5 Pro Secrets for the Best Box Beams

[@northcountryhermit5057]

Yeah....no. far too complicated. I just got some old BARNBOARD and slapped it together. Guess what?! Looks GREAT! Too much overengineering....ugh

[@znk0r]

care to share some pictures or video?

[@egghead1093]

this guy is a master craftsman, which requires a high level of detail.

[@tracyk3567]

😂 I hear you, Hermit. Same here. I appreciate craftsmanship, but after 30 years in construction, you realize every little thing you do physically hurts you later in life. You have to really really like being a perfectionist or it’s not worth it. But I’m sure his customers expect perfection also, so...

[@omeletpants]

@@tracyk3567 Keep lowering your standards.Thank god you didnt work on my house. Hack

[@GOLDFOLDS1]

Some of us appreciate excellence.. others, are forever mediocre. suck it

[@ReadyforHiscoming]

Thank you for taking the time to pass along your skill and experience to give a truly professional and craftsman oriented product. Your efforts are not in vain, and I am learning so much from you even at half a century old. Lol I appreciate the time and attention to detail you provide with clear and concise instruction and video. Please continue and thanks again!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You're most welcome CC... BTW I just finished shooting video showing the tools and techniques I used for the 'aged hand scraped/hewn texture on the beams and hope to upload it next weekend. It's really a fun project so I'm glad to share it, especially when viewers like you benefit from the effort. Best, Matt

[@charliek9742]

I'm an advanced level, non-professional woodworker and I have to say that this is VERY impressive. Those joints are absolutely perfect! The detail and explanation for why each "secret" is needed adds so much value to the entire process. Great job!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for your 'review', Charlie... much appreciated. FWIW I'm gearing up for another faux beam project that involves about 150lf of similar beams where I plan to use the very same method of fabrication... if it's not broke, don't fix it, right? Best, Matt

[@DavidKirba]

What a pleasure to watch someone who takes pride in their work work :)

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin David... I find it is a necessity when being self-employed and working for Discerning clients. Best, Matt

[@FrankGreggmusic]

Formerly a wood butcher I'm now a novice woodworker. While I may never build box beams, watching this video taught me several great tips I can use in many other projects. Well done!

[@irishhandyman2009]

The cutting of the 45+ degree angle for me, was the best trick. The spreaders inside were great too. I love sitting with my coffee on a Sunday morn and learning from a master. Oh, and as far as sharing, only to the ones who AREN'T my competition. In fact I keep telling them the interweb thing is a passing fad. Great work Matt. Love your videos. Thanks.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Not sharing with competition... LOL... thanks for the compliment John Boy! Best, Matt

[@zee-lucra4471]

Clap Clap Clap this is the sound of my hands after seeing 3 videos of you. The attention to detail is what I live for. I past my entire life with regrets for not having followed my path to become a carpenter which I wanted since I was 13 years old. You do a wonderfull job and your results are outstanding. I have only one word to resume my impressions... RESPECT!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment here Zee! Best, Matt

[@pterafirma]

8-1/2 minutes into this, you've convinced me to do something I thought I'd never do - buy a plate joiner. I always figured they were a gimmick, and stuck with dowels. But at the same time, I dread clamping the hell out of that damn dowel jig and it _still_ managing to creep around while I'm drilling, and then having to beat the assembly to death with a rubber mallet.

[@rickolson9011]

Many decades ago I built box beams and would have loved to have known these 5 tips! As it was, I built them as simple lap joints and then ran 4 saw kerfs (2 right down the joint lines and 2 to complete the illusion) as “details”. Finished them smooth without distressing. If I had the knowledge I would have loved doing it your way and distressing them for a much more authentic look. I really enjoyed this trip down memory lane! Thanks for an excellent video!

[@Applez357]

It’s not OCD. You take pride in your work. 😏👊💪

[@tangle70]

Agree 100%. This just tell you that is the guy to hire.

