Making a simple, unadorned, valuable keepsake box from FREE pallet wood

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#woodworking

[@beavis1679]

Steve, I love your content, your personality and your perspective on woodworking. I hope the world’s stupid comments haven’t jaded you…yet. I wouldn’t blame you if it has. But, please know, your loyal fans, like myself, are still with you. I started woodworking after watching your videos, and still going strong. Thank you for making woodworking videos. Thank you for your honesty and real world perspective on woodworking. Thank you for being you.

[@rhys5567]

I couldn't agree more about everything said. There are many decent woodworkers. But, a good man. That's undersupplied. Deeply undersupplied.

[@gaylanbishop1641]

I don’t know what stupid comments you’re referring to, but I couldn’t agree more. This guy does EXCELLENT work making these videos both entertaining and informative. Love ‘em.

[@beavis1679]

@@gaylanbishop1641 He talks about these comments (I call them stupid comments!) @ 19:22 in this video.

[@rickfitzpatrick4469]

Ditto

[@paulwaite6777]

Agreed, and I also started woodworking because of watching Steve's videos too.

[@toeknee5565]

I love that you went outside, set up the camera facing the garage and then went back inside to the garage to hit the door open for the dramatic entrance. That's a chef's kiss, my friend. A true dedication to the craft.

[@ReverendTed]

You don't think he just left it running all night in preparation for the morning's entrance? ;-p

[@SteveRamsey]

🤣🤣🤣 So true!

[@user001zyx]

ditto -- and a wake-up call for the workshop with sunlight & the smell of coffee

[@negotiableaffections]

Not quite Akira Kurasawa - but close, haha

[@karlhungusjr1]

@@SteveRamsey 😂😂😂

[@reclaimwoodworking7538]

This video brings me such joy. Watching you go through the process of a project like this in long format is something I've definitely been missing. Simple is the best. Ringo was never flashy, but he always held the song together.

[@tracyobrien2816]

yes, and yes he did 😊😊😊😊

[@LevelUpYourFandom]

what an absolute joy of a video this was. it felt like a video essay for the love of pine boxes. i really like this format Steve!

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you!

[@segamble1679]

Next up...coffins!

[@jscook54]

I have so missed these wonderful build videos from you. You are so terrific and such a great teacher, narrator, videographer, and woodworker. Just The Best.

[@musicbro8225]

Philosopher! :)

[@Metroid-rg9pn]

I watch a lot of woodworking videos, but only yours make me think, "I could actually make that" and motivate me to actually make something.

[@ildefonsogiron4034]

Wow! The process was so involved that I could hardly call it a simple box. A must make project to test one's skills and patience.

[@SteveRamsey]

Remember, simplicity is not defined by the process or tools.

[@djnorm98]

As a side note, I appreciate the small gesture of leaving the 'changing the bit' and 'changing the zero clearance insert' video in there. Those are exactly the small things that I wonder about the first time I take them on, and seeing that it's really that simple takes away yet another barrier to getting started. Thanks again! Make as many of these style videos as you like. I'll watch!

[@halbertwalston]

Great commentary on both the process and the material selection. And, as ever - it's great to learn yet more new (to me) techniques. Thanks for so many years of helping me learn.

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you!

[@warrenbutt3746]

Your videos are so relaxing to watch and make everything seem so approachable. I honestly feel like I'm just chilling with some normal guy in his garage while he makes boxes and picture frames with basic tools, zero hype, and no judgement.

[@toddshinn4955]

This is, without a doubt, going on my favorite diy video list. Great commentary, warm videography, and useful information. I felt like a neighbor of yours, dropping by to see what you were up to today. Thank you, Sir. I've learned so much from you over the years. I am forever in your debt. You are an inspiration.

[@simonmarcoux5879]

the aesthetic of this video feels different in a really positive way! You're voice over is really calm and soothing. I love it!

[@Jaydcoke]

When we went into lockdown in 2020, a few things kept me sane. One of those was the series of lockdown videos you made, Steve. I looked forward to each one and vicariously enjoyed not just the process, but also that physical connection between a mere mortal and wood. For some time I could not get to my workshop due to lockdown restrictions, but just watching the videos made me feel like I was indeed making things there. Thank you for that and thank you for once again documenting project making. These videos give enormous pleasure to me and doubtless, to so many other people too.

