I love this guy. I spend hours watching his videos. His mix of knowledge, humility, and humor are perfect. I’ve learned so much from his videos, truly a credit to TH-cam.
DANG! I've had a biscuit joiner for 20 years and always "thought" it was making stronger panels, BUT, you just saved me from ordering more biscuits for it... so for that, I thank YOU!!! Excellent presentation as always!
I never thought of them as a mean of strengthen joints. Rather, they help keep things aligned while setting it up and I will continue to use them for that. For the ease in laying up joints, I find the cost of the few biscuits to be inconsequential.
It really depends on the situation, biscuit joints don't necessarily add much strength since they are fairly small compared to surface area they are excellent for attaching small things or where alignment needs precision like trim or the backs of drawers.
Ready to step up your woodworking game? Making wide panels from solid lumber isn't difficult, but you need to prepare the boards first. Let me know if you have any tips for edge joining! Here's the full article: bit.ly/WWMMpanels
Nice Video Steve. I have had boards stick to the pipes sometimes (Too much glue?) or the paint on the black pipes flakes off and sticks to the underside of the board. To prevent that, I now lay a piece of wax paper across the pipes before setting the boards on them. Don't know how much difference it makes since it all gets sanded, but I think it makes for easier cleanup. How's Princess Meow-Meow doing? havent seen her much lately?
Not trying to start a holy war, but... especially for a panel that small, a couple passes with a jack plane would certainly be faster than the router setup. The table saw jig (if you build one) or a powered jointer would probably still be quicker.
I love these informative videos. Most people on youtube just don't understand simple things like what a jointer does, or the difference between that a joining wood with biscuits. I sure didn't! Thanks Steve I absolutely love your videos.
My woodworking skills, which sometimes I question even exists.. always have me looking for an Elite level Woodworker with a teaching ability to connect with someone at my, our, level and even do projects more more in a way a weekend guy would do so as hobbyists. Appreciate it, some of you explanations really help a woodworker at my level.
Nice video, Steve! You kind of waded into a couple of controversial topics, but handled them skillfully as usual. One thing I've discovered over the years, is when you start tightening the pipe clamps, start with the center clamp first. The individual pieces of wood you're gluing up tend to slip back and forth against one another a lot less that way. I start in the center, then move to one end, then the other, then the center again, and so on. The boards don't move around nearly as much, if at all.
Do you guys know the old salt trick? Sprinkle a little salt on the glue and the granules will press into the mating blocks of wood virtually locking the two pieces together eliminating movement while applying clamp pressure.
It makes a huge difference reversing the direction of your boards at 4:20 in the video. It reduces your chance of warping and cupping as the board ages.
I think its fine either way, as a tabletop maker myself I use to have some metal (with both corners having 1 cm of 90° angles fitted into the desk across the whole board) works really well against warping due to ageing wood
@@deepsudeep Don't use the Jointer Jig on both sides of the board being Jointed. One side is run through the saw on the Jointer Jig, the other uses only the table saw fence.
This is how all instructional videos should be made. Clear, rich in material, very good production ( proper lighting, clear audio, nice camera angles, etc) and the pace is just right. As a total newbie to woodworking I am soaking up on it here on youtube and this is one video that I like very much. Thank you, Mr. Steve Ramsay. Keep it up. More power to you.
Long time contractor and general handyman here. Been watching your channel for about 6 months now, love every minute of it. I have been working for the same family for a little over 3 years, on 5 properties on their "compound" as we call it. Charlie, the oldest of the 2 brothers, has been building homes for the last 40+ years. He was taught by his father, whom had been building homes for 50+ years before he passed away in the 80's. We built solid oak cabinets for the younger of the 2 brothers' home this past winter, before I discovered your channel. All the panels we made for the cabinets started with rough 1" thick oak. After rough planing the boards down to around 7/8", we used the exact same techniques to make all the panels (20+ feet of kitchen wall cabinets) as you used in your video. Your methods are tried and true, and have been used by master woodworkers for generations. Nice video, and keep up the good work!
I built your edge jointing jig, thanks for the tip works really well! Only difference I did though was use MDF board from Menards. It was like $3 for a shelf of something like a 2'x4', and I could make 2 jigs out of it. Harbor freight toggle clamps were 5 dollars each, cheaper at Amazon. Pretty good build, easy and cheap and works pretty slick!
Hi Steve, Well demonstrated and explained ... your relaxed demeanor and informal setting allows the viewer to focus on what you are teaching making the time invested well worth it. Nice job ..
I was trying to figure out how to make sure the edges are flat for panels before gluing them together, i got my answers, thanks for sharing the knowledge.
I'd like to clarify something you touched on around 4:10 when matching up pieces based on ring curve when viewing endgrain. This does actually matter a great deal, depending on climate. Unless you plan to do raised panels, the panels you're putting together will inherently warp IF the curvature of endgrain are identical with all pieces. One of the best ways to combat warping is to alternate the pieces. Again, this varies based on climate and wood species but general rule of thumb is to alternate the pieces. Just throwing that out there after making raised panels for a quilt chest and considering various options of construction, you definitely want to alternate the pieces if you want your project to outlive you.
ths video though showing 4 wides is interesting but i came here as a prospective beekeeper intening on building my own hives (horozontal) 24 inchs deep. you said anything much bigger than a 4W wood likely warp, ideally i wanted to use a pair of 12x2s but with your advice i'm thinking 4 6x2s bourds would be better would you concur?
