I built my DREAM OFFICE for $5,000

[@northeastoutrider2124]

Technology like laser CNC's will not water down the craft or replace the creativity we all bring to the craft. As an Architecture student back in 1985, I was told that introducing and using a fairly new technology that was experimental at the time would do all those negatives things that are the same general fears that people still have about technology today. I was told that I had to do everything by hand as opposed to using this new tool. A year or so later it became the norm and in time proved to remove many unneeded steps to allow creativity to become more fluid. That tool was AutoCAD and it replaced having to learn how to draft by hand in order to communicate and refine design.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment! It's always great to hear opinions that draw from real world experience. I love traditional drawings by hand and I still do them, but also love the endless versatility of computer drawn plans where you can make quick changes to parameters and have it automatically adjust everything for you. What a time saver!

[@jorgeo4483]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I personally grind my teeth at irregular shelf designs poking out of walls or gaps, but I really liked the idea of ​​the middle layer, I would probably use it for other purposes.

[@Ichabod_Jericho]

And now AutoCAD is the universal excuse😂 “it worked in CAD idk”😢

[@honeybadgerisme]

Your teachers must've been friends with my 7th grade math teacher--who insisted we all needed to learn to use the slide rule and calculate logs! The other classes had casio calculators! 😼

[@burnte]

Agreed. Woodworking isn’t diminished by new tools, but expanded by them.

[@sz72909]

I don't see why a laser should "scare" anyone! It's just another tool in the shop. It cannot and should not replace any other tool! I'm a woodworker and engineer, and I'm building my own 90W CO2 laser cutter as an addition to all my woodworking tools, CNC machine, and 3D printers. It's just tech., don't be afraid!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Amen! Good luck with your new laser...sounds awesome!

[@Fabsi87]

I work for a 500 people company and in my department are 15 skilled worker. One single 3D printer could make all of our work faster and wayyyy cheaper and the reason why i know this is because we actually a have 3d printer in our company and we tryed it after work and were pretty shocked and scared about the speed and quality of the print.

[@wh0tube]

Lasers certainly scare Marjorie Taylor Greene! 😁

[@mrhino]

@@wh0tube Do you see politics in the room with you right now?

[@wh0tube]

@@mrhino more like light entertainment than politicts.

[@markwigdor7505]

I love how the shelves look with the metal band around d the edge. The size is fine as it adds elegance and beauty to the overall appearance. Very impressed.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks very much!! 👍😎

[@AndrewAnthony2602]

That was amazing! I like it that you are particular about the color contrast and the detailing. I wish I could self make my workspace. Loved Jerry and Lola throughout the video as well! Overall a splendid job!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks very much, Andrew! Now to outfit the office with a climbing wall and beds for Jerry and Lola so they can officially take over every room in the house 😜😹

[@karenmitchell6814]

So many details to love about this video: the copper edged shelves, the ingenious shelf brackets (using this one), how to cut your full-sheet sandpaper, the custom organizer, hint about checking your end grain before you create a roundover, the figure-8 fasteners, the Soss hinges (those are beautiful; using these too). What about attaching some acoustic felt to the bottom of your shelves? Cut on a smaller radius so the edge doesn’t show. That might absorb a bit of your front echo.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you very much! I greatly appreciate the comment. And yes, attaching some felt to the bottom of the shelves could help as well. I still have cat beds, cat shelves, side tables, etc. to put in the room, so all of those things will help absorb sound as well!

[@karenmitchell6814]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking not to mention the cats themselves!😁

[@marclevitt8191]

You could hang producers choice sound blankets from the ceiling parallel to the floor, or make a cloud of acoustic panels 4 or 6 inches deep, hung with a 4 or 6 inches of airspace between them and the ceiling using cables. Also nice deep pile carpet on floor with rubber carpet no slip layer, plus carpet padding. My understanding is that reflective floors and ceilings are big factors. Also changing the room from a box to an irregular shape helps. So having some angled walls, ceiling reduces resonance. Maybe a set of triangular floor to ceiling columns in the corners behind you? They could be partly shelving units which would also give you a bit of diffusion. If you look at sound editing studios they often are trapezoidal in shape.

[@kingofcastlechaos]

I tell my all students to embrace both new and old technology. Every few years, some smartass gets up and walks up to me during that lecture and hugs me. Been doing this a long time and it still catches me off-guard. Neat content, thanks for making it.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

That's amazing! Love that you incorporate both techniques into your classroom. Thanks so much for the comment and the kind words. Cheers!

