Sturdy boxes for propping things up and standing on

Inspired by some boxes that I have been using a lot for propping things up here and there, I made some more, sturdier ones of different sizes for that same purpose.

[@andy4an]

if you had not jumped on the boxes, we'd have known that you'd been replace by an impostor

[@rfcilia]

its true, the ultimate structural integrity test, you know it's strong when he does that!

[@felixdostie9024]

The whole time I was just waiting for that! hahahahah!

[@pr0r0gu3]

amogus

[@wobblysauce]

Make something and not paint a tool green... impostor.

[@richardpg2704]

An imposter would have used pocket holes somewhere too.

[@philipacovington]

I've been subscribed to Matthias' channel for many years now. I always like how he immediately gets to the point with no nonsense like most videos have. I have started to pattern my videos after his style of jumping right into it.

[@Nebol]

What about jumping onto things at the end of the videos?

[@jaecenwhite2590]

In the movie industry they use “apple crates” to set things up that are similar sturdy plywood boxes. They are made to standard sizes so that they can be stacked evenly, and the dimensions/ratios are such that they have a common multiple so that stacking them sideways will come out even with vertical but gives you more height options.

[@jeromes624]

OMG! Your grandkids are going to be auctioning those as "still sturdy" boxes from the Matthias museum.

[@gsp0113]

So true. Those are the M1 Abrams'es of wooden boxes.

[@ProDMiner]

The " Matthias era" :)

[@starf00]

"The Matthias museum" probably true !

[@concentricmachining4636]

I was just thinking these look like built for life things... I made some boxes without the 2x4 topping and the box joints on the bottom and it was just half inch plywood and they are absolute units these things could lift a car I'm sure.

[@WrongTimeWatch]

World's most complicated and overbuilt boxes. Job well done.

[@paulmunro3050]

You're new here 😄

[@WrongTimeWatch]

@@paulmunro3050 Nah, I just don't comment that much on his videos. I have been watching since before he got married and had kids. I have built his storage shelves and work bench as well.

[@TimCortesi]

@@WrongTimeWatch That was a pretty solid retort. ... Although the REAL fans have been watching Matthias through a telescope, long before he ever started streaming on youtube.

[@blaugrana-jw3dd]

@@WrongTimeWatch he was saying that bc if you know Mat you know it's gonna be complex🤣🤣🤣

[@billydagwood]

My kind of woodworking! Just executed better than when I do it.

[@ElectroBOOM]

Quality workmanship!

[@shintarolin1933]

go teamsea!!

[@rrproclaim]

*a wild Mehdi appears* Two of my favorite KZbinrs! Glad to see you watch each other.

[@MrQuickLine]

Polyurethane construction adhesives and brad nails? I did not expect a cameo from John Heisz.

[@ramosel]

I made something very similar about 10 years ago… for the same need. Only I did put the grab holes on the inside … and made two smaller ones so they nest and take up less room. Just used them Sunday to hold the front end of the tractor up. Good solid joinery like this is the key to longevity. Nice job!

[@RawSauce338]

Nesting is a great idea!

[@Unbreathless]

Reminds me of Apple boxes from film sets. Used for propping up gear (or as a seat) on sets. Someone built a utility version of these for carrying gear, calling them Jokerboxes

[@FloydBunsen]

I came here to say this. If anyone here wants to make some proper apple boxes, Adam Savage has a great video about them

[@natalieisagirlnow]

@@FloydBunsen these are better than "proper" apple boxes by a wide margin

[@horatioswrld]

Apple boxes! I couldn't think of the name, thank you.

[@akda5id]

Indeed. And the great thing about apple boxes, which anyone building their own versions should consider, is that they come in standardized sizes: "full", "1/2" and "1/4", which you can combine in various ways to make relatively stable platforms, stairs, etc.

[@OntarioLakeside]

@@akda5id Don't forget Manhattan and Pancake.

[@Mortemar]

Je suis toujours impressionné par tes créations, merci beaucoup pour le partage.

[@vk7hch]

Now Matthias can officially join the "Society for Putting Things on Top of Other Things". Well done.

[@markifi]

i didn't know about this sketch thanks for the chuckle

[@elaineb4806]

Amazing, thank you for sharing, all the way from Scotland 🌿🌿🌿

[@JPumpkinKing]

Haven’t watched your videos in a while. But watching this one, I’m reminded that you’re the wizard of woodworking. So awesome!

[@RC-1290]

I notice you sometimes use construction adhesive, and then wood glue for other parts of the same wood.... what do you base your decision on to use one over the other?

[@cliveso]

I want to know too!