I believe your comment is true... I had a dead flat glue up of 4 boards... I have a planer and jointer, everything was dead flat when I glued up... 24 hours later - after glue dried, I had a bow/warp... I will definitely try alternating pieces... this is why I run thru comments on good videos, you just may find some additional help in the form of a comment. 👍 EDIT : my "shop" is in my basement and basements are notorious for moisture in air... basement windows always have condensation in mornings especially in summer.
This is so marvelous I cannot thank you enough. Clear, concise, understandable. Where can I learn basic woodworking skills? I just inherited my parent's farmhouse and we have so many woods projects to do!
To increase the chances of getting a flat panel: 1) layout the wood for the best look FIRST, alternating the growth ring pattern, circle face up then circle face down. 2) Mark the panel with a triangle to locate the boards in the panel. 3) NOW mark one side of a glue joint with IN and the other with OUT. 4) If you have a jointer, joint each edge, with the Face marked IN against the fence, the face marked out away from the fence. By doing this even if the jointer fence or your Table Saw (on the jig do face up & face down) is not perfectly square, the joint will be flat. Sketch it out on paper and you will see it. 5) When you are about to glue. LIGHTLY clamp one end of the panel and see if there is gappage in any of the joints at the loose end. This is a test for the straigtness of the joint. NOTE: if there is a gap and you glue any way you introduce stress in the panel and the chance of a crack developing hopefully after the check clears. Check your Jointer set up. NOTE: I never use dowel or biscuits. Also check for flatness across the joints. 6) DO NOT put the fear of God into the clamp pressure. If the joint is good just enough pressure to hold it all in place. 7) Remove the excess glue off the joints. NOW LET THE GLUE LINE DRY! BEFORE you sand the panel. Remember you have introduced moisture into the joint and it will swell. If you sand too soon, the joints will seem flat but then the wood will shrink as the joint dries completely and there will be a valley along the joint. I've been a professional woodworker, fine furniture and architectural wood work for 40 years.
You're one of my favorites! Love the way you explain things so even "I" can understand them. Thanks for taking the time to help us Steve! Blessings. Jim
I may have stopped watching after you explained what jointing wood is, however you're the first one I've found with an actual explanation. Cutting apart a cherry countertop and was worried my edge would be filled with dowels. Thank you
Hey Steve, Great video. I went to your site to find the table saw jointing jig and cannot seem to find it. Are the plans still available? Thank you again for all of the videos.
i totally enjoy your videos. they are clear and to the point. ive learned a number of techniques and i just subscribed. some guys i think just like to hear themselves talk and ramble on about nothing for a long time and spend very little time actually showing their wood working tips. keep up the good work.
Yes, it makes a difference which way the grain is going. Else you could end up with a banana when the timber acclimatises. Alternating grain means the individual boards will bend in different directions. If the board is braced then you match the grain better and compromise alternating grain as a fixed board won't bend as much.
+Steve Ramsey Nope. It's common. Depends a lot on the thickness of the boards, what timber you are using and even cutting/planing a board can cause it to "spring". As a bit of background, I am a cabinet maker and make all kinds of furniture. We always lay our boards flat under weights to reduce movement, if those components aren't going to be used immediately. I would definitely recommend alternating the growth rings as much as possible where it is not essential. Any boards bigger than 6" get ripped down 99% of the time when making panels, as there is just too much movement. As you already found when selecting timber.
DAMN YOU STEVE RAMSEY for putting out easy to understand, well explained and free content that I don't have to watch if I don't want to!!! DAMN YOU I SAY!!!! All jokes aside your jointer jig is on my list of things to build. I have already built the miter sled and the cross cut sled which I use all the time, the cross cut sled is awesome it really is a game changer. Thanks for all you do Steve it is greatly appreciated.
I just subscribed. I hope all of your editing is in the same style as this video! Fast paced, easy to consume quickly, yet very comprehensive and 'complete'. Looking forward to looking through your past videos and hoping you continue with your style. Thank you for the efforts.
Just wanted to say your channel is perfect for aspiring woodworkers (like me) who just need to get some basic questions answered, including ones that they don't even know to ask ("Are biscuits worth it?")
4:18 it really does make a difference flipping every second board, especially if you're making something very wide with many laminations, it can cause the whole table surface to cup or warp significantly. If you were only glueing those three boards it probably wouldn't warp or cup very much.
I've heard that for years, but never actually seen it happen. I think it's one of those woodworking cautionary tales. Probably some truth to it, but like you say, not really much in the real world.
+Steve Ramsey depends on what your building, I build lots of large tables with many laminations and if I put all the growth rings in the same direction it would result in a table 4' wide warping or cupping by 3/16"-1/4" over the 4' width. I can notice that by eye at a distance, but most people don't. Great video as usual!!
Danny has it right on this one. Per AWS (American Woodworking Standards, ED 2) "Direction of end grain of boards glued for width shall be alternated..." Personally I have seen panels used for drawer fronts that were not alternated that have cupped. Its easy to do, and insures longevity. I Love your videos, your brilliant and high energy! Love it!
I wish I could add pictures to my comments. The person who build the oak kitchen at home also thought it would not make a difference. Now some of the cabinet doors don't close by a full centimeter.
Steve, I really appreciate your videos. As a novice wood worker, I am always looking to improve my skills. Your explanations are clear and concise. Thank you sir.
Love your videos Steve - thanks! Making properly jointed boards and glueing them together is my current nemesis :-) Although I don't have your equipment, the information here really helps
Here for both a love of solid wood and because the cost of plywood is through the roof. Never would have thought solid wood would be so cheap in comparison! Time to pick up some new skills~
A long, long, time ago I was taught to take a rounded scraper along the edges to be glued. This ensured the outer edges were the first points of contact when they were glued. You don't have to take much out, usually just one or two light passes with the scraper did the job.