[@kingofcastlechaos]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking btw, if you want to really minimize glue squeeze out, route out a small channel about 1/2 inch behind the important area, then when you clamp it the glue will flow into that inner channel and none makes it to the edge. Fast and easy way to save many hours of tedious work, and as you use that method it becomes second nature to incorporate it. You can even use a handheld trim router.

[@rangefreewords]

Nice idea! I'd compliment that with a heavy storm door to avoid the sound of kids screaming and dogs barking while doing audio. Love the $850 wall!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

😂🤣 good thing I don’t have kids or dogs!

[@honeybadgerisme]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworkingbut-you don't live in the country--so what about neighborhood kids/dogs?

[@billmillar7234]

Being a carpenter and custom wood worker for 50 yrs.....I like what you're doing....and like the creativity you bring to the craft..... good job

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks very much, Bill! That’s extremely kind and I greatly appreciate it.

[@lou9108]

Great looking "closet, recording studio". The end result was worth all the money and time you put in to the project. Well Done Jerry.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks Lou! Jerry’s very appreciative 😜😹

[@scorpionbuilds]

I like the walnut theme. It’s one of my favorite materials. And I like that trick of using the angle aluminum for your corner shelves. Nicely done.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks very much! Definitely going to use that aluminum channel in the future!

[@infinityvideoprod]

​@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworkingno such thing as L channel, it's angle Nice project, as usual

[@rickpouley7561]

What a great office/studio space.. Love your wood selection and I just love the way your shelves turned out. I think you were right on with the size of your strips!!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! Definitely feeling more comfortable in the space now that it's been outfitted to my workflow. Cat shelves coming next! 😹

[@2smoothku]

Great looking desk design! I love that Shaper has all those hardware files, makes cutting for installation a breeze. Enjoy the content and inspiration!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks so much! Yeah, that Shaper Origin catalog for hardware is so clutch. It saves so much time.

[@ryanackland9330]

Nice to see a new video from you Keith, and what an inspiration one it was too! I love your attention to detail, and the fact you share your successes along with some failings along the way. Keep up the great work and look forward to your next one!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks Ryan! That's very kind of you. Next video already in production and coming out soon!

[@gregwolfe540]

You are such an inspiration for wordworking. Love watching your videos.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you so much! Very nice of you to say 🙏

[@Dev_2R]

For how thick the shelves are, I like that you ended up with 3/4 copper reveals. Thanks for the inspiration and a good watch.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Glad you like them! And thanks for watching!

[@julietphillips1991]

You are the customer here and I must say, you ought to be really pleased with the way everything turned out! Do you think that the echo would have gone away just by filling the space with the furniture, etc.?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks Juliet! Yes, as I’ve put more things in there, I’ve noticed much less of an echo. Maybe I’ll hang a couple of huge bean bag chairs from the ceiling 😂

[@crtzmo]

Another great one, Keith! Thank you for sharing. A floor rug and a thick curtain or roller blind on the window will add to mitigating that remaining echo. Oh, and a giant fuzzy hat. 🧑‍🎄

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

😂 been searching g for a rug…need one that my chair will roll over and the cats won’t destroy…so, I guess the existing hardwood is the best choice 😂

[@treemastura697]

First video I’ve stumbled across from your channel. Absolutely amazing desk. You have a beautiful talent in woodworking. Thanks for showing us!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻😊

[@fantinwoodworking]

Yay!! Nicely done my friend - as always. No more closet recording, and no more Jason making fun of you haha. Looks so cool.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

You got that right! Well, he will still make fun of me, but at least I'm finally moved in. 😂

[@fantinwoodworking]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking indeed :)

[@jc36919]

What a satisfying build! It was mesmerizing to watch you make the entire thing (including the past video). Your attention to detail is phenomenal, the fact you can even distinguish between your two cats is proof enough to me. I do wish to add, in case you ever feel like getting into more of that tech, since you mentioned the laser-cut, computer-aided box cuts for organizing, there is another creator here on KZbin called Scott Yu-Jan who made drawer dividers and organizers with 3D printing. His way of designing those internal organizers is incredible. Totally worth to check out the new levels of customization that new technology allows. I hope you don't find me comparing that small detail in bad taste. Your work is already fantastic as it is!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks very much for the kind words and the recommendation. I'll definitely check out those 3D printing organizers (I do have a 3D printer) - I love organization ideas!

