How To Carve a Wavy American Flag

[@jacobhobbs08]

You are the reason I got into flag making. Such a rewarding thing to see people's reactions.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother. That means a lot. Cheers

[@IMEEMADE]

The flag is so dope! I love the contrast between the burning and staining, it really makes the colors pop. Awesome work Nick!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks guys! Glad you like it. Cheers

[@andrewmurphy2688]

Great video. I agree with the glove recommendation. It is definitely a pucker moment when those type of blades kick unexpectedly. I have done several of these wavy flags now and found burning and brushing them adds another dimension to the flag that is pure awesomeness. I started to use a satin finish as well and the combination of satin finish and brushed/burned wood gives it a weathered look that everyone seems to love (wish I could post a picture to show). Best part about these flags is they all turn out unique. Thanks for the videos. They are always a pleasure to watch and learn something new.

[@BuildDadBuild]

You're welcome, Andrew! Cheers

[@WickedMakers]

Nice!! Looks AWESOME. Especially clever how you carved it first, then split it to stain, then glued up. Was wondering how you got such clean lines. Really cool idea!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, guys! Cheers

[@robertr.jordan7675]

I wondered about the lines as well. My first thought was tape, but was sadly mistaken. Great job!

[@michaellionart4841]

GoodEffortChief, looks mint AND the stars are correct way up 👍. Getting better all the time, well done

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks 👍\ Cheers

[@bonniepfeiffer9425]

I enjoyed this video so much! I want to try this! I smile through all your videos! You keep it fun!!!!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you.

[@1941Design]

I had added a 1x3 Boarder on a flag i done in the past and it really made the waves stand out on the perimeter.

[@BuildDadBuild]

good to know...I was afraid it would take away from those edges! Cheers

[@kfu4657]

The flag is sick... Aloha braddah and Mahalo for sharing.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers

[@32dras]

Yup, that turn out great! Also nice sound of wind chimes, I run away from them because lot of them find annoying, this ones sound tranqulie.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother! Cheers

[@benjamindebeer6299]

You should do a full diy dining table

[@BuildDadBuild]

Noted

[@traceydetwiler9552]

Great job I have one on my Facebook page getting ready to start another one

[@BuildDadBuild]

Sweet!

[@sportstertaco]

That flag came out awesome! The contrast is so good. Well done sir, well done.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks! Cheers

[@wolfwoodworkingcreations4321]

I think this is the best rendition of the US flag I have seen so far. I'd be proud to have that in my house. Keep the stank going!!!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you, brother! Clinkies

[@asantiago912]

Great job! I have to try this one!!! Great choice of whiskey

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers

[@can5projects563]

That looks super awesome. I love it.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Bender1138]

That is badass, Nick! Well done, man. *raises glass* Clinkies!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Clinkies! Cheers

[@1526BBQ]

Thats a great flag. Liked and subscribed.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother. Cheers

[@jackwriter1908]

It looks awesome! Thanks by the way you gave me an idea for something to build... And now I have a Birthday Present for my dad.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Hey, Jack! That's awesome. Let me know how it turns out! Cheers

[@chadwolf7282]

Love it Nick! Great job!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Chad! Cheers

[@ericweiss7]

Nice Men In Black II drop my man! Flag looks amazing and I dig the shine. Burn on, brotha! Also I dig the Paul State rock star action!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Who doesn't love a little MIB drop from time to time... Cheers, EZ!

[@michaelblackman3740]

WOW! That flag is BADASS!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Michael! Cheers

[@TotalBoat]

This came out beautifully!! Hope you have a great 4th!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Brother. You too!! Cheers

[@silas5483]

Anybody else gonna acknowledge how he responded to every single comment.

[@BuildDadBuild]

I try brother...I try. Cheers

[@darkhollow7879]

Such an amazing looking flag, also love how you threw in a MIB quote haha, another awesome project Nick.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother! And who doesn't love a little MIB? Cheers

[@finnforest9361]

pro trick: watch movies at Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching loads of movies these days.