Hey!!!! some of us still have biscuit joiners from the dark ages with the perverbial 10,000 piece supply of biscuits. Use them still to keep the joint in line - no not for strength...i always scrape the glue because 99% of my projects are stained. Also I put wax paper between the clamp bars and the wood to keep the rust (or any discoloration) off of the wood. Very hard to sand out...got tired of sanding and bought a small wide belt type sander. Saw black spots on the back side of the glue up when you took it out of the clamps hahahaha...
Great stuff as usual. The only thing I would add as a tip is to put painters tape on the pipe before setting the boards on it and clamping them down. This eliminates the discoloration of the glue on the underside that gets squeezed out on the pipe. Also reduces the amount of sanding you have to do.
In my experience biscuits don't add strength but they make life a LOT simpler by preventing bowing and cupping. Also they make alignment a lot easier. I think most woodworkers who use biscuits realize that it's not a strength thing so much as it is a making your life easier thing.
@@deankenneth7479 he means during but it doesnt. it facilitates lining up oc boards as they dont slide around. if you squeeze them too hard they just have to go upwards (to cup) wheather you use bisquits of not. try for yourself and see. Steve used cauls and the top pony clamps in video to prevent cupping.
I don't know man... depending on how many biscuits you use... I can't imagine a karate chop experiment with just glue vs biscuits. Certainly dowels would be stronger than just glue, and I would imagine a decent amount of biscuits would fair better as well... plus the warming fact that your wood is actually joined together rather than an ultra-thin layer of dried chemicals between two parts.
Paladin2906, responding to your responders, not you so much. The glued joint is stronger than the original wood if done properly. The wood will break before the joint. Either trust me or try it yourself. Regarding biscuits and cupping, if it works for you, terrific! A cupped panel takes a lot of work, if you don’t just saw it up for scrap wood!
Your videos have really encouraged me to step outside the box, so to speak, I'm making a console table for a friend and I used your glue-up instructions to make the top and it looks better than I could have imagined it would. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos for us newbies. I definitely want to make the jig because using a hand planer to join the boards is bananas.
WOW!! what a great video. I use most of the techniques mentioned, but did pick up a few new ones. This video should be required viewing for all woodworking classes. Great job!!
He doesn't show how to screw the boards together by creating a notch on the underside of the wood. It requires a special tool and isn't what most people are looking for.
DinoDillinger the jig ensures that the side being cut remains parallel to the fence as it passes along the blade. Without the jig, the wood you're cutting can wobble along the fence if the wood isn't perfectly straight on the fence side. So you then don't get a straight cut.
yes its parallel but its to short. crooked board lets say touches the fence at two points. once the first point of contact has passed the end of the fence board is loose to weer to whatever side. it just dont work or people wouldnt be nuying jointers.
Steve, I really enjoy your videos. Good, simple tips, and a wonderful presentation. It cracks me up that there are so many "experts" that come out of the "woodwork" once someone ELSE makes the video. Thanks again!
at 2:56, I dont get whats the point of this jig? cant you just run the board on the fence? I mean, the jig is parallel to the fence, so.. I dont get it.
Also, the board might be too long to register against the fence the same all the way through. For example you find a board that is slightly bent. Obviously you can't register the bowed edge on the fence. But if you register the cupped edge, as the board progresses into the cut the trailing edge then meets the fence and shifts the alignment of the board. Thus the need for the jig to ensure it stays in one alignment all the way through. And yes, saves you from possible kick back too :)
Felipe Forlin, I’m presume you know by now, your fence is only so long, and as you lead the board in or finish it, you might drift a bit. Also, if the board isn’t close to straight in the beginning, it could take several passes on each side as you ‘weathervane’ in a sense, to straight edges. I’m just speaking from my experience of destroying a lot of lumber, developing my technique. I know weathervane isn’t the right word but I hope you get it from context. Who knows a better word? I’d say asymptotically develop a straight edge, but that sucks too.
FANTASTIC how-to on this! I plan on making a replacement tabletop for my coffee table and a large 8-seater farmhouse table for outside. If you're reading this, what kind of finish would you use to protect an outdoor tabletop that is TOUGH and would showoff a redwood wood?
Use the router table as defection in the blade will prevent the board from being square and flush. Just invest in a jointer and a thicknesser if you want to work with natural wood. You cannot prepare the wood correctly without it. And it will allow you to buy wood rough which will reduce the cost and your boards will be thicker if you prepare them yourself.
+Steve Ramsey thank you for your input. Both of the potential problems you have mentioned are not applicable as all the tools you can purchase used. Being that I run a profitable business using less space than you with less of an investment I may be more knowledgable than you in this case. If one just places all tools on wheels which it seems you have done too you can overcome the space and as far as cost is concerned, as I have said above, you can purchase tools used and it is possible to get industrial quality tools for far less than the cost of a respectable table saw. You may even be able to purchase most of the essential tools for the cost of a cabinet saw. I must say respectfully you do not know what you are talking about or if I give you the benefit of the doubt have not thought of a better solution.
+Jason Roets cool it. If the video doesn't meet your needs, move on. There are lots of people who appreciate these videos for what they are. Thanks Steve, and keep it up!
Glad you made the comment on the biscuit joiner. I've seen all sorts of failed joints where those were used. Looked like, as you said, the joint was not any stronger with them and all that extra effort went into the job.
The clamps, while applying pressure to the sides, actually is greatest at the bottom. With so much pressure on the wood, over time the boards can bow up during the glue up. To counter this, alternate your clamps with an equal number on the top of the board as there are under it so the net forces are zero and boards will remain as flat as possible.