[@Ticolandscaping]

I’ll never make beams like this. The skill and attention to detail is beyond me. Still i enjoy watching someone this good at what they do.

[@gregorylondos534]

Hello, Good video, I can remember when I did an entire Condo complex full of false Post and Beams... We had an Architectural Mill send us Prepped Alder Beams with the edges milled with Lock miter joints(pieces up to 20' long). All we had to do was to scribe to the ceiling and connect to our sub structure for a fast And efficient installation... Definitely a two man job... As Always I enjoyed your video... Greg

[@brianmcintyre5867]

Excellent carpentry, Matt. People complain about things not lasting but it’s clear that your work will last.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

My reputation depends on it Brian. This is the sort of thing that will fail from going out of style long before it ever will otherwise, right? Best, Matt

[@Kurgosh1]

I will never in my life make a box beam like this, but I still watched from start to finish. Watching an expert at work and getting insight into the thought process that goes with it is fascinating.

[@josephkulak]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I learn. Thanks.

[@zaneh6224]

Matt, Those tricks you showed are so helpful your attention to detail and quality of work is second to none, can't wait to see the finished pics

[@johntenhundfeld1529]

Great Tips about mitered work. I especially got a kick out of your OCD comment with regard to cleaning the INSIDE of the beams. It reminded me of when I was younger and whole lot skinnier. As a sheet metal worker I once had to crawl inside the soffit of a kitchen to install duct work. As I crawled and installed it occurred to me at the time that NOBODY would ever pass through this way again. My duct work all but filled the space.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Memories of work like that is the sort that makes us appreciate the benefits of being older don't they? Thanks for the fun comment... Best, Matt

[@chrise.321]

Not only is your woodwork amazing, so are your videos! I appreciate that you provide so much attention to detail in all that you do.

[@Grev333]

Definitely next level. I don't imagine many will build box beams, but loads of value here.

[@martinpoulsen6564]

Yet again a great result. All ducks in a row - beautiful! Having biscuits, dominoes or splines also take a lot of stress out of the glue up process as nothing slides out of whack and distorts everything, which is probably an even greater advantage of using them, as you do have a pretty good size glue surface on there already. Spot on! 👍

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I get the sense you made your comment from experience Martin... very cool! Best, Matt

[@martinpoulsen6564]

@@NextLevelCarpentry indeed - if you haven't messed up a glue up once or twice, you haven't done any... Not enough at least.

[@marksmith3267]

Matt, when I come back to earth I want to be you. What a fantastic display of craftsman ship and I love the fact that you do things because “you can“ When someone looks at the inside of those beams in a 100 years and marvels at them you’ll be able to look down on them and smile knowingly. Keep my inspiration coming please. Regards Mark from the UK.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Doing various restoration and remodeling work through the years I've always enjoyed finding small time capsule things buried in projects that get me wondering about the person who put them there and what they were thinking at the time. That's why I often sign and date things I work on to cause the same reflection 4 Justin generations of Trades people who might encounter the work in some distant time... Best, Matt

[@Andrew-gu7kf]

Fantastic. So much work for something that looks so simple. True craftsmanship. Helps me to appreciate the things I see around my house I may have never noticed before.

[@GeorgeMinton-jb8ky]

I am in awe of the work you do. Very impressed with both your level of skill and your ability to deliver quality content.

[@davetarrant6888]

Awesome as always. I don’t even know if I will ever need to build a box beam but I still watched the whole video because I know there will always be a nugget! Thanks for being you.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

That's good to hear Dave... thanks for sharing that comment. Best, Matt

[@danielwhitaker5445]

Of course there are "easier" & "faster" methods, but this Craftsman is indeed showing a mastery level of beam work!.. Very well done!

