Genius Idea for Making Small Drawers or Beyond Stupid? You Tell Me

[@JohnHeisz]

This is steel stud wall framing you can get at any building supply store. Actually the track (or plate) the wall studs fasten to at the top and bottom. This has straight sides and no holes, so much better for this. The hardest part is cutting it into pieces. I used my grinder with a thin cutting blade and no guard (responsible for his own actions adult here, so go find some children to lecture after I ban you from my channel), but sheet metal snips would also work. The easiest way would be if you have one of those metal cutting chop saws, but avoid using the one for cutting wood! Actually you could use the miter saw if you used an old blade and made a hold rig like I did for the hacksaw - just cut through the holding rig and say your prayers. I knew the hacksaw wouldn't work (even with a blade with more teeth) but built the holding rig to give it the best chance of working just to demonstrate that it wouldn't work. 'Cause I knew guys would ask if they can use a hacksaw. Try it for yourself. Do it! Jigsaw with metal cutting blade? Yes, but more difficult. Dremel? Yes, but you are going to need a big stack of cutting disks and an afternoon to do it. I did this project VERY quickly, so it's not an example of my best work. You will realize superior results if you slow down and do a good job of cutting the parts and cleaning everything up. The metal is fastened using 1/2" nails driven in as shown in the video. I used a center punch to start the hole and lock the parts together. This method is more than strong enough for whatever will be in these drawers, so don't be worrying it. Use tiny screws if this kind of thing keeps you up at night. I decided after I started putting it together to add a bit of walnut to pretty it up. Think that the walnut takes the project overall from a 3 right up to a 7.5. Slowing down and being more careful could boost that to 8.5 or even a 9. 10 is reserved for anything with dovetails. Of course these drawers can be made any length and have dividers inside. I used two different width as well. If you a real metal worker, you can make these drawers without wood by cleverly bending up the ends. I was going to do that but thought this method was easier to accomplish for the average mess maker out in his mom's garage. That blade change was going to be a KZbin short, but I HATE KZbin shorts so I put it where it belongs - in a real video.

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

I've seen some fairly long pieces of that metal stuff in a dumpster near where I live, never thought it could have another use though, thank you for showing me a new idea 👍

[@KyleMerl]

Adults being responsible for themselves is a novel idea and ppl in my country should try it sometime

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Agree about the shorts..🤮. Great idea, glad you showed all the steps, even if I did have to slow it down! Thanks John.

[@matthewwarfield4302]

Before all the new metal cutting saws came out, we used to put the circular saw blade on backwards to cut aluminum siding... I'd try it on these too!

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

Reminds me of the old one about the guy who was walking on the beach and finds a magic lamp. Rubs it and out pops the Genie. Asked for his wish the guy said he wanted to be a stud. Yep you guessed it... ended up in that new office complex in the east wall. You need to be specific to get what you want.

[@micahk606]

I like it John! One rule of thumb I used as a machinist was that never try to cut any thing thinner than the distance between two saw teeth. If the material is so thin it fits between saw teeth, the teeth aren't cutting, they are paddling, and can break. (great rule on a band saw) Obviously people can get around this when the material is softer than the blade. Again, nice work. I enjoy your thinking outside the box.

[@tomfull6637]

..or using a saw blade speed higher than the oscillation speed achieved by the materials resonance frequency. Preferably in synchronisation with opposing movement. Or simply put - bloody fast will do. And if you think that is too tiring, just turn the bit upside down 👊🏻

[@WayPastCrazy2525]

@@tomfull6637 Wait, what? Table saw speeds aren't adjustable that I know of. And, are you saying to reverse the blade in the table saw? Wouldn't that throw the piece up?

[@tomfull6637]

@@WayPastCrazy2525 I was referring to the hand cutting that starts at 58 seconds. Turning it upside down gives you a much easier start. But then you have to have increasingly high speed and low pressure at the ends of the cut. (The high speed of angle grinders is a good example of what prevents them from grabbing hold of your workpiece when cutting. ) Hope it clarifies..

[@tomfull6637]

@@WayPastCrazy2525 ..not all have machines and cutting thin materials require high speed AND a very small attack angle. Metal or plastic.. When cutting with angle grinders many people do it wrong! They cut through at one end and move onwards. The correct way is to move the grinder back and forth in its groove. You don’t loose in cutting time but you gain in A) much higher security (not splitting the disc) B) much longer life of your disc (owing to the small attack angle.) C) less heating of the work piece (warp, decarbonisation etc)

[@zac6283]

You know the lumber shortage is getting intense when John starts working with METAL!