[@srkovkan]

I'm not a carpenter, designer or anything like that. I’m not planing a office or anything. I actually don’t even know why I clicked in this video, but I watched it all without skipping it. You made it look so good to watch. You are undoubtedly a great professional and seem a very kind person. Congrats on the office! It looks amazing.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it!

[@jesseelovaas]

Love the desk organizer, especially with the flip up lids! Nicely done.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! Seems to be working out pretty well so far 👍🏻

[@jacobsmith1877]

That is an incredible setup. You could have built much better sound absorption that looks just as good for a fraction of the price. You could put a thick "cloud" absorption panel hanging from the ceiling which would cut a ton of echo. GIK Acoustics is one of the cheapest on the market and does some nice wood finishes and patterns you would like; they could also recommend some panels for your side walls which would help even further.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

I appreciate the suggestions and the insight! To address your comment about building them myself for cheaper, at my hourly rate it wouldn't have been cheaper AND I had no desire to build them 😂. If labor isn't a concern, then yes, you are correct. Sometimes I prefer to build things and sometimes I just prefer to buy them 😂. That's not to say I probably won't cobble together some ceiling panels 😜.

[@davidmurphy1637]

Beautiful job as always, Keith. I'm all for integrating Technology. It opens up so many more custom options.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Exactly! It opens up so much creativity as well - things that would take days to prototype can now be done in minutes. I love it!

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, Keith! 😃 The little boxes for the drawers... That's genius! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 And happy holidays!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks so much! Those little boxes might be my favorite part of the whole build 😂. Have a great holiday season!

[@WillLeingang]

Man it looks so good, from the inlay on the shelves to the drawer boxes. That must be so satisfying. And that video was one of your best yet! It must be that workstation where you can spend all that time editing now 😀

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks Will! It's definitely a satisfying feeling to finally be moved in here where I will be holed up editing videos for hours on end 😜😂

[@alexrottier9396]

Hey mate glad to see its finished, been listening to the podcast for a while ;) So with room acoustics, you get echoes or flutters when you have flat parallel surfaces. Either walls or floor to ceiling. Just from the little I can see in this video I would suggest adding something to that full side wall to your right when sitting at the desk, and also something to reduce the vertical reflections. You can google ceiling cloud panels. Basically like an art canvas with insulation inside it hung on the ceiling. Easy to make or just go for a nice thick rug... I have built a couple of studio spaces and there are a few forums online if you want to go down that rabbit hole... Also I might steal the inlay copper strip idea :p

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yes! Definitely going to do something on the ceiling and on my right wall when I have a chance. I can't go rushing into things, though...I need to thoroughly plan it out for an infinite amount of time first 😜😂

[@alexrottier9396]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking hahaha yeah probably wise. Don't listen to me, I just buy materials and make it up as I go... works out a solid 60% of the time! :p

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

@@alexrottier9396 Hey, 30% will get you in the Hall of Fame, so 60% is a solid number.

[@alexrottier9396]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Hell yeah! Im winning... Merry Christmas from Australia too. :)

[@burnte]

I honestly LOVE the wider copper bar. It looks gorgeous like a mid century interpretation of art deco.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man!

[@FranNoesse]

Sweet office! Love your organizational tools. The wood boxes were clever, as is your storage unit. I kept thinking you'd just use the premise of the sound dampners: cut a bunch of wall fins. What you did looks great, if not a bit expensive.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks for the tips! I just purchased a giant foam sphere to put around me to deaden any echo. 😜😂

[@jasonhagen]

Keith, this office came out looking great! I love the walnut and copper accents you did! And that Mac setup is pretty sweet!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks Jason! Much appreciated. It's definitely an upgrade from my previous "office" 😂

[@Applecompuser]

I love the look of the copper edging. I think I would want a bit more if I could some how have that done. Thanks for sharing!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks for the comment!