[@elisabethreeves1786]

Thank you for the sermon about simplicity at the end 💚

[@flowleopard893]

Thanks for standing up for Pine at the end there. I just milled some boards that came from my grandfather’s home, my dad held onto them they are at least 40 years old. Once done it is some of the most beautiful boards I have ever seen, knots and all.

[@segamble1679]

Know what I just realized what I love about your videos, Steve? That you're working out of your garage. I subconsciously feel more confident in trying your projects because your shop looks like mine -if he can do it, so can I. Thanks for staying humble.

[@jomichat1975]

That's the Steve Ramsey that I like. Building things in a very relaxing way and describing the build with a no nonsense approach. Thanks Mate.

[@MikeD87916]

Thank you Steve. I've missed your project videos. I truly appreciate your work.

[@jamesopell]

Solid Explanation of the Process.......Great Job, Steve...

[@SpideyScott72]

Holy half-hour, Batman! Great video, huge fan of the project videos, no matter the project. Thanks Steve

[@marvinostman522]

I have been trying to find a video showing how to make that double groove process to make the cover and body recess. I saw it years ago on Woodsmith Shop but couldn’t find the episode. Very happy to find that.

[@TeddyR_Official]

Yay, another project video for mere mortals! Thank you. 😉

[@eklectiktoni]

"Work on perfecting fundamentals." Well said. Simplicity can be deceptively challenging. That's why most baking contests have at least one challenge where the contestants have to bake a simple loaf of bread. Getting that perfect crust, the ideal moisture level, and a nice open crumb that isn't too dense, nor too spongy is notoriously difficult. Similar principles apply to woodworking. Love the box, those bevels are just the small detail needed to really make that piece stand out. Also, you mentioned the lacquer and buffing making the box feel nice and it took me back to one of the first things I made - a shelf. It had a lot of issues but the feel of the finished piece was absolutely the worst thing about it. I didn't know what I was doing so I added way too many thick coats of poly and it turned into a gummy mess. 😂 But live and learn, right? P.S. I'm loving the longer content.

[@darodes]

Steve, I consider myself a regular viewer and would like to personally request more projects like this! Keep it up pal!

[@jgbcodemonkey]

I've followed you for years now, and I love the change in direction of your video style. This is one of your best yet. Keep up the good work!

[@Brad_R_LiveFit]

Every time my notification goes off letting me know that you've put out another video, I get a child-like excitement over what creation and/or informative video you've created. I enjoyed the video and the explanations for what and why you took the steps you did. Beyond that, I enjoyed your reminder to practice the fundamentals with "simpler" projects because those fundamental skills have the knack for turning up in even the most "unrelated" projects. And when those situations arise, I am always thankful I took the time to practice and learn those skills. Keep putting out the quality content you are known for, because it helps and influences all of us, your subscribers, regardless of our knowledge or skill level. Thank you! 😁

[@chriswindberg5010]

You were literally the first youtube woodworker that I found and got "the spark" started for me loving this hobby. I've lost track of how many years, and videos, that was ago but I still love watching your content. Thank you for doing everything you do, and providing inspiration to so many people. Looking forward to the next video!

[@christiantroy3034]

I have all those tools and many more, i was watching and seeing the mastery, nice job. Haters are going to hate. I do like your Router

[@richardgrumpyolman4079]

Beautiful work. As for Pine, I still use my Mothers Pine cutting boards . They are at least 30 years old and No they don't taint the food. When you live in New Zealand Pine woods are almost the only wood that is readily available

[@andrewwatkinson1548]

Loved it mate. Glad to see you making good old fashioned projects again. I thought I’d invented the finishing with brown paper idea. I find if you rub hard enough it heats up the finish and almost bakes it silky smooth. Keep on keeping on my friend, you’ve got many, many avid viewers out there to entertain and educate.

[@MichaelIreland]

What I've always loved about your videos is your calm, honest demeanor, and how you don't push any narratives about the superiority of some widget or procedure. Just woodworking for human beings. Fist-bump.

[@antiagonista]

This is like a short story... Great job on a beautiful project, presented in a beautiful video, with some rather deep text.

[@tugboatanne2769]

Your Great , Please never underestimate yourself. I Love how you make ot look so easy . Keep it up ....❤❤❤❤

[@trentyoung1135]

I too, enjoy making simple boxes. I really like the way you did the lid.