[@paulhopkins1905]

There was never any shortage

[@suzieriederer9235]

😄

[@paulhopkins1905]

@@michaelbuddy I never saw a single empty shelf, just ridiculous prices

[@youruniquehandle2]

@@paulhopkins1905 there was definitely some price gouging but the wholesale prices have come down to where it was in 2018. This is more of an indictment of "just in time"/lean manufacturing than a political issue that some people are making it out to be.

[@1aapmens]

@@michaelbuddy would't this be capitalism as intended? So a feature, not a bug. Could probably blame the state for not regulating enough, but that surely is not the American way.

[@keatonmills4800]

Little trick I have picked up over the years as a general carpenter, with the light gauge steel studs/track like the one you’re using, you can snip up the sides like you did then use your square and run a utility knife across it a few times then you can bend it back and forth a few times and it’ll have a clean straight break, I find it much easier to do than trying to use the snips across

[@bridgetl.303]

I actually have an antique legal forms cabinet made with this same principle. The cabinet and drawer faces are quartersawn oak with brass label pulls. It holds up over time! Oh, and they used tiny brass screws.

[@wannabefunnyman]

Pretty cool idea. Next Level Carpentry does something similar with PVC fence post cut offs. It’s much more utilitarian and not as nice looking. I really liked how you dressed it up with some walnut.

[@savage6394]

Next level carpentry uses the pvc pieces more as dividers in a large tool box, or as a small carry case. Both the pvc and Johns metal stud build ideas are great ideas just different enough.

[@jimthesoundman8641]

@@savage6394 I like next level but he can turn a ten minute video into a ten hour video.

[@dannywilsher4165]

@@savage6394 He also makes drawers out of them.

[@Jaspel]

@@savage6394 funny thing.. I've used these steel channels for drawer organizers but find them a little to sharp to be touching. Would have the same issue as using them as parts bins. Perhaps I just need to be more selective

[@kurtanderson1701]

NLC has a source of fence part cut-offs, i sadly, do not. i'm gonna look at this method. not for drawers but as drawer organizers

[@brewster3987]

An unsung benefit of this approach is how much extra storage space you gain by utilizing the thin-wall material. Nicely done. And great storytelling without words.

[@LylesGrandpa9371]

I enjoyed the idea of the build but not the lack of commentary. I appreciate your comments and ideas while you progress with your builds. It helps to provide me with a greater understanding of your projects.

[@iPleinAir]

Genius! This is great for small parts storage. Form factor is lighter and there is less wasted space than 1/4 ply. 20+ years ago I made a box out of foam core to carry wet 6x8 paintings. I still use it. All of the corners are rounded over and it’s a bit battered but it still does the job of carrying wet paintings home from plein air sessions.

[@paulhirst3548]

What a great idea. I just happen to have a few lengths of thin walled steel C channel that I found while dumpster diving for scrap metal to practice welding on. I think that this would be a much nice use for it. Thank you John for the inspiration!

[@solid_jr]

I knew that stuff was good for something. Great idea. This might actually draw me away from my old peanut butter jar storage. Walnut is one of my favorites too. Thanks for the video.

[@root1657]

Maybe just make walnut lids for the peanutbutter jars?

[@PhilJM]

Hi John, in addition to alternate method no.1 you could score the bottom of the track with a utility knife, snip both legs like you did, and then bend and snap the rest. It leaves a nice clean edge. I do that quite a bit being a commercial carpenter. Love the content

[@JayBates]

Wrong. The walnut brings it to at least a 7.8

[@JohnHeisz]

Almost felt like a waste using it, even though these were offcuts. But if you want to get eyes on the video, ya gotta give them some candy!

[@ildefonsogiron4034]

@@JohnHeisz Your modesty wouldn't allow to accept it, but it looks beautiful.

[@daveduncan9005]

I've cut steel studs with a hack saw and have had success with cutting from the flat side. As John shows, starting the cut from the open side is not a preferred method. Using any material to support the interior of the stud will only aid in the cut.

[@cardboardboxification]

Everyone in Consruction will use a chop daw

[@daveduncan9005]

@@cardboardboxification And this little project is not really aimed at those in construction... I'm thinking. Most DIY'ers I know don't have metal cutting chop saws, or will take the time to switch out the wood blade for the correct metal cutting blade.

