I Made My Own Plantation Shutters | Saved a BUNCH of $$$

[@woodwhisperer]

0:00 - Ad 0:16 - Intro 1:27 - Copy the Shape with a Spiling Stick 8:09 - The Design 11:37 - The Wood 12:37 - Pin Holes 15:09 - Top Rail 16:05 - Rabbets 18:36 - Bead Detail 22:41 - Mortise & Tenon 23:00 - Cutting the Curve 24:02 - Sanding & Pre-Finishing 24:39 - Louvers 27:12 - Control Arm 29:00 - Mouse Hole 29:40 - Screw Eyes & Assembly

[@tschmath]

How many hours did this project take?

[@woodwhisperer]

Really not sure. I don't track my time. It's polluted by having to document the process anyway. :)

[@cameronknowles6267]

@@woodwhisperer was it as long as your spagstick

[@Psychlist1972]

The small success you didn't discuss: nice job matching the finish and wood already around that window. :)

[@justsayin4632]

Was SO excited when I saw this video pop up in my feed! Been wanting to build this style of shutter for a while, but didn’t know where to start. After watching this I now feel confident about going to the store and buying them premade.😂

[@woodwhisperer]

Glad I could help! :)

[@T_B]

LMAO!!! Same here.

[@denisdore643]

I'm always impressed by the way you make complex projects look so simple. Straight to the point and precisely detailed 👌. Building the thing is one side of the work, teaching to average woodworkers on cam is the other part that takes a lot of communication skills you master as well. Thank you very much Marc for all the effort you put in each video.

[@woodwhisperer]

Thanks Denis. Really appreciate that, man!

[@genelucas7379]

Well, I'm a carpenter ( alot of trim). That looks really good. Hardest part is matching old with new. You nail it. Nice work!!

[@prestonlane6253]

That's what impressed me the most. Matching existing wood and stain is a pain!

[@dogsoupblues]

I remember See Jane Drill had a good video on this a couple years ago, I think, and she called it a ticking stick. A great tool, as you show so well 😀 well done! They look awesome.

[@shawnhartmann4581]

I spent part of my youth on the shores (and water) of the Chesapeake. Not a whole lot of shipwrights and boatbuilders, but a few. They all called it a tick stick. Might be a regional thing, like hoagies vs. grinders vs. subs.

[@ocdtechtalk]

I've heard it called a story pole. Might be a different beast.

[@gregmize01]

You are a genius at script writing and explaining complicated subjects!

[@joannecarroll5504]

Really helpful video, thanks. You asked about the screw-in fixings, if there was another way - there's a lot of that in jewellery-making, where you have to join 2 or even many more metal loops (known as jump rings) together, usually with 2 pairs of needle-nose pliers. It's been established that rather than pull loops wide open, then try to crimp back together again (which damages the structural integrity & risks that it never again becomes completely round), it is better to hold the loop horizontally between 2 pairs of pliers, with the join facing upwards & just lightly twist the hands (1 forward & 1 backward) so the ends of the jump ring move in opposite direction from each other. The ends remain aligned while appearing to be a row apart, leaving a gap for parts to be added on. Once assembly is complete, we twist in the opposite direction, returning the ends to their original position & the circle shape is restored, undamaged. Hope this helps.

[@redgti81]

LOL! Spagstick sounds like an insult for someone. "Don't be such a spagstick!"

[@gonesideways6621]

As an experienced woodworker I have been putting off this project of shutters Rockler is my go to place for 20 plus years mine will only be traditional no arches but I am totally impressed with your plan of action, remember those who fail to plan plan to fail!

[@gizanked]

I've seen those sticks called "tick sticks" which makes sense considering how hard it was to say spilling.

[@jackknows6509]

Dang Mark, you ought to consider woodworking for a profession!!! Just Kidding. This project has your signature quality on it. Great Job!!!

[@vichubbard3664]

I've said it already, but this is just a fantastic project and the ONLY solution I've ever seen that looks really good and performs well for those odd windows that seem to be in so many houses.

[@woodwhisperer]

Thanks Vic!! REALLY appreciate the compliment!

[@tomatha3713]

Marc, that was nothing short of genius! I'd probably still be scratching my head trying to figure out how to work with the curves. I don't see shutters in my future, but it was very interesting to see the process. Thanks for another great video.

