Making a Plywood Bench |

In this video I’m making a geometric bench from 1 sheet of plywood. This project is part of the #RocklerPlywoodChallenge from the Modern Maker Podcast.
You can purchase plans for this bench from my website theminimalistmaker.com
Here’s a link to my last year’s challenge entry for Two 2x4 Challenge: • DIY 2x4 End Grain Stool
ABOUT MY CHANNEL:
My name is Minni and I make DIY videos. If you like what I do, please subscribe to my channel!
If you want to see what I’m working on next, check out my Instagram: / minimalistmaker
You can also find me on Facebook: / theminimalistmaker
Here is everything I used for this project:
MATERIALS:
1 sheet of 18mm birch plywood
Nails
Wood glue
Scrap wood for jigs
TOOLS I USED:
Straight edge
Tape measure
Pen
Cordless nailer
Circular saw
Miter saw
Table saw
Orbital sander
Clamps
Band saw (Used this for one cut, but it’s not necessary)
SAFETY NOTES:
Safety first! Always be careful with dangerous tools and make sure you know how to use them correctly.
MUSIC BY Henbrix

[@Gustavsson15]

Actually i like that it's not a "full" half circle, it gives the furniture more character. Great work!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! I originally wanted it to be a full half circle, but I don't really mind that it isn't. Maybe it makes it trick the eye even more! :)

[@modustrial]

This is absolutely genius! Still hard to wrap my mind around how sturdy it is with so little area contacting the ground, but it definitely works. This one is going to be hard to beat!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you Mike! It is surpsisingly sturdy! Your table is also very nice, love the modern take on an epoxy river table! I'm not a huge fan of the traditional live edge ones, but your design really stands out! :)

[@modustrial]

Thanks Minni! I have no idea how they will pick a winner. So many great entries!

[@DragonTalkShow]

The angle is actually what structurally makes it sturdy. If it were all in a straight line, all the weight would be pushed forward when someone sat on it and it would obviously tip forward. However, if one triangle tries to tip forward on this piece, the other pieces are not in a straight line, so they cannot all fall in the same direction. It's the same reason why an arch can support a lot more weight than a straight beam.

[@Oonagh72]

This bench is so versatile. I can see it in a museum, a child’s playroom, or a garden. It is minimal and un obtrusive but very much a statement. Quite nice.

[@hrishikeshb]

Congratulations and well designed. I’d personally prefer a cushion on the top in a color that accentuates the wood tone. The bare top looks good too.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! I love the bare top, but that’s the minimalist in me 😏

[@crakeful]

by far the best design in the contest

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you!! 😁

[@freezofry]

getting pretty sick of all the plywood project videos floating around on you tube, but i have to say, this is one of the most unique and intriguing ones i've seen. I wouldn't do this exact one, but it definitely gave me some ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! I really tried to make something new, glad you like it!

[@rgb-plays]

This shows that awesome products don't have to be hard to make! I love it.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Exactly! Thank you! 😊

[@craftedworkshop]

So glad you put out another video! Great work as always, love the bench. And huge congrats on the pregnancy, really cool to see someone making something with a baby bump 😊

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you so much Johnny! 2018 seems to be a great year to become new parents! 😁We are also expecting a baby boy. 😊

[@mrburtenshaw8610]

Surely has to be the winner! great design

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

We'll see, there's so many awesome entries! Thanks! :)

[@renderwood]

Simple yet very nice looking design! What makes it more interesting that I was just browsing general wood-working videos then this one was recommended, and I recognized from your voice that you are from Finland as well :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! Glad that you found me!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Really interesting design on this one. I liked hearing your process and seeing all of the jigs you used to get accurate results.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you Bruce! 😊

[@JonnyBuilds]

Simple, yet brilliant! Nice job!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you Jonny! Loved both your projects too!

[@reforzar]

The organic overall form is wonderful juxtaposed with the geometric base shape. Wonderful work Minni!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! ☺️

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Amazing! And all while rocking that baby bump! You’re a rockstar.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! ☺️

[@papukaiffa]

One stupid baby bump and now we're all left without new videos :s

[@jorgearturocuevas8235]

Congratulations for the baby and a great project, definitely all my respect and admiration

[@curtwhite876]

Beautiful bench. Very nice to see the two of you working on it together. Congratulations on your exciting news, your life will never be the same.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! I think my husband will be a bigger part of making these videos in the future as well! 😊

[@marisotoserna]

I love seeing you with ur baby bump on a power tool I'm sure u were being extra cautious but it just makes me so proud

[@LexLutherisBald]

Beautiful design!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Amazing work, Minnie! And fantastic design, I really like how it seems to defy gravity, such a cool piece.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you so much Caleb!