[@judahkeith6748]

@Finn Forest definitely, I've been watching on Flixzone for years myself :D

[@erikabendschein6910]

So nice had to watch it Twice Merica...

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you squared. LOL Cheers

[@akabillyba]

Absolutely beautiful. Great project. Love it! 🇺🇸

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Daniel! Cheers

[@landonvasquez2990]

Subbed as soon as the eagle sound hit my free loving ear

[@BuildDadBuild]

Awesome. Thanks, brother! Cheers

[@jamesrankin9833]

Very cool!! I love it!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@yu-ger-bloob-highway3521]

WAVY FLAG! F#%@ YEAH! Your first one was amazing. It’s crazy to see even with how good the first one which was flat was, the increase of skill and quality is still apparent when you swap them out. LOOKS SO GOOD my dude. I’ve been going between your flat one and another guys wavy tutorial. SO glad you did this, you’re way better, I enjoy your videos in general much more AND your flag looks 100x better

[@BuildDadBuild]

Wow. Thanks, brother! Thank you for the kind words. Clinkies! Cheers

[@stacyruff2332]

Nice. Just started on the flag /table top the other day. Torched the wood today. I get why you call it gator. Not only does it look like gator skin, it snaps like gators feeding. Lol. The first time I torched it went light for fear and minimal effect. Then I was torching plywood. Even you told me NO Gator on ply. Lol. Plan is to finish by Saturday...the 4th.

[@stacyruff2332]

P.s. love the waves.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Awesome, Stacy! Cheers

[@brandtbagwell8951]

dang dude that thing is beautiful. and a sight for sore eyes right now

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks! And I hear you, brother. Cheers

[@ThriftHacker]

Lookin awesome Nick the 3D affect on your flag is lagit

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Brother! Cheers

[@DsHardWoodCreations]

Man looks phenomenal.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you!

[@erikbesecker5217]

Looks amazing!! Great job man!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you, Erik! Cheers!

[@suehawkins4352]

An amazing job. Happy 4th July from the UK.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Sue! Cheers

[@terrmaso]

Awesome work brother! Noticed the "bleed" when I applied polycrylic on a boat bookshelf. Not sure if I needed to give the blue dye more dry time or if it was inevitable. Will experiment more with the TX flag I am doing for a friend. 👍

[@BuildDadBuild]

Let me know how it turns out! Cheers

[@waycool1969]

My next one to make . Thanks.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Awesome! Let me know how it turns out. Cheers

[@starwarsmikecustoms3366]

Awesome piece of work.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers

[@ryansmith8148]

Looks awesome brother. Got an idea on how to solve your bleeding issue. Build the union as one assembly, then glue on the strips afterward.

[@BuildDadBuild]

I thought about that...after the fact! LOL Cheers

[@ChristopherHurd1]

This flag looks fantastic! I want one for myself...

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother!

[@johnturner5753]

I have made several flags. Some using pallets and some using detentions lumber. I have seen a couple wavy flags and wanted to try one, but haven't been able to be in the shop for a while due to a couple of surgeries. Just watched your vid and it made me want to get back out there and kick up some dust. As soon as my incision heals all the way, I may give it a go and try out a wavy flag. Only thing missing, is your fancy turbo plane ;-)

[@BuildDadBuild]

Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery! Cheers, John!

[@notny411]

I bought one of those chainsaw grinder discs off amazon and that thing removes material fast - just need to be careful and get the hang of holding it at different angles to not hack out too much where you don't want to. ;) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W6H7JCB/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this one shows $20 but mine for whatever reason was under $7.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Be careful with those chainsaw blades. They can get away from you really easily. Cheers

[@notny411]

@@BuildDadBuild Yes, I second that.

[@WickonFire]

Good to see you bro. Blessings

[@BuildDadBuild]

Cheers

[@CrMizer]

Beautiful!