[@matsler89]

Would a 90 degree XLR connector work instead of having to remake the whole preamp holder again?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Maybe! I didn’t know those existed. I’ve never used an XLR cable in my life 😂

[@patriotsfan122480]

I was a CNC machinist (more of a CNC Operator at my current place of employment), and I love finding out and learning new technologies for my trade. As you said, time is valuable so if there’s a way to cut down on that and make it easier, why not use it? At the same time, for my trade, does that necessarily mean a loss of jobs? Yes and no. As I said, I love learning new things, but not everyone does, and as technology moves forward, if you’re not truly keeping up with it, it’s easy to get left behind. The need to have someone load the machine is still needed, but many of those who do that (no matter the age, in my experience) just know how to press go and don’t want to learn or care about what happens beyond that. How to read the program, what cutters do what to the part, probing, touching off tools, etc holds very little interest to them, so if it winds up that they can’t keep up with the basic knowledge of the job, to me they shouldn’t be surprised when that job disappears because one person (who has taken the time to learn it) can load that machine alongside a dozen others. If you have the knowledge, you can walk into any place and figure out how to do the job, because right now we’re still in an age where the machines are only going to do what you tell them to do. You did a great job with your office! Love the look. Easy to see how much care you put into your craft.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks so much for the kinds words and sharing your thoughts and experiences. It's definitely a common misconception that machines like CNC's or lasers or even standard shop power tools are just "push a button" and the machine does everything else. It goes so far beyond that, as you know!

[@atlast-we-are-here]

An easy way to dampen some more of that echo as well as diffuse the overhead light would be ceiling fabric! a few layers of thin fabric in a light color would diffuse the light nicely and make the comers less harsh, minimizing the echo some more. Best of luck to you!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks for the info! Great idea 👍

[@les_grossman96]

I will most likely never be a wood worker, but I absolutely love your videos. I don't know what it is about building things, but I've always loved it since I was a boy. Your channel has reignited my love for watching things being built. Plain and simple. Absolutely best entertainment ever.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you very much! Thanks so much for the comment and sharing your story. So glad you enjoy the videos 😎

[@trevorgreene5059]

The walnut-copper look for the corner shelves are great! Gives a bit of steampunk vibe. Your short-hair cats are gorgeous and looks similar to one of my cats - except mine reminds me of Tom the cat of the "Tom and Jerry" fame.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! Steampunk indeed! Yeah, Jerry definitely looks more like Tom 😹

[@dannydoyle3687]

Keith, you are brilliant and I just love watching you with all your machines. And I don’t think it matters what you do after all you are the carpenter and what you want is getting the job done and making your life easier. What is the next video coming out I can’t wait.🎉🎉🎉

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! I really appreciate that. New video coming out very soon!!

[@clarkmanship]

Excellent design! The acoustic value is definitely worth $858! Can’t believe you left 1 screw lingering on the outlet! lol! My favorite part…the copper inlay!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Haha. Thanks Casey! And I fixed those screws yesterday…Had to pick up some 2 inch 6-32’s to get through that box extender 😂

[@oilcitywoodworks]

I'm happy to see that you finally finished the office and I must say it looks great! Plus now Jason can stop giving you such a hard time, albeit well deserved, for not having finished it yet. Great video too, as always! Now can you just give Jason a hard time for missing a post this past Saturday. The lack of new video from him completely wrecked my Saturday morning routine. Hahaha.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

His constant ribbing was definitely warranted...I'm such a slow poke. 😂 And I think his video got delayed because he couldn't find any water to launch his new boat 😂

[@oilcitywoodworks]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking well that makes sense. I just listened to Episode 90 (I’ve listened to every single episode) and he called it. You still weren’t in the studio. But glad you are now. Can’t wait for your next video and I hope all is well with your mom. 😊

[@xxxxxxxxxx02]

Good work with that echo. What you built is technically a diffuser, not an absorber! And you put them where they usually are placed, the back wall.

[@ericsturgulewski2399]

Finally moved in! Nice space! Just curious, what kept you from just sanding off the gilding and inserting copper bars on your first version of the shelves?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Great question! That may have worked…I still have all the parts, so maybe I’ll give one a try 🤙🏻

[@MrSir2552]

I know I'm way late to the party, but no one should be afraid of new technology! I work in a CNC machine shop and have understood the use of machines. Time is both valuable to yourself and it's also money. If you can decrease your time working, increase efficiency, and open the doors to new things... Why not do it? Because "machines are taking over, it ruins the craft?" It doesn't. It's another tool to use, why not think of it as such? Love the work you do!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yes! Exactly! Thanks for the comment 👊🏼

[@davidmeyer9204]

As always I learned some new things from you. Outstanding build and beautiful. IMHO lasers and such do not dumb down woodworking, it enhances it. Thanks for sharing Keith!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks David! Glad it was helpful. And yes, I totally agree that many of these technological advancements only enhance the craft and help push creativity even further!

