I work in marketing and I’ve seen, reviewed, critiqued tens of thousands of videos in my time; I’ve been a part of TV commercial shoots, photo shoots, and I have to say that your presentation skills are excellent. You’re clear and concise, and your content is easy to understand because of your style of delivery. Keep up the good work! I’m now a fan!
I agree completely. I have done similar work for a number of customers (organization development consultant) and feel this would be a great example to show others. Engaging, comfortable eye contact, natural and helpful body language, succinct, focused on the outcome/results. I subscribed because I know I will enjoy listening to him.
I work at a well known national woodworking chain store. Every week I mentor/speak with loads of people that are just getting started in woodworking. I think this is due to the bone headed decisions by school districts in getting rid of "shop" classes. These videos seem so simplistic and redundant; BUT they are so important! The dearth of basic knowledge and innate understanding is just not there in todays younger folks. The other thing is this; we old timers need to step up and mentor the younger ones. We have to step out of our dusty shops and encourage the next generation to try this amazing craft. Keep up with this style of video. It is very much needed.👍
Thanks, at first I felt this information was so basic no one would appreciate it. But I remember back to a time when I could have used this information and it would have saved me time or materials, so I thought it might help someone just starting out. If we don't teach the younger generation, they will struggle to figure it out so let's teach them what we know so they can build upon that and go further than we could imagine!
@@biscuittreewoodworksThe last time I did any woodworking before I moved into my current home was in Junior high school....35 years ago. The little bit I learned then has long since been lost. I also don't know a lot of people to learn these things from directly so every tip I hear is a kernel of wisdom. I appreciate you sharing this.
@@Citadel1974 That's how it was for me. I took shop when I was 12, and I was bored to tears. By the time I finally got interested, it was over 30 years later and I didn't remember a single thing.
yeah, in Portland it once upon had the most vaunted technical high school nationwide, that is till leftists gained power and put the kibosh to it after 100 years of teaching common sense and the trades...
I did know everything in the video. I have been a hobby woodworker for 35 years. But I watched anyway because even after 35 years it’s good to have these basics reinforced once in a while And you never know when you might learn something new. It’s easy to take these things for granted. Really well done. Gotta tell ya it’s the first time watching one of your videos and by the title I was expecting some stupid gimmicks,not true basics that every woodworker really does need to know.
I came to say something similar, but I've only been a woodworker for around 10 years. Thank for the refresher though, now, time to check out your other videos.
I’ve been working with wood for well over 50 yrs.,,,but,,, a good update is always welcome…Thanks for your explanation of sanding paper…You explained it very well…I am in the process of buying another sander…I already have an 8” belt sander and two finishing sanders…Which brand do you recommend for an orbital sander ???
I'd like to add that I've been to numerous hardwood dealers and I've not met a single one that isn't happy to teach you the ropes (and lingo) of the hardwood store. If you don't know what 8 quarter, or rough sawn, book matched, or quarter sawn means, they are happy to teach you. These guys (and gals) LOVE wood and the only thing they love more than wood is imparting their knowledge of wood onto the new comer.
How about "Board feet"! What a silly designation and transparent trick to confuse people with to sell them more lumber than needed, and all the wrong cuts and dimensions! Trying to buy lumber using them is a ploy to keep people in the store way longer than needed so the place looks busier! It has zero to do with woodworking, true measurement or dimensions..., and everything to do with the final price, which I cannot get around anyhow. Last time someone tried to pull that shit on me and asked "How many board feet do you need?" I said: "Here are the dimensions, you can do the math and figure out how many board feet that is, don't make me do it"! If I had answered his stupid question he still would have no clue what to give me!
Most of the time that is correct, but I've run into a few that were not so helpful and understanding. One of the first places I ever went to for hardwood was terrible and I never went back. They wouldn't let me look at the lumber selection or pick my boards, I had to place my order in the office and they brought out only the amount I ordered on a fork truck. What I got was clearly the stuff their big customers didn't want. Everywhere else I've gone though has given me free reign of the place to pick out exactly what I want.
I've been woodworking since the age of 10. My grampa, a master cabinet, and furniture maker, taught me. I loved spending time in his shop since I could walk. By 10, I had already learned to sharpen chisels and plane irons, and Grampa thought it was time to teach me about both handwork and the machines. My point is at 63, I've learned a lot since 10 and I have to say that was an excellent presentation. You covered all of the important subjects that I think are vital to any new woodworker. There are too many TH-cam woodworkers who skip safety procedures or teach shortcuts, which can lead to dangerous accidents. But they do care as long as they get the clicks for their videos. You should do a part two. I like your style and you are well-spoken. I'm going to keep following to see what is next!
I have over 20 year experience in building cabinets. I agree with all the tips suggested here. The only thing I would add is on the tip at 5:50, I always reference my piece in the corner of the cabinet. This way, if there is a bow in the hanging rail or face frame, when you mark, cut and install it it will be too long. Marking your piece in the corner of the cabinet insures you get that piece the exact width it needs to be. That puts both the hanging rail and face frame iin the proper alignment so the cabinet ends up the exact same width in the center as it is on the ends.
You are correct, typically you want to take the measurement from the end that is fully supported so you don't have a bow in the case. That's exactly how I made the center dividers that will be shown in a future video when this dresser is completed. Thanks for keeping me straight!
@@biscuittreewoodworks No problem. I learned the hard way in a similar situation one time. I had measured in the center of the cabinet to put in a support like you did here. Got it glued in and noticed a nasty bow in the face frame. It didnt take me long to find out what I did wrong. So I had to knock it all a part and do it again. Experience is the best teacher.
This was an incredibly helpful video! I've never seen anyone put this kind of information in one place and make it very straight forward and easy to understand. Thank you!
I would really appreciate a part 2 and why stop there? I am going to attend a woodworking school at the end of this month in the great state of Florida and I hope to see you there as an instructor. Keep the videos coming. Thank you.
Hi. I would like to say, I enjoyed your video titled "Every woodworker should know this". I think it would be great to have a part two (2). It was a pleasure watching your class. Yours with kind regards, Wayne Gammon. From Cornwall, UK.
Your knowledge is top notch, and your delivery is perfect. The, "can I get a cup of Walnut" sealed it for me. You're now my new #1 go to for all things WW.