Your explanation is rhight, but look at the video!! In this position the upper clamps can´t help preventing anything, because the pipes aren´t flush with the boards!!
Its not about the pipe pressing against the board, its about the greatest point of pressure from the clamp faces (the orange parts that actually press on the ends of the boards). If you have them all on the same side, like the underside, you may be putting more clamp pressure on the bottom plane of the wood surface you're trying to create vs the top. So to prevent this you alternate clamps on the top as well, so that pressure is applied more evenly. Ignore the pipe, its not part of the equation. Think of the clamps like this \__________/ as opposed to this |_________|
Be very careful of saying the name of the sporting event whos logo is many multi-colored rings. They have passed rules against social media using any terms associated with them.
I used to use a lot of clamps like you are doing for glue ups. Then I discovered a glue up jig on another woodworking site. It can be made from scrapes you have around the shop and my panels now come out much flatter.
Gosh I am so glad I watch this video! I hate gluing and making wide boards for the following reasons. I don't have a jointer and cannot hand plane a square and straight edge. I have pipe clamps but they are a nightmare while working with them when they tip to the side. This makes a mess. The other thing is wondering if your glue joints will stand the test of time...
I've just gotten into this hobby (very relaxing - when things are going well!) and I love it. Your video's have been so helpful for somebody like me who has no woodworking experience. (other then wood shop class in high school!)
I do this every day. I run the boards through the planer a couple of times on each side then go to the table saw and cut one side then the other. I edge glue them and clamp them together and also down to the table. Then I run the table top through the planer. Makes for some nice table tops.
Thank you so much for having some of these basic shows for those of us who just don't know.
Still the top instructional woodworking channel on TH-cam.
Steve I wished you had taught my woodshop class in high school. That 9 minute video was more informative then my entire semester course.
If you hadn't been high the whole semester you would have got alot more out of it.
You were too occupied with your "joints" 🤣🤣🤣
@@dangermartin69 too occupied with his biscuits and joints
I like this guy's manner of explanation. One of the least pretentious people I've seen posting on youtube. Good and straightforward.
"I used that panel to create the bottom of last week's serving tray." Wow, I'm looking forward to Time Travel for Mere Mortals!
Who knew TH-cam and the magic of video editing gave time travel powers
LOL
I love this guy. I spend hours watching his videos. His mix of knowledge, humility, and humor are perfect. I’ve learned so much from his videos, truly a credit to TH-cam.
Kev 3 👏🏻 Here here Kev! I couldn't agree more! 👍🏼
DANG! I've had a biscuit joiner for 20 years and always "thought" it was making stronger panels, BUT, you just saved me from ordering more biscuits for it... so for that, I thank YOU!!! Excellent presentation as always!
I never thought of them as a mean of strengthen joints. Rather, they help keep things aligned while setting it up and I will continue to use them for that. For the ease in laying up joints, I find the cost of the few biscuits to be inconsequential.
@@mothman-jz8ug Thanks! makes perfect sense.
It really depends on the situation, biscuit joints don't necessarily add much strength since they are fairly small compared to surface area they are excellent for attaching small things or where alignment needs precision like trim or the backs of drawers.
Ready to step up your woodworking game? Making wide panels from solid lumber isn't difficult, but you need to prepare the boards first. Let me know if you have any tips for edge joining! Here's the full article: bit.ly/WWMMpanels
Nice Video Steve. I have had boards stick to the pipes sometimes (Too much glue?) or the paint on the black pipes flakes off and sticks to the underside of the board. To prevent that, I now lay a piece of wax paper across the pipes before setting the boards on them. Don't know how much difference it makes since it all gets sanded, but I think it makes for easier cleanup.
How's Princess Meow-Meow doing? havent seen her much lately?
+1 for more Princess Meow-Meow
Not trying to start a holy war, but... especially for a panel that small, a couple passes with a jack plane would certainly be faster than the router setup. The table saw jig (if you build one) or a powered jointer would probably still be quicker.
Sheldon Ross The panels were smaller because it's an example.
th-cam.com/video/9rgfrHyJ6i0/w-d-xo.html
I love these informative videos. Most people on youtube just don't understand simple things like what a jointer does, or the difference between that a joining wood with biscuits. I sure didn't! Thanks Steve I absolutely love your videos.
Didn’t expect to see you here. Cool.
My woodworking skills, which sometimes I question even exists.. always have me looking for an Elite level Woodworker with a teaching ability to connect with someone at my, our, level and even do projects more more in a way a weekend guy would do so as hobbyists. Appreciate it, some of you explanations really help a woodworker at my level.
Nice video, Steve! You kind of waded into a couple of controversial topics, but handled them skillfully as usual.
One thing I've discovered over the years, is when you start tightening the pipe clamps, start with the center clamp first. The individual pieces of wood you're gluing up tend to slip back and forth against one another a lot less that way. I start in the center, then move to one end, then the other, then the center again, and so on. The boards don't move around nearly as much, if at all.
That's a great tip.I'm going to start doing that!
Do you guys know the old salt trick? Sprinkle a little salt on the glue and the granules will press into the mating blocks of wood virtually locking the two pieces together eliminating movement while applying clamp pressure.
It makes a huge difference reversing the direction of your boards at 4:20 in the video. It reduces your chance of warping and cupping as the board ages.
Good to know, thanks.
What he said!!!! Huge difference!
I think its fine either way, as a tabletop maker myself I use to have some metal (with both corners having 1 cm of 90° angles fitted into the desk across the whole board) works really well against warping due to ageing wood
I am confused! He said not to flip but then he did run the blade on the other side? I am new to this😬
@@deepsudeep Don't use the Jointer Jig on both sides of the board being Jointed. One side is run through the saw on the Jointer Jig, the other uses only the table saw fence.