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

glad to see that office finally done! looks awesome! so does that green shirt too 😀

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks dude! And I got that shirt at Good Will and it still had the tags on it...somebody must have been cleaning out their closet 😜

[@matthewsykes2906]

The acoustic panels you chose are specifically for diffusion and you made the correct choice of putting them to your back. The purpose of diffusion is to scatter reflections in various directions and preventing standing waves. They can even make a room sound bigger than what it actually is, which was probably very helpful for that closet. Now the felt does provide some absorption, but only for very high frequencies since it’s so thin. The reason you want them at you back is if you ever use speakers(I noticed you were wearing headphones). If you ever decided to edit with monitors, the diffusion will prevent the sound from bouncing back directly into your ears. Although I suspect with the room being so small the initial time gap would be negligible, but it certainly can’t hurt. Acoustically I think you made the correct choices. But with the quality of that wood, I think you got boned on the price. For that kind of money I would expect a much cleaner look.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and sharing your knowledge! I definitely have some more improvements to make, but need to do a little more research first. Cheers!

[@jewdd1989]

Omg I’ve been waiting to have time just for your video so I can really dive into storage, organization madness with those beautiful notes of copper! You are brilliant, you’ve become one of my top favorite woodworkers. I so wish you and Pask Makes would join teams… I’d love to see what you two come up with. And yes Jerry and Lola need a cat hangout in your office because they’re too precious to be kicked out lol. If you make something cat related pls film and share

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yay! Thank you! Definitely thinking real hard about creative cat lounges and perches for the little fur balls. I have some ideas...😺😺

[@jewdd1989]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking looking forward to it! I have an obsession with cat but especially dog play spaces because you never see it done and yet what a cool idea

[@cchrisstiaann]

This turned out beautiful Keith! Such an awesome home project 👍🏻 You’ve definitely worked so hard to improve your very own editing room. Congrats man. I love the way everything turned out. I’ve been thinking about adding some acoustic cedar paneling in my own personal room. I have tons of tongue and groove cedar planks that I have left over from a project I had worked on a week ago from my own commission work and the home owner didn’t want the rest of all that cedar. So I’m thinking about doing a layer of 1/4” - 3/8” thick sound foam board and then apply the on top of that. I wonder if it’ll work?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! And it sounds to me like that should work. I think people also use Rockwool insulation as a good sound dampener.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Great video. I always enjoy your content. And the work is amazing. I did enjoy seeing the Shaper in action alongside your other techniques. The laser… doesn’t scare me at all. It’s a tool just like the shaper. Use the right tool for the right job. Everything turned out amazing!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Total agree, Angie! The laser is just another tool in the holster. It really excels at certain things...if only we could teach it how to sand...😜😂

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I KNOW!!!! I thought I hated sanding... until I made three cheese and cracker trays with my router. I think I'll stick with Walnut. Because I had some burning on the maple... right in the curve on the end grain. Now... I more than Hate sanding. @@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

@@AngieWilliamsDesigns LOL. Is there anything worse to sand than end grain maple??! No, there isn't 🤣

[@DerekHauser-kw1bc]

I appreciate all the work you do putting together these awesome videos!! I look so forward to the next one.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that. More videos on the way!

[@JKAW]

Glad to see it's all coming together, hope it gets some use in the next shop sounds podcast

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! And it will definitely be live in the next podcast! 😂

[@btcuidon]

28:16 It's a bit counter intuitive, but it is generally better to have acoustic treatment in the direction the microphone is pointing, so the rear wall is a good place to have treatment. Even if you do have acoustic reflections coming off the surfaces in front of you like the wall and computer monitors, the back of the microphone is less sensitive and won't pick up those reflections anyway. If you do still hear more ambience than you want, the next best surfaces to treat in the future would be the side walls and the ceiling, but the VO's in this video sounded good to me :)

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Apparently, with the Shure SM7 mic, it's better to have it behind you and above. I honestly have no clue 😂. And like you said, VO sounded pretty good, so it was probably a lot of fuss for nothing 😜😂

[@GGBA147]

