Master it and you can build anything

Thanks to Bespoke Post for sponsoring this video! Head to www.bespokepost.com/lsw20 and use code LSW20 to learn more and get 20% off your first box
Building anything is hard when you're starting out. But figuring out how to build something square is the foundation for all future projects. Once you figure it out - you truly can build just about anything.
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🔴Products Featured in Video
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Woodpeckers Clamping Squares - amzn.to/3TUTdav
FastCap Clamping Squares - amzn.to/3Uv4caT
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Kreg Pocket Hole Jig - amzn.to/3zw2hdQ
Self-Centering Bit - lddy.no/1dffm
Edge Banding - amzn.to/3zwbQJT
Flush Cut Pliers - amzn.to/3TVkbPx
Flush Trimmer - amzn.to/3UeUtoY
General Finishes High Performance - amzn.to/3UeUtoY
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Legs - amzn.to/3fpmHOW
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[@DemosthenesLok]

"Don't beat yourself up. Perfection simply doesn't exist in woodworking even though it might feel that way while you're watching KZbin videos." This. Thank you for this reminder. I needed someone to say it!

[@aaronruple6964]

Don't change what you are doing. By far, it is the best mix of detailed guidance, honest opinions, and just a slight amount of humor. I know you spend a ton of time on the production of these videos - it is appreciated.

[@germcrazyshokoff3623]

I think he may be going for more than “slight” humor. Lol.

[@erichermann7553]

I for1 appreciate ur videos thank u

[@peterjohnjoseph]

Spot on.

[@jimdavis7439]

Agreed!

[@slippinslidewayz]

100% I just came across this channel and I like his style of teaching and great techniques!

[@jraglob5924]

I was attending a woodworking show (long ago, I'm old) and one of the woodworkers I admired said, "never point out your mistakes. most people never see them, only you!" I live by that now. Great video!

[@josephtwilley7187]

Thank you for epic words of wisdom.

[@duczman76]

my uncle is a skilled furniture maker.when he examined one of my pieces and found it to be good,i showed him something i did to cover up a mistake.you did well,a blind man doesn't see it and a layperson thinks it's supposed to be that way.

[@rhodrimorice7746]

I used to point out any mistakes to people if they were complementing a job, because I felt awkward. All it achives is put a wet blanket over their excitement, make you feel bad (because it's normally something tiny not worth mentioning and you have done yourself a disservice) and make them feel awkward and maybe stupid for not noticing it! I realised it is self centred and there's nothing noble about it!

[@duczman76]

@@rhodrimorice7746 if you have built it for yourself,i think it is ok to hide a small blemish

[@rhodrimorice7746]

@@duczman76 I have never made or seen a piece of work that has achieved 100% perfection. I guess if I ever do I am probably not looking thoroughly enough! I just try and aim for perfection whilst hoping to achive work that exceeds required standards and expectations.

[@-11BRAVO-]

Best part of this video is he predicts he’s got 50-60 more years to live. I’m just trying to make it to my next check bro. Must get more tools. I live my life 1 woodpeckers box at a time.

[@Rakib2788]

I am pretty sure he said he be will dead in 50-60 years

[@segamble1679]

My dad (in his 70s) proudly declares that everything he builds or fixes currently only has to last 15 years if he's lucky. Inspiring confidence and preparing your family for your inevitable demise 1 woodworking project at a time.

[@kenneth1767]

Hopefully all fingers will live to the same age.

[@dylanbarney3290]

@@Rakib2788 that is exactly what hollon woodworks said. You can indeed re read the post you are commenting on. You would be surprised with how that can influence your response 👍

[@williamwoody7607]

Get it dude - the way things are going there’s a distinct possibility you don’t want to live more than another decade. Don’t have children. Don’t even have a dog.

[@randalblair]

Doubling up on the glue was pure genius. Coat 1 to absorb then coat 2 to hold the joint - great tip.

[@allenbartman2346]

I have learned the "playing card trick" as spacers from other videos, but haven't seen anyone cram a stack on one side and then split it in 2 or 3 as you did. Totally makes sense and I will definitely use this tip in the future. May the force be with you.

