Converting a van into a camper - Learning how to use power tools Ep 5

[@josephquinn7244]

Use hinges on the top of the bed instead of a drawer so you can lift open that whole length of the bed and you have more storage under there than a little drawer on runners

[@FelixIsGood]

My granddad did it this way, he converted not only one van in his lifetime and is still using it with over 80 years of age.

[@josephquinn7244]

@@FelixIsGood just seems like the drawer won’t be as convenient for space, also will give him experience using hinges on the wood. It’s just a better way to do it

[@FelixIsGood]

@@josephquinn7244 Maybe that wasn't clear from what i wrote, my granddad used hinges, everything else also isn't really stable.

[@1968Zedar]

I agree that the hinge method would be a better option also the internal wood frames will give a lot of strength to your build. Scewing directly into the ply is not the safest way to fasten weight bearing pieces. Imagine Alex all snug on his bed filming then creak, CRASH! Alex toppling out of view as his bed collapses. Lol. Great job so far mate. Keep it up.👍

[@josephquinn7244]

@@FelixIsGood no I got what you meant lol d sorry mate! It’s a good way to do it and it obviously worked for your grandfather 😄

[@fatfish6763]

Two hands on that circular saw if you can when you first start to use one . one hand and you will drop it down to one side when its still running and take a chunk out of your leg . the blade should just be out enough to cut the thickness off the ply .hold it tight as they can kick back . stay safe vans coming on great good job thanks for the upload

[@alexemmett5252]

I am 13 and I started watching you're videos about 4 months ago but I have always loved cooking and baking etc but I have always made the same food tbh but about 4 months ago I watched one of your videos of you sleeping in your polo and you made some home made pesto so that day I went out I got on my bike and went to the woods about a mile away from my house I found some wild garlic I was so happy when I found it and then I cycled down to the Tesco and got the other ingredients (what I used my dads money for ;) and I came home and made it, it was the best tasting pesto I have ever had and as it Is the summer holidays now I have set myself a challenge to make as many new things as I can and I would just like to say that you inspired this keep up the good work. :)

[@mothanare]

omg, look at you, from a clueless guy to pro in less than a month. Loving the van build, you doing really well.

[@billywillimson899]

When using your circular saw, adjust the blade so the teeth only just come through the bottom of the wood, it’s safer and there isn’t as much friction on your blade as less is going through it👍🏼 looking well so far tho👊🏼🔥

[@Francois_Dupont]

yes!

[@btilsed1994]

Alex mate, get yourself 2 lengths of cls timber (2x4) to slot into the grooves in the tressels. It will make a stronger workbench for you.👍

[@spring899]

I agree with this guy

[@vladimirsch.3015]

I like the degree of randomness. It apears very natural to me. Great job mate!

[@ludvigjohansson6927]

Brilliant job! Love how you play some NGHFB in the background.

[@baitboy3191]

I love how Alex is including the viewers in every step of the van building journey.

[@emielvandenbroucke764]

Peter millard’s channel has some really good basic carpentry, ply building info, carcass construction.. very informative ! Cheers

[@matthewburgess3705]

If you get a couple of lengths of 3x2 you can put them into the notches on your trestles which will support your sheets and stop the trestles falling over 👍

[@arkaywat11]

When cutting flat board such as ply or kitchen worktops on trestles, place the board on two pieces of 4" x 2" laid on your trestles, that way you can cut all the way through without the board "flipping". A little trick I learned when doing a bit of kitchen fitting.

[@toopshigher4037]

Loving this series. Been considering this myself and seeing someone else that doesn't really know what to do going through the process is like super relatable lol

[@dfee100]

I'd probably split the bed in half, I'd have the end nearest the drivers seat framed out for strength,and a hinged lid. And the end closest to the back doors as a draw. Keep your cooker in there And have it so when the draw is out, you can cook on it. So your cooking outside rather than in the van.

[@just_alex]

Good idea, I think I'll do that!

[@paullyonslove]

I like the fact your learning something new, I remember when I first learnt to use power tools there's a bit of a learning curve but you soon get the hang of it, well done mate for not just paying somebody to do it for you.