[@q50quest]

This is one of the most well made instructional videos I've ever seen. You are a true master, sir.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin' Paul. Since you liked that video so much here's another one along a similar vein but a more advanced application of some of the techniques: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppfCpXpnnbZ6qsk Enjoy🤓

[@howardhagadorn9443]

Yes, it's a bit OCD, but I'd do the same thing lol Those came out so nice I wouldn't be able to bring myself to distress them. I love a good tight, square joint and I even have a problem putting a chamfer or roundover when I make a quality joint like that.

[@williamsmith9026]

Thats the problem with work these days. People call doing something right ocd.. No matter the trade.. I recently took a very old, westhered door apart to sand and clearcoat that wear and tear in. I was amazed by the mortise and tenon work, routing of the parts and the fact that ZERO nails and ZERO glue held this door together for over 100 years. The forefathers of woodworking would be sick if they saw todays cardboard doors. Putting that door back together was also tricky. If it wasnt the right order it wasnt going together. Im done rambling

[@marcengall698]

Great vid and technique. Simply put , there is no short cut to quality

[@frederickwatson557]

I'm just really impressed with your craftsmanship, and your attention to detail. I'd wager you get very few complaints from your customers. You are also a remarkably good teacher providing needed visuals and clear verbal explanations of your techniques. You are one talented dude.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Very nice of you to say Frederick. In over 20 years of being self-employed I think I've only had two customers where the job didn't end with us as friends... and in those two cases I would not have wanted to stoop to the level required to maintain the relationship. Best, Matt

[@jenky1044]

Very nice... I think those gray faux joint boxes with the plugs look amazing. Thank you for sharing this.

[@gabrielcontreras8754]

Thank you Sir! I appreciate the 5 technical pointers to do detailed carpentry work, no shortcuts to clean consciousness!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Love your videos. I’m so glad guys like you and Essential Craftsman, are sharing your expert knowledge!

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Fantastic accuracy. The strut support inside the structure is a great idea

[@jerrydoe2786]

Nice joints , I use most of these secrets except for the band clamps we don't have them here , Thanks for that tip I'll have to order some of those ... Because one can not ever have enough clamps ........ Thanks again Matt Aloha J;-D~

[@jerrystark6766]

Sound advice and first-rate craftsmanship at every step of the process. Great video! Thanks.

[@toddgonczy5529]

I only have one problem: I don't have any reason to go out and build any fabulous box beams; wrong clientele, wrong prevailing architecture here in N.O.LA. I loved the mock up of the faux M&T joint; 'twas a thing of beauty. Thanks for another excellent piece, I always enjoy seeing your work.

[@JunkWorkshop]

Matt! This was an "extremely, extremely, extremely, extremely" interesting Woodworking lesson. Thank you so much for sharing! Luca

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Hey Luca, it was extremely embarrassing to hear how many times I repeated that word... good grief! You're welcome for the share... and thanks for helping to ease said embarrassment! Best, Matt

[@JunkWorkshop]

You are extremely welcome my friend ! Ahahah

[@jameshodgins1937]

I am getting caught up on your videos. You do fantastic work and I love your attention to detail. Cleaning the glue on the inside of the beam is just plane professional level work!

[@rhughes004]

You’re an absolute legend. This appeals to my meticulous nature and I’m very glad I found your channel. I’m pretty much a novice when it comes to woodworking but I have a background in machining and fabrication. I’ll be watching to gain as much knowledge as I possibly can.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin' Richard... hope you find more useful stuff here. With your background I'd be interested to hear what you think about this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pau2dmqNp8mVZ9E Best, Matt

[@BWreSlippySlope]

Learned a lot on this video. I do mantels and can see some procedures he used will really help. Thanks.

[@wright0484]

lol I clicked on this video to learn how to make a beam, then realized I need to learn way more jargon to get on this guy's level. Currently trying to figure out what kind of biscuits he's talking about. Hopefully one day I'll get this good, makes me wish I asked my great-grandpa more questions about his carpentry.

[@hidros1461]

Now this is quality work. I would've never guessed those beams were hand made!

[@woodywood1951]

@ 23:30 "Oh, it's one thirty". Ding!!! Love it!

