Cheese and cracker serving trays (See the sequel for how to build the jig)

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Step-by-step instructions for building and setting up the jig: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E Plans and a limited supply of finished jigs are now available at thesnekkershow.etsy.com

[@Sebastopolmark]

Again the old theory is proved, keep it simple. Genius template! !! !!!

[@bobbby303]

I like how you laid out the steps of your operation by showing the boards in different stages of completion. Very well done! Thank you!

[@dgrstl]

I’m making these this week! I do want to compliment your video / teaching style, so incredibly down-to-earth. I do enjoy how some makers incorporate silliness and humor into their videos but when I’m actually going to be making the thing they are showing all of that is distracting vs helpful. As simple as this seems, there are quite a few steps that require quite a few tools and techniques so I anticipate needing some practice. I’m a relatively new woodworker so this is not only going to make my wife happy, it will advance my learning.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Excellent, I'm glad to hear it was helpful. In case you haven't seen it, I have another video with tips for routing the inside of the trays. Good luck with the project! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWjUaauslrl3Z5I

[@lakeshavallejo7889]

Great video! I love them. Your wife is lucky!

[@robertelias3431]

Very good process, enjoyed watching your video. Explanation on all phases was very helpful

[@mariah8200]

I love the slender look! Very unique to most router made serving trays. Nice job :)

[@jfred1924]

Excellent work my friend, Great way to use up lots of scrap.

[@lostsailor2759]

Those are really cool. Love the innovate jig. I bet those would sell very well. I just might have to try some.

[@gcbound]

Thank you for the calm explanation of the ash handle "gotcha" and the suggestions for improving the template. Great video.

[@steveleverton571]

Would love one of those jigs what a amazing project.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks. I intend to do a separate video for the jig, but haven't gotten to it yet.

[@steveleverton571]

@@TheSnekkerShow could i buy one

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@steveleverton571 Thanks for your interest, but I only have the one.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's finally done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@artespop1]

Very interesting , awesome work!

[@OddJobsWorkshop]

Great idea and well executed..love them

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you

[@eketelon]

Really love the final product and your manufacturing process! I think I will likely add this to my gift ideas for next Christmas!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks, glad it was helpful.

[@nicocaringi6265]

LOL the sly paddle swing at the beginning hahahah love it

[@jameymikels1886]

I caught the Humor at the very beginning of the Video....... Pictures on the Internet, Wife into that kinda thing.... and Paddle style Serving Board!

[@Und3adNation4L]

Man I love this idea! I recently picked up a delta ru50 pin router and I’ve been wanting to try out some cool projects with it. I know what I’m going to be making!

[@thedoorguycharlie]

Great product. Wife is on me now to make her one. I like how you start out like it was going to be a paddle... Also your editing when you were at the router. Changing from board to board in the same direction. Made those jump cuts smooth. We're thinking of a mod for the center. A cut out in the center for a small bowl or ramekin to hold a dip... That way you could serve bacon wrapped sweet potato bites with the root beer reduction (add some sriracha) in the ramekin. Thank you for your effort. Glad I found you.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

You had me at bacon. Might have to look that recipe up.

[@thedoorguycharlie]

@@TheSnekkerShow It's a winner. Bummer is that there's no leftovers. Reverse engineered it from a restaurant in a burb of Sacramento around 10 years ago. 3/4'' sweet potato cube, a slice of jalapeno wrapped in a half slice of bacon. No tooth pick. Just put the final wrap on the bottom. Bake @ 400 on foil until crispy. Enjoy!!!

[@cdamarshall5127]

I would enjoy seeing you make the jig.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

One of my next videos will cover how to make the jig. I can't say exactly when, but it's in my near-term queue.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's finally done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

“I’d rather eat a frozen pinecone…..” HA!!!! I feel ya. And I agree. Just found your channel. Great video. Just subscribed.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you, and welcome to the channel.

[@franka5416]

This is a great project, I really enjoyed the process. Like others in the comments below, I'm looking forward to how you make the jig, especially how you kept the interior cuts straight. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's finally done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@wellsistvan]

Enjoyed your tutorial video! I'll definitely be attempting this. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with the project!

[@williammc63]

Thanks for the correspondence. You do fine work.

[@Unlovable]

love the outcome!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you.

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Great simple idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure

[@ethics1017]

Nicely done, Thank you

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure

[@timconnell4570]

Nice. Well explained thnx. Youve given me many ideas for my THIN offcut woods i keep trying to use somehow. So my material cost would actually be zero 😂

[@derekdodson5623]

Interesting project and process. Thanks

[@TheSnekkerShow]

You're quite welcome

[@BeaulieuTodd]

Well done. Great presentation method. Love the overview before the actual work. Nobody does that and it drives me nuts. Having to watch an entire video just to get the gist is awful. Enjoyed the mistakes and the thought process. Also, SANDING SUCKS!

