CRAZY Epoxy "Floating Dovetail" Gun Display Box Build

[@John_Malecki]

If you like this video, you have to see my next rendition of this concept. I use bent lamination and cut the pins in resin! oh... and BACON! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap6udGysq7FoZ5I

[@mikej5959]

@John_Malecki Wouldnt Micro Mesh sanding kit help make the resin more clear?

[@TaylorMade4Zero]

It's crazy how much better your audio sounds in newer videos than some of the older ones. As a new fan that didn't realize how good I had it, thank you for getting better audio equipment.

[@mdbohica]

She's pretty! One suggestion though, I would inlay 2 rare earth magnets in the 2 epoxy blocks that touch the slide of the 1911. That way, when you pick up the box, they'll hold the weapon in place.

[@John_Malecki]

Thats a great idea

[@v12tommy]

That would depend on what metal the gun is made out of. Aluminum is non magnetic, and certain kinds of stainless aren't magnetic either. I'm not super familiar with 1911s to know which models are which.

[@redsharpie3714]

I was going to suggest the same thing as soon as the video ended. Then thought I'd check comments in case someone already suggested it. GMTA Josh! Additional suggestion is to put a rubber coating over the magnets to avoid marring the surface of that beautiful 1911. Maybe even embed some small magnets into the edges and the lid to hold the lid shut. GREAT vids John! Subbed here.

[@braleyshardwoodcustoms8584]

I doubt the heat has a magnetic alkaloid ,tho the fact you mentioned inserting magnets in the epoxy rang a helluva bell in my brain so two thumbs and a thank you for that.

[@katzmosestools]

I love this experiment so much! I love to see others push the boundaries and be able to learn and grow my own craft from their ingenuity. Whether you like it or not this is an awesome exercise in creativity.

[@landonford1067]

Hey I love Your videos.

[@John_Malecki]

hell ya man, huge inspiration from your joint of the week series! Thank you !

[@katzmosestools]

@@John_Malecki I love it bud! Thanks for the shout out!

[@BradRussellisAwesome]

Friendly suggestion: just watched 17 minutes of a build to only have 4 seconds of revealing the final product before the outro, where half the screen is covered by links. Would love to have seen a bit more full screen unabridged reveal and presentation of this badassery in all of its glory.

[@daddyfamlittle6262]

👏🏾 at least I wasn't the only one smh.....sheesh

[@EssenceRare]

Yeah like a spinning slowmow 30 sec shot

[@MakarovFox]

yeah and dont do an spoiler in the miniature of the video man

[@dakel20]

Too much yelling, too much crap going on. Actually hitting the cutoff on a mic is impressive, he needs to learn some volume control. Also, that box would have looked way better if the resin was dovetailed together as well.

[@SilentShadovv]

Agreed!

[@allergictoglobalists]

Woodworking and a 1911. My morning is complete and I can go to work thinking happy thoughts now. Thanks John.

[@John_Malecki]

Thats exactly why im here

[@capdady4902]

Man you are the only man that shares the way he thinks .... plus you are really cool.... thank you very much for these projects.

[@MM-jn2ny]

I can't be the only one who loves the sound of a Planer doing it's thing right when the wood passes through 👌

[@MM-jn2ny]

I really loved the original lid you had built. I was hoping you were going to router the edges and use it. The river lid looked awesome imo

[@crbulldog5638]

Heluva lot better than last week. That pistol was sheer awesomeness 🇺🇸. Are you finished with it or will you go back and see if the river top will shine up. Again great build.

[@John_Malecki]

Not a fan of the river top. shes done, may try another with a different orientation of the pins and tails

[@jasonmajere2165]

Use painters tape for marking for the dovetails so it doesn’t mark the wood. Vacuum chamber to get air bubbles out of the epoxy, torch after pouring breaks the surface tension so air bubbles can come out.

[@unitwoodworking5403]

The technique of edit the video with a little fun things is interesting but your woodworking skill is bold, cool, and tough so I can't stop watching videos. Finally the box is artistic and awesome.

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you very much!

[@unitwoodworking5403]

@@John_Malecki You're welcome. Take care

[@davidwiggins26]

Great build, John! A quick tip I've learned for getting Ecopoxy and Total Boat as clear as glass, I sand from 24 all the way to 12,000 and then use the 3 Festool buffing compounds. It's literally crystal clear and looks unreal! Hope this helps if you ever need to go fully clear in the future! Stay safe!