[@ronnorris1504]

Man! That's amazing. Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@BuildDadBuild]

Sure thing, Ron! Cheers

[@heathstoute998]

Love the headband bro! #1stphorm And great job on my nations flag 👏👏👏

[@BuildDadBuild]

Cheers, brother!

[@sampradere8095]

Have u ever used a bandsaw I make wavy flags also and I absolutely love the. Bandsaw method and u get the most out of your wood 13 2x4s will give u two wavy flags 😊

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks for the tip!

[@chadlatsha4269]

I feel it's your best work yet!! Bravo bro!🤙

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Chad! Cheers

[@myvotedontcount20]

probably the best waving flag ive seen

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you!

[@1941Design]

Looks good. I'm glad you got the stars right this time... lol

[@BuildDadBuild]

One time! LOL

[@1941Design]

@@BuildDadBuild 😆 we have all done it. Lol

[@mikeyoung8126]

Very beautiful great job love it

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@roncook6]

very nice job!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Maksimi196]

You are genius!!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you!

[@JayStar2147]

Really cool flag. Looks amazing keep up the good work

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you, Jamie! Cheers

[@nickbild3538]

Love to try this! Thanks

[@BuildDadBuild]

You totally should! Cheers

[@mkwoodcrafting7572]

I noticed I was going to have significant bleed over of the red and blue dyes. I lacquered the flag heavy before using total boat. Still have some bleeding so I just did each color separate. Huge pain. Wondering what you did different to prevent that. I think maybe doing one coat of total boat before glue up and then another may have been the ticket. BTW you have a great channel and good content.

[@BuildDadBuild]

I just taped between the red and blue. There is some bleed over...but its not really noticeable. If I was going to do it again, I would have dyed the red first, then the blue. I feel like the blue would cover more the red better. Cheers and thank you!

[@sheepdog819]

Awesome job Nick! I pocket hole my stripes now. To hell with glue up..😑

[@BuildDadBuild]

That's a lot of metal in a flag! Cheers

[@davidmayer7962]

Awesome work !!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@georgerivers5839]

Awesome job Dude, looks great! Pretty rare when a project comes out just like you want it to......🤓

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, George! Cheers

[@cameronmorissette7336]

Love it!! Did you use the blue keda dye for the Union? And a simple red for the stripes? Can you elaborate on how you mixed the dye? It's hard to find tutorials on the dyeing process

[@BuildDadBuild]

Yes. And you’ve got to kind of play around with the dye to get the right color for you.

[@duanemast598]

I use Q-tips and rubbing alcohol to cleanup the bleeding on my flags. It's a pain the butt but it works

[@BuildDadBuild]

Hey, Duane! Yeah...I thought I got it all...just didn't see some of the bleed over until it got into the bright light of the sun. Cheers

[@PaganWizard]

When you're staining the union/stripe pieces on a carved flag, I agree that you're unable to use a razer or utility knife blade because they cut too deep, but you can use your utility knife, and a straight edge, to score a line in the wood, and use Frog Tape (works a lot better than regular painters tape) to mask off where you need to, to separate the colors. The combination will leave you with a perfect transition. Another trick I like to use, whether I am making a flat flag, or a carved flag, is to stain about 1/4 inch of the sides of each stripe. In the event the stripes don't line up perfectly in glue up, or if a gap should happen between two pieces of wood, the color on the sides of each piece of wood, will make the mishap completely disappear, and you won't be left with a bright sliver of unfinished wood.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Great info! Thank you! Cheers

[@terrmaso]

How deep do you need to score your wood? Was trying to figure out how to resolve the same issue with a TX flag I am making.

[@PaganWizard]

@@terrmaso 1/8th of an inch is probably going to be more than enough. Test it out on a few scrap pieces of wood. Your climate might be different than mine, and that could have an impact on how the wood and the stain behave. All you need to do is break the fibers on the surface so the stain can't easily bleed beyond the scored line. Remember, use light coats of stain until you reach your desired color. You can always add more, but removing it isn't anywhere near as easy.