[@simonr6793]

I was just waiting for him to say split the pack and pick a card, any card but don't let me see it. Magic tricks in part two and three to follow!

[@cesaulnier]

As a former shop teacher I have to say that THIS is the best video I have seen for following simple tricks/steps to build any project with duplicate parts. Outstanding work and smug humor too!

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks!

[@csimet]

Great tips here! I agree on the need to almost always touch things up, as nobody makes a perfect piece. One tool I did not skip on is a good quality mini/hand block plane. They are the best at trimming down mismatching corners/edges and making minor adjustments. BTW... Bridge City had a killer black Friday half off deal on their HP-8 ($80), so I picked up one to add to my small set of planes.

[@einy2crikey]

I constantly have to remind myself to cut all same size parts before moving the fence. Another one along that line is dadoes. If you're making a bookcase or cabinet and using dadoes for the shelves, cut the dadoes on a large sheet of plywood or a wider glue up, whatever you're using for the sides, then cut the board to the width of the case you want. In other words, with a 12-inch-deep bookcase, you'd use a 24 and1/8th (kerf) inch board and cut it in half creating 2 sides after cutting the dadoes. Just make sure you account for your kerf and any rabbeted back you may want on the project. This way, the dadoes will always be level on both sides.

[@davidperfette1425]

You can also use a miter lock bit. They work quite well. They make a very strong joint, and if you build your pieces correctly, your boxes should be easy to keep square while you're assembling them with glue and clamps. No square guides are necessary if you're doing it correctly. I would caution, however, it is a formidable router bit that requires a solid setup, especially for routering in the vertical position. It's not a bit to skimp on.

[@jasonmassey9066]

Well done. Great detail and different approach options, and appreciate showing the challenges of woodworking.

[@andrewbieger5004]

GREAT tips. The double application of glue to the end grain of the ply is one of those SMH moments, and awesome that you used TB#3 for the slower set. That type of joint can easily be glue starved since it sucks into the grain. Would not have thought of the slight angle adjustment on the 45 joints to keep the outside points tight together. I also use some angle block/ clamps to glue up the corners, but have not tried the band clamps, which surely keeps the edges tight together, since the corner clamps can also be a touch off of square. Breakfast pancakes and Bloody Marys........might be onto something there, but might want to have the drinks AFTER running the table saw ;)

[@ShopNation]

I’m pretty sure early pioneers making furniture would have given their wooden eye for a pocket hole jig. And a drill for that matter

[@Lincolnstww]

You think they would have been into cars instead of horses too? Technology is crazy

[@rjgaynor8]

I refinished my grandparents bedroom set years ago. It was a nightmare as it was passed down through 6 generations, was built in Italy and I had no idea how it was built. We don’t have an exact age of it but do you know what it had. Pocket holes to hold down the top. It was the strangest thing I ever saw in my life. Flat head screws in a pocket hole. Old timey wood workers used whatever would work for their wood work. Also that was my first experience with hand cut screws. I had to replace some screw as one of the tops had a split in it. The drawers joinery gave me anxiety as it was an identity crisis. We still have it and Though my wife and I both think it’s horrendous, we can’t get rid of it. I say all this to point out that pocket holes are nothing new and woodworking purists have a very backwards way of looking at things. You can find a ton of old furniture with pocket holes.

[@joelw6215]

I have never seen wood before and yet after watching this video I believe I could make a curved laminated dresser with inlays. Thank you for the tips. Jokes aside I like your style. Keep it up

[@JamesJaillet]

One of the best / most entertaining woodworking channels out there. Thanks, Linc!

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks for the kind words

[@kevinkroll7285]

For whatever reason that episode of Trading Spaces sticks out in my mind. They couldn’t even try to hide how much they hated it

[@BubbaLeroy]

😂 this is the one I remember too! They were so rude! Maybe don’t go on the show if you’re that opinionated.

[@James-bp9zy]

@@BubbaLeroy I seem to remember that the ONE thing the couple said they didn't want (pre-swap) was the color brown. The designer (Doug) made the entire room BROWN anyway, and acted kinda snotty about doing it. I'm pretty sure Doug was the asshole in that episode.