[@lescotta7427]

All I can say is that some damn good work. You remand me of I man that I learn floor coving from years ago. Every body in the shop hated to work with him so I was elected, damn did we fight, but when it was all said and done. I was one hell of a installer. It's the little thing along with that makes the job as close to perfect!!!!!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I know what you mean in that some of the toughest task Masters are the best teachers. Best, Matt

[@jamesschlueter8035]

Incredible! Thank you.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin' James... Best, Matt

[@markwigley9185]

Fantastic video Matt. Thanks

[@markforrestsm]

Matt, wow! Am in total awe of your skill! Respect..

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks man... much appreciated! Best, Matt

[@donlute3444]

Good to see someone who adds a bit of perfection in his work. Would not suprise me if you made a cabinet with the one piece construction look

[@chofbrighton7014]

Thank you for the detail. I've learned quite a bit from your awesome videos. Appreciate the specific methods you provide. Excellent!

[@ecdra1477]

There is a big investment in beams and these are no exception. The rewards are a top quality sound and fit for purpose product. Thank you for sharing as the principles apply to simple and strong box work. The one thing overlooked is that in the fit out these beams usually are used to contain other things and regretfully the next user is not always willing to maintain your standards. Thank you for a great start and sound foundation.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks ECDRA... sadly the next user is as likely to tear those beams down in an effort to 'clean things up' or 'open things up' as to attempt to increase their usefulness. Best, Matt

[@seanlorrainecallaghan756]

Great woodworking, and great video shots too. Thank you

[@MrWoody135]

Great presentation, thanks for sharing your experience with us. Lovely attention to detail. True craftsman.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for saying Ian! Best, Matt

[@rhihodag9873]

You "the Man", Matt. This vid can have many applications in other mitered joints. Thank You!

[@Creator_Nater]

Wow! Great job!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thank you, Nater... BTW I browsed a few of the sharpie drawing videos on your channel... talk about great job?! I'm quite impressed and really appreciate your comments as a fellow creator. Best, Matt

[@Creator_Nater]

Next Level Carpentry T H A N K Y O U !

[@The78bluedevils]

Timely video for repair or replacement beams in our basement, thanks. the perfect guide for the task 🙌👌😊

[@user990077]

Thanks for making such an extremely interesting video. I am extremely thankful for your content and always learn an extremely large amount of new information... :)

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You extremely welcome for an extremely gracious comment user990077! Best, Matt

[@kentsimpson8804]

Oh man... I want to work for you! I really admire the attention to detail- 45 and 1/8 degrees. Gorgeous work

[@Stupot2]

Just love watching your videos .I always say you never stop learning when working with timber and to have a laugh along the way is just tops.I use the 5 min glue a lot and you can guarantee when you start someone either interrupts or your phone starts ringing. Keep it up mate .Stu .GB

[@walterzink7594]

WOW!! Another fantastic product. As always, I am amazed at the quality and details of your work!

[@MikeZMonroe]

I am not anywhere near this level of carpentry. And I wonder ...... Is it years of experience and knowledge of technique and use of available tools needed just to plan the build sequence any master carpenter has or is he just that you are that GD good. Planning then building are two skills. You have both. I’m in awe of each Next Level Carpentry video. Thanks so much. BTW - Not sure your clients have a true appreciation of how lucky they are to have your product in their homes.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Great comment Mike... thanks. Being 'good' is a by product of years spent in the School of Hard Knocks IMHO. The learning curve is accelerated by being self-employed, an arena where, unlike many others, efficiency and effectiveness have an immediate and DIRECT impact to finances and reputation. Clients of my design/build carpentry business need to have 'a true appreciation' for the things I create for them... the high cost of being successfully and sustainably self-employed means it ain't cheap... and no one without that true appreciation is willing to pay the cost. While true appreciation is a prerequisite it usually means mutual client/contractor respect which leads to long term working relationships with some truly great people. I recently stopped in for a visit for a client I first worked for almost 20 years ago for a nice chat about life... a career in carpentry has it's rewards, that's for sure! Best, Matt

[@dzee9481]

Mr. Jackson, Awesome Carpentry work love the detail and knowledge in the process of putting together these beams. I would have to say a skill I remember my father had when he was building cabinetry for various fast food restaurants and custom home made cabinets. Its workmanship I call Made in the U.S.A.