Dude, Amazing work, The Unfinished wood is part of it's acoustic dampening mechanism, the finish lowers the absorption and diffusion

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Hmmm…it would be nice if there was any info on that 🤣

[@GGBA147]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I know i'm in good hands when you're on it! :)

[@MrSpleenboy]

I'm glad you showed the flaws in the acoustic panelling wood parts up close - I've seen them used many times in other office builds, and no-one else has shown them up close like that, flaws and all. It's kinda shocking to me that they can still charge ~$300 per pack for such shoddily finished pieces of wood. I suppose so long as the front facing bits are fine (which they are), nobody will really notice the flaws in the interior edges? The desk and all the other parts that you made look absolutely beautiful! I think the laser cutter is a great idea for fiddly tasks like making those organiser boxes - they would have been a really laborious task otherwise, and they look great

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yeah, I zoomed way in to show the flaws, but TBH, I don’t even notice them from normal viewing distance. The veneered MDF options are virtually perfect but require the extra labor to apply finish. And thanks for the kind words!

[@alfonsoPina]

Honestly, I think the laser cutter/engraver is a tool for woodworkers/makers to grow their business. I love them. I have yet to get one ($$$) for the same reason I haven't bought a Shaper Origin. but when i do I'm gonna go ham on some projects.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Right on! That's a great point.

[@BrockFanning33]

I’ve learnt a lot watching all your videos. Sure hope to see some more live edge tables in the future. I’m fixing to start our dining table with walnut live edge that I cut down myself. Keep up the hard work!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! I appreciate it. 👍

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Good audio is priceless!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

And yet it is so elusive!! 😂

[@daspec]

It looks REALLY slick and elegant, gave me some good ideas. Great job!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks Damien! I greatly appreciate it 🙌🏻

[@BobBrittonBespoke]

As always, absolutely beautiful build. LOVE the organization... scratches my OCD itch beautifully.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

LOL. Thanks Bob! We share a common OCD gene 😜

[@jacobdean1454]

We made our own wall panels from oak plywood and edge banding. It was time consuming, but cheap as can be, and works great!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Oh nice! yeah, plywood is probably the way to go so those strips don't go haywire when ripping down solid wood.

[@heraldarnold437]

Wow, this closet office is amazing. Very well made!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks so much! That's very kind of you. 🙏😃

[@pancua978]

I came for the woodworking, stayed for Lola and Jerry. lol Looking fabulous, amigo! Absolutely well done!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Awesome! Thank you! We ALL appreciate it 😀😺😺

[@JamesFerguson72]

I really liked the desktop organizer; I almost feel like you didn't give it the time it deserved. really nice work.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you very much! Unfortunately, there's only so much time to show everything!

[@nicbrown3755]

Hey, like the work. Personally would be concerned with the lack of workable desk space. I had a similar small office small desk issue trying to condense as best I could. An out of the box solution I found was changing my mouse from the conventional drag a round a square foot of space mouse, to a fixed trackball mouse, amazing how much room is freed up by not having to move the mouse. If space is a tight might be an option

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Haven't had any issues with useable desk space...I'm just editing and podcasting, so you don't need much room for that.

[@mtz9939]

Superior work as usual Keith. Well done.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks so much! Cheers! 🤙🏻

[@BuiltKnotBought]

Really cool desk I admire the front curve on it! Nice work Kieth

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks very much! The curve is one of my favorite parts 😜

[@Wordsnwood]

All that and it looks like you still have something in the front USB-C of the Mac Studio! Never enough ports, right? I came very close to buying a thunderbolt dock for mine. Really sweet custom desk organizer, Sir!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

😂 I know, right? NEVER enough ports. I should probably get a thunderbolt dock as well. Too many things to plug in!

[@Wordsnwood]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I thought about the satechi(?) unit, because it has internal SSD space, and it matches the Studio/Mini footprint. But ALLLLLLLL of them only have ports on the front, which is kind of dumb. Give us some on the back for things we want to hide!

