Alcove Methods Old & New

best viewed on a device held vertically
Originally edited and uploaded for members at www.Buymeacoffee.com/Freebird, this is an overview of how and why my methods for building alcove furniture have moved from favouring solid wood towards MDF in the interests of achieving a higher level of finish.
The video is based on an Instagram ‘story’ recorded and uploaded live on a job (www. Freebirdinteriors). In the second half of the video I show how I fit the floating shelves.

[@alexox]

I've been going solo as a carpenter the last year and sort of fallen into this sort of work. It's really interesting to listen to you talk about issues and changes. A great insight, please keep it up. I would love to see your on site work set up, I always feel I end up all over the place

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Hey thanks for commenting. My on site setup is still a work in progress! I have one little multifunctional toolbox that works just right though so I have been thinking about making a video about that. If I ever find time...

[@lobbylobbster]

Great work. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@Alastair_Freebird]

You’re welcome thanks for commenting I appreciate it

[@4430565]

I always use a handsaw to fit shelves and countertops just as you are doing in the video and it always seems to draw curious looks from onlookers to which I reply "what's the matter haven't you ever seen a cordless saw before ? " :)

[@samrix5793]

Awesome!!!

[@ollie9199]

As always informative and insightful, makes sense tbh I think i might go old school next time round😆. Keep up the good work Alastair 👍

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I have had some comments on Instagram saying this is one of our best looking projects! And I do like the ‘proper’ framed and beaded look. So I’m not saying it’s ‘worse’ by any means, just that our current methods suit our business better!

[@ollie9199]

@@Alastair_Freebird I was being vague I meant I might use the hand saw method. I would Agree that unit is bang tidy! I do prefer the concealed hinges for shure, but real wood I always find has a bit more charm and character, plus you get that faint smell of timber. I stole your method for the floating shelves btw, works rather well 👌

[@chaylockyer5395]

Another great video - love all the tips even if it's not something I think I'm going to use. Do you ever make alcove wardrobes without a plinth or floor? How would you fix it to the wall?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Hi, thanks! I do make them as only face frames sometimes. Like this instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODQ3MTk2Nzc1MzgxNTM5?story_media_id=2425488996903670983&igshid=bc5iyf0sbsny

[@jrsuk1170]

It's always interesting to see how different people do things, and the kit they use to do it. For example I never use an electric plane these days, I'm wondering if I'm missing a trick now.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

That Festool electric planet is a different tool to others I’ve used. Spiral blade and very precise depth adjustment.

[@jrsuk1170]

@@Alastair_Freebird It might be worth a go. I tend to scribe using my plunge saw backed off moving the guide rail to the scribe line as I cut. I do any fine adjustments with my block plane. Works great most of the time but the blade must be really sharp because you obviously can't scribe/score cut first to a wavey line.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

@@jrsuk1170 I would recommend it. Some people go a step further and do the final finish up to the line with a mini belt sander.

[@jrsuk1170]

@@Alastair_Freebird Yeah , I've seen a Mexican chap doing it that. I'm going give it go soon. 👍

[@Wattswood]

Great Video as always Alistair. Have you ever had to fit alcove base and shelves to an exposed brick chimney breast? if so how have you approached scribing to the brickwork? Thanks again.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Hi Stuart yes I have and it’s certainly tricky! I don’t usually go to town with a perfect interlocking scribe but I get it pretty close, especially at the front edge

[@hughhennessy7912]

Why not use your clamps in spreader mode to keep the shelf propped up while you plumb and screw them in?

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Hi there, hope all is well. May I ask you something? Have you ever come across a concrete floor (ground level) and had to attach fixings for the plinth ? ...Asking because usually there is a DPM and you would not want to hit that:) .

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Hi I am wary of underfloor heating etc… I don’t usually fix down into the floor these days

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

no probs, so you use those black carcass legs these days, I always liked the way you use to use the plinths and screw down looked more solid :)

[@adriandotsmall]

👍

[@mulletthehunter7163]

I work almost entirely with Tulip and I can confirm that it expands and contracts like a bitch! Also only use butt hinges and the two things combined makes for a ball ache and potentially several snagging visits. Not my company tho so 🤷‍♂️