[@Lincolnstww]

so painful to rewatch - even to this day. They filmed an episode in my town growing up, lets just say one family was not happy

[@josephfuentes2251]

Exactly! Only the builder knows where the mistakes are to the untrained eye! I' ve become good at hiding flaws throughout my journey as a woodworker! Great build my friend!

[@ealdydar]

miter folding with painters,straping, packing tape is so useful in so may instances. Columns, mitered corners on base, cabinets ect ect. Its a technic that all finish carpenters , cabinet builders should take advantage of.

[@chadsmith9905]

Great vid dude. Good on ya for showing the mistakes too. I've been making drawer boxes for years and you've just showed me a few tricks I can't wait to use.

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks Chad

[@2DeliriousFx]

Recently found your channel and really appreciate all your advice and demos! I've been getting into woodworking the past 2-years, really enjoying it and agree my favorite part about DIY is how custom each piece is for your exact needs. Hard to put a price on that extra satisfaction. I'd love to see a video of how your shop dust collection is setup and what options might be? I'm a tornado of sawdust and in my space haha

[@Shawnkelly7]

Another excellent video! Thank you for your straight forward instruction and recommendations!

[@jack002tuber]

I like the solid justifications to each step. The one on pocket holes was epic. 👍👍😆

[@dannyoktim9628]

What a detailed vid on how to think like a woodworker, very well thought out. You have a skill few master, an art of teaching. The woodworking community needs to notice your talent, . . . .viewers share this mans teachings with others, so we all may grow. . .

[@Lincolnstww]

Appreciate the kind words Danny. Means a lot

[@13flaws18]

The trick to making it less expensive is recycle when can and always keep an eye out for cheap second hand materials to store(if you have the space of course) for future projects

[@eloscuro704]

Awesome video. Lots of great tips, especially about the miter joints and drawer bottoms, and lining up the slides. Your "two coats of glue" technique is genius. My old woodshop teacher used to say that glue starved joints were a cause of many project failures. But he never had this tip. So much that I have bookmarked this video. I have a Harbor Freight bench that I need to redo with better drawers, and I will probably make the drawers using your tips. I also have the ultimate "down and dirty" box. I was getting ready to sell a house and my agent said I needed new kitchen cabinets to put it on the market. So I ordered a set from Home Depot, typical particle board with raised panel fronts. When I took delivery, there was one cabinet that was back ordered - the cabinet under the sink. Literally the foundation cabinet of the entire kitchen and it is back ordered for over a month. I can't even begin installing the cabinets, nor contracting a plumber to install the sink until I get this. This is going to cost me one or more mortgage payments waiting on a stupid particle board box. So I grabbed a sheet of birch veneer plywood and constructed this box using a carpentry square, a circular saw, a cordless drill, and drywall screws. Took about an hour. Finished that bad boy up with polyurethane, and had the house on the market the next week.

[@CeeJayThe13th]

I appreciated reading your story.

[@woodshopnerdery]

I always enjoy a project video. I liked your explanation regarding glue alone being strong enough on the mitered edges. Seems a popular belief is if it’s not the “strongest” possible it too weak.

[@babounous]

Great tip on setting the blade to 44.9 instead of 45! Also, great tip on using a block plane to clean up edge banding rather than sanding.....I've screwed up so many edges/joints with a ROS....frustrating as heck! And I'm a huge Star Wars nut too, so I really like all the stickers and T-Shirts you have!

[@JustinShaedo]

100% with you on this

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks Bryan

[@brandongabrielbuslee910]

Beyond 45.. so 45.5

[@jonsoncw]

@@brandongabrielbuslee910 45.1 ° actually but you are correct it was beyond.

[@Bryan-fn6lp]

Help me, I’m ignorant. I can see that cutting the miters tighter than 45 ensures that the outside corners meet up. But then when you try to glue them at 90 there should be a gap on the inside of the corners and the joints will be weak. Or does the glue fill the gap and still bond strongly? And isn’t the gap visible from the front? And won’t movement of the real wood along the front edges create a visible line in the paint along the joints with the plywood panels?