[@RawSauce338]

Same, bump

[@rutgerhoutdijk3547]

Probably because he was gluing end grain, so wood glue would be not strong enough. Also it was a loose fit so construction adhesive fills the gaps.

[@AjCzeresko]

@@rutgerhoutdijk3547 in a recent video he specifically mentioned his preference for construction adhesive when it comes to looser joints.

[@dand5829]

@@rutgerhoutdijk3547 wood glue is stronger than the lignin that holds wood fibers together so it's a silly to say that wood glue isn't strong enough. If you're pushing wood to the point that its fibers start to break apart, the world strongest glue won't help you. Any joint is only as strong as its weakest point and good glue isn't the weakest point.

[@ramachandran8666]

Classic super useful and made to last, Matthias designs. BTW, a simple trick to prolong the set of water-based wood glue is either spry a light coat of water to the joints before applying glue or dilute the glue a bit. Absolutely no compromise on the bond strength but gives higher open times

[@kansaIainen]

Always nice to watch a genius at work.

[@GIJOE-ke4yf]

God Bless you sir, really enjoy the video's. Thank You.

[@nixonkutz3018]

The Allen Millyard of woodworking - awesome skillz

[@paulsmyers203]

I had no doubt of the sturdiness, but my heart skipped a beat when you jumped on them because I envisioned them sliding out from under you. Glad they didn't ;)

[@veri745]

It's not like they are milk crates :)

[@Maker238DeLoach]

I always smile so big when I watch your videos. Make On!

[@stantheman5163]

Reminds me of my "carpenter's bench stool" I made many years ago from a design I found in a woodworker's magazine. I have used that for nearly 20 years and it is still as sturdy as the day I made it. A simple two-step design that has been very handy in the shop and around the house for projects both as a short ladder/stand and as a mini-work bench. Not sure if you have one in your video library, but if not it would be a great addition to see one you have designed and built. One feature rarely seen is a cutout to fit a door or plywood piece on the side so that you can plane the edges without a clamping system.

[@archiem6323]

Hey, I like your videos. Great job. I learned a lot.

[@jjbode1]

Very useful design. Thanks, I'll be making some of those, for sure.

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Those are some strong and functional boxes. Nice work 👍

[@JonnyDIY]

Damn now *THOSE* are some boxes! 📦💕👍 Well built, Matthias built 🤙

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

I will never tire of seeing the box joint jig. Such a neat design.

[@battleshiparmorlord]

Ah yes the safety moccasins. I missed them. Thank you for showing them off

[@hjboots]

You make a simple box look like a dedication of love in woodworking. Excellent finish i just wish i had your talent.

[@samkostos4520]

damn those are so nice boxes boss. You have 100/100 crafting skill. Impressive.

[@Deqster]

You can build boxes for what... 15 years now? And I'm still enthralled every time! 🤣

[@wolfman75]

Great Idea!!! Awesome!!! Thank You!!! 👏👍😎😁

[@leebrown6623]

You sir are very good at making woodwork look easy 👌 awesome as always

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Matthias! 😃 In 200 years those boxes are still going to rock! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@johnrice6793]

You sir are very talented.👍👍

[@Hackschnipsel]

Immer wieder interessante Videos. Danke!

[@cartmanrlsusall]

I like these kinds of projects they are doable and super useful.i just have to rethink so I can duplicate without your cool tools.but that's part of the fun.for what it's worth the metal clad shed door was awesome

[@craigsudman4556]

Once again you've made something that you can not buy. Great video Matthias, thumbs up.

[@stevejohnson1685]

Beautiful work. I look forward to seeing your kids playing with these indestructible boxes.

[@richardmurphy9483]

I always look forward to your video's. Question, why use construction adhesive instead of tight bond II for all of your connections, thanks and keep up the great work.

[@joethompson11]

That box joint jig explanation was really handy, thanks for including that :)

[@briantaylor9266]

IIRC, similar boxes are used in the film industry, called apple boxes for obvious reasons. The industry has standardized on sizes, the full apple box being 20"x12"x8". Those dimensions allow several boxes to be used together to make regular shapes.

[@steamer2k319]

Yeah. I was thinking something from the Fibonacci sequence so that fairly precise lengths could be achieved by combining/summing different sides' lengths. The idea would be similar to the 1:2:3 blocks that are sometimes used in metal working. Box side options: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 4 = 2+2 6 = 3+3 7 = 5+2 9 = 8+1 10 = 8+2 11 = 8+3 12 = 8+2+2 etc. Maybe do +1 to get a different size after adding two previous sizes together... 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 20, 33 3=2+1 5=4+1 6=4+2 8=4+4 9=7+2 10=7+2+1 11=7+4 Etc.