[@juanitanewman1079]

Great video

[@simonflr]

Very nice result. I am trying to get the hang of the Bowl Bit. Even watching videos like yours it takes practice... I seem to do something wrong on each scrap try. Waiting until I am better at it before I try it on my Cherry Wood :)

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Yeah, cherry is tricky. It burns very easily, but smells great when it does. Lower router speed will help. I was using a very old router in this video that didn't have speed control, so I still burned a few spots.

[@freewoodencrosses]

Like you I hate taking my bandsaw blade off...I only take it off when it is no longer cutting (or usually it breaks) then I make another.

[@colinhamilton8046]

Love the look of these! New sub from me 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you, and welcome to the channel.

[@ateliemaritom]

Show de bola meu amigo parabéns 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@dondonaldson1684]

Nice job, your production oriented process makes sense. One thing you may consider is using 1/4 x 20 threaded inserts in the variable clamp rails and a short bolt and washer in the slotted MDF so you can create the clamping force needed to secure the rails. In my jigs all I use is 1/4 x 20 and I have a bunch of different length pan head fasteners to use. Also, if you split your side rails with a kerf 75% of the length you can drive a wedge into the kerf to add clamping force, after you secure the 1/4 x 20’s. Better than having a clamp in the way when you use the router. Ash rails work great.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Good ideas. I just did a build video for the jig with some updates, and I would like to eventually do a version three with some added perks like built-in clamping. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@befmx31]

@4:11...I thought I was the only one! Good to know.

[@markb8954]

Ha. I have a 3/8 inch blade on my ShopSmith BS for most cuts I do. Roughing out bowl blanks, birdhouses, etc. I needed to change to 1/4 last night to cut out a tight circle & thought do i really need/want to change out for 2 cuts? But i did. Luckily it’s very straight forward on the SS and gets back in line easily. Cleaned all the sawdust out too.

[@johncline3033]

I like those. I'm just starting out and am looking for something that's not a cutting board lol. I need ideas I can use for red cedar, Hurricane Ida blew down one of mine and I have an abundance of it now.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Red cedar is great for planter boxes. The heartwood especially will last a very long time outdoors. instagram.com/p/CB_6nHejN6v/ instagram.com/p/BsovJHKFTD1/

[@petergosney6433]

Great project. With regards to hand sanding the rounded edges, you gotta check out the 3M SandBlaster line. Marketed as “ultra flexible” this sandpaper is on a stretchy plastic backing that is quite unique and remarkable in its ability to conform to the underlying shape of the project. Certainly in Australia, there is nothing else like it on the market. It would make finishing those handles an absolute doddle.

[@terryduprie6313]

Nicely done!!! New subscriber. I'll try to make something similar.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks, welcome to the channel. Feel free to drop a link to the pictures if you put anything online.

[@edmc755]

What kind of wood works the best ??? Love your videos

[@madmaxxmad2]

thanks good video

[@doctorping5326]

Those look great, well done. Do you have dimensions of the template?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It depends on how big you cut your blanks. My final boards were around 2.5" x 17".

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I finally made a video about the template: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@alfonso620]

Congratulations on your project. Is it possible to know the measurements you have used or receive a silhouette? Really beautiful. Thanks!!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

One of my next videos will cover how to make the template. I can't say exactly when, but it's in my near-term queue.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's finally done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@edmc755]

Love your videos, how much do you sell these for ???

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@edmc755 Thank you. I sell the jigs to make them, at least for now, but I don't sell the actual trays.

[@desimorales3369]

Your jig is genius. Do you have a video on how you made the jig?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you. I've been asked about the jig a lot, and I intend to make a video about it soon.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's finally done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@joeburgoni9772]

Hello, I pitched your first fixture you made. I have made and sold a lot of trays since then. My question is, can I order a new top plate that has the cut out profile?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@joeburgoni9772 I'm happy to hear it's been a good investment. I'll send you an email shortly.

[@joeburgoni9772]

I should have checked the spelling in my first text. I did not pitch the first fixture. I’m still using it, but the side walls are showing its wear which transfers to the tray I’m making. I would like to purchase a new top plate to replace mine so I can continue making and selling more trays. Sorry for any confusion from my first text. I love your fixture. Great work!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@joeburgoni9772 Assuming I had the correct address, I emailed you a discount code for the replacement.

[@FitnessFactoryOutletQuakertown]

Just an ispiring woodworker here...If you were to sell these and lets say they were made of , I dont know, mahogany, maple, and walnut. What do you think you would charge? If you dont mind me asking?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

That’s a very good question, and I’m not sure if I have a very good answer. I used to sell things a long time ago, but I wasn’t very good at the business end of things and didn’t make a consistent profit. It was more supplementary income. A wise old woodworker once told me that I should find a job to support my hobby. I found out later that he worked as an electrical engineer, not a woodworker. I think it was good advice, and I’m glad I took it. If you want to be a professional anything, the first thing you need to figure out is how much you need to make per hour, or per year, to survive. If your economic situation is currently favorable (e.g., still living at home or already have a good job), then you can sell cheaper initially while you establish your reputation and test the market. I think I worked on these for approximately three weekend days, but I can’t say for sure how many hours I was actively working. Assuming five hours per day, and a $50/hour target wage, I’d need to sell these for around $60 each including materials. Assuming 2080 work hours in a year, that would get me a $104,000 salary if I could stay consistently employed for 8 hours every day. That sounds high until you start figuring in taxes, materials, the cost of owning and maintaining a workshop and tools, time off for business development and accounting, insurance, unsold product, etc. Realistically, I think these would sell a lot better in the $30 range, which means I’d need to create even more in the same amount of time if it was my full-time job. Hopefully some of that was helpful.