[@rootvalue]

Love these longer format project videos. Not quite as comprehensive as a guild video, but perfect for lunch break entertainment. Good work!

[@woodwhisperer]

Glad you like them!

[@GloriousAguacate]

I'm glad that health and safety seems to be a big thing in this shop. I don't know how many channels I've seen don't have proper PPE if any at all.

[@glencrandall7051]

I have a similar situation in my living room. Your video will solve the problem. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

[@juanc.mendoza632]

Hi from Easton Maryland! No matter if is the first time you make this shutters,you show your master and thank you for share. God bless you and your family. Stay safe.

[@JohnGenX69]

Great info, very helpful and awesome end result (like it would end any other way). As for the "stick" problem you "quickly" mentioned....they have pills to help with that now a days. 🙃 I REALLY DO enjoy laughing while learning and your sense of humor is without equal (in the youtube woodworking community). Thanks yet again for all you (and your small crew) do for all of us! 😄👍

[@jerrycomo2736]

Nautical trivia of the week: Joggle Stick, used for fitting bulkheads (walls) inside boats hull. Exactly what you did in a way. A Spilling "Batten" used for sizing and fitting planks to side of hull.

[@joshmann2525]

Great video. For odd rhombus shapes I’ve found a band clamp to help where a normal clamp can’t be put on the curve. Thanks again Marc

[@reaper060670]

Lovely bit of work there man. I LOVE THIS TYPE OF WORK. It's never easy and takes a bit of time but once u get the hang of doing it u find it easier every time. U should do more of this work man. U made a beautiful job if those shutters,

[@woodwhisperer]

*Attention NOTIFICATION CREW!* If you get here within the first hour you have a chance to win a FREE Wood Whisperer Guild project. All you need to do is go here and fill out the form: thewoodwhisperer.com/notification-crew/ If you're too late, be sure you're subscribed and have all notifications turned on so you don't miss your chance when our next video drops.

[@brettpeckinpaugh]

Says I am under an hour from it being posted but the notification site form is already down. Oh well

[@woodwhisperer]

The form was actually up for about 2 hours this morning because we got busy with something and forgot. Not sure what's going on with the times you're seeing but we gave it more than the promised window.

[@Joe-ie1mi]

You always make me happy watching your videos :) self taught woodworker here and just like you it seems i constantly doubt my ability!

[@ramachandran8666]

Highly skilled workmanship along with great planning makes you an exceptional craftsman Mark. You are too modest but just as capable. Very nice heirloom piece that will adore that space

[@warrengans1346]

I sell custom Shutters for a living, and I spend a vast amount of time dealing with design: Rockler has taken a great deal of the pain away from this project, but I fully appreciate the pig of a job you took on: well done for an excellent finish! Good call not shaping the louvers, but rather squaring of the ends as they are indeed a nightmare to finish well

[@cindymccloud7188]

I declare. You rock at everything you do. Thank you!

[@jakeb7244]

Spags.... this video was the over the top. The stick was legit. Tom Silva is proud of you.

[@TenBackWI]

Awesome video Marc! The “Spag Stick” is something I don’t think I’d ever use a lot but definitely cool knowledge to have in my back pocket in case I need it. Thank you for the info!

[@dennisfahlstrom2515]

A whole new variation of a story board. Very well done. I made a shutter for a more typical window about 40 years ago. I used ash for the frame and basswood for the shutters. A very tough project but the wife was happy. I’m sure yours was too.

[@timothymbess]

The spiling stick is also called a tick stick or a ticking stick. There are a number of great videos on tick sticking on KZbin. It's a fantastic trick for cutting awkwardly shaped flooring when you're dealing with tiles, stairs, trying to get around an odd corner, etc.

[@skf957]

Nice job. I'm a big fan of shutters generally. I've made plenty, but not the louvred variety. I did modify some once and swore I'd never go near them again! But that Rockler calculator has made me think again. Thanks for sharing.

[@justplanebob105]

Shapin' it old school with a story (spag) stick. That's the way my Grandpa did it back in the day. Restoring his planes and saws is what got me started. I absolutely love using his tools. :)

[@mattelias721]

Awesome adaptation, Marc. I gave you a thumbs-up, in part because you are a great teacher/explainer, but also because of the NCC-1701 shuttle. Because who DOESN'T keep one on their router table?