[@terrmaso]

@@PaganWizard thanks for the info👍 First test piece wasn't so good...dye seems to want to penetrate more. Will experiment more with depth of score and quantity of dye.

[@PaganWizard]

@@terrmaso I've never worked with dyes before, only water based stains. Try letting the wood rest for a day or two after making the score lines, Maybe the score line will open up a little bit on the surface. I hope you can make it work!!!!

[@bryanwhat2268]

Dam that was awesome. I need a power sander.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks! I hate sanding so much I try to make it a quick as possible. LOL Cheers

[@bryanwhat2268]

@@BuildDadBuild I would most likely dive my nabors crazy with it I asume it load to power sand I try and do more quieter stuff 55+ mobil homes frown on noisy stuff lol and im not 55

[@rhodey2952]

Beautiful! Just recently subscribed and I really enjoy the content!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks for the sub. And welcome to the Fray! Cheers

[@leandroelizondo1984]

Awesome 👍

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Maker956]

'Murica! for the win! How's that Bulleit Whiskey, need to try me some o' that when I'm done with my Buffalo Trace! Great Job on the Freedom Flag!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Bulleit is the best. It's my go to whiskey! Cheers

[@iamdanimal2]

Very cool! If you're are bored, please send one to me in WI 😂

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Dan! And...I have 4 year old twins....so never bored! LOL Cheers

[@TheRufLife]

BadAss Sir!!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Matt! Cheers

[@maddychloe1]

Beautiful my friend,love all your vids! Quick question about the stars,did u stain the stars with small artist brush?

[@BuildDadBuild]

I didn't stain them. I left them the white pine color. Cheers

[@ClevesBackyardWoodworking]

Fiya! Awesome Flag. Ya Mon!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Cleve! Cheers

[@Christlife1967]

Did you have any glue come up between the boards when you clapped everything together? If you did how did you wipe it off without messing up the dye from blending or anything?

[@BuildDadBuild]

I didn’t have any issue.

[@royjumonville7026]

This has to be probably the best wooden flag I've seen. Do you think there was enough wood left to possibly split it so you could make 2 flags? That way, it's not as bulky and lighter to hang. And, I agree. At a minimum, a bagillion times nicer than old faithful. But old girl is still beautiful in her own way. Would love to come hang with you for one day to learn first hand your staining techniques. They always look perfect too. Happy 4th! SALUTE!👨‍🏭

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Roy! Cheers

[@danteslament666]

do you think these arbortech turboplane disc are less aggressive, less kickback and safer than the Kutzall Extreme Shaping Dish?

[@BuildDadBuild]

@@danteslament666 less aggressive? No. Kickback isn’t an issue as long as you keep your blades sharp and two hands on the tool!

[@gregorybradley7276]

Hey man, absolutely gorgeous flag. Well done. Could you please give insight as to the red & blue you used? Are they dye’s? Or stains? Would very much appreciated. Plus, I dig your style... keep it up. Thnx

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother. The White is a White Wash stain by Varathane. The Red and blue are wood dyes: Keda Wood Dyes: amzn.to/3g9FrwB Cheers

[@gregorybradley7276]

Cool thnx brother. Was checkin you vid on Keda dye this morning before punching the time clock. Thnx much. Just for reference, some west coasters are fueled by single malt. Lol.

[@swingking08]

😂😂😂 oh god, the amount of "pure dad mode" in ur videos is fucking amazing haha well reconized from a fellow dad all the way from Oz haha

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! LOL Cheers

[@des33080]

Can you just use a grinder to get the same effect? That looks like what u use

[@BuildDadBuild]

Sure can! Cheers

[@ArtByKevinZapata]

It’s been 3 years now I saw you used Total Boat HALCYON CLEAR I was wondering if it Yellowed over time like oil based polyurethane does?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Nope.

[@JOATology]

Yeah man, that one came out perfect. Your power carving is getting really good! From the perspective of the viewer, you can't really tell about the bleed-over, and in fact it looks like it actually adds some depth and contrast to the colors in just the right spots. Fantastic work my friend and happy 4th to you!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers

[@farhangheydari2168]

What is a pivot hinge door?