[@Jaspel]

if only I had some sort of ceramic cutting wet saw

[@MurcuryEntertainment]

I absolutely adore this. Simple, using available material and easy to batch out. Making a drawer is theoretically as easy as making between 3-5 cuts.

[@thomasmacdonough7763]

John, you can also cut the legs of the stud with the tin snips then score the flat face with a utility knife a couple of times and then bend it back and forth till it snaps apart.

[@bricofleur1768]

This is the kind of very satisfying project to go through, which will be quite handy for years. Hat's Off! Best, Serge

[@malcolmcheyne3803]

Great idea John. Made me think outside the box and came up with a similar idea. Using steel "Top Hat", cut to length, fit front and back ply, rack system just made up with saw cuts for each container to slide in.

[@malcolmcheyne3803]

@@DavZell Steel Purlin (in Australia)

[@WayPastCrazy2525]

This is great! You could also cut the metal studs a little longer and fold up to make the front and back metal too. A little metal box.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Murphy's Law of Combat #6: If it's stupid, but it works, it isn't stupid. (A combination of the walnut trim you use and the drawer handles you put on made me look at a coffee can full of ebony piano keys I scored about 6 years ago, and have no idea what to do with. Hmmmm...)

[@Michaeldashizz]

That’s actually a pretty cool concept. I am betting the metal bottoms would be stronger or as strong as 1/4” ply but significantly thinner. When making drawers I have always hated how much space I lose because of the thickness of the plywood vs metal. But I’m not a metal worker so I can’t build my own metal drawers lol

[@David.M.]

Nice looking drawers and cabinet. The metal gives an industrial feel.

[@13thworker45]

John you are one of the most creative builders on utube. Nice design. Thank you for sharing your design.

[@BillHartCooks.]

Nice! I did some boxes with old cans flattened out for sides. But the use of the steel framing is cool.

[@idiotluggage]

Wow! What a great idea. Thank you for sharing this.

[@ioscaleb]

If you like these kind of drawers, great! To me, they seem like far more trouble than they’re worth. You could build the same set of drawers in 1/4” plywood in half the time and end up with a nicer product.

[@billbucktube]

Great use of material. Keeps the interior volume for storage not walls and bottom of drawer. I want to tin-snip out a back flap to bend and pop-rivet in place. Might be trading tin work for wood work...

[@henridejong9433]

A no nonsence build with a stunning result. Dont sell yourself short, others will do it for you... simply love the end result.

[@turb0b0ytim]

first off: I love this style of video. It's very engaging to watch. I would guess most of your audience doesn't need a 'how to' style of video, so watching you run pieces through the saw at lightning speed is more fun! Could you start your hack saw cut on the corner, instead of the edge? I love the idea of the metal studs

[@joshspeck3703]

I don’t know about genius, but making something with your own two hands is never stupid.

[@ELCADAROSA]

Careful! Someone is bound to challenge your statement!

[@vikassm]

What about with one hand?

[@vladtepes97]

i made a mess with my own two hands. mummy thought i was pretty stupid.

[@LarryRix]

I agree that "genius" might be too much, but clearly not stupid. I happen to like the idea overall for a number of reasons. Mostly-I like the metal drawer material vs wood because of its durability. Next-I like the space-saving because you get more storage area out of the deal, where the thickness of the wood is space-wasting in comparison.

[@antonion.freitas1058]

Muito bom trabalho. Bem feito e com muito capricho. Parabéns.

[@Jdavid2890]

Attaching fine furniture walnut next to construction grade plywood, is the wildest idea I ever saw, pretty cool.

[@lancemuhs8182]

Brilliant idea. Great job. Thanks John

[@TopCat2021]

Great idea ! I think I'll make some for the shop myself mine will be more utilitarian though with formed metal ends soldered together, thanks a million for the idea.

[@gnusndn301]

As far as cutting steel studs I've seen steel stud framers used there snips and cut the edges and then bend the track and then score it with their utility knife and break it off. However one cuts the track those are nice. Small drawers are a boon for a shop. Thanks for the video

[@kmonk7853]

Genius. Good lesson in cutting small parts too!

[@davestinyworkshop]

That's a really great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@patprop74]

Most definitely not the worst idea I have seen, it's quick, simple, with an elegant look, Well done. Is there a reason why you didn't use your nailer with staples to tack the drawers together?

[@daifeichu]

That turned out really well. I don't like metal studs/plates but for this function they are perfect.

[@Lukenukkem]

A friend of mine used a circular saw to cut through thin galvanized sheeting with a reverse mounted blade. It worked just fine.