I am getting back into woodworking now that I'm retired (im 70) and like a lot of people here I found your presentation spot on. I last did woodworking at school so am very greatful for tips and advice.
I’m really glad you informed the public about one thing in particular because it happens way too frequently but few talk about it. Wadding up rags after staining and leaving them. They certainly do generate heat and combust. I either lay them out like you mentioned or put in a metal container full of water and put a metal lid on it. Good presentation on the video too without having to go sliding across your garage floor and acting goofy. I have never played when woodworking, I’m intensely focused on what I’m doing safely and thinking a few steps ahead to avoid mistakes ahead of time. My grown son who works with me thinks I’m always angry because of this. I explained that I just really get involved and I enjoy woodworking. I’m just concentrating.
I did know just about everything you had to say, excellent tips and I feel they are essential. The only thing I could add to your video would be safety Tips. Always wear your PPE and remove loose items when working. Scary results if you don't.
I’m a retired tool and die maker, now a hobby woodworker. Loose clothes, jewelry, unrestrained long hair, (me), are not safe around power equipment. These machines will grab you, and hurt you, and they will not apologize! Safety matters!!
@@Manhandle730 Don’t know how you could infer that women should be excluded from a shop environment! My son in law can’t put a screw driver in his hand and have it pointing in the right direction!! I have worked with women in my shop and they were every bit as capable of handling their job as tool and die makers as well as their male crew members. I made absolutely no reference to excluding women from the shop. I really don’t see how you could interpret that suggestion from my comment! My comment was entirely based on a safety point of discussion and I don’t see where gender was introduced in my comment!
I've been actively woodworking for 5-6 years but I've been watching woodworking videos here on YT for at least a year before that. I learned much of this stuff before I even built my first project. I build and sell bird and squirrel feeders on Etsy. It wasn't what I intended to sell on Etsy but it's what caught on so I'm ridin' the wave. Anyway, I use cedar fence pickets for my material. One of the problems with using the fence pickets is cupping. I have worked around it for the most part but some time ago I learned something, on my own, that has made my products so much better than when I started. The grain direction. My first shot at a good project is picking the right fence pickets, of course. At the big box stores you don't always have good choices but if you look long enough, you'll find some good boards. The first thing I look for is the grain on the end of the board. The more of a "rainbow" it is, the more likely it is going to cup. I try to find something with the most vertical grain I can find. However, if I have to settle for something with a "rainbow" grain, I know that it will want to cup opposite of the grain. Like flattening the "rainbow". Knowing this, I cut and assemble my pieces in a way that minimizes the cupping effect as much as possible, and in other cases, takes advantage of it. Like using a cupped board to create a crowned base that allows the seed to fall out towards the edges and also allows water to drain away. I still don't know a lot of about wood, like how it's sawn, but using these cedar fence pickets and making these feeders, I'm learning. It's been a great experience. I love it.
That's great that you've figured that out and found great ways to work around it! Thanks for sharing what you've learned! The terms you are referring to are flat sawn (rainbow) and quarter sawn (vertical), there's also rift sawn that is going to be more at a 45 degree angle and is typically more stable than quarter sawn.
A sanding tip that was shared with me, which followed your example, next grit is 1.5 times current grit. 100*1.5=150 120*1.5=180 150*1.5=225 (or 220) Great content of common things to know!
All good information for those wanting woodwork. Additional tips; I'd never use 100 grit as a beginning grit on sanding something like rough sawn oak, you're gonna give up before you get to where you want to be. Remember than each consecutive grit is merely removing the lines from the previous grit. Sometimes skipping a grit means longer sanding time overall. It took me a while, but I've developed a penchant for a hand planed surface for oil finishes. A well tuned hand plane takes you to about a 1500 grit smoothness. Far beyond what most need to achieve, but once you've done it you want to duplicate it on some projects. A hand plane will also save a boatload of time processing rough or sketchy factory machine planed wood. No one likes to spend a lot of time sanding.
Thank you for taking the time to point out the basics, all too often the basics are overlooked and total beginners are forgotten when it comes to information like this. I for one thank you particularly where pointing out that some of the wood finishes can be flammable when not disposed of properly, I never gave that a thought so you could have possibly saved me a accidental fire, scary thought.
You're very welcome! Unfortunately a lot of people don't know about the fire hazard and it's usually a very tiny warning on the can that gets overlooked.
You were right to think this would be helpful to many. Those of us starting out are always looking for great tips. Highly skilled woodworkers probably are looking on TH-cam for tips. Thank you!!!
Awesome video, great information and terrific delivery of the material. Since almost every project starts with a box of some kind I would recommend discussing the importance of squaring and some tips on how to make and keep your project square. Thanks again, Dan.
I've been a fly by the seat of the pants woodworker for a long time. Buying wood by the board feet never made sense to me. You're the first person I've heard say the word "Volume". Ding, Ding, Ding. You solved one of my greatest woodworking mysteries with just one word. Thank you!
1 tip I could add is when making a finish cut, lay down some painters tape on the back side of the board. This will minimize splintering, similar to the blowout when drilling holes.
What a great video! I have been self-/TH-cam taught woodworking for the past three years, and I really wish that I had a video like this with so much essential and practical information concisely-and humorously-conveyed. Well done and would still love to see a part two.
I'm a 33 year old traveling foreman who is in the process of completely changing his life around so i can be home enough to pursue a small woodworking business, and hopefully grow it to more. I've been watching a lot of different channels over the past few months and i think you've given the most concise and easy to understand explanation of some of the fundamentals. These are the things i need to know. Coming from a construction background things are definitely done and looked at differently. Other channels have stuff like "25 stupid tools you don't need that will waste your money!" I just want to start in the same position and with the same basics the old school would've been taught in shop or trade school. Things like this ^ So thank you. Subscribed.
Thanks! Building a woodworking business can be rough! I hope my videos can help people get started in woodworking and save them some money as well. Transitioning from construction to furniture or especially fine woodworking can be a huge change in how you approach tasks and details. Good luck with launching the business and I'm hear if you have questions!