[@gtpro700]

Do you have a video on window casements or could you actually do a detailed one if not? The window casements you did look great and it’s always nice to see other people’s way of doing the process

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

I did a REEL on IG for it, but it was pretty quick. Here is the link if you want to check it out: instagram.com/reel/CwlakgQA17X/?igshid=ODhhZWM5NmIwOQ==

[@travisg1759]

I really like the original design of the curved shelves better than the final ones. I wonder if the original could have been saved by using the copper bar you used in the final instead of the gilding?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yeah, it potentially could’ve been saved, but there was so much labor gluing up one shelf since they had to be done in multiple steps…I was just done with it 😂

[@ophilecreatives7774]

Beautiful craftsmanship right there. Wall paint choice nd that walnut combo 👌

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 😎

[@timmills2259]

Nicely done Keith! I love all the intricate details that you put into this one! No wonder it took you years to get it completed! Haha. Jason will be so proud

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

😂 It certainly does feel like years...😜. Thanks Tim!

[@loulauer5853]

Walnut is such a beautiful wood. And I sure could use that laser technology to design and cut a 10 ft by 8 ft curved wall full of wine bottle racks!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks! Yeah, these lasers get better and more powerful all the time. I think that one can cut through 5/8” solid wood 😳

[@carolyncrochets]

Are there any plans for a special area for your beautiful cats? If yes, i hope you will show us. 😺🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Not yet!! 😸

[@madisonwest8392]

Just a quick response to one of the questions in the video, I think the use of technology of CNC in this video is a perfect balance of woodworking and computerization. At least from a personalization aspect and/or manufacturing standpoint.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

100% agree! Thanks for for comment 👍

[@clmb511]

Since you have a Shaper, why didnt you do the template for the shelves using the shaper? Tolerances or density of material being cut or just speed?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Speed. And the Shaper isn’t always perfect

[@AxeRipper802]

Absolutely love the shelves and how the whole thing came together! I may have simply missed it, but how thick are those aluminum brackets holding the shelves? 1/16” or 1/8”?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks Jacob! Those aluminum L-channels are 1/8” thick. 👍🏻

[@austinbasiolli2705]

Hey Keith! What is your go to bandsaw blade? I guess I should just ask which one you used in this video to resaw that walnut.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

I use Timberwolf. 3/4" X 2-3 VARI PC .025"

[@JenkinsB]

UNREAL! Well thought out and well executed!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks so much!

[@moshebron2105]

Definitely NOT afraid of technology. I'm getting into woodworking for a hobby, most of the makers on KZbin that I follow are either hobbyists or genuine craftsman that would cringe at the thought of replacing their work with a machine.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

I think of it as another tool in the tool belt. It's not going to replace the majority of what I do, but if it can help speed up the process or open up new doors for design details that would be time prohibitive by hand, I'm all for it.

[@moshebron2105]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking True. As a woodworking business owner you want to maximize efficiency. Hobbyists have the luxury of working at their own pace.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

@@moshebron2105 Very true. I've definitely been on the hobbyist side and it's hard to break some of those "work at my own pace" habits that don't work well in a business. LOL.

[@moshebron2105]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking living in the tri state is a bad business practice!!!!

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

You can always put some panels on the ceiling as well. No one will notice and it will help with sound proofing especially it is not parallel to the floor or walls. That window right in front of you does not help too because glass transmits a lot of sound waves and energy.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

I put a huge pillow in the window when I'm recording 😜

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking LOL Hey, if ain't broken, don't fix it!! Great Channel and amazing work by the way!! I subscribed today!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

@@Lucas-vd2gxThanks man! I greatly appreciate that 👍🏻

[@PatrickvanHalderen]

This looks so good! Full of nice ideas, thanks!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

You are so welcome! Thank YOU!

[@paranormal18]

Always love your videos! I’m also a woodworker from Germany and love your cats :)

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Awesome! Thank you very much! Jerry and Lola greatly appreciate it 😸😸

[@gromett]

I love the copper strips. Perfect size in my (usually wrong) opinion. I think they look fantastic.

[@karulach]

Wow. Great work, Kieth. You could also use a acustic foam underneath the panels to get better acustic effect. Nevertheless good job.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yeah, that's definitely a good option as well. Thanks!

[@exiousgb7757]

I started a fitted furniture company and just recently got a CNC. It's a game changer. I can't turn off the business side of my brain that looks to mass production. Honestly the margins and the time it takes to build intricate whiskey cases or something to that effect, simply isn't worth it.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Oh nice! Yes, mass production certainly is more profitable and if you love that side of business you can continually refine your process and become even more profitable.