[@sagradasinfamilia]

Great work Alex! You've stepped up your editing game as well, episode by episode 👏 Can't wait for the next one👌🏼

[@just_alex]

Thanks!

[@craigbase6246]

Great work mate, I’m a carpenter and all looks good only tip is please set the depth on your circular saw to suit the material. It’ll make a cleaner cut and in most sheet material cases safer.

[@turelzxx1]

Was going to say the same thing I would normally do it about 5mm or so more than the material.

[@rossco6619]

Top work Alex for a novice with tools you’re certainly making a decent job of it. You’ll work out yourself easier ways of doing things. That’s part of the fun. Quick grip clamps are the business for loan working.

[@just_alex]

Thanks!

[@ralphrohr]

Finally proper Tools... you're getting there!! 👍🏻

[@matthewtanner9823]

Following this with great anticipation Alex, you're doing really well. I can't wait to see the finished product and your adventures.

[@FreeFinca]

For someone who is (was) new to the world of power tools, you did good fella!

[@hilblue6224]

Alex, get drawer runners that take a lot more weight than you think they need, so are as strong as possible and don't flex when your draw is fully extended. You could half the length of that box frame so only pulling out half of it so only need drawer runners and internal u shape of drawer for that section. If it was me I'd possibly consider using piano type hinges, a catch where you can open and access it inside if you ever want to without opening the back of your van and pulling the drawer out. Handy for stealth or cold weather camping. Lots of people on here too many to mention that have done pull out drawers just have a look you will get good tips on theirs. A guy called Greg Virgo is on here he makes wiring vans up to your solar look straight forward too. Please do get a carbon monoxide alarm everyone in a van needs one. If any room on the roof left consider a maxi fan for hot weather, bug net for hanging over your back door when open, ikea would probably have one you can improvise with magnets for side of van. Blackout fabric over any left over insulation and a couple of magnets for your windows helps insulate from cold and heat.

[@brianher67]

If that square is gonna be one big drawer then you need some type of support you can fold out when you drag it out to full length. Also take out the side passenger seat out so that you can make a wall with a door in up against the driver seat so you can have a bit more privacy in the back without anyone looking in from the front. and maybe add like a folding table that is mounted to the wall of the van so you got a table to have your pc on and in general a place to work at and do small repairs if needed. But love the progress looks nice!

[@46rossithedoc]

Good to see you bought some quality tools, there will be people telling you you should've bought this brand or that brand. But those will last you years. One small point if when you charge your batteries you put it in wait for the engagement sound then take it out and put it back in you have a choice of ten different tunes to tell you when it is finished. So you can have two different ones so you know when which battery is finished.

[@keithlivingstone2525]

Pop-up Gazebo (square heavy duty legs, not round spindly ones) gives you protection from rain showers. Saves a lot of running about.

[@VirtualTurtleGames]

Hey fun series! I bought a caddy maxi last year, converted in around 6 months and have been all over Europe with it now! They're perfect for that. Just got back from a month long roadtrip through Norway. 2 people in this van, with a slide-out bed worked fine! Super happy with this van :) Good luck with the conversion!

[@stevepettifer4896]

Good to see Bad Obsession Motorsport's Cardboard Aided Design making it's way slowly through KZbin!! I assume you've borrowed the DeWalt drill? It's usually a good idea to stick with one brand because of course none of the batteries are interchangeable so more than one brand means more than one charger, multiple brands of battery etc.

[@oscarchamberlain4167]

Love that mini they build

[@rickyjessome4359]

Alex you're doing a great job my friend! It all takes time. I'm sure your father wasn't the best in his trade when he started out many years ago. Now look what he can do! Biggest thing is to not get discouraged with little mistakes. That's where you lear the most. Cheers from Cape Breton Nova Scotia Canada

[@michaelw9410]

Being an outdoor person myself, your videos really add to my day sitting in the office. Keep up the motivation and the great content!