[@thomasnorthcastle4130]

Bad assery!!!

[@110americalovingpatriot2]

Looks awesome 🇺🇲👍🏻

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother! Cheers

[@paulbateman5769]

Awesome as usual. The issues part at the end are getting smaller these days by the looks of things. Your getting good at this mate 😁👍

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother! Cheers

[@mfnryt]

Killer!! Merica!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Bryan! Cheers

[@johngarcia2232]

Bad ass Bono.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, John! Cheers

[@randybrown7788]

Looking for the link to buy one of those smaller torches?

[@BuildDadBuild]

The Su-V Gun? Use Promo Code: builddadbuild for 10% off grillblazer.myshopify.com/ Cheers!

[@melc-centex1091]

Awesome job! =)

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ddbronco1873]

Looks frickn awesome 👍

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks!

[@bmwrider-nl8in]

Do you sell these beautiful flags this wavy flag is awesome

[@BuildDadBuild]

I do not. But check out @dunnbuilt on Instagram. She does great work. Tell her Nick sent you!

[@rabidfan9497]

That’s a cool A$$ flag. I found you based on that original flag video and you are right that new design is so much cooler that wife is going to be pissed when I buy those power carvers. 😈

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks! Yeah...those discs aren't cheap. But they're pretty durable and should last a long time. Don't forget to use the discount codes in the description of the video... Cheers

[@Justice450]

Amazing

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MakerCuisine]

Fire, whiskey, and the flag, what could be more American than that!? Is that a torch shaped like a gun I see 🤔 I stand corrected

[@BuildDadBuild]

Ding, ding, ding...you got it! Cheers

[@michaelbanfield7407]

Can this be made for an outdoor display? Weather proof?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Nothing is completely weather proof. But you could use an outdoor sealant that is UV resistant.

[@abelcross3573]

Looks great. How do you deal with glue squeezing out onto your stain?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! I do 2 things: 1 - when I apply the glue to the individual pieces I don't take it all the way to the stained edge (I try to stay about 1/4 inch away) 2 - I check on the glue up about every 5 minutes or so for the first 20-30 minutes and wipe any squeeze out off. Cheers

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

Hi Bud could you please give me the dimensions/how wide the boards are and size of Union? I couldn’t find any info on your torch.That is a very Sweet Job! Id love to try this. Thanks Again. Big Jim Chardon Ohio

[@BuildDadBuild]

Hey James! The dimensions are 14.82 x 10.5 inch. So basically 15 X 10.5 I use the stencil for the dimensions and just trace around it. amzn.to/2AFg7iY Cheers!

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

Build Dad Build Ohh ok cool. How wide did you make each individual board? Thanks for getting back to me.

[@BuildDadBuild]

@@jamesbarlowjr.3762 1.5 inches

[@johncarmean7647]

When you dremeled out the stars, you didn't color them white or did you?

[@BuildDadBuild]

I did not.

[@kevinspringer8981]

Awesome flag!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, Kevin! Cheers

[@TheMr.George]

after burning the wood do you wire brush it or just stain over?

[@BuildDadBuild]

When I do a surface burn like this I don't brush. It usually doesn't raise the grain. Cheers

[@kittysch2]

Whata Mericah Guy. The waving is better different.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Cheers!

[@TheAusherGuy]

Plan on making one this week. Never made one yet, but I think I can do it. What table saw you got? I think I got the same one. Hitachi?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Hitachi, yessir Love that thing! Cheers

[@kalebmcmaster2739]

what does the varathane white wash stain do before you stain it?

[@BuildDadBuild]

I don't understand the question. It's a colored stain.

[@kalebmcmaster2739]

ok i see it now. I thought it was like a white colored primer and it disappeared but you just switch to the red section. Its cool.

[@brianyanez549]

What kind of red stain do you use?

[@BuildDadBuild]

I cannot remember. It should be in the video description.