Watching this video brings me back to wayching mg old man making stuff when i was a kid ......me asking him a million questions and him smiling as if proud i noticed details and him answering my question ...good video brother
The spontaneous combustion is REAL. I use tung oil and linseed oil daily, and just yesterday my pile of rags began to smolder in their bucket. I empty the bucket daily and soak the rags in water. But today they were extra spicy and decided to pop off half way through the day. Don’t let this catch you off guard. Great tip.
An easier version of the sanding rule. Next grit should be less than or equal to current grit# times 1.5. They’re the same as what you were saying, but if someone doesn’t know all grit progressions or have them all layed out in order, they can still know what grit number they need.
Very nice collection of woodworking ideas and tips. Although I have heard most of these on prior occasions I value the benefits of hearing them repeated so I am less likely to forget them or skip them and expend valuable time with a failed project. Thank you for your time in putting this video together.
I have been woodworking for 50 years plus and I truly enjoyed your video. It was not only refreshing but a refresher to get back doing more woodwork. Thank you I learned!
I have to say I have watched a lot of woodworking and wood shop videos.But yours are the ones that constantly ring a bell in my memory. Thank you for all of the information and the insights that you provide. You truly are an asset to the community and may you be blessed.
Here's a neat trick. For shallow dings and scratches in a board put a few drops of water on the defect and heat it with a clothes iron. The steam raises the grain. I've made small dings disappear and you don't have to go as deep to sand out scratches.
* Just found your Channel* Some good basic chips. Although on the rough Sawen, Piece of lumber I would have started with a 60-Grit Eighty and then the one twenty, And depending on what i'm doing I'd use a 320. Thanks for sharing.Keep up the great work by for now.Your new friend Ken God bless. I look forward to hear from you.
You nailed it. Great content, I stumbled on your channel while cruising around TH-cam. As one of the other commenters (Steveschultz300) said about basic knowledge and innate understanding not being there in younger folks is true. I know most of the things you touched base on and you reminded me of a few that I put in a far corner of my mind, thank you for your clear insights. I am so glad I went through my high school vocational program years ago. Educators need to bring back the vocational and home economics classes, so the younger people can get hands on experience for a better start for the real world!
7:53 Another "rule of thumb" I recently heard for sanding is to only go up by no more than 50% of your grit. So if you start at 100 grit, your next step is 150. 50% of that is 75 so 225 would be the highest we could go so we select 220 as its under that value. For some reason the math version just resonates with me more even though it ends up being the same thing 🙄
I suggest shop safety - starting with eye, ear and lung protection. Eyes cannot be replaced. Lungs can be replaced (at a hideous cost). Eyes cannot be replaced Hearing can be augmented, but that costs too. And if you develop tinnitus, that never goes away. I have it and it is not fun - but my reason for that is because I am a USMC combat veteran.) When shopping for eye, ear and lung protection, smart woodworkers shop for best protection instead of lowest price!
The first time I used linseed oil I wasn’t told about the spontaneous combustion and I smelt it before it light but my rag was almost black and smoking sitting on my bench. Scary stuff and thanks so much for teaching that specifically
Thanks so much for sharing, I enjoy working with wood but my finishing was never the best this will help immensely. I like the way you have explained everything It will be much easier to remember.
Wish I had seen your video a few years ago. Very good tips and great presentation. Learned a few good tips, love to see part 2, i subscribed. One tip I picked up from others on sanding is to go up in grit by half the previous value, easier for me to remember: example sequence 100>150>220
Thank you for being so clear, concise and giving only the information people want to know. To many videos of people discussing woodworking, but take 5 minutes to actually get to what we want to hear. Great job and Thank You!!
About sanding to finish. I suggest scraping with a card or a scraper plane and just a quick hand sanding with the finest paper you have. This save a lot of time, a lot of dust and it's quiet and good exercise.
When I find myself stacking up so many takeaways that it would be impractical to take notes on them all, I know I’ve found an excellent instructor. Kudos to you and this Channel! I just subscribed as a result.
This is one of the best woodworking videos I’ve seen-out of hundreds. I knew a good portion of your hints, but still learned a lot. My wife overheard the video while she was working in the kitchen, and she spontaneously commented “that was really good!” She is a tough critic especially about subjects in which she has little interest. Well done.
3:50 is life saving info. I learned the hard way working with flooring about 8 months ago. Lucky, blessed, or all of the above I was only left with a 2 inch scar in my chest that didn’t require any doctors to close up. And a lesson I’ll never forget.
Just an FYI. Cutting hardwoods short and then sneaking up on the cut of the same board is the best way to get exact cuts. However, this depends on the blade you’re using. Miter saws are made for thin kerf blades. These blades notorious for deflecting when cutting very dense hard woods (bubinga, ebony, jatoba, etc.) especially when you’re trying to give it a shave on the end grain.
Thank you for talking about the finishing rags after being used and to dry. I have heard about oily rags from elementary school fire fighters just did not think of them for finishes. Thank you. Bruce
I didn’t know that you should let the rags dry overbite before disposing. That’s excellent advice. Thank you. By the way, your presentation skills are outstanding.
Thanks for the video! A lot of great tips in here that I wish I knew when I first started getting into woodworking 😂 The only tip I maybe disagree with is that I used to do a lot more “relative dimensioning” when I first started and noticed that my projects would come out not square or would otherwise be “off” inexplicably. I came to realize that subtle differences in measurements would add up over the course of the build. Now, when I measure every step of the way, it keeps myself in check and ensures everything is square, sides match up etc.
Relative dimensioning has to be done properly and at the right time. I was very precise and using exact measurements when building the dresser case I show in the video. But when it comes down to stretchers and drawers, it doesn't matter if the plan said 18" and the actual dimension is 18-3/32". However if I cut my board to 18" because that is what the plan said it should be, it would be too short and a waste of material.
@@biscuittreewoodworks makes perfect sense. I was just thinking that there is probably a difference between case dimensions vs stretchers and drawers like you mentioned. Cheers!
Excellent video! I taught beginner woodworking classes and could have saved myself a lot of time by just showing your video. A Part II will be most welcome!