[@chopsjazz1]

Great work. FYI, you can get 90-degree XLR mic cables to help with cable organizing.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yeah, I learned that later on 😬😂

[@KGTiberius]

Glue smooshing out? Large planes glue up trick: cut or route a small channel for the glue to move into on the plane, near-ish the edge.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

👍😎

[@andrewadar]

So even though you had a plan B or plan C - I REALLY love this idea- I think it looks brilliant!!!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Haha. Thanks man! I appreciate it 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@leviathanx0815]

28:25 I myself installed a drop ceiling and used acoustic panels as inserts (flat white).. They totally kill all nasty sound frequencies and even my mechanical keyboard (red switches) and my mouse switches are audible quieter than before. It took me a bit to get used to it as everything started to sound different when all was done. I have it installed in my entire living space (kitchen, living room, hallway, office).. Incl. installation hardware that was shy €1400 for 80sqm of area to be covered. It was totally worth it in my opinion. I cannot even hear my fridge whining anymore when I am in other rooms...

[@leviathanx0815]

Panels were "Ecophon Opta A"

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Great tip! Now that the room is filled out with more items (big cushy cat beds 😹) coupled with the mic I use, I currently have no echo issues .

[@toddcumberland132]

The only question I always have about the laser wood thing is this. How do you deal with the burnt edges, or is that just a fact and deal with it?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Depends on material and strength of the laser, but there seems to always be something there. You can sand it or just let it be.

[@toddcumberland132]

Thank you for the reply. @@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking

[@1683clifton]

I've made thousands of feet of box stock. I'll never give up!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Never give up! Never surrender!

[@layneinchains4047]

Nooooo!! You mean sell the laser and buy MORE TOOLS!! Lol! Great video as usual Keith… you’re truly one of the few (KZbin) woodworkers with actual talent and amazing craftsmanship! AND not just one big infomercial like some “ woodworkers” and I use that term lightly on KZbin ( I won’t mention any names or numbers lol). Awesome stuff Keith! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼oh and we are pretty much neighbors… I’m on the other side of the GW or TZ Bridge depending where in jersey you are! Yonkers NY baby!

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

😂 Or maybe buy a laser AND more tools 😜. And thanks very much for the kind words - I greatly appreciate it. And I’m glad you still call it the TZ! I refuse to call it the GMMCB 😂

[@glueupsscrewups]

Wow, what a beautiful desk. Enjoy.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thank you, I will!

[@masontejera506]

I've hear you say you out source your drawer construction a few times - I would also love to do that - got a link handy to your favorite spot?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Yes! Timbercraft drawers in CT. Tell them I sent you and you should get a discount on your order. www.timbercraftdrawers.com/

[@hoops1732]

What model is your jointer/planer combo? Also your bandsaw? Are you happy with both of them?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Hammer A3-31 (mildly happy) Jet JBS15-3 (very happy)

[@jakekoelemeyer5438]

I love it, but what was that dinging noise that went on the entire video? I thought I was tripping and something was broke in my house

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

🤷🏼‍♂️ I think you may have been tripping…😂

[@johnsutcliffe3209]

I think one problem with cnc laser box joints is the fact that no longer will an apprentice have to make box joints for months and complain the he hopes he never sees another box joint. 2 things. It gets their basic skills up to speed and also sorts out who is really committed. There will be a loss of skill. Anyone can program a machine to do a job. For instance next time you take your car for a wheel alignment ask the technician what KPI, camber, toe in, castor, steering Ackerman, etc and why is it necessary. Very few will have any idea.

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

😂 Yeah, well the days of the sloppy apprentice dovetail cutter are long gone, but I agree machines and computers have greatly reduced trade skills and the knowledge of how and why things are done.

[@andreacapani2170]

this feels like a masterclass of templets. awsome work

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks very much! Definitely a lot of templates 😂

[@handlesarestupid1234]

I really like the angle brackets for floating shelves. Brilliant!! I will be copying that

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Right on! Works great 👍

[@thanhnhanhuynhnguyen3652]

Great work! As the copper goes diagonal to the grain, do you think there will be problems with wood movement later?

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

I really don't, but it's a valid concern. Check back in a year 😜😂

[@thanhnhanhuynhnguyen3652]

@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Thanks for replying! Looking forward to seeing that :D. Would be a great and practical vid

[@DIYtechie]

Really nice project, solutions and video. Thanks! 👍🏻

[@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking]

Thanks man! I appreciate it 👍