[@leontaylor2456]

Smashing your first attempt! Better than most people I’ve seen! Keep going

[@charlieking4498]

For the bed some 2x2 would in the corners would work will enough

[@craigfoy8674]

Super surprised you haven't painted those roof mounts black before fitting them, would look 100% better

[@emma_m0]

You’re so right, spray painted black they’d look perfect

[@Francois_Dupont]

i think it looks fairly good in white. it put accent on the car so it isnt just black. white is alright.

[@ahh5206]

Would recommend using some 2x2 to reinforce. Ply bows over time, it even bows under its own weight. Great job so far mate

[@GoModelCrazy]

Hi mate you was saying that you need more benches when cutting but on you bench there is two slots on the top of them that can fit a piece of CLS timber in them to support the wood you’re cutting on them !!

[@chris20years1]

Progress is getting there the fin bit then be wiring etc and looking forward to next video

[@zm694]

Wow thanks for the tips on avoiding accidents

[@antonhudson2424]

You've got a good mate helping you out and teaching you a few things along the way. He seems like a genuine decent bloke! Best of luck with the build!

[@andrewrobinson4745]

Hey mate, Fair play to you for giving it a go on your own. It's the best way to learn! Keep going!! Can't wait to see it finished.

[@just_alex]

Thanks Andrew!

[@kingkooper7522]

Heh there alex...gonna be a sharp learning curve.doing well though. You may wanna add couple of lights to outside of van too.ive got them on all sides on van...plus a lightbar on the front of my roof. Fit everything to outside first.big tip. Sikaflex or silicon all made holes too. Get wiring in before your panels go on too. Figure out where your usb, light switches and battery will go etc. Add cable protection on any sharp areas too....esp because when u drive it can wear through the wires. Make the bed and anything in van able to withstand an accident to...so add metal right angle brackets into van structure where u can. If you keep van build simpler it will be easier. You could buy a ridge monkey shower all in one electric n container for 65.00 quid...a really easy way to stay clean or do dishes etc on the road, cheaper ways are out there too. Make as many triple reduncies in your van as possible. I have 3 ways creating electric, 3 ways of showering, 3 ways of cooking, 3 ways having water inc a water purifyer for streams and odd water sources. One can fail, two good back up...three no probs ready for anything.solar shower worth a look too in many formats. Small solar genarator will be handy aswell as having your main van battery set up. Dont forget security either add now door locks...many types availible? Cross bolt types or shed type.....or even simpler drill the door runners close to where door opens and slides.make hole big enough for a padlock to push through hole...voila extra cheaper security when away from van. Vans are easy and highly nickable. Keep up the good work...yes recutting wood part of the game lol. Peace. Good luck too.

[@nuzzi7794]

Hi Alex just a tip when it comes to charging batteries, never put the chager on capet it can burn a hole if it gets real hot!!

[@spotfist5056]

Hahaha "they sold me some power tools" said like they had made a BIG mistake 🤣 Great use of the ply, I used timber 30mmx30mm but using the ply like you would have been a bit easier I think. FYI in the ply cladding, you could stick vinyl to it? I stuck vinyl down for flooring and siliconed the edges so its waterproof, was going to do timber cladding for the sides but I got some spare ply so going to use that and then stick fake wood vinyl instead 😉

[@sandorkovacs9271]

Alex, you are doing good. im a joiner/carpenter and i dont feel the need to tell you to do anything different. you are doing a fantastic job my man. just watch the fingers but you know this already.

[@jimmym2628]

2 pieces of 3x2 timber slot into them grooves on the workhorses to make a solid bench👍

[@callyakn718]

Strongly recommend a poptop for your caddy! We’ve just done it on our T6

[@Gizzzzzy]

Nice start to the morning! 👍

[@chriswharrier3571]

Nice work, butt joints on ply are never great they will need extra support. I'm not sure about the pull out drawer it means you have to open the rear door to gain access. Unless you plan for it to become an outdoor work space for cooking etc. Its a pity that the solar panel won't lift up to provide an angle to get better sun cover. Plan where you're putting lights and power outlets so you can run the cables before fixing the panels. Good work so far take care with the saw.

[@JOYsCAmpeR_ADV]

Great job so far Alex!👌 Enjoy the process building your own micro camper!

[@just_alex]

Thanks!

[@just_alex]

Thanks!