[@jeffflaxman1932]

Your project videos are so refreshing. I'm glad you were able to find the drive to make another one.

[@hugomundo4826]

Nice box, and chat. Cheers from Brazil

[@normansidey5258]

I was have trouble dropping off to sleep so decided to watch a video to help me drop off, I just clicked one that was on the home screen, I was ten minutes into the video when I thought to myself this chap sounds like Steve Ramsey (I did not have my specs on) I genuinely did not recognise the visual Steve and honestly thought I was watching someone I not seen previously, however when I saw the care being given to the project I reached for my specs and was pleasantly surprised to find it was Steve, I really enjoyed watching the remainder of the vid, the attention to detail on such a delightful little box was lovely to see, the one thing it did not do was what I intended and that was to rock me off to sleep. But never mind I will find something less interesting to achieve that.

[@rizzorizzo2311]

I’m a relatively new woodworker and I’ve got a table saw, and a miter saw, and a couple skill saws and electric drill/driver and a jigsaw. I have a pneumatic fastener set. I’ve asked the wife for a plunging router for Valentine’s Day and will likely start saving up for a basic electric planer, will likely try to get a used one on Craigslist. I’ve done a lot of home improvement style work on our house like rebuilt the deck and rebuilt the front stairs. I don’t consider that type of work woodworking so much as Home improvement. I just found your Chanel and love it. You make woodworking seem way less intimidating and make the bar for entry seem a lot lower. Keep up the good work! I now would like to get into proper woodworking so i can make stuff like this for my wife.

[@hgtydjdjdgh67889]

The new voice over format is great!

[@andrebourque2165]

Absolutely love your commentary. I felt like I just went to church!

[@ronnyrice697]

Steve your attitude is what I like about you and I really appreciate your honesty.

[@johnkeedwell5549]

Great display of skill on a small scale super accurate product. Shows skills on a close up scale.

[@jerther_]

The two last videos have a kind of National Geographics feeling to them, with Steve commenting. "Here you can see the Mere Mortal in its natural habitat." :) Thank you Steve, I learn so much from your videos. You should see all the stuff I made in the last 6 months from your plans and ideas. Keep on making them!

[@BrendenVee]

This is the simple, humble, pine box, as this is the simple, humble, project video. A master craftsman.

[@blaugrana-jw3dd]

Love these videos, they kinda remind me of the lockdown period (the good side of it). You made a similar box during that time. Loved that video too.

[@WGMedia]

I have been watching for years and have never commented before. I find your most recent content such as this to be quite pleasing.

[@jimcardinali1555]

You always not only showed the steps that go into making a simple box, but also,the mistakes that occur along the way. I never thought that happened to anyone except me. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@Phyoomz]

Came for the box tutorial, stayed for the philosophical outlooks. Thank you Steve.

[@rogerfeenstra9496]

Along with the craftsmanship, I enjoyed the philosophical nuggets along the way. Thank you.

[@craigs7473]

Nice video, thanks. A perfect video to pour a cup or two, sit back and enjoy (which I just did) I don't consider myself a wood worker but more of a guy who likes to work with wood every so often, a mere mortal as you so aptly put it. As for as working with pine, the vast majority of wood workers and people who just enjoy working with wood are doing it in a very large box made with pine. At least my house and garage were made by building a pine skeleton of 2x's or maybe fir. A lot people cherish that old tool tote or shoe shine box made by an ancestor or they themselves made in shop class out of pine. Really enjoy your channel. I've been watching for about 3 years.

[@felixreali7101]

13:31 How satisfying is that plopping sound when the pieces goes in???!!!! 😀

[@loucinci3922]

Well done. Working on basics is a must. Keep sharp. Thanks for sharing

[@queens.dee.223]

Oh, and your random orbital sander and that chair are fabulous!

[@dgoins6]

Hi Steve! Your video on building boxes was inspirational to me. Now whenever a friend who is new to woodworking asks where to start, I tell them build boxes and share your video. Now I have a new video to share with them. Thanks!

[@annaredd2422]

Hi Steve, I just want to say you were one of my first woodworking teachers. I have always enjoyed your videos and the way you keep it simple. I even purchased your first class series. Thanks for not shifting into a camera and music background. I came to learn not just watch a saw cutting and music background. As long as you are making videos I will be here to watch.