This was very helpful! Even though I worked construction with my father when I was young. I only started getting into finer woodworking then because I went into electronics and computer engineering instead. But I always loved building things with my dad and treasure those times. Now that the kids are out of the house I am setting up a shop in the basement. I am starting to work on furniture and enclosures for my audio equipment projects. It's a good mix for me and these videos are extremely helpful to be able to do it right. Keep them coming. Thx
This was awesome. I’m a hobbyist and (cost-wise) am still stuck using construction grade pine for 98% of everything I do. I knew some of these tips but also a lot. Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing more. 🙂
Cracking delivery! Clear diction, no wasted time, and the explanation of "board feet" was good. I used to find the quantity mentioned in US plans. It's essentially, I see from your explanation, the equivalent of 1/12th of a cubic foot (144 cubic inches is 1/12th of 1,728 cubic inches, which is a cubic foot) In the UK they used to price timber per cubic foot, before resawing, so you paid for the sawdust that was produced, too... I suppose someone has to... I remember finding the price of Hemlock timber at £60 per cubic foot too expensive for me, so I used a cheaper pine variant... Better tan attending a class with others, since the delivery's so often interrupted by questions.
I have found 3 sawmills with in 25 miles. 2 have kiln dried and 1 sells his wood after sitting 2 years in pole barn out of the weather. It is cheaper and they give me all types of advice. The main saw mill I buy from also puts a 1 side laser cut to help me mill it down at home with my tablesaw, lunch box planer, and miter saw.
That's great! Air dried typically looks better than kiln dried, but takes much longer and needs to be done properly. If you have a good resource, hold on to it!
Great video. I would strongly encourage round two when you have time. These are great tips for beginners and reminders even for the more experienced. Thanks for putting it together!!
Sure, I find this video After I've been to the lumber yard. Thankfully the guy there was super nice, and he just pointed to the pile and I picked. Now I know what 8/8th is. Dude was even nice enough to let me grab some walnut scraps. Thanks for the video. It was very useful info for a newby.
That's great to hear! I've found most of the time the people working the lumber yards are very nice and helpful. Every once in a while you get someone who is impatient with beginners.
Excellent video! I've been working with wood for a long time but not on a daily or even weekly basis unless I start a project here. I found these tips to be very helpful and useful. Thanks for sharing, I always look forward to your uploads 👍
This is your first video I’ve seen . While this was not new information for me it was extremely well presented. I would not hesitate to direct someone to this video .
I’m not a very good wood worker. However your video has made me much more knowledgeable at working with wood. Your video is the best information video that I’ve ever watched. And I use you tube a lot for information.
I work in marketing and I’ve seen, reviewed, critiqued tens of thousands of videos in my time; I’ve been a part of TV commercial shoots, photo shoots, and I have to say that your presentation skills are excellent. You’re clear and concise, and your content is easy to understand because of your style of delivery. Keep up the good work! I’m now a fan!
Thank you!
Your cool
I agree completely. I have done similar work for a number of customers (organization development consultant) and feel this would be a great example to show others. Engaging, comfortable eye contact, natural and helpful body language, succinct, focused on the outcome/results. I subscribed because I know I will enjoy listening to him.
@@biscuittreewoodworks😊
You are right, and furthermore his awesome personality shines right through. Genuine and funny.
I work at a well known national woodworking chain store. Every week I mentor/speak with loads of people that are just getting started in woodworking. I think this is due to the bone headed decisions by school districts in getting rid of "shop" classes. These videos seem so simplistic and redundant; BUT they are so important! The dearth of basic knowledge and innate understanding is just not there in todays younger folks.
The other thing is this; we old timers need to step up and mentor the younger ones. We have to step out of our dusty shops and encourage the next generation to try this amazing craft.
Keep up with this style of video. It is very much needed.👍
Thanks, at first I felt this information was so basic no one would appreciate it. But I remember back to a time when I could have used this information and it would have saved me time or materials, so I thought it might help someone just starting out. If we don't teach the younger generation, they will struggle to figure it out so let's teach them what we know so they can build upon that and go further than we could imagine!
@@biscuittreewoodworksThe last time I did any woodworking before I moved into my current home was in Junior high school....35 years ago. The little bit I learned then has long since been lost. I also don't know a lot of people to learn these things from directly so every tip I hear is a kernel of wisdom. I appreciate you sharing this.
@@Citadel1974 That's how it was for me. I took shop when I was 12, and I was bored to tears. By the time I finally got interested, it was over 30 years later and I didn't remember a single thing.
yeah, in Portland it once upon had the most vaunted technical high school nationwide, that is till leftists gained power and put the kibosh to it after 100 years of teaching common sense and the trades...
I had shop class in school. It was fun. Decades later I started fixing things around house and found woodworking is still fun.
I did know everything in the video. I have been a hobby woodworker for 35 years. But I watched anyway because even after 35 years it’s good to have these basics reinforced once in a while And you never know when you might learn something new. It’s easy to take these things for granted. Really well done. Gotta tell ya it’s the first time watching one of your videos and by the title I was expecting some stupid gimmicks,not true basics that every woodworker really does need to know.
Thanks! I try to provide the information I wish I had a few years ago! I don't want to shill gimmicks and waste people's time!
Agreed. Getting back into woodworking after a hiatus and hearing the basics again was very helpful.
I came to say something similar, but I've only been a woodworker for around 10 years. Thank for the refresher though, now, time to check out your other videos.
I’ve been working with wood for well over 50 yrs.,,,but,,, a good update is always welcome…Thanks for your explanation of sanding paper…You explained it very well…I am in the process of buying another sander…I already have an 8” belt sander and two finishing sanders…Which brand do you recommend for an orbital sander ???
Same here. I started woodworking in 1991 and have been a hobby woodworker ever since. Very nice job explaining the basics.
I'd like to add that I've been to numerous hardwood dealers and I've not met a single one that isn't happy to teach you the ropes (and lingo) of the hardwood store. If you don't know what 8 quarter, or rough sawn, book matched, or quarter sawn means, they are happy to teach you. These guys (and gals) LOVE wood and the only thing they love more than wood is imparting their knowledge of wood onto the new comer.
How about "Board feet"! What a silly designation and transparent trick to confuse people with to sell them more lumber than needed, and all the wrong cuts and dimensions! Trying to buy lumber using them is a ploy to keep people in the store way longer than needed so the place looks busier! It has zero to do with woodworking, true measurement or dimensions..., and everything to do with the final price, which I cannot get around anyhow.