[@woodwhisperer]

Never know when you might need to go on an away mission. 🖖🏻

[@jeffreysmith5018]

Wow, great video - it’s like a 34 minute guild build ! Thanks !

[@adamcone6856]

That radius router bit looks like it would be great for a fretboard shaping. What an amazing project! I may have to do this one here on a curved kitchen window that gets sunset glare in summer months.

[@mek90703]

Those turned out excellent! I was laughing about the adjustability of the louvers. Ours are closed 90% of the time too!

[@phoenixzohar]

Marc, this was an amazing video! Such a great design, the shutters look amazing and you really made me believe I could do this in the square windows in my home. What a wonderful video and upgrade idea for any home! Top notch content, presentation, and woodworking as always!

[@DavePalmer]

Hey Marc. I’ve been watching your videos pretty much since day one. I just wanted to let you know that the feel and quality of this latest video was amazing. The live narrative that over flows b-roll was pro. Great energy through the whole video. Loved it.

[@woodwhisperer]

I appreciate that! Thank you Dave.

[@leejohnson7293]

As a high end trim carpenter for 25 years, some things are fun to do once for the experience of it and to say you did it, but never want to do again. Lol This was awesome by the way.

[@realpdm]

I would never build this but still learned some interesting techniques. Thanks for sharing these unique projects!

[@thesawdustfactory]

Thanks Marc, and thanks to Rockler! Well planned project ... logical operations order ... and a nicely completed project. It's great to see a technique (in this case the Spiling Stick ... er Spag-Stick) used in a different environment to simplify the task at hand. Keep up the good work! Regards, R

[@timblack33]

Not sure how I’d missed your channel. Been listening to the pod for a while. Thanks for this awesome content.

[@MikePowersTSIG]

I've been fitting curved parts longer than most of your viewers have been alive, and I don't know how I didn't know about this. Thanks so much. Seriously. And I will pass it on. Anyone that learns this from me will call it a #spagstick.

[@nellz8877]

The end result looks amazing! The curve and steps make it more eye catching in my opinion. Awesome craftsmanship.

[@exceptionalbuildingservices]

The best video for plantation shutters I have watched so far. Great work! You helped me a lot for my project.

[@henriwatson631]

I was literally searching for tips on how to build these the moment this video went up. Was in a bind, and Wood Whisperer to the rescue!

[@HarrisonFord11]

Hey Marc, there are many woodworkers out there that look up to you the same way you look up to David Marks. Im one of them. I’m thankful for your work and knowledge. Happy New Year to you and yours. Can’t wait to see what’s in store.

[@coleve8596]

Excellent build. I don’t think I would have glued both ends. If any of your plastic pins need replacement you need one end dry fit with screws only to secure the slates in order to disassemble to facilitate repairs.

[@FrankATLondon]

Your spag-stick saved the day. Thanks!

[@ericjohnson4768]

little window tint would block even more. Beautiful work as always!

[@woodwhisperer]

Already tinted. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@aaronlevitt8356]

Spagstick! I can’t wait to try this out on my next project. The Rockler kit looks very helpful. One thought on a way to improve the accuracy of the slag stick…. Drive a small nail into the base of the stick so just “the tip” is protruding. I think using this as a witness mark will help when it comes to replicating the points on your ply. Just a thought. Been a fan for over a decade I’m guessing and appreciate all that you do Mark.

[@woodwhisperer]

That sounds like a good idea. Maybe even two nails so it prevents rotating too.

[@MichaelKieweg]

Respect! That was quite a build. And it came out great.

[@sl5311]

For me I think it would be easier just to get some giant paper and tape it together and trace. LOL You have way more patience than I ever could... Nice video

[@RobbieBolog]

Damn, I mean building this is a feat in and of itself, but communicating it so a pleb like me can understand it is way impressive. Nice work with that #spagstick!

[@isaacpeterson5280]

After getting quotes for plantation shutters, I decided to build my own. How hard can it be? I used Rockler's calculator and jig and premilled louvers. After a few tries I was able to build a very tight tolerance shutter. I had to build several jigs. The jig for the stiles worked great! The jig for the louvers not so much. I did the same trick with my drill press for my louver's. Rockler's louver jig and a batter powered drill did not have good enough tolerances and the light line varied between louvers. The hardest part was attaching the control rod. For me, the screw eyes didn't work very well. I ended up building a jig to hold my staple gun to shoot staples into the louver leaving the top protruding, and another jig to shoot a staple into the control rod. Shutter #5 turned out great! My wife wanted painted shutters, so I tried getting quotes from cabinet shops. They would paint 1 or 2. But I have 34 windows in my house! I could not find anyone willing to give me a quote. I tried rolling paint, and then an harbor freight HVLP, then finally a Fuji HVLP. But I'm not a very good painter :) Still have 29 windows to go..

