Ep. 5 - Bandsaw box from a Dogwood sapling trunk. Finally! - Bird Youmans

After all the preparation in building my shop and gathering the necessary tools, I finally cut my first bandsaw box from a Dogwood sapling trunk. Hope you enjoy it! By the way, I'm building a new recording/video studio beside my shop and I'm videoing the process if you'd like to watch me build it. Just click the i in the top right corner of the screen and it will drop down so you can click over to the playlist for the build.
My music site is:
www.BirdYoumans.com
My model train store is:
www.PaPaTrains.com
My crafts store:
www.BirdsBoxes.com

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

This was my first attempt at cutting a band saw box. I chose a difficult path for my first one by using an irregular shape. In the process I found it to be just a bit more difficult than I had bargained for in trying to keep the walls perpendicular over having a blank with perfect 90 degree walls. But all in all, I guess I'm pleased for the first attempt. I learned a lot about shooting this type of video and knowing what I learned from it, would do it a bit different now and would include all steps in the process. I did learn from the process though and will build on it. But it was fun and there will be more! Hope you enjoy it.

[@lincolnjudson8172]

instaBlaster.

[@Exsig12]

Nicely done Sir!! I've been walking my woods for years and have never come across such a nice bandsaw. It appears I either need to move or look harder!! Thank you for sharing.

[@jimpulcine9925]

Nice job. To help hold the log straight. While cutting, you can tack a piece of wood to the side to stop it from rolling. Cool box.

[@jamartin1]

Love it! Thank you for sharing!💜

[@larrywhite444]

Here is a little gluing tip. Apply glue and before you put the pieces together, just sprinkle a little bit of salt on the glue and that will prevent slippage. Works great. Thanks for the video.

[@rbg11171950]

Nice job! Suggestion, 1. A few grains of salt on the glue will prevent the parts from sliding. 2. Sometimes I drill a very small hole in the parts to be joined and place a part of a toothpick in the hole. This acts like a tiny dowel. Just a suggestion.

[@randymorris765]

Amazing! Love the fact that in came from clearing for your shop... Keep up the "Great Work"!!! Be careful with those fingers though... the music world needs them to stay safe!!! Looking forward to more of your work....

[@Loganb611]

Awesome idea - thanks for sharing.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

And thank you for watching!

[@fredmott7086]

Thank you for your presentation. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

+Fred Mott Thanks Fred. Glad you liked it! There will be more soon. I'm just getting started editing a LOT of footage that I took getting to this point. But I'm largely done with the building now so I have a bit of time to hopefully catch up in the next few weeks, and then hopefully a difference will start to show from what I'm learning about making and editing wood vids. Quite different than shooting music vids that I am more familiar with shooting. I'm having fun though with the learning process.

[@fredmott7086]

Thanks. I'll look forward to it. Fred

[@terryk3118]

Nice project. Really liked the music as well!

[@slowburnwoodworks7626]

Just got into bandsaw boxes myself. Really nice work! There are so many fancy, ornate little boxes, but your stmp box is one of my favorites that I've seen so far.👌Well done!

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

Thank you Slow Burn! I enjoyed making it. I have reached 78 and my music channel has taken most of my time the last few years and I haven't posted much, but when I was doing more wood working, my band saw became my favorite saw. Good luck with your boxes. They are really fun to make, and you are only limited if you have a decent saw, by your imagination. By the way, don't know what saw you have, but mine is a Grizzly and until I changed the blade that it came with to a Timber wolf blade, I had no idea how really good my saw is. I use a 3/16 4t blade. Cut like butter! A good blade makes a huge difference. Good luck!