[@kiwdwks]

Great video...thanks. I have one suggestion for you...a dead blow mallet for assembly. Around 24 oz. is my favorite with a slimmer head design. The buck shot inside has an amazing way of directing force without the rebound as well as non damage factor. Once you use one you'll never go back to a plastic or rubber mallet.

[@cencoast_7.340]

Have used them before but the fact that they don't have any rebound is actually somewhat annoying

[@7over21]

Good stuff...you just earned my subscription.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Sweet... every little bit counts. Hope you find other older videos on Next Level carpentry reason to not regret your decision to subscribe😎 Best, Matt

[@markbonham3477]

OCD has always made for great craftsmanship however it is a little hard to work with one without losing your patients. Very nice job! Great video!

[@aerocam2]

Very nice work and I learned some great tips. You're an excellent teacher. Thank you for taking the time to make and share this video.

[@deletedaccount5250]

Great tips, great looking work. Thank you

[@johnharrison8807]

I wish I was 20 years younger, I'd be begging to be your apprentice. Great job I learn so much watching you.

[@nikkiswenson54]

What quality work! Beautiful!

[@ptown3864]

You sir, are a badass! Great craftsmanship on the miters. I will be stealing the 'a few degrees off of 45° .

[@cencoast_7.340]

Not a few degrees...a fraction past 45°.

[@brianmoore2456]

Amazing work looking forward to more videos from you . Good quality is hard to come by now a days it's nice to see someone is taking the time to do it right

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Brian... hope you find other videos here at Next Level Carpentry live up to your expectations! 😁😎 Best, Matt

[@larry5948]

Matt Sure it might takes you 30 seconds longer to build, but the final outcome is far superior than that of the wood butchers that roam the cement floors of the big orange box stores, looking for a 5 minute job that pays a fortune. I wholly believe you work to put out the highest quality that attests to those that taught you the trade; that finished quality far surpasses the money paid for the project. Great teaching video...again !!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for this Larry... you've summed up my mission statement nicely here! Best, Matt

[@jettkeyser9909]

Something to aspire to...and work towards...thank you...Very useful...Keep on as you can...

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Working to meet aspirations is a great way to improve and I wish you well in your efforts Jett! Best, Matt

[@StamosTee]

Hats off ... Awesome walkthrough, full of details...👍👍👍

[@VertigoGTI]

Just found your other videos and have been watching them all day. I'm getting ready to do a similar project with 18'-9" length faux beams and these tips are gonna be put to use. A well earned subscribe and like!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Always glad to earn a new sub, Alex... welcome! Hope your beam project goes well. The corner joinery method, spreader blocks and Merle Band Clamps were keys to success for the beam project featured in the video. Best, Matt

[@joycemiller4716]

Just had to do one in place biscuits were the key to success nice work Matt as always

[@battarangman3265]

Its been about 30 odd years since I've seen a biscuit jointer like that ah the faithful old Elu used to double as a plunge cutter back in the day , again loved watching

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Battarang... It's Interesting that you know about that because plunge cutting is one of the reasons I chose this model in the first place. Best, Matt

[@dokmanian]

you should sign them because there like art work absolutely beautiful

[@dthorne4602]

This is the exact method I came up with also, but I have not rebbeted for the spreaders...too lazy, but I do like that ability they give you to "pop" things into line during glue-up rather than another pocket screw and holding to a line as I have always done. Great video.

[@miked8227]

Perfection is a sickness that I seem to be immune to. Wow you really got that system down ,pretty slick there!