[@John_Malecki]

Great tip!im gonna have to get me some of that !

[@davidwiggins26]

John Malecki I’ll send you some pics on IG!

[@memberwhen22]

I think that would look pretty cool and add an organic feel if there was a way to leave the bark on sometimes. if you dusted the bark edges with that green fake greenery stuff like they do for miniature scenery it could be an interesting effect between the green and the dark bark, maybe like reeds. I believe you mentioned there are bubble problems but maybe you could paint a few layers of epoxy on the edges and torch any bubbles out and dry in between to seal the bubbles in before pouring.

[@nclemmons]

Great video and unique construction! Pick up Festool's polishing compound - it goes from 4,000 up to 11,000 grit. They have pads as well to match the compound. It would bring that epoxy to an absolutely clear finish.

[@clydebalcom8252]

I love the 1911. My favorite handgun, bar none.

[@augustsilva9423]

I got a kick out of the subtle ASMR reference! I experience it... that’s why I like chiseling and planing! Cool build as always!

[@jonblair5470]

2 things. 1st would've sanded both inside and out to the grit needed to be crystal clear before lacquering. 2nd wouldve created a mold for the gun, so the case can be displayed at an angle or on a wall if need be. If needed even embedded magnets into the mold.

[@John_Malecki]

thanks for the insight bud !

[@K-FOREST_Original]

(Hello? I live in Seoul. It's a test period ahead of the full-fledged KZbin activity. I am not fluent in English.) It's my first time posting comments, and I'm always grateful for them. It's really beautiful.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

This is the John I like! Keep this style up bro! Killer vid.

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you my friend!

[@KevinMalliaTheMaker]

I think you did an awesome job. I have watched this episode a few times now. I’m a gun lover as well and I appreciate the craftsmanship you put into the case and the craftsmanship the gunsmith put into the gun. 👍🏽 keep the videos coming from one of your fans in Toronto Canada 🇨🇦

[@xSwalshx]

Try a blow torch on the resin. It will clear it up. Look at Evan&Katlyn. They’re pros when it comes to resin

[@JMBurke]

Loved this video. just gave me some idea for a few different projects using clear epoxy or glass. one thing I'd add, on the top of the clear resin "floaty blocks", you could put some traction tape (also called roller tape) on top of the blocks. would keep that gun steady when the box is moved or bumped.

[@duin2in]

That 1911 is BADASS and that case you made does the gun justice. Awesome all around, love it

[@John_Malecki]

Ity iis bad ass... thank you Kyle

[@duin2in]

@@John_Malecki no problem brother, keep doin your thing

[@AlphaNerd132]

I love the idea. Even though the box didn't come out as you expected. With different resin and different methods, I feel like this could have become the perfect glass edges like you where wanting.

[@John_Malecki]

I totally agree!

[@daverigby2577]

Super sick project. Awesome look and a great idea for a purdy piece.

[@michaelellis9089]

Hey nice jig john!! About time!!! About the pistol, its shiny pretty. Never been shot. Cool box gives me the idea of my daughters box i made for her when i gave her her first pistol. Enjoyed every single minute of it

[@24kgraham]

for the clear look, use a finishing coat or glaze coat... I know it sounds crazy but check out stone coat countertops... they have exactly what you need..

[@kennykyle4813]

Hey just a thought on your ice cubes, place some felt tabs on top of them so the weapon won't move around easily and won't get scratches from the cubes. Just a thought.

[@es47]

Love it with the corners in epoxy. I would like to try something like this but will build the box with dovetails and pour the corners so ya dont have to glue together Awesome job

[@jpwoodwork]

dude thats awesome!! you should give Yorkshire Grit original and Microfine abrasive paste a try, it was made for woodturning but it can be used on flat wood too, its awesome stuff, you can get it from the Walnut log in the USA i believe

[@chuckbuttons0699]

I can't imagine having a shop like this. That'd be incredible! Hopefully one day!

[@Hellsong89]

Shop is nice, but those tools make things just go faster. Pretty much results you can get with cheaper hand tools most of the time. Imagine having laws that allow you to display your guns and enjoy them visually instead of having them in essentially bunker hidden away. 2A to all corners of the world!

[@Kevin-zv5mi]

Props to you man. Making content all the time even when things are boring.