[@robertkerby2581]

I watched this video carefully, and really enjoyed your tips on the importance of square boxes! Thank you for your excellent words of wisdom, and careful explanation. Please keep up with making informative, and really enjoyable KZbin videos. Sign me, a decent Woodworker aspiring to become a craftsman like yourself.

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks Robert

[@drdax]

I really appreciate showing some of the mistakes and how to deal with them. Thank you for being so open bc there’s many of us who may feel we can’t succeed bc we’re not perfect

[@kevinfisher1345]

The card trick was cool idea. We just always used maths and rarely ever had a problem, but I still love the card trick. Also the block plane on the edge banding I have seen done before, but we just typically used a file if it was fairly close, or flush router bit if was more needed shaved off. Also we always used corrugated nails on the inside of the panel so that you could not see it from outside. A big pain those are, but it looks nice IF it does not destroy and split it and you have do it over again. Blunt the point helps but does not always work. I have no issue with pocket holes, they provide a fairly sturdy joint and will last decades just fine especially if everything is cut perfectly and square to begin with. As you said building it square sets up the foundation for all.

[@darktoranaga]

It can be a good idea to drill a pilot hole even for nails. Thin ones mostly don't need it, but if you feel like it may split your piece, it's the way to go.

[@kevinfisher1345]

@@darktoranaga You apparently have no clue what corrugated nails are mate. You can not drill a hole for them. Even if you could you would need to drill tons of holes. Imagine trying to drill a pilot hole for a razor blade mate. Now imagine that razor blade is not straight but is wavy. That is what you are suggesting. Smh! It is a very thin and flat'ish nail shaped in a corrugated wavy pattern. They vary in size and length. Think we used 1/4" and 3/8" which would be around half an inch in length.

[@davidsaviano9012]

Well done! Love the details and explanations for why you take a certain approach.

[@dannyoktim9628]

Everybody's a teacher, the trick is learn from the worst what NOT to do so you can spot a skilled craftsman to befriend.

[@Lincolnstww]

Thank you very much!

[@kailetaylor021]

Thank you. I'm still a beginner and it is easy to get discouraged when you thought building what is essentially a box shouldn't be so dang hard! I love it though. Appreciate the videos

[@Toxxyc]

Man I'm glad I'm not the only one who seems to think a glued-only mitre joint can be plenty strong if you do your homework. I've glued up some stuff that everyone says "YOU CAN'T DO THAT" but I did, and it's been working fine for a long time. EDIT: Actually, that applies to regular butt joints as well, specially when building boxes.

[@AZdroptop]

Great channel. Your humor and wood working skill are great fun. Keep up the good work!

[@JackKirbyFan]

Oh you have a great sense of humor and are easily relatable. Thank you!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Love your videos! Always a laugh, always informative, always entertaining. Line of the day "feeling validated from old, grumpy woodworkers.". Had me rolling, thanks for the vid.

[@Lincolnstww]

thanks!

[@kenneth1767]

A small tip: use a hog hair paintbrush to spread woodglue. I make picture frames in batches and it works well, also keeping a batch of glue in a dish for easy access.

[@j.r.millstone]

The slide-in style drawer bottom is a holdover from solid wood drawer bottoms needing accommodations for expansion and contraction, a plywood drawer bottom doesn't need that and can be captured on all 4 sides without issue.

[@davidmontgomery1016]

That "Trading Spaces" segment was the best use of a clip that I have seen yet.

[@BevMargaret]

Thanks for the video....learned a lot about orders of proceeding!!!!!

[@mysticswordsman]

Thank you for this, I needed to hear a lot of what you had to say before I go for my vanity build!

[@Lincolnstww]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rbproductions78]

Thanks man, another great vid. I really love the format of your videos, keep up the great work.

[@evelynmueller6523]

Great production, editing and script for this video. The project itself was a teaching moment for sure. Thanks for all you do it is appreciated. Great tips n tricks !!