[@slowburnwoodworks7626]

@@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic it's an old craftsman roebuck 12 inch, and that's the exact blade I run! 🤣 The Timber Wolf blades seem to be pretty awesome.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

@@slowburnwoodworks7626 That old Craftsman is probably better than most you could buy today lol! And a 12 will be good for most of the boxes you would want to cut. As for the Timber Wolf blades, I love them! I use the small one for boxes and delicate work and I have a 3/4 4tpi for slabbing small logs. In fact, I have a video that shows how I made my jig for sawing logs up to whatever length you can physically lift up onto your saw. Only modification you need to the jig is how long the bottom board is. If you see the video you'll know what I mean. But in essence its a small saw mill and much safer than trying to "free hand" it. Here's the link for that vid if you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYrLn4ygn5unn5I

[@slowburnwoodworks7626]

@@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic It's been a pleasure to run so far. A new blade and a bit of small adjustments and she was good to go. And I will definitely check that out! Thank you!

[@jefftrag1956]

I have flocked 125,000 jewelry boxes in my shop. Not that many myself but in 44 years we have made a bunch of boxes. FLOCKING TIPS - I use yellow wood glue watered down a little. I seal the inside of the drawer or box with even a little more watered down yellow wood glue (2 coats) then lightly sand the sealed inside of the drawer with 220 sandpaper. Believe me it makes the flock much softer to sand the sealed wood. If you do not seal the inside of the drawer first the wood absorbs the moisture from the glue and you get an uneven result. By the way if you get flock prints on the box or glue overflow on the varnish it cleans up with a damp rag. The chances that the flocked drawer will get wet is very low. The only reason I see for using solvent based adhesives is to make the flock job waterproof. For big jobs you have to work fast. Divide the job into sections if the job is too big to do all at once due to glue drying. You can lightly go over the whole surface once you have all the glue applied to make the coating more of a uniform wetness. I use a dark cardinal red flock .030 and the glue does not show or affect the color of the flock.. It is not transparent but a very light yellow when dried. You could use white wood glue too. I use yellow wood glue because that is what I always have on hand. I have never tried because it was not necessary but I have thought of using food coloring if it was ever necessary to color my glue. I use an air pistol hooked up to an air compressor. The yellow can looking flock guns that Rockler sells suck. I have 2 and have never been able to get them to work right. If anybody knows how to make them work please let me know. I have an old heavy duty flock gun I have been repairing for 30 years. Just today I found a flock gun out of India. I inquired about it but have not heard back yet. Zari Flocking Gun it was called. (postscript. The people in India demanded a bank transfer. Do not do that. Only deal with people who accept credit/debit cards) I found another Flocking gun, the Wagner WF-20, 20 mm for the application of dry chips to a wet undercoat but that cost 180 Euros plus shipping. Flocks guns are very hard to find these days. By the way, When I am interviewing women to do the flocking I ask them if they know how "to flock". Not one has ever minded once they realized what the joke was.

[@webjaker]

That's really cool, and I've never seen one done in that orientation

great...! so cute.

[@otakop67]

Awesome looking box! I just got a better bandsaw where I can make these now. Thanks for the inspiration! Also, to keep you parts from sliding on you when gluing, sprinkle a little salt on a glued half before joining. It creates just enough grit to prevent sliding without compromising the quality of the glue joint.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that!

[@brianprocter3031]

I just finished doing a couple bandsaw boxes out of driftwood, and am in the process of doing utube videos. the first one I posted the other day, The other one which was a simulair process as yours, I put the cut side down and cut freehand for the drawers without lines, Your method has merit. I think I would set it on a piece of plywood with a piece vertical on the end, then screw it to the end piece to keep perfectly in position while cutting. Name here is Brian Procter and you will be able to find them by searching for driftwood bandsaw box.

[@laurawullner4660]

Thank you

[@ziggydog24]

Really enjoyed your video, love your back garden. Going to make one next week and hope it turns out like yours, well I do have a pile of logs doing nothing just lying around. Thanks again from The North East Coast, England.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hope your box turns out well. They are a bit harder to cut from a log, but interesting none the less. Thanks for watching!