[@ghita.herdean.1979]

The stick thing is the first time I saw. I knew I could learn something new every day. Thank you.

[@johnbuob3480]

well done mate. Very nice project. Now since watching this I am going to order the rockler system and make shutters for my whole house and save 5 or 6 thousand $.

[@edwardsimmons3721]

The color match is great.

[@gdreclaimed5442]

Where did you find the magnetic connectors for your dust collector hose? Loved the shutters also!

[@garyknable1155]

Loving the way they turned out and your vid is much simpler I think

[@GlennAycock]

Great tutorial! BTW, you can use a ratchet strap around the edges to clamp the curved top.

[@MattMuirhead]

Ya know.... looking at your Roddy Piper coffee cup, I can't help but think you need a Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the shop to keep the theme rolling. "Hoooooooooo!!"

[@magrinney]

Spiling is used quite often in wooden boat building. You always have to match the curve of the previous board and spiling is just the way to do that.

[@markteter7042]

I've loved watching your videos and this one is no exception. The only comment I would make, coming from a chainmail maker point-of-view, is that when you open up the screw eye on your next project, consider opening the screw eye side to side (i.e., move the cut end to the side) rather than as you did. This will insure that you don't deform the circle of the screw eye when you close the screw eye again.

[@leeedwards3783]

Lovely job. Really enjoyed it. Always wanted to have a go at shutters.

[@annee.6910]

What a great topic and video! I really feel like I can do this project with your explanation and tutorial. Thank you for your graceful style of teaching and all that you (& Nicole) do.

[@alvisjoubert9998]

What an amazing result dude! Talk about wood crafting! Great job! 👊💪

[@alanblasczyk1779]

Those really came out nice. Incredibly complicated but you made it look easy.

[@physicsguybrian]

Stunning results. Perfect fit and very nice look and function!!! I am surprised you didn't use a centering jig for drilling into end grain? Bits wander off in end grain and I can see it has on several pieces though it appears the degree of offset hasn't had a bad impact. All the detailed work and then hand drilling without a jig caused my eye to start twitching!!! Come on Mr Spag!!!

[@woodwhisperer]

Haha thanks Brian. One of the keys to woodworking is knowing the actual impact of any particular action you take. If you go through extra steps that have zero impact on the end result, you are either inexperienced or retired. 😉

[@BeauChampion]

What a fantastic build!! I've been following along on Instagram but I'm still super impressed with how the video came together. Super neat stuff from Rockler to make this much more approachable.

[@johnumbach7064]

Nice video. I’ve priced these for a circle top for my home. After watching the process, I see why they’re so pricey. However, you present this project in a manageable way. Thanks!

[@MikePowersTSIG]

That turned out better than pretty good. Very, very nice. 👊🤘👍

[@williamellis8993]

Those look great, Marc. Seems like most of our woodworking goes towards keeping our better half happy (lol). I guess that's the most important thing. Bill

[@tburch12785]

As a current bio tech engineer who absolutely loves working with that wood, you're an inspiration, sir! I've got a long way to go before I'd be ready to compare your spag stick to mine though...

[@barrybroswick5471]

Great built, Marc! I actually just discovered the shutter building systems in the latest Rockler catalog and started putting info into the online design wizard on their web site for some larger windows in my living room that have been needing shutters since we moved in 3 years ago and I’ve been wondering “could I do it?”. You made it look doable and I will surely look into a little more seriously after seeing your inspiring video. But, if you have some extra time on your hands, I’m out in SE Aurora so probably not too far from you if you want to help. All windows are rectangular so won’t even need the Spag-stick!

[@robertbamford8266]

Interesting issue came up when I installed premade shutters as bifold doors on a closet. With outside shutters, the closed slats should face down on the outside so water runs off. In your case you have an obvious inside/outside. When both sides are inside, what to do? We experimented and the consensus (Nicole rule) was that closing down looked most natural (pretend the room is the outside). Thanks for the video.