[@DamianDArienzo]

Been using this for years. Great stuff :)

[@legalyzeit]

we used to cut out whole kitchen sets. we would rip everything at once. 23" for Kitchen bottoms, 20" for bathroom bottoms, 11" for kitchen uppers. I would try to cut the exact amount i needed. If i ever had to go back and cut another peice it was difficult to get the exact same size. very good advice to rip everything at once.

[@travist444]

The reason I started wood working was because of the need for a specific size of bookshelf I needed and knew we wouldn't find it so at least I know I'm not alone in the logic of knowing it will be cheaper... it's usually more expensive just in wood alone but you get the exact thing you wanted.

[@dennisblogg]

Pro tip: use a medium strength thread locker on the knob bolts. Those suckers WILL have to be re-tightened with regular intervals otherwise.

[@johncollado1151]

The style reminds me of my retro 60's furniture back in the 60's, yes, I'm old! Thanks for another informative video.

[@tcbridges]

Nicely done. Thanks for all you advise on building these. I really like all you videos keep them coming.

[@Lincolnstww]

thanks for watching

[@PMichaels]

Watching at 4:34 I was thinking "I'm not sure if you are supposed to use the fence when it's wider than longer..." I'm glad you mentioned that. 🤣 I like your explanation and appreciate your insight. Great video! I learned a lot. 👍🏼

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks Patrick

[@ilive4livemusic]

You are funny AS and also extremely informative. A great combination! Keep up the good work

[@Lincolnstww]

Thank you kindly!

[@byMinho]

Beautiful work. Thanks for the tips!

[@sgsax]

Lots of great tips here. Thanks for sharing!

[@rickhayhoe]

Yes! It's impossible to overemphasize the importance of letting one glue application to end grain soak in a little, then applying a second coat to get the strongest bond possible, and it DOES make a huge difference in the joint's strength.

[@JuanRivera-wm2um]

Great job. Thank you.

[@dwwoodbuilds]

Great educational instruction, dry humor and "yes, we all screwup" video! Going to have to watch this one several times to get all the juicy goodness!

[@mohedaicebear]

master class of a video keep em coming.

[@rkerby6375]

Excellent video! Well done!

[@bangisibanno256]

Thank you for this, your the best.

[@seankayn]

Wow. Turned out very beautiful. Well done.

[@StoicFinn]

DUDE, Thank you for these videos. You're awesome.

[@johncoope5971]

Easy listening. And very interesting to me a non tradesman. T hank you.

[@brianlister6036]

simply GREAT vid. Well done

[@WolfCatBirdPigMan]

I love your videos man. They inspire me so much as I slowly get my shop up and running to build some hobby/DIY projects. Thanks for the work you put into these videos.

[@Lincolnstww]

Glad to hear it!

[@n8sot]

LOL this guy!!!! Super informative, honest. Awesome video, as always!!!!

[@Tool-Meister]

Good information, nicely presented. Keep up the good quality!

[@godzillawarfare]

Thanks!

[@ridercoachdanielle3220]

"If you're feeling...from old, grumpy woodworkers." That's the best thing I've heard this week.

[@fredflintstone8048]

I use a brad nailer as well. I would recommend a person take the time to learn how to use them properly. The brads are not exactly square and tend to bend while being fired in along the thinner side. As such you don't want to face the thin side of the brads toward the narrower sides of what you're fastening. This will help guard against the dreaded breakout. Also, firing them in at an angle leaning along the long side of the material will make a stronger joint.

[@CMRct]

SMART WOODWORKING! I enjoy your channel.

[@waltermessines5181]

precious sense of humour; keep them coming. And Wow, amazing end result.

[@Lincolnstww]

Thank you very much!

[@coaltowking]

The card trick is amazing! Thanks!

[@mattedwards4533]

I like the card trick for spacing!

[@kennyg9018]

Excellent video. Very informative.

[@akshobiya7501]

That was a fantastic woodworking video.

[@Lakeshore3412]

Nice job. Very high end top quality work.