[@Neo4you2]

Great job man! Keep on going , nothing is perfect .Make your self proud!

[@vampire__uk]

Well done dude, I wish you all the best for your adventures and success for your channel.

[@just_alex]

Thanks Brian!

[@Skrimdcate]

Put 3x2 or 4x2 on top of your benches to stop the sheets falling

[@markmock2887]

Excellent! You have more courage than I do by attempting a project on an expensive van purchase to convert it. One thing has always puzzled me however, how can you eat so good and stay so thin? I'd blow up like a dead catfish.

[@trevorcornes1056]

Nice show again Alex ,now waiting for the next 😄 nice one

[@Bobggmu]

Use metal brackets to fix all your furniture together extra strength aswell as fix through the plywood

[@Zombie-fb5zf]

As a experienced carpenter/joiner who teaches apprentices to use power tools I think you should be proud of yourself for your first time with your own power tools very impressive mate

[@just_alex]

Thanks! :)

[@warrendray-rains5491]

I’d personally move the bed closer to the side. Make it a tad higher and tuck the wheel arch under it, It will also add a bit of extra support. Then you can still have draws underneath and move space on the other side for things

[@just_alex]

Cheers :)

[@marialorenavillanueva5342]

wow...its coming along nicely.

[@ringerheringa3052]

Very entertaining video again. I really admire you for taking on such a big project, Alex.

[@just_alex]

Cheers!

[@JJmotorsport1]

Your doing alright alex even if you mess it up abit it adds caricature and say you built it cant wait to see the next one 🤙

[@davidrankine4662]

I have been watching your progress, nice one. Maybe you should think about upgrading your rear shocks and springs

[@Fred_The_Stickman]

OMG FINALLY THE VID IS OUT! I'm so into this van conversion!

[@Pipboy83]

Well done Alex, done a fantastic job :)

[@guttersnipe3246]

Very enjoyable as always.Doing some great work 👍 and bloody good at making focachia

[@baldvale5418]

Super video Alex, the skills that you are learning will be with you for the rest of your life and open up a whole new world to you. You chose some of the best power tools that you can get which will last you for years. The circular saw also has a depth guage which you can set to just a little deeper than the material that you need to cut which is safer and helps make sure that your not cutting through anything that is underneath. All the best.

[@just_alex]

Thank you! :)

[@ChippyVanLife]

Hi Alex, I’ve been a carpenter 12 years and I’m very impressed with your work so far , keep it up look forward to the next vid 👍👍

[@just_alex]

Thanks!

[@Jaikweer01]

It os very admirable you want to build it yourself. But in your case i would also consider just buying a made to fit campingbox. There are also a few easy designs that work with a drawer but will make even better use of the available space. As said box, so im sure you can build it if you want to. Good luck building

[@johnmonks8620]

Its looking good, you are motivating me to finish mine... I dont know if it is your end plan but from experience having a mattress sitting on a solid slab of ply gave me a couple of mould issues on the underside, granted it was there for ages as it was a daily driver but I will redo it and add some form of slats to let the mattress breath.

[@mpdale90]

I've watched so many videos of caddy van conversion projects as i'd like to do it myself and i'm an amateur like you so i'm really enjoying your videos and van build. Will be great to see how it turns out to give more ideas for mine when I do it! You seem like a nice guy too, wouldn't mind that focaccia recipe either haha!

[@Dave64track]

Great job you've come along way from when you first started with not really knowing what to do and then doing all this with these new tools brilliant. I do thing that you should put a frame inside the bed for strength and just put a hinged lid on it and not a draw as the draw will make it very heavy as your doubling all the wood for the draw and you would have trouble pulling it right out to get to the far end just a thought. Keep up the great work.

[@amandamundy3764]

Great job Alex!

[@pauljames9626]

If you have any further cutting to do, here's a tip for you. Instead of trying to balance large sheets of plywood on two rickety saw horses, get yourself an eight by four sheet of insulating foam about two inches deep. Lay your sheet on the gound then the plywood on top of that. You should set the depth of cut on the saw so the teeth are just protruding a milimeter or so beneath the plywood. You can then cut your wood with it being fully supported by th efoam underneath it - the pieces won't fall, or bind or slip. The foam will eventually get covered in tiny cut marks, but you can throw it away when you''ve finished all the cutting. Hope that helps.