[@woodstoney]

Great project Marc. The end result looks like it came with the house!!

[@jackalope30]

wow...incredible work. that gives me nightmares just thinking about tackeling a project like that. you nailed it! strong work

[@arnoldolorenzo3474]

I saw Jane Can Drill do the same and explain a scribing tick stick as she calls it. It’s awesome. Genius actually.

[@samz8023]

Glad to hear some curb your enthusiasm transition

[@timstratton9]

Wow… just awesome… I feel i can actually make this wrong only once or twice now before getting it right!!! Where before this, I would NEVER have even attempted this project…. FANTASTIC video

[@erickleon2917]

Felicidades ...te quedo genial..desde hace tiempo buscaba algo asi, para mi ventana de arco..gracias por compartir

[@donnygrahambuilds]

Hearing the Wood Whisperer express not being that good at finish carpentry at first gave me hope - someone this skilled and experienced also struggles dealing with unsquare spaces...then the exact same thought process bummed me out, because - someone this skilled and experienced still struggles dealing with unsquare spaces... XD

[@hansiejansevanrensburg291]

Thanks for this vedio. You really did break all the steps down nicely. The nice thing is that you can apply this method to vertical or horizontal slats.

[@ronaldbrower5361]

There is a conspicuous "stair case" effect in the upper rails - I wonder whether it is possible to put a curve on the leuvers and likewise the rails? Anyhow, very nice finish carpenter work

[@woodwhisperer]

Yes, but it's a LOT more complicated and the louvers won't freely rotate, which is why I decided against it.

[@egar4767]

I was thinking the same thing. It would take to another level.

[@kiwdwks]

Thanks for the video...totally awesome! Great tips on building to an irregular shape & definitely helps making shutters less intimidating. Nice job!

[@rickgordon8377]

I haven't taken on this project yet. I've worried it would be popular enough for Rockler to keep supporting the system when I decide. With your help it will be there when I do. I hope you need a louvered sliding door. I'd love to see your tutorial of that. Regards

[@johnbevilacqua6751]

Love your work. I am also very impressed with your shop. It must make working on projects such a joy.

[@chrisshannonmoeller781]

Nice Charleston Shutters!

[@ronh9384]

I will be using that idea to start on the curved shutters on the two palladium windows I have... Thanks!

[@DavidBishopinc]

Very Nice Spag. Well done, looks great!!

[@mrmajestic345]

Well, if your never gonna open them, i think could of stained up some Alder plywood inserts, but wouldn't make as good of video! Very impressive work Mr. Marc!

[@travisross4387]

Looks like it was made to be there 😂. Very nice.

[@hdwoodshop]

Great project. I wonder if leaving the whole frame unglued (un epoxied) would help in refinishing some day. I imagine the sun will really beat up that finish and sanding it assembled would be a nightmare. I’ll do this project someday.

[@bwedesign]

Very cool. You make it look easy, even though I know it isn't. A lot of things to think through.

[@ronh9384]

Good video as always Marc. I always heard of that as a ticking stick. But I have heard it called different things in different parts of the country. I used to always do taped together paper templates...

[@bobbg9041]

Great work and all, but I might have just tinted the windows really dark. The neat part of doing that is its adds some insulation factor to the windows by keeping ultraviolet light out durring the day and cuts out solar gain. Shutters or no shutters you can do this anyway. But if the tints dark enough it will block out the bright lights. One more option is stained glass incerts

[@woodwhisperer]

The windows are already tinted as dark as the tinting company had. :)

[@bobbg9041]

@@woodwhisperer Go to a car tinting company, you can put 2 layers on for darker tint. I did my own its pretty ez. I have no doubt you could do it and do a good job. Just got to use good brand of tint.

[@alext8828]

It occurs to me that the stair-step could possibly be avoided but I'm not sure. I should really watch 'til the end but I wanted to say this before I forgot about it. Would be possible to glue a dowel to the bottom edge of each louver so they can swivel from the bottom instead of the centerline? The control rod would need to be able to move them almost a full 180 ° without binding. It would be connected to the top edge. Sound impossible? I don't know. I finished the video. Damn good job. Very nice.

[@wookieecantina]

Roddy Piper & Sgt. Slaughter mug... Awesome!