[@xIvanhoex]

I rarely comment, but I wanted to say: Thank you! I'm not a big fan of the recent trend to pushing out shorts, so I really liked that you made this "traditional" video. Very calm and relaxing, nice to listen to.

[@kuehnel16]

Well did anyone else get a little teary eyed watching Norm take down his New Yankee Sign.

[@betheldridge2977]

This project and your insights as you go along actually taught me more than many others. Taking time to show exactly how to do the the rabbet cut with the table saw takes much of the mystery out of the process. A box is supposed to be easy but there are so many ways to make one. Obviously I'm a beginner with no mentor. I ditto previous remarks.

[@Coveritifyoucan]

I have been watching your videos for years and you are hands down the best real life garage woodworker I've found. I get so tired of watching garage woodworking videos where the tools used to make the project cost more than the cost of the garage. I thoroughly enjoy your real life approach to projects and you have taught me much over the years while providing hours of entertainment. Keep up the good work

[@tomlilly]

I have watched and been inspired/learned from you over the years. There is a life's little instruction that plays on repeat in my head. "Before learning the tricks of the trade, learn the trade." You, my friend, teach the trade. Thank you.

[@The_man_himself_67]

I've been spending a lot of time on garden projects: a shed, an Arbor, a greenhouse, endless planters. I needed to get back to a simple shop project, and this is the one. Great video. Thanks Steve.

[@soupysoup931]

24:38 looks awesome and mindblowing. looks like a work of art done by a true professional

[@ajsiemers]

I love to watch woodworking video's, it reminds me of watching my dad, a carpenter/furniture-maker in his attic when I was a kid. And i find myself coming back to your video's because of the "it's what I got" "I can make it work" and "it might look silly but it is what it is" style.

[@guyfrench658]

Thanks, Steve! This is probably my favorite of your box-making videos. The pace is good and the explanations are thorough at each step.

[@ltrtiger]

Really glad to see you back in your shop making things. Enjoy your interviews and shorts, but really like to see you create. Welcome back old friend!

[@pedroiiiflores3032]

Nice. So simple yet complicated. Approved!

[@rayscrafield2106]

Very well done. Now, I have something more on my bucket list. Thanks.

[@MichaelCarroll]

Professional, elegant, perfect! And so is the box.

[@jenspetterabrahamsen9333]

What a nice and relaxing video. I’ve seen this box once or twice before, but this time it was shot in real time, no 2x.

[@brewofqi]

90% of my projects are from thrown out pallets made mostly from SYP construction lumber built to hold 3k lbs of steel ingots. Little crafts like this vid are some of the most fun to crank out. Your content is really well done! CHEERS!!

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Beautiful Steve, the zen of the simple.

[@quentinlynch]

The project is cool. I liked the different camera positions a lot.

[@SteveRamsey]

Thanks!

[@charaseac]

Steve, Thank you for this video. I started woodworking a couple of years ago from your weekend woodworker course. Thank you for reminding us about simplicity and experience. One more thing that I'd like to call out for other viewers: not many KZbin woodworkers out there have close-up shots of their project, let alone something as small as a keepsake box. The fact that Steve is confident enough to have these close-up shots with the clean mitre and finishes says a lot about his skills and craftsmanship. Thank you again for this, Steve.

[@Gaborkik]

Love the new, narrated type video style!

[@frankagee3157]

This video is one of your best. I love the comments about simplicity and the humble pine wood. Great stuff, keep it up. Thanks.

[@SuperCruelworld]

I can get behind your pine box, as one of my favorite woods is douglas fir. I fell in love with it back in high school and have never lost my passion for the beauty and remarkable possibilities of simple woods and clean projects. This doesn’t mean I don’t make hardwood projects. I love those also. Last Christmas I made a vermilion box to hold a hand made vermillion marking gauge and knife. Domed top, mitered sides with white oak splines. It was a pleasure to make something with someone in mind who I thought would appreciate the effort. The look on his face was what made it all worth doing. I used to watch KZbin for inspiration. I guess I still do (not so much). But I am dumbfounded by the effort to compete. Presenting project after project as if it were a new idea. Where did the joy go from just doing it no matter how unimportant it might be?

[@patrickhenderson1964]

You mention Bob Ross in your video. You are my Bob Ross of woodworking. Norm Abram may be the God of woodworking. You, good sir, are the next in line of succession for that title.