Synchronised Microjig is also my favourite Olympic event.
It's quite the majestic event
huge thanks from Poland, I am addicted to your workshops and videos! so much help to start my own little woodworking projects at my backyard.
I love your project videos, but having these "step it up" tutorials to go over the basic methods is really helpful and encouraging. Thanks, Steve.
You are the BEST!!! I always default to watching your videos when I need to know anything about woodworking.
This is how all instructional videos should be made. Clear, rich in material, very good production ( proper lighting, clear audio, nice camera angles, etc) and the pace is just right. As a total newbie to woodworking I am soaking up on it here on youtube and this is one video that I like very much. Thank you, Mr. Steve Ramsay. Keep it up. More power to you.
This video was SO WELL DONE! No wasted nonsense, just good clean facts.
Long time contractor and general handyman here. Been watching your channel for about 6 months now, love every minute of it. I have been working for the same family for a little over 3 years, on 5 properties on their "compound" as we call it. Charlie, the oldest of the 2 brothers, has been building homes for the last 40+ years. He was taught by his father, whom had been building homes for 50+ years before he passed away in the 80's. We built solid oak cabinets for the younger of the 2 brothers' home this past winter, before I discovered your channel. All the panels we made for the cabinets started with rough 1" thick oak. After rough planing the boards down to around 7/8", we used the exact same techniques to make all the panels (20+ feet of kitchen wall cabinets) as you used in your video. Your methods are tried and true, and have been used by master woodworkers for generations. Nice video, and keep up the good work!
I'm a beginner woodworker and this video was really, really helpful. Thank you.
I built your edge jointing jig, thanks for the tip works really well! Only difference I did though was use MDF board from Menards. It was like $3 for a shelf of something like a 2'x4', and I could make 2 jigs out of it. Harbor freight toggle clamps were 5 dollars each, cheaper at Amazon. Pretty good build, easy and cheap and works pretty slick!
Thank you! Your teaching style is so clear, concise, interesting and informative. I’m learning so much!👏👏
Hi Steve,
Well demonstrated and explained ... your relaxed demeanor and informal setting allows the viewer to focus on what you are teaching making the time invested well worth it. Nice job ..
That was a really nice review. And accurate. Nicely done
I use ratchet ties instead of clamps. Works like a charm and no limits to the length.
Thank you a lot for the video
Watching and learning in 2024
No one would have thought how different the world would be by now!
Great video, educational, and helpful. I learned a lot. Was thrilled that you actually showed the final product.
That just gave me an idea for something I was needing an idea for!
I liked the tip about using the table saw as a jointer. Now to get a table saw...
I was trying to figure out how to make sure the edges are flat for panels before gluing them together, i got my answers, thanks for sharing the knowledge.
I'd like to clarify something you touched on around 4:10 when matching up pieces based on ring curve when viewing endgrain. This does actually matter a great deal, depending on climate. Unless you plan to do raised panels, the panels you're putting together will inherently warp IF the curvature of endgrain are identical with all pieces. One of the best ways to combat warping is to alternate the pieces. Again, this varies based on climate and wood species but general rule of thumb is to alternate the pieces. Just throwing that out there after making raised panels for a quilt chest and considering various options of construction, you definitely want to alternate the pieces if you want your project to outlive you.
ths video though showing 4 wides is interesting but i came here as a prospective beekeeper intening on building my own hives (horozontal) 24 inchs deep. you said anything much bigger than a 4W wood likely warp, ideally i wanted to use a pair of 12x2s but with your advice i'm thinking 4 6x2s bourds would be better would you concur?
I believe your comment is true... I had a dead flat glue up of 4 boards... I have a planer and jointer, everything was dead flat when I glued up... 24 hours later - after glue dried, I had a bow/warp... I will definitely try alternating pieces... this is why I run thru comments on good videos, you just may find some additional help in the form of a comment. 👍 EDIT
: my "shop" is in my basement and basements are notorious for moisture in air... basement windows always have condensation in mornings especially in summer.
@ryanmarshall8569 Post a video or shadda fukkk up.
just dropped by your channel to get some project ideas, your charisma is contagious and you are great at explaining. thanks!
You´re an excellent teacher! Thank you for sharing these precious tips. Thanks to MicroJig for sponsoring the show.
This is so marvelous I cannot thank you enough. Clear, concise, understandable. Where can I learn basic woodworking skills? I just inherited my parent's farmhouse and we have so many woods projects to do!
To increase the chances of getting a flat panel:
1) layout the wood for the best look FIRST, alternating the growth ring pattern, circle face up then circle face down.
2) Mark the panel with a triangle to locate the boards in the panel.
3) NOW mark one side of a glue joint with IN and the other with OUT.
4) If you have a jointer, joint each edge, with the Face marked IN against the fence, the face marked out away from the fence. By doing this even if the jointer fence or your Table Saw (on the jig do face up & face down) is not perfectly square, the joint will be flat. Sketch it out on paper and you will see it.
5) When you are about to glue. LIGHTLY clamp one end of the panel and see if there is gappage in any of the joints at the loose end. This is a test for the straigtness of the joint. NOTE: if there is a gap and you glue any way you introduce stress in the panel and the chance of a crack developing hopefully after the check clears. Check your Jointer set up. NOTE: I never use dowel or biscuits. Also check for flatness across the joints.
6) DO NOT put the fear of God into the clamp pressure. If the joint is good just enough pressure to hold it all in place.
7) Remove the excess glue off the joints. NOW LET THE GLUE LINE DRY! BEFORE you sand the panel. Remember you have introduced moisture into the joint and it will swell. If you sand too soon, the joints will seem flat but then the wood will shrink as the joint dries completely and there will be a valley along the joint.