Last time someone tried to pull that shit on me and asked "How many board feet do you need?" I said: "Here are the dimensions, you can do the math and figure out how many board feet that is, don't make me do it"! If I had answered his stupid question he still would have no clue what to give me!
Alex, I'll take "Things that never happened" for 500 please!
Most of the time that is correct, but I've run into a few that were not so helpful and understanding. One of the first places I ever went to for hardwood was terrible and I never went back. They wouldn't let me look at the lumber selection or pick my boards, I had to place my order in the office and they brought out only the amount I ordered on a fork truck. What I got was clearly the stuff their big customers didn't want. Everywhere else I've gone though has given me free reign of the place to pick out exactly what I want.
I've been woodworking since the age of 10. My grampa, a master cabinet, and furniture maker, taught me. I loved spending time in his shop since I could walk. By 10, I had already learned to sharpen chisels and plane irons, and Grampa thought it was time to teach me about both handwork and the machines.
My point is at 63, I've learned a lot since 10 and I have to say that was an excellent presentation. You covered all of the important subjects that I think are vital to any new woodworker. There are too many TH-cam woodworkers who skip safety procedures or teach shortcuts, which can lead to dangerous accidents. But they do care as long as they get the clicks for their videos. You should do a part two. I like your style and you are well-spoken. I'm going to keep following to see what is next!
Thank you!
Clear and simple. Excellent video. Keep them coming!
You sir, from a career educator, are a natural born teacher. Thank you!
Thank you!
I have over 20 year experience in building cabinets. I agree with all the tips suggested here. The only thing I would add is on the tip at 5:50, I always reference my piece in the corner of the cabinet. This way, if there is a bow in the hanging rail or face frame, when you mark, cut and install it it will be too long. Marking your piece in the corner of the cabinet insures you get that piece the exact width it needs to be. That puts both the hanging rail and face frame iin the proper alignment so the cabinet ends up the exact same width in the center as it is on the ends.
You are correct, typically you want to take the measurement from the end that is fully supported so you don't have a bow in the case. That's exactly how I made the center dividers that will be shown in a future video when this dresser is completed. Thanks for keeping me straight!
@@biscuittreewoodworks No problem. I learned the hard way in a similar situation one time. I had measured in the center of the cabinet to put in a support like you did here. Got it glued in and noticed a nasty bow in the face frame. It didnt take me long to find out what I did wrong. So I had to knock it all a part and do it again. Experience is the best teacher.
Wow! I just commented on that! Drop the relative measurement philosophy! It does not work in this case.
1:23 “…can I borrow a cup of walnut?” 😂
This was an incredibly helpful video! I've never seen anyone put this kind of information in one place and make it very straight forward and easy to understand. Thank you!
I'm glad it's helpful!
I would really appreciate a part 2 and why stop there? I am going to attend a woodworking school at the end of this month in the great state of Florida and I hope to see you there as an instructor. Keep the videos coming. Thank you.
Thanks! All my teaching is done online at the moment, but maybe one day... Thanks for watching!
No such place as the great state of Florida, it’s a hellhole.
Ian grateful for the thought that went into this video. Your presentation abilities are top drawer. Don’t stop now. Great stuff
Thanks 👍
Hi.
I would like to say, I enjoyed your video titled "Every woodworker should know this".
I think it would be great to have a part two (2). It was a pleasure watching your class.
Yours with kind regards, Wayne Gammon. From Cornwall, UK.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
I’m 50 and am just getting into wood working. Tip and tricks is what I’m looking for to make wood working fun. Thank you Sir! For sharing
That's awesome! Glad I can help!
Your knowledge is top notch, and your delivery is perfect. The, "can I get a cup of Walnut" sealed it for me. You're now my new #1 go to for all things WW.
I love that part! Glad you enjoyed it!
I am getting back into woodworking now that I'm retired (im 70) and like a lot of people here I found your presentation spot on. I last did woodworking at school so am very greatful for tips and advice.
Glad to help!
Simple, basic, direct, essential and to the point. Bravo 👏
Thank you and thanks for watching!
I’m really glad you informed the public about one thing in particular because it happens way too frequently but few talk about it. Wadding up rags after staining and leaving them. They certainly do generate heat and combust. I either lay them out like you mentioned or put in a metal container full of water and put a metal lid on it. Good presentation on the video too without having to go sliding across your garage floor and acting goofy. I have never played when woodworking, I’m intensely focused on what I’m doing safely and thinking a few steps ahead to avoid mistakes ahead of time. My grown son who works with me thinks I’m always angry because of this. I explained that I just really get involved and I enjoy woodworking. I’m just concentrating.
Glad you liked it! I try to be informative and entertaining without being way too goofy.
I did know just about everything you had to say, excellent tips and I feel they are essential. The only thing I could add to your video would be safety Tips. Always wear your PPE and remove loose items when working. Scary results if you don't.
Very true! Thanks for watching!
I’m a retired tool and die maker, now a hobby woodworker. Loose clothes, jewelry, unrestrained long hair, (me), are not safe around power equipment. These machines will grab you, and hurt you, and they will not apologize! Safety matters!!
@@chriscarter7182 so…..no women allowed out in the shop? Thats a bold stance but ok.
@@Manhandle730 Don’t know how you could infer that women should be excluded from a shop environment! My son in law can’t put a screw driver in his hand and have it pointing in the right direction!! I have worked with women in my shop and they were every bit as capable of handling their job as tool and die makers as well as their male crew members. I made absolutely no reference to excluding women from the shop. I really don’t see how you could interpret that suggestion from my comment! My comment was entirely based on a safety point of discussion and I don’t see where gender was introduced in my comment!
I've been actively woodworking for 5-6 years but I've been watching woodworking videos here on YT for at least a year before that. I learned much of this stuff before I even built my first project.
I build and sell bird and squirrel feeders on Etsy. It wasn't what I intended to sell on Etsy but it's what caught on so I'm ridin' the wave. Anyway, I use cedar fence pickets for my material. One of the problems with using the fence pickets is cupping. I have worked around it for the most part but some time ago I learned something, on my own, that has made my products so much better than when I started. The grain direction.