[@ironnwizzard]

Hey Steve, I've been a fan and regular viewer since, well, actually that basic box video from a few years ago you mentioned, and I just wanted to say that the outro here was perhaps one of your best. Something about the cadence as well as content of what you're saying, coupled with some superb shorts just really worked and felt for a moment like the end of a world class documentary. Fantastic as usual.

[@MurcuryEntertainment]

Having quite recently gotten more into horror movies, I find appreciating more of the stuff in the background of Steve's videos.

[@rpm773]

Hey Steve, I really like the change in presentation style of this video.

[@thegentlemanmaker]

I love this method. There's nowhere to hide crimes in that is there! Perfect.

[@Ensiferum888]

Man I love your videos, you speak very well and have a great voice. To me you are the Bob Ross of woodworking! I started on September 8th after seeing your end grain cutting board video. Since then I made the mobile workbench, 3 cutting boards, 8 coasters, and an outdoor cat shelter (still need to install shingles) and I love it! First two boards were coated with mineral oil tomorrow I'm trying pure tung oil!

[@slowburnwoodworks7626]

Great video as always ❤ I've only been in the practice of woodworking for about 6 months. Your channel was the second one I started watching, but quickly became my favorite because of your approach, sense of humor, and all around style of "teaching". Thank you for sticking with this for so long, and giving newbies like me a place where we can be inspired and informed without feeling intimidated by our own lack of experience or equipment. 🙏 We love you, Mr. Ramsey, and thank you again! Also, damn fine box, my man👌

[@KSFWG]

I'm a sucker for a box video... Thanks!! :)

[@theskyehiker]

👍for pine. I love the grain and it does indeed age beautifully. Nice to see a project video from you. 👏

[@ReverendTed]

The video was a simple pleasure. One thing you didn't specifically call out regarding the "simple tools for simple projects" argument was that power tools are often more useful for beginners\amateurs, whereas hand tools can be more challenging to use effectively.

[@SteveRamsey]

I agree. I think hand tool woodworking is more advanced and requires a lot more practice.

[@Toyotajunkie]

Yet another great video and project! 100% agree with the "simplistic" misunderstanding you talked about.

[@rickkern5785]

Simple and clean and cherished by anyone who receives it.

[@Scott2148]

A lovely build and a refreshing considered reflection. Thank you Steve for your years of dedicated service to the art.

[@orange-micro-fiber9740]

Enjoying the casual feel with the coffee mug. Makes the video feel like something I would do.

[@YS-by7wy]

I really enjoyed the voice over style of this video.

[@orange-micro-fiber9740]

19:00 simplicity in design is as you say, something that comes with skill. I'm not a woodworker (I hope to be someday) but I work in manufacturing. The last step of any production release is simplifying it so that operators, not engineers, can build it and build it a million times without flaw. It's not trivial, at all.

[@galhillel100]

Thank you for reminding me what woodworking I all about

[@ahsahm]

Who on Earth needs a therapist when you could just spend a few hours with Steve as he builds a perfect little unassuming box out of scraps.

[@louisscott3874]

I`ve found all your advice really hits home sometimes trying for elegance is a waste, simple works

[@jamesopell]

I enjoyed this project, but more importantly, I appreciate your philosophy on design and keeping projects simple...

[@adamkasprowicz7744]

Great video. I love the extras you provide. Explaining the nuonces like matching the grain to hide the seem is just great. Something that is often not thought of.

[@elchimpo9590]

Steve, thank you !! One of the best videos I’ve seen about a simple pine box. You’ve captured the true purpose, meaning, process and therapeutic nature of woodworking in this video

[@SteveRamsey]

Thanks! I really appreciate that. 👍

[@robertgray703]

Some people see simple and easy as cheap, but forget that good workmanship and attention to detail is where the worth actually is

[@brettfankhauser7923]

After hearing what people say about your simple box video, I have to tell you, I make 200+ of rhsoe boxes each year with my high school woodshop students. I use it as the perfect intro to how to use a table saw and the basics of building a box. We watch your 7 things to know about the table saw video and I always remind them that most woodworking projects are usually some sort of a box anyways, as you say. So, thank you for that simple box project build, this simple box here which we will be trying, and for all of your videos, because your the most watched woodworker in our classrooms and I thank you for it.