[@theExcalibur2]

Brilliant idea and a wonderful job. Thank you very much for sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@thedude4632]

If you could take a look at my left hand you WOULD put a guard on that saw . Ya ya I used a cutoff saw for 30t years no problem , one day it happened . You aren’t amused

[@tpgoat]

When using the tin snip method, if you score the line on top with the utility knife first all you have to do is fold it a couple times and it breaks

[@russellfelsinger678]

I have never tried that, will have to give it a try thanks.

[@kd2rdhlarry571]

Video is fantastic and the idea is great. It can be made as beautiful or as utilitarian as you want. This is a winner in my book.

[@Mo_Girks]

John, I truly enjoy this demonstrative, non-verbal method of training and demonstrating you have adopted recently. it is accurate, to-the-point, and without the general waffle (That's what your 2nd channel is for, right?) This approach is fantastic and all inclusive as it removes the language barrier. Well done.

[@jeffbiddle3119]

Cutting light Guage metal is easy, turn it over once you bend it. Don't cut straight across but at a slight oval, trim the drop the same way, now your ready for the next cut. Great idea.

[@DustinDeuling]

Fantastic video! Great use of metal studs.

[@Brabbo-55]

Top idea, thank you, I will give that one a try

[@Rusty_ok]

Nice clean finished product.

[@mattiasfagerlund]

You could bend up the metal at the back side, and avoid at least one of the wooden pieces. Both sides if you don't mind the less attractive apperance?

[@chrissewell1608]

Wow. That turned out very nice!

[@Richard-wk9le]

In the Roofing Business theres something I believe is called wall cap which is Galv "C" channel that goes on top of Parapit walls and if your good with a pair of tin snips you can make one end by folding - like your wrapping a present and the other outa ?

[@SeahawkSailor]

Genius! Easy and practical now that you showed us how to cut it up. Not as esthetically pleasing, but works great!

[@gregmislick1117]

Nice ! I have seen similarly done using the PVC Fence Posts / Fence Rails ... but whatever sort of channel section that you have I suppose would work. Once again, making something useful out of "junk" odds and ends around the shop. Kudos John,

[@DerekConwayTX]

What a fantastic idea!! Good stuff man.

[@Sztivmon]

It's not stupid if it works, and this idea is great. I love the walnut, nothing says a quick project can't be fancy, and what a great way to repurpose some scraps! Also, I love your hand-made tools, that blade changing wrench is amazing!

[@nicodell6192]

Neat idea. I might do this with PVC electrical ducting/trunking. It has a small lip one the top but can be cut with the miter saw

[@C1Ansy]

Using these thin metal walls is a genius idea to have more useful space. I think your are right to use this for small drawers. There is so much wood working involved already, so I'd consider using wood only, if the drawers were any bigger

[@garagemonkeysan]

Awesome use of scrap metal. Mahalo for sharing! 🙂🐒

[@markhedquist9597]

Super-cool design. I saw one on another channel that used pvc post material but I like this one better. I used to do a lot of metal stud framing when I worked in commercial building and I always liked the dimpled style. Looks cool. The repurpose gods are smiling.

[@mijodo2008]

Lovely job. Well done Brother, cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@QuadDoc]

Wow John! Beautiful work!! In the shop AND EDITING!! Keep up the GREAT JOB!!! 👍🏼👊🏼🙏🏼😎

[@jensstolt1656]

Smart idea. What about using something out of plastic. Like cable ducts?

[@tomparker5993]

Two variations on what you tried, John. After cutting the edges with tin snips, try using a sharp utility knife to score the bottom of the channel (speed square for straight and square, of course). The score line gives the metal a line to break on when you bend it. Or try a circular saw with metal cutting carbide blade. Cut slowly and you'll have really clean cuts. I've done both of these with good success

[@tony.kmullinsstudio818]

It's very attractive. Very nice work.

[@zerocool2352]

hey bro, I like your new video format. I know you were frustrated with the views on the way you were doing things before, but just want to say that I think it's pretty dang smart that you were retrospective and insightful enough to figure out what was going on and adapt to the situation. Glad you're still pumping out content. Have been watching since you were a small channel. :)

[@goldenhazeduster]

I like it. The bonus is you can probably get offcuts that are more than long enough at any commercial renovation project. No reason to buy new metal studs.

[@TimothyHall13]

Thanks John. I think it is a viable option.

[@martiniindustries]

I believe you could also use PVC fence posts, ripped lengthwise and then cut into c-channel shape sections. This would get you around any limitations working with metal.