I've been a professional woodworker, fine furniture and architectural wood work for 40 years.
I know this video is a bit older but why do I love that micro jig gag SO MUCH!!!
Wow I cant even see the lines! Amazing job sir, well done.
Best 9 and a half minutes I've ever spent watching a carpentry video. Learning about pipe clamps, alone, will save me a fortune.
You're one of my favorites! Love the way you explain things so even "I" can understand them. Thanks for taking the time to help us Steve! Blessings. Jim
Steve, the quality (fades, angles, etc.) of your videos had drastically improved from your first videos. I love your content! Keep up the good work!!!
+Jonathan Isenhower Thanks! I think that's true with everyone who makes videos though!
New to your channel and I have to say, I’m impressed. Very simple and detailed videos, especially for noobs and not required expensive tools!! 👍🏼👍🏼
I may have stopped watching after you explained what jointing wood is, however you're the first one I've found with an actual explanation. Cutting apart a cherry countertop and was worried my edge would be filled with dowels. Thank you
Hey Steve,
Great video. I went to your site to find the table saw jointing jig and cannot seem to find it. Are the plans still available? Thank you again for all of the videos.
Same
Also went and used the search function on his site to find "jointer jig", only two videos came up, this one and a book case, neither had the jig.
Great tip with using the jig for cutting the one side straight, but finishing off using the fence by itself. Great video all around.
I love that microjig bit, gets me every time
i totally enjoy your videos. they are clear and to the point. ive learned a number of techniques and i just subscribed. some guys i think just like to hear themselves talk and ramble on about nothing for a long time and spend very little time actually showing their wood working tips. keep up the good work.
Yes, it makes a difference which way the grain is going. Else you could end up with a banana when the timber acclimatises.
Alternating grain means the individual boards will bend in different directions. If the board is braced then you match the grain better and compromise alternating grain as a fixed board won't bend as much.
I've never experienced that happening. I think the problem is a rare issue.
+Steve Ramsey Nope. It's common. Depends a lot on the thickness of the boards, what timber you are using and even cutting/planing a board can cause it to "spring".
As a bit of background, I am a cabinet maker and make all kinds of furniture. We always lay our boards flat under weights to reduce movement, if those components aren't going to be used immediately.
I would definitely recommend alternating the growth rings as much as possible where it is not essential.
Any boards bigger than 6" get ripped down 99% of the time when making panels, as there is just too much movement. As you already found when selecting timber.
+Steve Ramsey try doing it on pine or leave it in the sun then get a straight edge it will look like a banana ...
Happens in any wood , super common
+Steve Ramsey try doing it on pine or leave it in the sun then get a straight edge it will look like a banana ...
Happens in any wood , super common
+Steve Ramsey try doing it on pine or leave it in the sun then get a straight edge it will look like a banana ...
Happens in any wood , super common
That Microjig Cut In, You’re Making Me Want To Get One.
Well Done!!
DAMN YOU STEVE RAMSEY for putting out easy to understand, well explained and free content that I don't have to watch if I don't want to!!! DAMN YOU I SAY!!!! All jokes aside your jointer jig is on my list of things to build. I have already built the miter sled and the cross cut sled which I use all the time, the cross cut sled is awesome it really is a game changer. Thanks for all you do Steve it is greatly appreciated.
7@
Wow that sled! That alone was worth the video, but everything else was the cherry on top for me! Great work Steve, thanks so much!
Hey Sreve do have a video on how you made the straight edge jig?...Thanks much Colin
Great video as usal.
Yes he does.
that board looked well matched! i used to do it for a living for kitchen doors. great job
I just subscribed. I hope all of your editing is in the same style as this video! Fast paced, easy to consume quickly, yet very comprehensive and 'complete'. Looking forward to looking through your past videos and hoping you continue with your style. Thank you for the efforts.
I hope youtube is paying you a lot of money. I troll most peoples videos, but i can't bring myself to do it to you. Very informative and friendly.
Great video. I’m having trouble finding the video for your “table saw jointing jig.” The link doesn’t get me there.
i am having the same problem, just posted on fb about it as well. i hope in 2 weeks you found the answer...
@@joshuabankhead9481 I'm afraid I haven't. But I have purchased a Bosch router table in those two weeks!
the most simple and effective video tutorial I have seen on youtube. thanks for sharing
omg, loved that jig, so simple. That saves me 150$ on the hand jointer lol
Just wanted to say your channel is perfect for aspiring woodworkers (like me) who just need to get some basic questions answered, including ones that they don't even know to ask ("Are biscuits worth it?")
4:18 it really does make a difference flipping every second board, especially if you're making something very wide with many laminations, it can cause the whole table surface to cup or warp significantly. If you were only glueing those three boards it probably wouldn't warp or cup very much.
I've heard that for years, but never actually seen it happen. I think it's one of those woodworking cautionary tales. Probably some truth to it, but like you say, not really much in the real world.
+Steve Ramsey depends on what your building, I build lots of large tables with many laminations and if I put all the growth rings in the same direction it would result in a table 4' wide warping or cupping by 3/16"-1/4" over the 4' width. I can notice that by eye at a distance, but most people don't. Great video as usual!!
Danny has it right on this one. Per AWS (American Woodworking Standards, ED 2) "Direction of end grain of boards glued for width shall be alternated..." Personally I have seen panels used for drawer fronts that were not alternated that have cupped. Its easy to do, and insures longevity. I Love your videos, your brilliant and high energy! Love it!
Always do that on any built up flat piece on a boat.
