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.

[@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.

[@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

[@murrayrussell9371]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Jdavid2890]

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

[@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.

[@henridejong9433]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@bricofleur1768]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@daifeichu]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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...)

[@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...

[@madmikemakes3056]

Absolutely love it when people take stuff that could potentially end up in a landfill and make something useful. Definitely genius and we all need to start thinking more along those lines. Very creative and out-of-the-box type thinking.

[@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.

[@irakopilow9223]

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

[@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

[@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

[@xxDADDYDAYCARExx]

IN MY BOOK..... GENIUS!!!!. Commented before that I love the whole concept of "REDUCE, RE-USE & RECYCLE" I love the left field concepts that you do and see you recycling old project wood and cut offs into items with a new life. Also love your small little shop that DOES NOT have thousands of dollars of equipment and to see what you come up with. Keep up the amazing work dude and many many thanks for all your hard work on KZbin. ❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍

[@QuadDoc]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@SeahawkSailor]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@Lukenukkem]

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

[@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.

[@toonybrain]

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

[@jmac430]

Whether it's genius or stupid, it's beautiful! Nice work

[@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.

[@BillHartCooks.]

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

[@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

[@erichenao6537]

Those alternative cutting methods were funny. Glad you're not just a hand tool worker…that saw fail, god I was laughing out loud.

[@jaybbuilder]

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

[@clemmcguinness1087]

The genius is in the problem solving at luthiery level. Call it an exploration! Love this sort of thing. Thank you

[@chrissewell1608]

Wow. That turned out very nice!

[@ildefonsogiron4034]

This looks very appropriate as a gift for an electronics geek.

[@oliver4524]

I've definitely cut steel like that with a wood blade on my miter saw. Safety squint and giver. Got nice cuts every time.

[@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. :)

[@Hvn1957]

Most of the contractors I know cut that stuff with a battery operated handheld bandsaw. I use a pair of offset tin snips. They’re a little easier than the ones you used in the video. I hate angle grinders… a bit of ptsd from a bad mistake years ago 🙄. I love the idea though! A wonderful way to use up scrap wood. I just built a huge hardware drawer set in our shop, using 12mm ply and box joints. I kind of wish I’d seen this first. Would have saved some cash!

[@kmonk7853]

Genius. Good lesson in cutting small parts too!

[@KerryBenton]

Growing up with had a giant chest of many drawers that were wooden fronted and tin (or maybe steel sheet i dunno whatever) drawers. those were obviously custom made rather than repurposed, but this makes total sense. Certainly a lot less work than rigging a simple brake and folding up your own sheet. I've done that, but it's time consuming, not to mention the risk of cuts from handling thin sheet metal.

[@andrewFull]

At first I wasn't impressed, thinking this is like something from an old 60's 'How to' magazine. The end result though was quite nice, and would fit nicely into my shop. Well done!

[@jwsvandr]

You proved again that simple doesn't mean stupid. Thanks John. Keep the brain cells active because we always look forward to your great inventive ideas

[@TimGallant]

I have to admit I laughed just a little when I saw you dress everything up with that nice walnut. A bit of a contrast, there. On the other hand, until you open the drawers, it's a beautiful piece.

[@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.

[@markb8954]

Great build - thanks! Walnut trim was a bonus. 👍

[@ga5743]

Some happy camper will find that gem at a yard sale some day. You make awesome stuff John.

[@MrShaunBenza]

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

[@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.

[@MrNoobed]

I actually love this. I want a custom toolbox but I want it to be light weight. Wood and even plastic are either too heavy or not rigid enough if light enough.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@hatch55]

John, I think we all need to remember that there most certainly is a fine line between Genius and Insanity. Cutting the steel could be enough to drive one over the line. However, using the steel like this is in my opinion, sheer GENIUS!! Your videos are ALWAYS AWESOME and NEVER stale or boring! Your craftsmanship is superb! There is always something to be learned from your vids, even when you are not necessarily going for a "teaching" moment! So a huge THANK YOU to you for all your hard work! Also, I think the walnut sends this allll the way to 8.7!

[@lancemuhs8182]

Brilliant idea. Great job. Thanks John

[@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.

[@johnnygsdiy1981]

I’ve got a collection of assorted bins. That’s one way to keep it neat organized. I’d say it’s not a waste of time to have. It’s just trying to find which bin you put the pice you’re looking for in. 😂

[@idiotluggage]

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

[@GregsGarage]

I'm digging it John!

[@terrytopliss9506]

What a clever idea John.👍👍

[@LordPadriac]

Yeah, @1:24 there's just no arguing with an angle grinder. One of my favorite problem solvers.

[@garagemonkeysan]

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

[@theExcalibur2]

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

[@heinzsaueressig7763]

Klever gemacht. Ohne großen Aufwand.

[@scott8351]

"You will realize superior results if you slow down and do a good job of cutting the parts and cleaning everything up." - great advice

[@cennsa140driver]

I give it a thumbs up, plus it is a good way the use all perfectly good small pieces of lumber that seem to accumulate after other projects!

[@drdpplgngr]

Reminds me of those tinned steel trays some old hand cranked coffee grinders have. Seems pretty slick.

[@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

[@thomaskelly1228]

Nice job. The walnut was a good idea.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

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

[@Ho1yhe11]

Reminds me of the soup/ration can drawers of the 40s built exactly the same cut up soup can and nail on wood end caps back then that was even sold in a few production products

[@mandyleeson1]

Great idea. You have so much more drawer space.👍🏽👏🏼

[@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.

[@umbex1789]

Brilliant! The convenience of this solution might probably increase with longer drawers and separators.

[@mijodo2008]

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

[@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.

[@mishellekochel4510]

And you do it again, another great product! Mixing mediums is creative and necessary at times. Good use of a product.

[@pirakoXX]

Genius, without any doubt! (Y) I'm a "saver" and found some pieces of metal (equal to the biggest one here) that didn't know what to do with, but now I know! You can never have too many small drawers. Or at least, I can't! :D Brilliant idea and the result look SO good! (Y)

[@jayhitek]

I was more shocked to see you using a new blade on the angle grinder. Your blades are normally 80% worn. But i guess the only real difference was the preformed studs instead of making them out of 1/4" ply.. I give it a thumbs up for trying it. Why not. It was your time. And I gasped when you grabbed the walnut for the trim.

[@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) 🤓 😜