[@cesaredanti9350]

BirdsAdventuresInWoodworking mille amccendini

[@foos.998]

Where your shop is at sounds really peaceful with the birds and crickets. Keep up the nice work!

[@billiemontgomery8646]

I am no expert, I learned by watching guys on KZbin. If you use Crazy Glue™, or a hot glue gun it will help hold your wood that you glue in place. While you clap your projects while the wood glue get dry. I hope you make more videos soon. I like your style. I am a 52 year old grandma, I would love to have a shop set up full of wood working equipment & all the fun gadgets that go along with it. Thank you for taking the time to share your videos on KZbin. Billie

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

+Billie Montgomery Thanks for the tip. Makes too much sense! I'll be trying that soon.

[@billiemontgomery8646]

+BirdsAdventuresInWoodworking, l love wood working so much! Around 25 years old when my girls were in early grade school, we had equipment (which at the time was pretty up to date, nothing like what is available now). I volunteered to make wooden Christmas trees cut from plywood, so the kids could all paint & decorate them. Oh My! 85 of those all cut & sanded! I learned my lesson fast! I am excited to see more of your videos. Thank you!

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

I bet it was fun. I spend as much time as I can in the shop with my grand kids now. I traveled so much in my performing days that I missed my kids growing up because I had to feed them lol! But we made it through and since I retired from the road I have more time with my grand kids. They love the shop and I do to!

[@ljbobb1]

+Billie Montgomery Dear Billie, start saving & buy 1 piece at a time, next thing ya know ... you're having fun! sometimes you can get good used stuff too. and take a few classes to get ya started. ( ps, I'm a 65 yr old lady too)

[@marklord-lear6095]

Billie Montgomery m. Be. Bethklknghm

[@mostafaprince5460]

wow wow wow wow wow wow

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

Thanks!

[@TedAlexander24]

Have you tried to salt the glue joints? Might help hold it in place a little better.

[@gerrygilmore4337]

I find it easier to glue the front and back on the drawers BEFORE sanding the outside of the drawers. Maybe its just me but you might want to give it a try once. It may make it easier to line it up that way.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

Hi Gerry, I usually do it that way now, but this was my first attempt at a band saw box. I would not recommend a "tree stump" for your first try at it lol! More difficult than it looks because nothing is square. Also, I did this over a period of a week and by the time I got back to it to glue the drawer fronts I learned a good lesson. Glue it the same day you cut it out or the parts will dry and warp. thus I had to do some sanding ro they would never have fit. I did indeed do more sanding once they were put together as well. But, lesson learned! And in the end I did get it together. As I have said before, my channel is just my own experience as I learn things. It is definitely not a how to channel, just my adventures so to speak. But you are certainly correct, glue and then sand, just do the gluing right after you cut the parts out so no warpage has time to take place.

[@joymontague251]

I want to make a bandsaw box. I really love how you use the bark and a solid piece of wood. I am in a woodworking class and I noticed you did not adjust your band saw length down or up for the height of the wood to steady the blade ? I -of course am new to this- but I remember them showing us to raise and lower the blade. I don't know if it is harder to do in videos like that and will have to see when I am cutting stuff again what the instructor advises or what do you advise? Anyway I wanted to compliment you on your very cool band box, and let you know I am going to try to make one with bark too -after watching you.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

I had just gotten my saw and had spent a good amount of time learning to fine tune it. (A guitar sounds a lot better when in tune, and so does a band saw lol!) That was my first band saw box and it was cutting so good (I also put a timberwolf blade on it that made it like a much better saw) that I forgot to lower the guard. But normally you should bring it down a good bit closer to your work. A lot safer that way as well. Good luck with your band saw box. Just be sure you have a good sharp blade and your saw is well tuned. I use a 3/16" blade for that type of work.

[@crackerjack3359]

Thanks. When you close up the entry cut and glue it, doesn't it close the side of the cabinet and trap the drawer?