My first shot at a good project is picking the right fence pickets, of course. At the big box stores you don't always have good choices but if you look long enough, you'll find some good boards. The first thing I look for is the grain on the end of the board. The more of a "rainbow" it is, the more likely it is going to cup. I try to find something with the most vertical grain I can find. However, if I have to settle for something with a "rainbow" grain, I know that it will want to cup opposite of the grain. Like flattening the "rainbow". Knowing this, I cut and assemble my pieces in a way that minimizes the cupping effect as much as possible, and in other cases, takes advantage of it. Like using a cupped board to create a crowned base that allows the seed to fall out towards the edges and also allows water to drain away.
I still don't know a lot of about wood, like how it's sawn, but using these cedar fence pickets and making these feeders, I'm learning. It's been a great experience. I love it.
That's great that you've figured that out and found great ways to work around it! Thanks for sharing what you've learned!
The terms you are referring to are flat sawn (rainbow) and quarter sawn (vertical), there's also rift sawn that is going to be more at a 45 degree angle and is typically more stable than quarter sawn.
This channel will be growing quickly, keep up the good work!
Thank you!
A sanding tip that was shared with me, which followed your example, next grit is 1.5 times current grit.
100*1.5=150
120*1.5=180
150*1.5=225 (or 220)
Great content of common things to know!
Yes, that method works as well! Use whichever is easier for you to remember! Thanks for watching!
All good information for those wanting woodwork. Additional tips; I'd never use 100 grit as a beginning grit on sanding something like rough sawn oak, you're gonna give up before you get to where you want to be. Remember than each consecutive grit is merely removing the lines from the previous grit. Sometimes skipping a grit means longer sanding time overall. It took me a while, but I've developed a penchant for a hand planed surface for oil finishes. A well tuned hand plane takes you to about a 1500 grit smoothness. Far beyond what most need to achieve, but once you've done it you want to duplicate it on some projects. A hand plane will also save a boatload of time processing rough or sketchy factory machine planed wood. No one likes to spend a lot of time sanding.
I agree, I love using my hand planes! Just not very beginner friendly for this video!
Thank you for taking the time to point out the basics, all too often the basics are overlooked and total beginners are forgotten when it comes to information like this. I for one thank you particularly where pointing out that some of the wood finishes can be flammable when not disposed of properly, I never gave that a thought so you could have possibly saved me a accidental fire, scary thought.
You're very welcome! Unfortunately a lot of people don't know about the fire hazard and it's usually a very tiny warning on the can that gets overlooked.
Strong presentation!
Very impressed, I’ll definitely be following your channel.
Thank you!
You were right to think this would be helpful to many. Those of us starting out are always looking for great tips. Highly skilled woodworkers probably are looking on TH-cam for tips. Thank you!!!
That's great to hear! I'm glad so many have found these tips helpful!
Awesome video, great information and terrific delivery of the material. Since almost every project starts with a box of some kind I would recommend discussing the importance of squaring and some tips on how to make and keep your project square. Thanks again, Dan.
Thank you! I’ll keep that in mind for a future video!
I've been a fly by the seat of the pants woodworker for a long time. Buying wood by the board feet never made sense to me. You're the first person I've heard say the word "Volume". Ding, Ding, Ding. You solved one of my greatest woodworking mysteries with just one word. Thank you!
That's great! So glad I could help!
1 tip I could add is when making a finish cut, lay down some painters tape on the back side of the board. This will minimize splintering, similar to the blowout when drilling holes.
That's a good trick as well!
What a great video! I have been self-/TH-cam taught woodworking for the past three years, and I really wish that I had a video like this with so much essential and practical information concisely-and humorously-conveyed. Well done and would still love to see a part two.
Same here! I learned most of this from the many mistakes I've made over the years!
Thanks for the reminder on the shop rags. They certainly can spontaneously combust if not properly handled.
Happy to help! Stay safe!
I'm a 33 year old traveling foreman who is in the process of completely changing his life around so i can be home enough to pursue a small woodworking business, and hopefully grow it to more. I've been watching a lot of different channels over the past few months and i think you've given the most concise and easy to understand explanation of some of the fundamentals. These are the things i need to know. Coming from a construction background things are definitely done and looked at differently. Other channels have stuff like "25 stupid tools you don't need that will waste your money!" I just want to start in the same position and with the same basics the old school would've been taught in shop or trade school. Things like this ^ So thank you. Subscribed.
Thanks! Building a woodworking business can be rough! I hope my videos can help people get started in woodworking and save them some money as well. Transitioning from construction to furniture or especially fine woodworking can be a huge change in how you approach tasks and details. Good luck with launching the business and I'm hear if you have questions!
Thank you. I learned more in this video than many hours of other’s videos.
Subscribed !
Great to hear! Thanks!
Watching this video brings me back to wayching mg old man making stuff when i was a kid ......me asking him a million questions and him smiling as if proud i noticed details and him answering my question ...good video brother
That's awesome! Thanks!
this should be mandatory shop class intro for every school
Thanks! I appreciate the vote of confidence!
The spontaneous combustion is REAL. I use tung oil and linseed oil daily, and just yesterday my pile of rags began to smolder in their bucket. I empty the bucket daily and soak the rags in water. But today they were extra spicy and decided to pop off half way through the day.
Don’t let this catch you off guard. Great tip.
Glad you got to them in time!
An easier version of the sanding rule. Next grit should be less than or equal to current grit# times 1.5. They’re the same as what you were saying, but if someone doesn’t know all grit progressions or have them all layed out in order, they can still know what grit number they need.
That works too if it’s easier for you!
I'd say this is more universal but not easier
Very nice collection of woodworking ideas and tips. Although I have heard most of these on prior occasions I value the benefits of hearing them repeated so I am less likely to forget them or skip them and expend valuable time with a failed project. Thank you for your time in putting this video together.
Glad you found it helpful!
This is always good to review and remind myself of the basics, and at my age reminding is good.
Thanks!
I have been woodworking for 50 years plus and I truly enjoyed your video.
It was not only refreshing but a refresher to get back doing more woodwork. Thank you I learned!
Thank you very much!
Nothing new, but always good to be reminded once in a while.
Great presentation, subscribing…
Thanks for the sub!
I have to say I have watched a lot of woodworking and wood shop videos.But yours are the ones that constantly ring a bell in my memory. Thank you for all of the information and the insights that you provide. You truly are an asset to the community and may you be blessed.