[@rwhite9994]

My hardest was a tapered miter cut on both sides of a few dozen small 5" pieces. Sneeze and you could make a mistake, lose a finger, and freq the hardwood would explode. Finally I made a jig with a clamp.

[@stevedigiovanni5488]

Love your videos. Thank you.

[@dadjokesanddovetails]

Great video as always. Your videos made me take the leap and make my own channel. Kneezel Woodworking Designs. God bless!

[@tanialimacosta]

Please tell Bespoke to make some boxes here in Portugal :D Great video, by the way

[@TheWoodFly]

Don't move the fence and plan to cut all at once. Sage advice for another reason. Back in the day when my wife said "You can have as many tools as you want so long as BOTH cars fit in the garage at night, everything was on wheels. Economy of TIME for setup/takedown was paramount. I took all the plans from WOOD mag etc. which generally had you working a single part of the project and reformatted to ALL TABLESAW CUTS followed by ALL ROUTER WORK etc. This eliminated variations from different fence settings and made setup/takedown more efficient. Yes, pocket screws work for the right application just like the right tool for the job - good call and honest rant. Thank you again for a fine vid.

[@monkeyboysworkshop]

Great video as always Jon! Love that old 44.9 degree trick for the mitres and our drawer method is the same like you said over on Instagram ☺️ Cabinets turned our great 🤙🏻

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks Sam. I always knew we had the same drawers!

[@williamcooper5009]

great vid. thank you

[@sweetpotatoes1749]

Heads up, your link for the General Finishes High Performance is the same as the Flush Trimmer link. If you don't mind, what did the MDF/Birch plywood run you? Thanks

[@themeandrousengineer]

I still really like your videos, as few as there are. No BS is an accurate description.

[@KurtisRaddatz]

fantastic. You got a new fan. Keep it up!

[@dancoleman8467]

I really appreciate you.

[@louisevad6091]

I cut the groove in back as well and hot melt the bottom for no rattle

[@kalev60]

Just a safety tip when nailing plywood, you rarely have any idea what´s in the layers, small knots can send the nail flying out the sides, so keeping your hand at safe distance might be a smart thing to do...

[@sweedenburg]

Sam Greene (previously with John Malecki) is the first person I've seen regularly using this method for simple drawers/bottoms and I had to hunt through videos to catch glimpses of him setting it up. I'm so glad to see you do it in detail, and I think 1/2" sides and bottoms with this method will probably be my new go-to!

[@mwoody4560]

This is how I learned to do drawer bottoms 30 yrs ago in a custom furniture shop. Only difference is we used counter sunk screws on the back to fight bottom drooping over time. I guess we also used 1/4” bottoms which are more prone to drooping than 1/2”.

[@jfobear1953]

Just getting started and have purchased a number of things I would have never thought to and also questioning some purchases, but regardless love your videos

[@dondale68]

Painter's tape along the insides of the joints,,,, Never thought of that. Thanks!

[@NMranchhand]

That was a good video. I was surprised when it turned out to be a mid-century modern of conventional design. It might have made a good restoration video since so many originals are around, but of course, you may not want to go there with your craft. You gave lots of good instruction, thanks. Oh, it’s a good, super, super easy idea to make a simple teardrop base for your router with a handle 8-10 inches away from center for use on those edge trimmings to improve your control to keep it flat on the narrow edge.

[@PatriotMango]

your videos seem to go viral, you should keep pumping them out.

[@malcolmsmith5903]

Nice video and great tips. Although I use hand tools there's often an opportunity to pick up something - 2, 3, etc split on the card trick was one. If you'd measured your diagonals on the box It'd have ticked all the boxes👍.

[@Kosh42EFG]

Another good video. And sponsor! Yay for you. Hopefully more videos possible now

[@greenwoodsmithing867]

As usual, great video, great tips, aaand pretty good humor too.

[@Lincolnstww]

Much appreciated!

[@shaynesabala]

Painting is really cool. I invested in an Earlex HVLP sprayer (600) and there is a learning curve for sure, but wow it feels good to build and paint something that people say wow about. You should think about it.

[@terrysparkshiking]

Thank you.

[@Kansastreetop]

Great information.