[@lauchlanstill6677]

My favourite woodworking Chanel atm love the humour

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

Cool project (and .45). Ya should've sunk a few rare earth magnets in those resin blocks you used to suspend the gun in the box. Hopefully they'd keep it from moving off those blocks as the box is handled.

[@John_Malecki]

Ya i got that input from a few people. Its a good idea. Appreciate it Mike!

[@brookswerner9975]

John you make some badass projects and you are one rowdy man brother

[@juanvaldez6321]

Pretty cool idea! You should sell these to Cabot, I'm sure their customers love high end everything. One day I'll have a Cabot

[@John_Malecki]

we have done some custom work for them in the past, but nothing like this. This box is a bit weird, in all honesty. They make some amazing stuff for sure!

[@hatchet0711]

Great build and excellent choice of firearm. I would have put magnets in the “ice cubes” and had the box standing up, that way you could have the pistol on display at any height. I only wish that the stuff I make would turn out half as good as that 👍

[@qoreycube]

If you sand the epoxy (before finish) down to about 2000 grit, then use a polishing compound (ie: turtle wax/etc) and buff it quite a bit, you can get a near glass finish that looks great. It's alot a work, but well worth it for builds like this. Looks great!

[@John_Malecki]

yea i would have to sand the wood up too, all a balance. Solid tips !

[@couragewoodworks2843]

Nice vid. Speaking of the stuck clamp pads, I was working with some epoxy 2 days ago and mine got stuck. All you have to do is take the clamp off and grab some pliers and pull them out

[@John_Malecki]

Nice, glad you could save em !

[@couragewoodworks2843]

John Malecki to be fair they were 2.99 harbor freight twist clamps😂. If you get the right ones though, harbor freight is a great option for a lot of clamps.

[@meme2363]

I like watching guys work with wood.

[@StevenMendez]

I used a headlight restoration kit to clear up my epoxy. It worked pretty well to polish it up.

[@travisthompson4315]

Good job. Comin atcha witha jumpin high five. I was just thinking, is it possible to pour the resin into a corner shape or even a 45 deg. corner. This might give an clearer view of what is in the box. The down side is more work by hand to get it polished up.

[@silverstormrifleworks7080]

Cabot guns makes excellent 1911s, good choice

[@sephers33]

When I use clear epoxy I use fish tank acrylic scratch remover and polish. It will make the epoxy perfectly clear.

[@John_Malecki]

That is a killer tip!

[@lastchancecris]

Gotta get a wool buffing wheel. Sand up to like a 600 or higher then buff the resin and it will be crystal clear. That’s how I do it at least. You can pick up a cheap set of 3” buffing heads for your drill just about anywhere. Love the piece and the Freedom Seed thrower inside !!!

[@John_Malecki]

Thanks for the tip!!!

[@featherorknot]

Lets all watch as John slowly goes insane during quarantine and builds increasingly odd things!

[@John_Malecki]

Would you like a job as our PR rep? You basically nailed it hahah wait till you see what we got in the hopper the next few weeks hahahah

[@featherorknot]

@@John_Malecki Don't toy with my emotions like that! I think I've done my best writing during quarantine - you should see the resin-river squirrel picnic table write up I did

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

Quarantine CAN'T make John Insane... Quarantine makes peoples Mental State Worse and Insane would be a step UP for John... 😁😂🤣

[@David-fv7zg]

Too late, he’s already there.

[@John_Malecki]

I cannot tell if this is sarcasm or you actually think im nuts.... either way. You are correct, clinical insanity would be a step up for me!

[@Acecool]

I have a few ideas on this... The river is nice - it is a shame it wasn't used... Why not use it as a background behind the gun? You could slim it a little bit, maybe leave a tiny gap and put some LEDs behind it to give the river some color... In the gap, you could fill it with sand so under the river has a sandy bottom. Depending how much room you actually have in the box you could put pebbles, etc.. but that may not be viable. It would've been better to do that beforehand. So the next thing after the river is in the background is have a wave cast out of epoxy, or 2... and have the gun mount into the wave. Not sure on the wave aspect - but it would be nice to see the river used. Hopefully these ideas pique your interest.