Wow, thank you!
Here's a neat trick. For shallow dings and scratches in a board put a few drops of water on the defect and heat it with a clothes iron. The steam raises the grain. I've made small dings disappear and you don't have to go as deep to sand out scratches.
That is a good one, thanks!
* Just found your Channel* Some good basic chips. Although on the rough Sawen, Piece of lumber I would have started with a 60-Grit Eighty and then the one twenty, And depending on what i'm doing I'd use a 320. Thanks for sharing.Keep up the great work by for now.Your new friend Ken God bless. I look forward to hear from you.
You nailed it. Great content, I stumbled on your channel while cruising around TH-cam. As one of the other commenters (Steveschultz300) said about basic knowledge and innate understanding not being there in younger folks is true. I know most of the things you touched base on and you reminded me of a few that I put in a far corner of my mind, thank you for your clear insights. I am so glad I went through my high school vocational program years ago. Educators need to bring back the vocational and home economics classes, so the younger people can get hands on experience for a better start for the real world!
Too much time spent playing on the computers and phones, not many people learning actual skills these days!
7:53 Another "rule of thumb" I recently heard for sanding is to only go up by no more than 50% of your grit. So if you start at 100 grit, your next step is 150. 50% of that is 75 so 225 would be the highest we could go so we select 220 as its under that value.
For some reason the math version just resonates with me more even though it ends up being the same thing 🙄
Yep, I’ve heard that one. Both work so whichever one is easier for you to remember!
Very well put material. At this point I'm a hobbyist woodworker but have done a lot on my own. But I did learn from this video. Thank you.
Great to hear!
Bring on part 2! Very helpful tips!
Will do!
I suggest shop safety - starting with eye, ear and lung protection.
Eyes cannot be replaced.
Lungs can be replaced (at a hideous cost).
Eyes cannot be replaced
Hearing can be augmented, but that costs too. And if you develop tinnitus, that never goes away. I have it and it is not fun - but my reason for that is because I am a USMC combat veteran.)
When shopping for eye, ear and lung protection, smart woodworkers shop for best protection instead of lowest price!
The first time I used linseed oil I wasn’t told about the spontaneous combustion and I smelt it before it light but my rag was almost black and smoking sitting on my bench. Scary stuff and thanks so much for teaching that specifically
Yikes! That's scary! Glad you got to it in time!
Yes.... Make a part 2!
Just released a similar video incorporating these kind of tips into a full project build! Be sure to check it out!
I'm a schoolteacher. You did a perfect job presenting and demonstrating the content you shared with the audience. You get an 'A'.
Yay! Thank you!
Part 2 would be awesome!
Blessings ❤
Thank you!
Great advice. Plus i like your video style, no annoying stand-up comedy or heavy metal background music. Thank you.
Good to hear!
“No one wants a nasty blowout on the backside 😂
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for that😂
@@kevinamack6 that's why we have "DEPENDS "?
Literally came up while I'm on the toilet 😂
Thanks so much for sharing, I enjoy working with wood but my finishing was never the best this will help immensely.
I like the way you have explained everything It will be much easier to remember.
Great to hear!
can i get a cup of walnut lol
👍😂😂😂
Wish I had seen your video a few years ago. Very good tips and great presentation. Learned a few good tips, love to see part 2, i subscribed. One tip I picked up from others on sanding is to go up in grit by half the previous value, easier for me to remember: example sequence 100>150>220
Awesome, thank you! That method works as well, I just find it easier to remember not to skip more than one grit. Whichever works for you is fine!
After woodworking for 55 years, I actually learned something from this gentleman. So glad to have found this channel.
That’s great! Glad I could share something new with you!
This was very clear, concise, and very much to the point …. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
Thank you for being so clear, concise and giving only the information people want to know. To many videos of people discussing woodworking, but take 5 minutes to actually get to what we want to hear. Great job and Thank You!!
I appreciate that!
This was awesome. 👏🏾 thank you so much. I’m 47 and just starting to learn. This taught me so much. Thank you,
You are so welcome!
About sanding to finish. I suggest scraping with a card or a scraper plane and just a quick hand sanding with the finest paper you have.
This save a lot of time, a lot of dust and it's quiet and good exercise.
That can save a lot of time. Some beginners will find hand tools intimidating and difficult to use at first, but once you learn it's so much better.
I'm a longtime wood worker but when I first started out this would have been exactly what I needed to know. Great video.
Thanks 👍
When I find myself stacking up so many takeaways that it would be impractical to take notes on them all, I know I’ve found an excellent instructor. Kudos to you and this Channel! I just subscribed as a result.
Thank you! I'm glad you found the video helpful!
This is one of the best woodworking videos I’ve seen-out of hundreds. I knew a good portion of your hints, but still learned a lot. My wife overheard the video while she was working in the kitchen, and she spontaneously commented “that was really good!” She is a tough critic especially about subjects in which she has little interest. Well done.
Wow, thanks!
This is such a great sampling of tips and insights. Truly stellar video! Please make another one of these!
Thank you! Will do!
3:50 is life saving info. I learned the hard way working with flooring about 8 months ago. Lucky, blessed, or all of the above I was only left with a 2 inch scar in my chest that didn’t require any doctors to close up. And a lesson I’ll never forget.
That is a scary and painful way to learn that lesson!
Awesome video. All these are FAQ from beginners. I need to get one of those depth stop bits...
Glad it was helpful!
Just an FYI. Cutting hardwoods short and then sneaking up on the cut of the same board is the best way to get exact cuts. However, this depends on the blade you’re using. Miter saws are made for thin kerf blades. These blades notorious for deflecting when cutting very dense hard woods (bubinga, ebony, jatoba, etc.) especially when you’re trying to give it a shave on the end grain.
True, same technique can be used at the table saw if you are having issues with blade deflection in very dense woods.
Thank-you for producing a wonderful easy to watch and understand video, I for one would love to see another one.
Thanks! Be sure to check out my latest video for more!
Keep them coming. Very useful and the way you present the information is spot on. I'm semi new, so I am trying to learn all I can. Thank you.
Thanks!
Thank you for talking about the finishing rags after being used and to dry. I have heard about oily rags from elementary school fire fighters just did not think of them for finishes. Thank you. Bruce
Glad I could help!
