edge banding veneer was whether it would look fake and obviously applied. But just like with any wood joint, solid or not, it's a matter of leveling and sanding for a perfect mating surface. In fact, hopefully in the second half I'll be able to adequately show you what I mean.

If after watching the show you have an alternate method to anything we've discussed in the entire build series I'd love to hear about it, leave a comment below or drop me a line by CLICKING HERE.

Summer might as well be officially over. The kids are back in school, the warmest days are now almost equal to the coldest nights from just a month ago and I'm heading back into the shop with the video camera to start building more great stuff to share with all of you.

Yes, I'd say Summer is about ready to be tucked away under a pile of dead leaves very shortly. So that means it's time to start posting some of this content I've been filming.

To get these new episodes started on a solid footing I'm posting my recent build of Benchcrafted's Moxon Vise Kit. If you're not familiar with Benchcrafted already, you might want to take a few moments to visit their website and checkout their amazing bench hardware and plans.

Jameel and the guys don't mess around with quality, they have one set of standards...GOLD. I've never read a review or commentary that didn't involve their hardware being praised in the highest way. So when I had a chance to try one of their Moxon Vise Kits I jumped at the opportunity. AND MAN WAS I NOT DISAPPOINTED!!!

At this point I could go on about the quality of their craftsmanship and the details of the instructions, but I won't even begin to scratch the surface of how impressed I am with it. You'll just have to watch and see for yourself.

For more information on any of the Benchcrafted products visit www.benchcrafted.com. Tell them Matt sent you, hopefully they won't blacklist your email LOL!

And one more thing; for the sake of transparency, I received this kit from Benchcrafted in exchange for advertising. BUT, I would've heaped the same praise on them regardless!

http://youtu.be/WxBuOA1IrP4

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The holiday season is practically knocking on our doors and it's the perfect time to start thinking of projects for loved ones and friends. Who doesn't love receiving a gift you know was made with their own two hands? I know my family does, and up until this year they've been sadly disappointed in the past. But not this time around!

Ever since the guys at Bell Forest have become an advertiser on the site I've been haunting THEIR website looking at amazing stock for project ideas.

One thing that caught my eye early on was some of the project kits they had available. These are kits perfect for a weekend build or just for someone looking for an easy to assemble gift without a lot of hassle with designing and planning the construction process.

The Paddle Cutting Board is one of those kits. Sent with everything you need to build; the wood, the template, the directions. All you need to add is time, tools, glue and you. Who could ask for more?

To find out more about the Paddle Cutting Board kit or any of the other great offerings from Bell Forest visit their website at www.bellforestproducts.com You better hurry though, now that the holidays know were talking about them they'll charge right at us instead of sneak up from behind.

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