[@secondwind75]

That’s a rare beauty you got yourself for your wedding there, 62. So’s the pistol. 😉 -Troy

[@JeffWalshPhotography]

Out of all the wood working channels I follow, you are easily the most entertaining and fun channel. Just finished my floating shelf with hidden compartment that was inspired by one of your earlier vidyas. Shh, don't tell anyone but the hidden compartment hides a freedom boomers

[@Unc_Talks]

I'm 3 videos in . You're nothing like them other dudes. 👍🏿

[@TheMessyStudio]

Love it, John. Really cool. I think if you had polished the resin instead of the lacquer topcoat, you would have achieved the clarity you were looking for. Billy

[@vigilante004]

Use plastic headlight cover polishing compound for getting epoxy beautifully see thru. Yin’s are welcome. Merca!

[@dougmate2378]

you have the John Goodman appearance from The Big Lebowski with those glasses sir. Excellent. Great work sir.

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you Doug, that was potentially our goal....

[@dougmate2378]

@@John_Malecki haha excellent sir. I definitely got a kick out of it. I also really like this project, do you have plans on doing more projects like this, or even gun cabinets along this line?

[@406751]

First time visiting your channel bro… all the ‘murica-ness sold me. Love it. 🇺🇸!

[@Bloatedbark35236]

I've always loved wood work but haven't been able to make anything recently. Your videos almost make me feel like I'm back out making stuff again. Love your content keep it up John! (And Sam/Jordan!)

[@MrCsioktech]

Try routering in and epoxy an earth magnet to the cubes and then you can wall mount the box maybe?

[@bigtoe2820]

Guns! God! Liberty! Steelers!

[@jasonwerner365]

One of the things you can do to make the Apoxsee perfectly clear again once you’re done make some fresh Apoxsee and apply it with a good paintbrush and it’ll clear it all up

[@Kossfarms]

Your gun and box are beautiful! But how did you get the gun to float on the blocks?

[@antc8634]

You should make a chevron table where some of the arrows are epoxy. I never seen that before and i think it would be one of a kind on your channel!

[@reubenrosenberg7715]

I'm wondering why after pouring the resin for the sides that you then cut the four pieces out. If you had used a curved surface and heat, you could bend the resin into corners. Might that have been a good idea? Either way, very cool work! Keep it up!

[@paladrous]

If the core of the 3 standup displays were full of STRONG magnets it could make your case more versatile.

[@jonny555ive]

Bro....SICK build. Enough said 🤘🤘

[@AnonYmous-lk6gw]

Skill. Well done.

[@dukeofearl6256]

Because "Freedom".... Love it...

[@5minutewoodworker143]

Looks like a well constructed box of freedom!

[@jamesburkhardt5143]

that Skill Saw is sweet

[@kelliworley1229]

Love the box and the gun.

[@leewatson1525]

I love it nice gun

[@bharatgangwal5662]

Great floating

[@Cleverdad_itchy_back]

Resaw the river lid and router the edge to match the bottom panel and polish. This project is amazing one of the only epoxy projects that has stopped me in my tracks. But man you have to use the original lid.

[@dawnlittle-journey1798]

Beautiful. My husband is trying to get in to epoxy resin

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work John, looks really cool! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@thewolfofwoodstreet_]

Beautiful work!!

[@cubeheadgameing]

He’s an honest to god gun floatin Patriot!

[@rakashaagain]

NICE GUN

[@themanthelegend7048]

You should have put some magnets in the top of the epoxy towers so when the gun is put on it there's some magnetism. Science.

[@Azurko]

That is awesome! It's giving me more ideas for my PC case design.

[@John_Malecki]

Hell ya Charles!

[@Azurko]

@@John_Malecki Now if only this damn isolation business would end so my wood dealer could open back up. Made the mistake of taking this lightly at first and have no walnut in stock! These are dark days my friend.

[@DebsHill1]

Stunning

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you! 😊

[@gdavid9219]

Great job john 👌🤩.. i need to know the type of your handsaw and the guide tool please 🛠

[@naterapp7881]

Great project! I wonder if it would be possible to make a form where you can put the wood in place and then pour epoxy in the corners around it? So you wouldn’t have to miter the corners of the box?

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

Sure it's possible, it's all about building the form that holds/shapes the Resin as it cures... The easiest way would be to build a form that holds the wood slabs on edge in a square shape with the corners exposed at the top to allow the Resin to be poured into the corners, once it cures, pull the form apart, trim, sand and polish the Resin...