[@NicoleHerrickDIY]

Stunning!

[@gvcooljr]

Looks great, nice job thinking outside the box...

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks!

[@frankgarcia9350]

Great design!

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Love the design and the video! It was so cute to see your bump making the occasional appearance. Congrats on becoming parents, its an amazing thing!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! :D

[@glenralph5123]

Congrats on the baby. This and Shaun Boyd's rocking chair are my favourite to date.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! So nice to hear! ☺️

[@SpinesAndSplines]

I love this so much. It’s so simple and elegant, almost like a magic trick.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! Exactly! :D

[@neco777777]

Great entry for the challenge - Best wishes for you, your baby and your loved ones. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! ☺️

[@TheMicroLab]

Amazing design! Finally something new

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you, that's what I was going for!

[@latamrice007]

Super design Minni. I have tried myself with some scarp plywood in the shop and so far failed the trial. Reasons> measurements each triangle (need to mind where center of gravity lies.. mines are 33*30cm and do not work) and because tried a quarter circle rather than close to half circle. Also am using screws and not nails as believe give you more rigidity at the shims joins..will keep on trying till i get it.!!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

I'm trying to get the plans out soon, hope they can help you!

[@LemuelDunleavy]

Congratulations on the baby! 😀

[@MBTHandmade]

The best. What a great design. Good job, Minni!!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you, really appreciate it! ☺️

[@JuanForeroAldana]

i love, you make! im from Colombia and you are mi minimalist maker to follow! You inspire me!

[@DoingWhatever]

This is such a cool design! Simple yet unique! Great project!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! ☺️

[@Henkkamachine]

That's just awesome!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! :)

[@mcoy2027]

absolutely incredible! now I have to go clean my garage so i can make one of these.

[@RexusKing]

Wow, really impressive results and out of the box thinking, hope you win the contest!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! There so many impressive entries, that I feel like anyone could win. We'll see :)

[@mambojambostudio]

One of my favorites. Your designs are so unique.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you!

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

Alright. I'm impressed. Seriously impressed.

[@jmakes3745]

Minni, this turned out phenomenally - so creative and inventive! I really like how light can pass through the form, how you used angular pieces to create organic shapes & also the illusion of it! I don't know if you've ever heard of them but it reminds me of a design company called 'Duffy London.' Anyway, great project & video, I'm rooting for you to win!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you so much! No, haven’t heard of them but I guess I need to check them out! 😊

[@nomadine85]

I must admit my brain is still trying to get to grips with how the bench isn’t tipping over, I guess it would if it wasn’t curved... but certainly took me a moment which for me is proof that it’s an excellent design that isn’t obvious yet works so well

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Yeah, at first it makes no sense but if you think about it, because it's curved it has that three points of contact, so it doesn't fall down. Thank you! :)

[@heyimamaker]

Looks awesome!

[@MakeBrooklyn]

Super cool bench and congratulations on your impending motherhood!!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! 😁

[@krismarkduthie2178]

Great build, a really clever idea. Was really nice to meet you two at Makers Central. Al the best for the baby!!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! Great meeting you too!

[@donavanmcelroy6263]

Incredibly unique and beautiful! Very well done! Also, congratulations on the baby 👶

[@GregWallis]

Now that's art. Quite fabulous.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you!

[@BrothersMake]

Absolutely gorgeous! I’m so pleased you were able to get a project done for this challenge! Good luck! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! So happy I did! Your project was also great! :)

[@BrothersMake]

The Minimalist Maker thanks! ☺️

[@MrOzzy241]

Its great and I hope you and your family are well

[@oxintheshop]

Very cool!!!! Really like the use of the triangles and it looks really sturdy. Awesome work.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks! It is surprisingly sturdy!

[@jonnytotti4156]

ur imagination deserves lots of congrats!!! thank you very much for the amazing content!

[@nomadine85]

This is gorgeous and simple and clever.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you!

[@chrissleblanc]

Absolutely beautiful, hmmmmm wonder how it would look with a shadow top

[@bartkerswell]

If that doesn't win the challenge then nothing will. amazing job. 👍👍

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Too bad I didn't win! But, thank you! :)

[@pat_link_]

Lovely design

[@jimchval2331]

Love the creative work you do it's FRESH new ideas.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! So nice to hear!

[@nixxipixxi94]

Absolutely stunning! I'm in awe, I really think you deserve the win with this one

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you, so nice to hear! 😊

[@sjscreations2608]

That is stunning! You are a very creative and talented person. Congrats on your first child! You look about 7 months to me? Well done! Cheers, Sean

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you Sean! Yes, the baby is coming in August, so still a couple months to go!