I wish I could add pictures to my comments. The person who build the oak kitchen at home also thought it would not make a difference. Now some of the cabinet doors don't close by a full centimeter.
I've been hesitant to give this a go but after watching this video I will now try my hand at it. Thanks Steve, very informative.
...packing tape on boards so you can use them in clamps and not worry about glue sticking to them.
Holy smokes. I think my life just changed.
I know. Brilliantly simple!
Is that what that was "cauled"
Steve, I really appreciate your videos. As a novice wood worker, I am always looking to improve my skills. Your explanations are clear and concise. Thank you sir.
Love your videos Steve - thanks! Making properly jointed boards and glueing them together is my current nemesis :-) Although I don't have your equipment, the information here really helps
Here for both a love of solid wood and because the cost of plywood is through the roof. Never would have thought solid wood would be so cheap in comparison! Time to pick up some new skills~
A long, long, time ago I was taught to take a rounded scraper along the edges to be glued. This ensured the outer edges were the first points of contact when they were glued. You don't have to take much out, usually just one or two light passes with the scraper did the job.
Now this was pretty awesome! The finished product looked like it was just one board. Thanks for showing this & for making this video.
I'm new at this wood working stuff so your videos are really help full
Awesome. I'm going to build a joining jigfor my table saw.
Hey!!!! some of us still have biscuit joiners from the dark ages with the perverbial 10,000 piece supply of biscuits. Use them still to keep the joint in line - no not for strength...i always scrape the glue because 99% of my projects are stained. Also I put wax paper between the clamp bars and the wood to keep the rust (or any discoloration) off of the wood. Very hard to sand out...got tired of sanding and bought a small wide belt type sander. Saw black spots on the back side of the glue up when you took it out of the clamps hahahaha...
Great stuff as usual. The only thing I would add as a tip is to put painters tape on the pipe before setting the boards on it and clamping them down. This eliminates the discoloration of the glue on the underside that gets squeezed out on the pipe. Also reduces the amount of sanding you have to do.
In my experience biscuits don't add strength but they make life a LOT simpler by preventing bowing and cupping. Also they make alignment a lot easier. I think most woodworkers who use biscuits realize that it's not a strength thing so much as it is a making your life easier thing.
When you say it can prevent bowing and cupping do you mean during glueup, or after, when it can be caused by wood movement?
@@deankenneth7479 he means during but it doesnt. it facilitates lining up oc boards as they dont slide around. if you squeeze them too hard they just have to go upwards (to cup) wheather you use bisquits of not. try for yourself and see.
Steve used cauls and the top pony clamps in video to prevent cupping.
I don't know man... depending on how many biscuits you use... I can't imagine a karate chop experiment with just glue vs biscuits. Certainly dowels would be stronger than just glue, and I would imagine a decent amount of biscuits would fair better as well... plus the warming fact that your wood is actually joined together rather than an ultra-thin layer of dried chemicals between two parts.
Paladin2906, responding to your responders, not you so much. The glued joint is stronger than the original wood if done properly. The wood will break before the joint. Either trust me or try it yourself.
Regarding biscuits and cupping, if it works for you, terrific! A cupped panel takes a lot of work, if you don’t just saw it up for scrap wood!
Your videos have really encouraged me to step outside the box, so to speak, I'm making a console table for a friend and I used your glue-up instructions to make the top and it looks better than I could have imagined it would. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos for us newbies. I definitely want to make the jig because using a hand planer to join the boards is bananas.
Ein tolles Video ! Dieses Projekt habe ich demnächst auch vor zu verfilmen ;-) Sehr gut erklärt. Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland MrHandwerk :-)
Ich glaube er kann kein deutsch er kann nur google übersetzen :D
hau weg die schiesse
er ist deutsch
WOW!! what a great video. I use most of the techniques mentioned, but did pick up a few new ones. This video should be required viewing for all woodworking classes. Great job!!
Why the down votes, I thought it was very informative for a mere mortal.
He doesn't show how to screw the boards together by creating a notch on the underside of the wood. It requires a special tool and isn't what most people are looking for.
Best wood shop teacher ever!
I don't understand why you need the jig or why you can't use is for both sides. Isn't the fence parallel to the blade?
DinoDillinger the jig ensures that the side being cut remains parallel to the fence as it passes along the blade. Without the jig, the wood you're cutting can wobble along the fence if the wood isn't perfectly straight on the fence side. So you then don't get a straight cut.
ohhh. That makes sense. thanks
yes its parallel but its to short. crooked board lets say touches the fence at two points. once the first point of contact has passed the end of the fence board is loose to weer to whatever side.
it just dont work or people wouldnt be nuying jointers.
Steve, I really enjoy your videos. Good, simple tips, and a wonderful presentation. It cracks me up that there are so many "experts" that come out of the "woodwork" once someone ELSE makes the video. Thanks again!
at 2:56, I dont get whats the point of this jig? cant you just run the board on the fence? I mean, the jig is parallel to the fence, so.. I dont get it.
But the piece of wood to be cut might not be parallel to the fence, so the jig ensures that the cut is perfectly straight.
oh ok I see, thanks. But if its not very warped it sohuld work wihout the jig too, but may be a little dangeous of kickbacks.
Also, the board might be too long to register against the fence the same all the way through. For example you find a board that is slightly bent. Obviously you can't register the bowed edge on the fence. But if you register the cupped edge, as the board progresses into the cut the trailing edge then meets the fence and shifts the alignment of the board. Thus the need for the jig to ensure it stays in one alignment all the way through. And yes, saves you from possible kick back too :)
It will once the cut has been made
Felipe Forlin, I’m presume you know by now, your fence is only so long, and as you lead the board in or finish it, you might drift a bit. Also, if the board isn’t close to straight in the beginning, it could take several passes on each side as you ‘weathervane’ in a sense, to straight edges. I’m just speaking from my experience of destroying a lot of lumber, developing my technique.