[@John_Malecki]

yes but that leaves more opportunities for bubbles and air to get trapped. hence why i didnt do it.

[@naterapp7881]

John Malecki you’re the expert, boss! My knowledge of epoxy pours is pretty limited!

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

@@John_Malecki True, but a battery powered, hand held muscle massager from the dollar store could help with the bubbles by vibrating the sides of the form (like they do when pouring concrete)... Or build the form from screwed together wood and put a rubber sealed lid on it with a connector for a vacuum pump (turning the form itself into a Vacuum Pot)... Assuming of course that the form won't fit in your Vacuum Pot (if you have one, I can't remember)...

[@patriotwoodworker6092]

Friendly suggestions but epoxy does matter. Go with a crystal clear if you want no haze and be able to see through it. Maybe use your match piece that’s slightly too small, make the frame slightly bigger to comp. then (is that a Kimber? Can’t tell you move too fast) scroll a “K” in the lid and fill with clear epoxy.

[@liamboyle184]

Now thats a nice pew pew and box wish we could have stuff like that

[@shutterbugg5217]

Great idea. I like the concept. I think the haze was from the sanding. Too many micro scratches. Once you added the laquer, you kinda screwed yourself. No way to effectively buff and polish the resin. An idea for the next one, should you chose to, pour the corners in place. Instead of pouring the sides flat, pour them in position vertically. No need to miter. A lot more work to finish it, but, most great pieces require lots of work. Enjoy the channel. You crack me up. :)

[@davidallen329]

Glad I found this dude channel

[@Mightytrity2005]

This is so cool I wish I was there to learn new things about woodwork and I’m 14 still have someway to go and learn about this

[@John_Malecki]

Keep watching videos and take some classes!

[@josephconstable5825]

John, You're the greatest flannel man I've ever seen. Your now "Flannel Man."

[@alfio22]

This is really cool. I’d like to see you try to pour that in place so it cures as the box. No mitres required 👍🏻 quarantine crazy project time 🤪

[@robledo09]

I was just going to suggest that myself. I am no expert but I think it would have helped the corners be more transparent. Maybe even less work as well. Awesome build btw. And awesome firearm 👌

[@John_Malecki]

The best transparency would 100% be from the correct resin. With all the love this video has in just 2 weeks, I may have to give your guys method a shot!

[@robledo09]

@@John_Malecki please do.

[@FlippinRejects]

Great video. Its cool to see you continue to keep innovating in creative ways. Keep up the good work.

[@TallGuyDIY]

Nice job John, really cool application of materials!

[@John_Malecki]

thank you tall guy, one question.... how tall

[@TallGuyDIY]

@@John_Malecki the world may never know...

[@jasonmickley4835]

Now make some custom scales for your freedom blaster! I bet Claro walnut would look good too!

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

To get Crystal Clear Resin, you really need to wet sand up to at least 2,000 Grit (3,000-5,000 would be better) and then buff with a cloth wheel... Kim Tippen recommends using Oil when wet sanding a wood/Resin piece as the oil won't cause the wood to swell which can cause the joint between the wood and Resin to break... I think if you want to try surface Planing it you really need to be taking cuts measured in Hair-Thicknesses...i.e. just breath on the thickness adjustment wheel between passes. That may help prevent tear out...(or may not, I don't know yet as I'm still trying to get enough money together to outfit a workshop)...

[@mikej5959]

Wouldnt Micro Mesh sanding kit help make the resin more clear? We use it all the time in aviation.

[@lesleyyoung5730]

For a glass-like look, after you have sanded and used automotive paste and have buffed, paint a coat of clear resin and it will have the exact look you want, high gloss clear!

[@hercules71185]

Question for anyone who has used it. Sasquatch the skilsaw branded saw used. Does it jump like the makita when you pull the trigger?

[@John_Malecki]

Yes, the blade is enormous, probably not avoidable in a saw with a 16" blade

[@mannurse7421]

Dear Mr Malecki I love anything you love. As long as it makes you happy. But this epoxy abomination earns you a spot in woodworking hell.

[@Adam-bc7hr]

The music from 50 seconds is Pete McKinnons theme!! Love your videos.

[@CappyLarou]

how about pouring the corners molded as corners leaving zero seams? would look much cooler

[@tommyj7087]

2 of my favorite things brought together! BEA UTI FUL!