[@nevermindthebull0cks]

I have tried sawdust, tried a chisel when the glue is peelable, tried water and rags. I even tried a putty knife. I always had some sort of glue in some pores that didn't seem to want to take color. On 60 5 piece oak cabinet doors with ogee profiles I used a stiff toothbrush and water asap after clamping. That has worked the best out of anything I have tried. I dry it with a clean rag but I have had zero problems with glue affecting my staining or dying since.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Tight complex Corners like that are always a challenge and I sometimes resort to Desperate Measures for cases like that and when I do I find that a shot of compressed air along with a stiff brush gets the job done... it's good to know you have methods that provide the results you are working towards... Best, Matt

[@garyeaton5818]

Please video and post your installation of these and the finished space. Fabulous workmanship, Matt.

[@kennys8011]

Please do

[@KentRodgman]

Next level for sure! Absolute mastery, really enjoyed watching.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for letting me know! Best, Matt

[@ronh9384]

Good video as always Matt. I have to remove the beams at my daughters this year and redo the ones a previous owner did and did a really bad job. They are coming apart and one is starting to come loose from the ceiling. (Fixed the one falling down temporarily). Now I know a better way to do make them so thank you for that. I bought a couple of these clamps after seeing your last video and will have to buy a couple more. Thanks again Matt. I keep forgetting you have a Pinterest page..... Ron

[@cptinstaller01]

Great work my friend ! I’m going to look into those Merle Clamps for sure ... thank you

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I think you'll like what you see if you check into them William... you can see them being used for the round cylinders project and also the Merle band clamp review videos here on Next Level carpentry... Best, Matt

[@benwertz5639]

I really appreciate your work and knowledge. Keep it up.

[@MrRadtech22]

THATS EXCELLENT MATT!!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin' Chris... it's been a fun build so far! Best, Matt

[@pacovaz7554]

You are really in a way beyond level. Great info. 👍

[@Anoncore1]

Wow my friend you are a true master

[@btmcpartland]

Really fantastic work! Love how in depth you get with your videos. I'm not sure I could get past tip #1 without an additional tip video on how to get perfect miters like that! :)

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Brian; If you'll follow the video link in this video you'll see an in-depth explanation of the exact process I use to get them 'sharp as a Ginsu knife'... check it out if you get a chance? Best, Matt

[@cheewurz]

Matt...you make those Corners look sooo Easy! I was Totally Blown Away by the Rabbet / Pocket Hole for the Spreaders...Who Wooda Thunk It!?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Gotta make it easy on yourself because no one is going to do it for you, right? Best, Matt

[@jeffstanley4593]

Rabbet, but you knew that didn't you?

[@cheewurz]

Jeff Stanley,...thank you sir!...that one totally got past me!!!

[@carlmarsteller8649]

Hey Matt, great info as always. That technique could also work in some of my projects. I will surely give it a try. thanks again. Carl

[@injoshuasebastian3435]

Awesome video. I have been wanting to make a box beam floating bed and you just made my day.

[@donk9132]

Nice work for a young man Matt :)

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Don... this sort of thing is what keeps us young, right? Nothing like a good challenge to get ya out of bed in the morning! Best, Matt

[@jerrygesualdo5584]

Awesome joh, a true craftsman.

[@greenriver520]

Fantastic work by a master craftsman. Admiring your channel from down under.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Always great to hear from down under... thanks for commenting! Best, Matt

[@roymayh3819]

Always learn great stuff from you. Great channel

[@luckyhiker3434]

Accurate and systematic process!

[@cliftonobrien588]

outstanding work! I'm getting me some merle clamps

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You'll be glad you did the first time you get to use them on a challenging project... they're pretty sweet IMHO! Best, Matt

[@rico1319]

Outstanding job! Very talented!! thank you so much!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@andrewhesselink1585]

Great video, Matt. You always pack in so much knowledge!