[@FitnessFactoryOutletQuakertown]

@@TheSnekkerShow Incredibly helpful and thank you so much for taking the time to reply I so appreciated.

[@andreagerolin6302]

How thick are they? They are really beautiful.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you. These ones range from around 3/4" to 7/8" thick.

[@williammc63]

Could you make the jig exactly the same length as the finished tray? I notice you shift it back and forth in the jig to route the handle then the end.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

You probably could, there just wouldn't be much material in some parts. I definitely wouldn't try that with MDF.

[@jpallen719]

If I close my eyes you sound like Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec…… who is also a wood worker☺️

[@kennylowry5185]

Do you have a video on how you built the template

[@TheSnekkerShow]

No, but that's a good idea. I added it to my lengthy queue.

[@darrylbrown7706]

@@TheSnekkerShow Liked the video. Would be very interested in the template.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's finally done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@joshuatristanchurchill6157]

Hey. great work - what router bit did you use to hollow out the tray?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you. I just finished adding links to all of the router bits to the video description.

[@chrisbianculli3465]

Do you use a guide bushing to route out the grove or is it a bit with a bearing?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I used this bit: amzn.to/38LAetO

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Very nice. Are these about 16"?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you. These ones measure 17".

[@madmaxxmad2]

No raising of the grain?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

The Waterlox keeps it to a minimum, but I think the finished product could have been smoother if I dampened everything to raise the grain, and then final sanded, before applying the oil.

[@georgeberezovsky556]

how did you made this perfect template?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I've been meaning to do a followup showing how to make the template. Time hasn't been on my side.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's finally done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGreKikpKyjn9E

[@bobedenburn1313]

What is the width of your jig and over length

[@TheSnekkerShow]

6" by 21.5". I'm working on a detailed diagram this weekend, which I might get uploaded today.

[@sfbdurand]

Can you sale them?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I already gave them away as gifts.

[@skiblink]

Roughly how thick are the paddles? 3/4"?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Something like that. The ones I made in this video were 11/16", which if I remember correctly, was just because a couple pieces were slightly under 3/4" so I made them all consistent. I have some blanks glued up right now that are 7/8" thick.

[@edhaskell1554]

router clockwise inside edges, counter clockwise outside edges???

[@jackdavis4547]

what router bit did you use for routinng out the middle?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I put a link in the video description. I'm also trying to finish up a video today with some more detail on routing the middle.

[@davidpond7563]

I just watched your video do you happen to sell the jig?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

You're in luck. I just recently finished making some more. www.etsy.com/shop/TheSnekkerShow/

[@timdoughney]

is there anyway I can purchase the jig already made.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I sold out last night, but since you asked, I just put my last backup jig on Etsy. I can't guarantee it will stay there for long. I should be able to get more made within the next month. www.etsy.com/shop/TheSnekkerShow

[@williammc63]

What is the overall length and width?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

The finished ones are 2 5/8" by 17 1/4"

[@madmaxxmad2]

tape DUCT tape to your sandpaper, works fantastic

[@kernchapman]

This peaked my interest but his voice sounds like Agent Anderson in men in black.

[@lauramarshall6376]

Nice project. A couple of things (because they were kind of glaring): First, no strings should be hanging from your neck when using power tools. Second, it's clearly not a freezing cold garage if you're wearing just a t-shirt. Love the build, tho, and your info and process are great!

[@knucklesandwich8786]

you know is wife is in the background at about 16:00, arms folded, foot tapping. Thinkin.....Chop Chop, more work, less talk!!!

[@vbaspcppguy]

Eat a frozen pinecone... Lol, about right. Edit: I bet a sanding mop would work great for doing these quick.

[@robertcornelius3514]

I'm mad at you. Oh, sure. Nice work and all, but you and your wife forgot to fill one of the trays with delicious cheese and crackers. Please do a Part 2. Lol

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Seriously, I always felt like I left this video somewhat incomplete by not showing at least one of the trays in use.

[@houseoffire72]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@kurtisbubier8275]

Show them with cheese and crackers in them

[@ВалерийКутыла]

Класс...

[@robinstjohn4043]

I had to stop watching the video because I see you bending down to turn a machine on. The tie cord from your pull over sweater is dangling over the router. This is an accident waiting to happen.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I had shoelaces on my shoes too. The trick is making sure that any strings don't get close enough to moving machine parts. Some call it common sense, but there's nothing wrong with being extra cautious. Just don't let your safety rules lead you to become complacent around tools. There's no substitute for situational awareness.

[@edmc755]

Love your video , what’s your email address ??