[@Gizzzzzy]

That Makita set up is very nice 👍💪🏻

[@sergioreyes5487]

Best KZbinr out there!!!

[@MiNkOYu]

For the drovers you could use only a bottom board and use some plastic boxes. So you will have more space and separate everything. You can also use some lifters. So you can lift the beds main wooden part and be able to get in there if raining or not wanting to get out ;) All in all it does look good

[@just_alex]

Thanks.

[@UncalBertExcretes]

Since you have cordless tools you could work outside in light rain under a cheap gazebo from asda can pick one up for 15 quid nowerdays ;) Its great to see you cutting your own wood by yourself you seem to have learnt alot from your friends over the past few episodes

[@MrRamkulov]

For circular saw you need to get a blade with at least 40 tooth, preferably 60 for plywood. And cut from the back side, not front facing. Also don't clamp a spirit level it may bend it.

[@PatrickTimmins]

Looking forward to seeing more of the solar installation. Great watching you embark on van life.

[@just_alex]

That's the plan for this week!

[@brianher67]

Alex get yourself an electrical Hand Planer you really need that for the jigsaw

[@ninthmomentum]

Looking good Alex can't wait for more and like it's been said hinges may work better as pulling that drawer out all the way just to get things at the top end may be to much lifting a lid will work much better imo

[@just_alex]

Cheers for the info!

[@martinstanchov3741]

Amazing work and good luck 😊

[@Team_cat6.]

Best tools there mate what I use at work

[@pr0faker]

With these kind of woodworking, its good to measure 3x and cut only once. But sometimes you need to adjust a bit, nothing wrong with that.

[@denseljosephs9500]

Loving it Alex your personality just shines through. Subbed.

[@charmainevanrooyen191]

I'm very impressed of how far you have came by converting this van

[@just_alex]

I'm surprised I've got this far to be honest!

[@douglaswilliams6520]

Looking smart pal well done

[@owenfutter4094]

Their should be slots n the top of the saw horses were you can fit long pieces of wood to go from one to the other so it's almost one table if that makes sense

[@charlieking4498]

Trick I learnt was using a roof rack you can put the solar panel on and then can get something to tilt it up left or right and I had room under the roof rack to put a pvc tub with a screw end and I put my rods in it

[@cliveportelli2985]

Great first attempt with power tools Alex

[@xXGetTrollDXx]

Hey alex, when you said "wish you had a barn or workshop"why dont you use a temporary tarpline outside your front of the house for shade and it will keep you/ your equipments away from the rain while you work? would probably cost around £30-£40 for trapline and legs stand. just an idea but keep up the good work.

[@grimeondrill]

Well done Alex your a pro now 💪🏻

[@teard4495]

A similar caddy to yours is featured on latest Yorkshire pop top adventures video, maybe give you some ideas, good luck with the conversion mate

[@ryanbowen5764]

The gift that keeps on giving! Thanks Alex loving the van build series!!

[@just_alex]

Cheers Ryan!

[@jaa7286]

Really enjoying this Alex, might just have to get my first tool bag as well

[@JumboWatts]

1 your doing alright mate. 2 get your radio to match the tools.They are awesome but impressed so far

[@mictaylor9531]

Awesome as always Alex 👌🏻

[@ryangaskill4444]

Love ur content. Happy to be here as you grow!

[@matthewedgerton1259]

Another Cracking Video By you Alex loving this van converstion so much. stay safe Keep makin vids:)

[@MoonShine07]

For your first time very impressive, and will only get easy them more you do! 👍👊

[@thepainter6009]

Well done bud. Keep it up 👍

[@mscudde2]

You're making great progress on the camper! Not sure what it was about the video, but it seemed like you had a bit more "pep" in your step than usual. I think it's awesome you are learning new skills, cooking delicious food, and appreciating the nature around us. You are a great inspiration :)

[@just_alex]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@Clickerbarmicker]

Seen it’s moving day for ya alex best of luck