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

If I understand what you're asking, no because there will be a certain amount of space created by the kerf of the blade and also by the time you sand it good and get rid of the blade marks that creates a bit more space. But no, the drawers don't bind at all. In fact, you will wind up with plenty of space for the drawers. These are rough enough just being what they are that the space isn't so bad, but on my boxes I cut from blanks I glue up from scrap boards I even use a little felt pad that sticks to the bottom of the drawer to even the kerf and sanding opening out. Here's a link to a box like that which I cut from some cedar and white pine kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4S0XouDqriFsJI

[@Scotty32355]

Nice job, I'm thinking of making these but don't own a band saw yet. What do you suggest a 10" or a 14" band saw

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

I have a 14 inch Grizzley and I like it a lot. It has a good price tag but be prepared to adjust and "tune it up" well. Once it is cutting good, then order a 3/16" blade from Timberwolf for band saw boxes, and if you wish to cut up small logs or firewood to make use able wood with, get a 3/4" resaw blade. Those two blades will serve you well. There is no comparison between these blades and the one that comes on the saw. It cuts, but not like the Timberwolf blades. If you can afford it (around 500 dollars), get the 14". It has extra power and you can work larger pieces of wood. Also, get the 6" riser kit before you order the blades (takes a longer blade) so you have 12" under the guide foot of the blade. It is probably the most used saw in my shop.

[@JuanGarcia-1125]

Excelente caja maestro! Una pregunta: Qué cinta usas para éste tipo de trabajo? 1/4", 3/16"? 4 tpi? 6 tpi? Agradezco mucho tu respuesta. Gracias por compartir y saludos cordiales desde Reynosa México!

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

3/16 4TPI

[@andrews5926]

What tpi blade do u use

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

I used a 3/16" 4 tpi blade for the band saw box. A higher tpi results in a finer cut, but is not nearly as aggressive. I can always sand a bit, but I find the finer ones just aren't aggressive enough when making cuts in thicker wood. When re-sawing I use a 3/4" 4 tpi blade for that. It really matters to use the right blade for the job. I also recommend getting a good after market blade for your saw. I saw someone on youtube recommend Timberwolf blades and tried them. They are great. It was like I got a better saw. The one that came on it was adequate at best. But the Timberwolf is indeed a great blade. Also, take the time to set your saw up properly. That makes a world of difference when it comes to blade drift. I sometimes forget to lower my guides because it cuts so good. KZbin has several good vids on setting up the saw. Good luck with your projects!

[@Dennis-pe6zx]

do u work with wood and glue and clamps often?? you don't seem very familiar with the 3 together to much... At least not in that video... Good job on overall log box.... Awesome job looks good....

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

As I state in my intro video Ep. 1 my channel is me learning about wood working. This was also my first band saw box. I've done a few since this one, but this was by far the most complicated since it is not square or flat, so yes, I was definitely learning lol! But I figured that would be the fun with this channel. People get to see what it's like for me to grow as a wood worker. I did some basic carpentry before and a shelf or speaker cabinet or two, but no "fine" wood working so to speak. It's now two years later since I cut this box so I've learned a bit, but still learning! It's fun and I love it!

[@Dennis-pe6zx]

Well ur box definitely came out real good.. I bought books to make these years ago and wasn't able to try make them cuz I only had a little band saw that would do up too 3 1/2 square stock so I was to limited. So glad to see u was able to take a shot at it and kicked ass at it.. My comment was wasn't towards ur wood working skills it was just a question about ur glueing and clamping.. If u have done much of it . In the future just in case u haven't seen it before sprinkle a little salt on ur glued area before clamping that will keep it from sliding around like that and won't have to hold it by hand till it gets tacky before clamping... Besides that awesome job..

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

Thanks Dennis! I started with a small band saw as well, but immediately realized it would not do what I needed so I took it back and ordered the Grizzly. It took a lot of setting up and making the wheels co-planer, but once I had it set up right and bought a new better blade, I was off and running. You could probably make some small boxes, but it would be a challenge. The blade on that first little one I had would not stay on the wheels when I tried to take a curve of almost any amount. But thanks for your comments!