I know weathervane isn’t the right word but I hope you get it from context. Who knows a better word? I’d say asymptotically develop a straight edge, but that sucks too.
So glad I came across your video. This makes perfect sense to me, I cannot wait to try it.
I'm not a fan of the synchronized micro jig.
But I do like to watch the Belt sander racing!
Super Video --Ive been biscuiting for years but this helps me so much for future projects!!!
ate biscuits called scones in the uk?
A scone is more like a break/cake type thing but tastes different. Biscuits are things like digestives, custard creams, rich tea etc etc
i know but what the Americans call biscuits are called scones in the uk
Actually, these biscuits used in woodworking ARE British biscuits, and look like such.
Really American woodworkers should call them cookies.
FANTASTIC how-to on this! I plan on making a replacement tabletop for my coffee table and a large 8-seater farmhouse table for outside. If you're reading this, what kind of finish would you use to protect an outdoor tabletop that is TOUGH and would showoff a redwood wood?
Use the router table as defection in the blade will prevent the board from being square and flush. Just invest in a jointer and a thicknesser if you want to work with natural wood. You cannot prepare the wood correctly without it. And it will allow you to buy wood rough which will reduce the cost and your boards will be thicker if you prepare them yourself.
I've achieved consistently good results without a jointer. This video (and channel) is intended for people without a lot of space or money.
+Steve Ramsey thank you for your input. Both of the potential problems you have mentioned are not applicable as all the tools you can purchase used. Being that I run a profitable business using less space than you with less of an investment I may be more knowledgable than you in this case. If one just places all tools on wheels which it seems you have done too you can overcome the space and as far as cost is concerned, as I have said above, you can purchase tools used and it is possible to get industrial quality tools for far less than the cost of a respectable table saw. You may even be able to purchase most of the essential tools for the cost of a cabinet saw. I must say respectfully you do not know what you are talking about or if I give you the benefit of the doubt have not thought of a better solution.
+Jason Roets cool it. If the video doesn't meet your needs, move on. There are lots of people who appreciate these videos for what they are.
Thanks Steve, and keep it up!
+guitarthrower The dude is just being a troll.
+Jason Roets Steve's channel is more for hobbyists who enjoy making knock-around projects. Therefore, you have my permission to fuck right off.
Glad you made the comment on the biscuit joiner. I've seen all sorts of failed joints where those were used. Looked like, as you said, the joint was not any stronger with them and all that extra effort went into the job.
You don't need a table saw or a jointer or router table you can just use a plane and get as good results
Yes but then you need a decent workbench and vice which I don't yet have either. Plus good hand tools are not cheap either.
Dave XB not at all I'm working off the saw horses steve made and while there aren't the best built they work. No vice either just clamp to the side
Dave XB Yeah, a hand plane is so much money. seriously...
This gave me the confidence to purchase more pipe clamps. Thanks
Am I missing something here? I can't see how the clamps on the top are helping to prevent bowing. They are just adding more pressure to the ends.
The clamps, while applying pressure to the sides, actually is greatest at the bottom. With so much pressure on the wood, over time the boards can bow up during the glue up. To counter this, alternate your clamps with an equal number on the top of the board as there are under it so the net forces are zero and boards will remain as flat as possible.
Your explanation is rhight, but look at the video!! In this position the upper clamps can´t help preventing anything, because the pipes aren´t flush with the boards!!
Its not about the pipe pressing against the board, its about the greatest point of pressure from the clamp faces (the orange parts that actually press on the ends of the boards). If you have them all on the same side, like the underside, you may be putting more clamp pressure on the bottom plane of the wood surface you're trying to create vs the top. So to prevent this you alternate clamps on the top as well, so that pressure is applied more evenly. Ignore the pipe, its not part of the equation.
Think of the clamps like this \__________/ as opposed to this |_________|
That idea of using boards with tape on it is fantastic. Great idea.
I Haaaaaaaaaate making paneeeeellsssssssss
You would never get any cabinets built in a cabinet shop with that method but it is a solid way of getting it right 🤟🏼
Be very careful of saying the name of the sporting event whos logo is many multi-colored rings. They have passed rules against social media using any terms associated with them.
It's become a circus anyway.
I used to use a lot of clamps like you are doing for glue ups. Then I discovered a glue up jig on another woodworking site. It can be made from scrapes you have around the shop and my panels now come out much flatter.
Now paint your pipe clamps grey, speak some Russian, and people would think this video was made by MTMwood.
Gosh I am so glad I watch this video! I hate gluing and making wide boards for the following reasons. I don't have a jointer and cannot hand plane a square and straight edge. I have pipe clamps but they are a nightmare while working with them when they tip to the side. This makes a mess.
The other thing is wondering if your glue joints will stand the test of time...
Tried Sto Doys Plans
I use it all the time Noah
Great tutorial. Just the tips i needed before i can get to work. But i am quite suprised that you say that the glue is stronger than the wood it self.
I've just gotten into this hobby (very relaxing - when things are going well!) and I love it. Your video's have been so helpful for somebody like me who has no woodworking experience. (other then wood shop class in high school!)
Thank you for designing the title so I could find you! This was helpful.
I do this every day. I run the boards through the planer a couple of times on each side then go to the table saw and cut one side then the other. I edge glue them and clamp them together and also down to the table. Then I run the table top through the planer. Makes for some nice table tops.
Thanks Steve. I built my jig the other day and it turned out great!!!