[@teekaypew6538]

Awesome! I really liked your 2x4 submission as well.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@nicksl1951]

Your projects are so innovative and aesthetically pleasing! Looking forward to watch more of your videos

[@MichaelScottPerkins]

It's not fair!!! You live in Finnland and have access to the best plywood in the world!!! :-) But really... this is the coolest thing I've seen in a long long time!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you so much! Yeah, good plywood is probably the easiest type of wood to find in Finland! And it's not that expensive, which makes it the perfect material for projects!

[@newmonengineering]

glad to see you got a tablesaw! the band saw is great for somethings, but the tablesaw will be much faster for things like the candle holder etc...

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Yes, we did! A cheap one but it works!

[@michaelwagner3952]

Glad to see a new video! It turned out great! Keep up the good work!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Yes, it’s been too long since the last one!! Thank you! 😊

[@cminh]

love the look of it! and congrats on the coming bundle of joy!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! ☺️

[@marcomolo]

Very awesome, nice design and congrats on your pregnancy.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks!

[@M4ngstergangster]

Great design

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks!

[@mmcl1312]

Awesome build and much like your other projects fantastic design!!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@eln74]

That is an awesome project, tnx for sharing it with the world!!! 😃

[@Theojopanoramico]

Great!

[@OSODIY]

Amazing work as usual Minni. Love how simple it is, yet so interesting how it curves

[@OSODIY]

and congrats on the baby :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! And congrats for winning the challenge, very well deserved indeed!! :)

[@AndyCPugh]

A beautiful bench. Thank you for showing how you made it.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@barretthageman3350]

super cool.

[@srinivas3358]

Hard working lady August?! By now a baby Boy?? Congratulations to you and your husband.

[@CarpenterPappu]

Super work

[@myckrych7154]

great concept and execution.. I really like this bench. Great outside the box thinking. Good luck with the challenge

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you!

[@Oonagh72]

Beautiful piece and congratulations on the little one!

[@WilliamSteppan]

Awesome build, looking forward to next year's plywood challenge for your design on a toddler play pen :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Haha, we’ll see what the material will be next year. And the project. 😁

[@scooppralines6428]

Insanity cool build. It’s beautiful!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks! :D

[@MattleyIt]

😍 it looks great

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks!

[@MattBerryCustom]

Good project, really unique and well executed idea. I’ve also entered the competition, the quality of work from all the entrants is amazing!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! Yes, there are so many amazing projects, I could never pick a winner myself! 😁

[@Bedstaa]

I'm glad to see a new video! Thanks for the awesome project, it came out looking awesome, way to kill it!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you!

[@robd7703]

Very nice. Good luck

[@diydude4980]

This is really beautiful. Truly a work of art! Thank you for sharing this creative project :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! :)

[@BuildDadBuild]

Love this!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks!

[@bombaydan]

Fantastic

[@mojorizn72]

Not too many things more beautiful than a pregnant woman woodworking.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Love the video as always!!! So glad to see a new one out and really happy for you and that little baby :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! :)

[@_cr8ive_]

great elegant piece. . . simplicity is power...

[@connorwilson8450]

Beautiful. Congrats on the new addition to your family :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! 😊

[@ronnakeil3313]

Lovely

[@marleneturcotte6936]

Beautiful result from a simple, yet genius design! Subscribed for sure!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you and welcome! 😊

[@gilbertsgalvez]

Amazing! I hope you win!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! 😁

[@tomruth9487]

Wonderful

[@mzigliara]

Great stuff! Subscribed!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you and welcome!

[@Erikdidit]

Awesome project! I looks so complex but it is really that simple to build. Love it! :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Yes, it is surprisingly easy and fast to build but with a big impact! Thanks! 😁

[@kaycox5555]

Nice!

[@MGMakes]

What a stunning design. Also, such awesome news on the imminent arrival. Good luck in the competition. 👊👊

[@brettbenson563]

Wow really turned out great.

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks!

[@blan514]

It's beautiful. Also thank you for sharing your plans.. And welcome to the new baby! :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you! 😊

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job Minni! 👍👊

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you Fred!

[@ZacJones]

This looks so tedious! But turned out so Awesome! Good luck!

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thanks!

[@Bobby-bo3zc]

Keep it up! Awesome piece. Thank you for sharing

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Thank you!

[@anandarochisha]

Really Impressive !

[@JeanLoupRSmith]

There's some Alvar Aalto in that design :)

[@TheMinimalistMaker]

Maybe in a way! 😁