[@Dennis-pe6zx]

Your welcome. Yeah I wasn't financially set up to do it because I was doing it more as a hobby here and there hell I think I only owned a couple squeeze clamps no big clamps LOL I was doing commercial framing mostly was hospitals or additions on them..but was more familiar with regular houses then commercial plus too much travel so i started doing a lot of flooring and painting and finish work on the residential house jobs. And I still have not made one of those damn boxes. The book I have has some awesome designs in it.

[@andrews5926]

Why did u bring your bandsaw outside

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

To keep the dust down in my small shop. I have just finished enclosing the porch though so once I paint the floor, I will move all the dust creating tools into the new room. I made the doors 8' tall by 4' wide on each end so I will still get ventilation for all the dust. There will be a time lapse video of this project soon!

[@jamesbroach3859]

what i wont 2 no is what kind of blade r u using looks like about 1/4 kant tell about the teeth

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

It's a Timberwolf blade that is 3/16" with a 4 tpi tooth count. Way better than what comes on the saw. You won't know how good your saw is until you use a good blade! The lower tooth count works well for cutting band saw boxes. The higher tooth count may give a slightly smoother cut, but struggles a lot more with the cut. I find the difference isn't worth it because there's always sand paper, and the difference in the cut isn't that much smoother anyway if the blade is nice and sharp.

[@georgebenjamin7153]

+A ok

[@cpeterson877]

Nice idea and looks good. I would however give multiple down votes if possible. That goes for.all builds that include spreading glue with fingers.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

To each his own lol! For me it depends on the size of the work area. As a musician, I think fingers are one of God's greatest gifts to man! So I use them in all sorts of ways and find them very effective. But then, I am an amateur to most of this so I'm sure your mileage will vary. Thanks for your comment though.

[@wadepatton2433]

Not to worry, he licked it all off!

[@foxecarpentress4964]

Love it!!! You keep too much of that blade exposed at the top throughout, for my comfort! Don't cut yourself, gotta still Praise the Lord with those instruments dude!!! Need All them fingers! 👏🏻

[@BirdYoumans]

I agree about too much blade showing. That was the first band saw box I cut and the first time I used my saw so I still had some things to figure out at that point. I had set it to the full width of the tree to cut the flat side off and then when I cut the drawers I was too caught up in the project to remember to lower the blade guard. I did learn though and and now it's my practice to keep that adjustment close to the work. I actually bought the band saw just to cut those little boxes but it quickly became my favorite saw. Used for so many things.

[@foxecarpentress4964]

BirdYoumans Keep them fingers intact!!! Blessings

[@63Ducati1]

I'm wondering if the bark dries out and falls off. The "log" could start to split as well if it is not sealed. I didn't see you put any finish on any of it. Since you posted in Dec of 2015, you have at least 5 years of use to know if the bark came off or the wood split? It seems to me that you should put some diluted white glue on the bark, or maybe some Hodge Podge, both of which dry clear, all over it and let it soak in before you make the box. I have some Russian Olive trunks about the same size that I would like to make the same box out of, but the bark seems to come off as it dries. Thanks for the video.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

Hi Dudley, this is dogwood and VERY hard wood. After the five years, it is still intact and about the same as when I made it, but the bark is indeed going to need some attention at some point, but surprisingly, it is still intact. However, you are correct that most wood would need something to keep the bark intact. The ends have not split but the "stump" had dried pretty good before I cut it out so after five years, I don't think that will ever be a problem. But it can't hurt to put some finish on it. I never did, but probably should have.

[@ollen249]

Anyone else think this is Phil Robertson talking???

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

+Ollen240 I guess I must live in blissful isolation so I had to google Phil R to see who you were talking about. Heaven help me. I certainly didn't intend it so I'll Duck that one lol!