[@peggyt1243]

Just because a material is meant to be used in a certain way does not mean you cannot use it for something else. Cool little drawer unit John.

[@cougarhunter33]

Another thought is to put a neodymium magnet on the bottom of some of the drawers. It will help keep small metal parts in the drawers.

[@xmachine7003]

Great idea. Good work. Thank you.

[@dannywilsher4165]

Genius of course!!! I did something similar but I cut up an old 8ft florescent light fixture to make drawers and wood to make the ends.

[@BossSpringsteen69]

This is gorgeous.

[@branimirkajmic7536]

Love it. So simple and cheap

[@irakopilow9223]

Good idea, beautiful looks, judicious use of resources, magnificently executed. Anyone who thinks otherwise is not worthy of viewing this channel.

[@deezynar]

Interesting, John. What if you bent the bottom and sides of the studs inward, producing a lip that sticks inward by about a half inch. Then make the wood front and back parts with a slot to receive the bent edges. With the bent metal taking the load, you could attach the front and back with your favorite method, construction adhesive. You'd need to buy a pair of sheet metal bending pliers, but they aren't very expensive.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Very nice.

[@michaelfischer6984]

Great Idea, may try it.

[@36736fps]

As a purely practical matter, not worth my time compared to just buying a cheap plastic gizmo. But as a way to do what you enjoy, definitely worth your time to make and my time to watch. Speaking of time, how long did it take to just make the drawers and how much time was added by all the videoing and editing? And do you record all your projects or do you do some without the distraction and time of making a video?

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Great idea, I like it! Cheers from Tokyo!"

[@viorsa8200]

Excelente proyecto, una buena opción para hacer cajones , gracias por compartir tanta creatividad y conocimientos , un saludo cordial y por supuesto un gran like desde Narón , Galicia (España) 🤓 😜

[@andreasbentz6106]

John, I think it's not beyond stupid, even though I would not build them in quantities for a screw screw storage wall. I can buy here in Germany 20 drawer screw magazines für 5 bucks twice a year at ALDI. However, the idea is nice and I have some applications in mind. In order not to lose space, I would make the end of the drawer by cutting flaps from the sides and folding up a piece of the bottom. Soldering the side flaps to the back would make the drawer as stable as with a piece of wood as a back - saving 10mm of space in the drawer. Thanks for the inspiration, greetings from Germany! Andreas

[@toonybrain]

Very, very nice, Mr. Adult Woodworker “responsible for his own actions.” 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jaybbuilder]

That’s a great idea, and inexpensive. The walnut was nice detail too! Great job!

[@johnwhitley2898]

Great video...!! Badda-bing badda-boom and.. Small stuff drawer stack! It's a cool alternative because I think we all have a piece or two of the caps in a corner of the shop...garage ... laying in the rafters/joists, gathering dust and taking up space.... Haha 😆! (I do...). Not crazy... Cool solution for a problem.

[@dottiespringer5098]

I laughed at the NOPE! before the chop saw attempt. 😂 We have one specifically for cutting metal, maybe I'll give that a shot...

[@allistermcginlay6476]

A friend of mine in the UK did something similar but instead used household guttering that he had left over from a project and it was easier to cut to size, just a suggestion?

[@johnveglio4433]

Looks good, great for storage of small pieces. 👍👍

[@popsshops]

The sped up video on the table saw allows one to see that the operator is pushing down enough to flex the top of the table (maybe it's just the insert). This will affect the depth of cut. Pretty cool idea though. And as others have mentioned, the friction characteristics of disimilar materials is favorable. How about bending up the front and back and even the handle?

[@starjared12345]

I like it. I'm going to try this.

[@GregsGarage]

I'm digging it John!

[@JB-td4ei]

Very creative, and infinitely customizable. I bought a generic plastic version off Amazon, and 25% of the time it’s too small, too narrow or too short. Better to make it.

[@cobberpete1]

It looks great. Very Classy. I think I would use the angle grinder method to cut the channel. Will have to remember this build next time I make small drawers.

[@PERRYS_PROPS]

Great build. would make a nice full size tool cabinet

[@garryverniest5893]

I have never worked with that metal studding but while you were driving in those nails, I was wondering if the brad nailer would have worked,

[@MrShaunBenza]

Way to go John! That’s really thinking outside the box (joint)!

[@miknefish1]

Everything you make is beautiful

[@pdstokes8]

Brilliant project, could watch this stuff all day.

[@steved8038]

Beautiful made Thank you