Thank you those were very helpful. There were a number of things that I knew but were great reminders and others, new. Awesome video !!👍
Thank you!
Excellent and honest advice in all areas. I am an experienced wood worker and found every single tip to be honest and accurate. THANK YOU
Thanks 👍
I didn’t know that you should let the rags dry overbite before disposing. That’s excellent advice. Thank you. By the way, your presentation skills are outstanding.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent Info. I have lots of tools, now I just need to start using them! Thanks for sharing.
That’s where the fun starts!
Excellent video, I”m a Newbie and am learning every day!❤
Thanks! Hope these are helping people get started!
Thanks for the video! A lot of great tips in here that I wish I knew when I first started getting into woodworking 😂
The only tip I maybe disagree with is that I used to do a lot more “relative dimensioning” when I first started and noticed that my projects would come out not square or would otherwise be “off” inexplicably. I came to realize that subtle differences in measurements would add up over the course of the build. Now, when I measure every step of the way, it keeps myself in check and ensures everything is square, sides match up etc.
Relative dimensioning has to be done properly and at the right time. I was very precise and using exact measurements when building the dresser case I show in the video. But when it comes down to stretchers and drawers, it doesn't matter if the plan said 18" and the actual dimension is 18-3/32". However if I cut my board to 18" because that is what the plan said it should be, it would be too short and a waste of material.
@@biscuittreewoodworks makes perfect sense. I was just thinking that there is probably a difference between case dimensions vs stretchers and drawers like you mentioned. Cheers!
Thank you. About to begin a post retirement wood project binge to decorate my new lake home. I plan on employing everyone of these suggestions.
Best of luck!
I'm just now starting out and this was VERY helpful and not too much talking! GREAT job and THANK YOU!
Glad it was helpful!
I have to agree with a lot of the comments below. Very good, very enjoyable video. Moves quickly and didn't waste a lot of my time on useless filler.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent video! I taught beginner woodworking classes and could have saved myself a lot of time by just showing your video. A Part II will be most welcome!
Great to hear! I'm glad that so many are finding my videos helpful!
New to woodworking. I found this very helpful especially sanding grits and info on discarding rags. Thank you.
Very welcome!
i knew most of what you said here . i do have trouble selecting proper sand paper. you cleared up that problem. Thanks!
Glad to help!
This was very helpful! Even though I worked construction with my father when I was young. I only started getting into finer woodworking then because I went into electronics and computer engineering instead. But I always loved building things with my dad and treasure those times. Now that the kids are out of the house I am setting up a shop in the basement. I am starting to work on furniture and enclosures for my audio equipment projects. It's a good mix for me and these videos are extremely helpful to be able to do it right. Keep them coming. Thx
That's great! Glad the videos are helping!
This was awesome. I’m a hobbyist and (cost-wise) am still stuck using construction grade pine for 98% of everything I do. I knew some of these tips but also a lot. Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing more. 🙂
Glad it was helpful!
Cracking delivery! Clear diction, no wasted time, and the explanation of "board feet" was good. I used to find the quantity mentioned in US plans. It's essentially, I see from your explanation, the equivalent of 1/12th of a cubic foot (144 cubic inches is 1/12th of 1,728 cubic inches, which is a cubic foot) In the UK they used to price timber per cubic foot, before resawing, so you paid for the sawdust that was produced, too... I suppose someone has to... I remember finding the price of Hemlock timber at £60 per cubic foot too expensive for me, so I used a cheaper pine variant...
Better tan attending a class with others, since the delivery's so often interrupted by questions.
Thanks! Glad it's helpful!
I have found 3 sawmills with in 25 miles. 2 have kiln dried and 1 sells his wood after sitting 2 years in pole barn out of the weather. It is cheaper and they give me all types of advice. The main saw mill I buy from also puts a 1 side laser cut to help me mill it down at home with my tablesaw, lunch box planer, and miter saw.
That's great! Air dried typically looks better than kiln dried, but takes much longer and needs to be done properly. If you have a good resource, hold on to it!
WOW ... Very educational. My wife is a bit of a woodwork hobbyist. She is going to love this. Thanks
Awesome! Glad it was helpful!
I have BSE in industrial arts education. You are the best I have seen . Very clear and accurate, no nonsense approach.
Thank you!
@@biscuittreewoodworks forgot to tell you I subscribed
@@rickallen9382 Welcome aboard!
aircraft mechanic here doing novice woodworking. This is some Great info thanks for making it ....
Thanks for watching!
You do a great job, breaking it down for anyone to understand.
Thanks! I'm glad my approach is helpful!
Thank you. Very informative and well presented video. I learnt a few new tips, and some were just good reminders. Please do more videos like these.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. I would strongly encourage round two when you have time. These are great tips for beginners and reminders even for the more experienced. Thanks for putting it together!!
Awesome! Thank you!
Sure, I find this video After I've been to the lumber yard. Thankfully the guy there was super nice, and he just pointed to the pile and I picked. Now I know what 8/8th is. Dude was even nice enough to let me grab some walnut scraps.
Thanks for the video. It was very useful info for a newby.
That's great to hear! I've found most of the time the people working the lumber yards are very nice and helpful. Every once in a while you get someone who is impatient with beginners.
Great video, concise, easy to understand and no gimmicky “link down below.” Keep it up.
Thanks! I try to keep it very informative as much as possible!
This video is probably the best educational I’ve viewed and I hope you do more thanks from the uk
I have more on my channel and even more to be released soon!
I knew about boiled linseed oil combusting. I didn't know about others.
Thank you. Great info!!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video! I've been working with wood for a long time but not on a daily or even weekly basis unless I start a project here. I found these tips to be very helpful and useful. Thanks for sharing, I always look forward to your uploads 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful, thank you. Part 2 please?
Adding it to my list!
This is your first video I’ve seen . While this was not new information for me it was extremely well presented. I would not hesitate to direct someone to this video .
Thanks!
I’m not a very good wood worker. However your video has made me much more knowledgeable at working with wood. Your video is the best information video that I’ve ever watched. And I use you tube a lot for information.
Wow, thanks!
Yes, this was helpful. the use of the different grit levels of sandpaper was very helpful
Awesome! Glad it helps!