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

We had something similar at work... the rectangle shape is key... Sometimes you need to stand higher.... So I copied a couple of those.... Very handy to have around. Yours is really good too. Very nice.

[@edwardchester1]

Like a shop-size, woodworkers 123 block that can also store stuff. Neat.

[@cwtrain]

"What's left?" "Well there's the fallout, the cockroaches, and of course the Mathias shelves."

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Sturdy for sure. I found that last angled test a bit too dangerous for anyone with paternity concerns 😃

[@fredio54]

Very nicely done. Nice end result :-) Reminds me of a dolly I built. Built like a brick shit house, as we'd say, here :-) My little dolly is only 300x600 or so, and can take 320kg in the middle - half that along any side over the wheels and much less outside the wheels for obvious reasons :-)

[@Dirt2319]

Your wood working is so impressive

[@RawSauce338]

Man. Those are amazing boxes! Can't believe i'm so thrilled by such a sturdy box but, frankly i'm jealous hahaha

[@mastheadmike]

This is how I will build my step/jump boxes for the home gym. Nice design.

[@TheBreadbocks]

Did you consider having a sort of ledge/groove on the bottom/top so they'd slot together when stacked several high?

[@henkeH2]

Never before in my life have I thought about building a wooden box. Now I need one.

[@weldabar]

There is something primal about box building that makes me feel good about it.

[@PepperLion]

I love your videos! I just came here to comment that running the wood backwards on a table saw (aka a climb cut) is generally asking for things to start flying, jig or not. Edit: This was more for others than for Matthias, as he knows what he's doing!

[@thetomster7625]

as usual: impressive, Mr Wandel!

[@umaprendizemacaoconstrucoe8941]

I'm a regular viewer! Thanks for the content!

[@JeffGeerling]

7:41 got in your plyometrics workout!

[@QuippersUnited]

Explaining Computers, Lockpicking Lawyer, Matthias Wandel... are you following me? XD *Goes to the most recent Tech Ingredients video* Oh good, you're not there yet... XD

[@JeffGeerling]

@@QuippersUnited lol I have to keep you guessing, you know...

[@stevebowen809]

We used these at work, three sizes that stack well, known in the UK as Elephant Boxes, they are great, where did I work? A telephone exchange, propping on, standing on sitting on a million and one uses.

[@4Stanzas]

This was really fun to watch.

[@ReklawJT]

Ive never wanted a box more in my life

[@davidcahan]

Nicest boxes I've seen you build so far...🔥

[@Rhyno186]

Always look forward to seeing "The Flying Wandel" test!

[@GPDIY]

That was a lot of fun to watch.

[@andrewv5104]

I was JUST thinking about doing wide box joints and now you've shown me a couple excellent ways to make them! Thanks!

[@punkdigerati]

Look like good plyo boxes. Usually made without the 2x4's and just plywood. The ply prefix come from different etymologies however and is just a coincidence.

[@bensonyoutuber7944]

These would make good gifts.

[@flyingwoodshop1545]

It I had a nickel for every time I realized a mistake during the glue up…. Thanks for the great content!

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

06:17 Was that construction adhesive used to fill the slight gaps in the box joints in the plywood parts? Edit: as Bill pointed out, he probably used construction adhesive for its longer working time while he assembled all the pieces.

[@raven4140]

Yes

[@Bill-v650]

he used that there because of the number of joints that had to be glued at once, wood glue wouldn't give him enough time.

[@daveduncan9005]

If you have used construction adhesive before you'll know that the bond is stronger than the wood. All those surfaces need to withstand the forces of a person standing on them, in any orientation, as well as whatever equipment Mattias is going to use them for.

[@prototype3a]

@@daveduncan9005 I've seen testing that says it is not stronger than the wood... unless maybe you're referring to really weak wood.

[@daveduncan9005]

@@prototype3a I based my comment on my use of the adhesive. Mattias and John Heisz use the same stuff, as I did on a work bench I made for my shop. It was made out of 2x4's with all joints/connections with PL and screws. When I took the bench apart I have to use a small sledge to break the connections. Every joint splintered the 2x4 and did not break at the face of the connection. So, yeah, the quality of material is a factor but the effort I needed to break the joint was substantial.

[@NeoAnthony]

World's sturdiest Apple Boxes! Also, Hardcore Parkour at 7:40. XD Love the project!

[@funkstrong]

When he did the box joints for the plywood tops and bottoms I thought to myself "Matthias is back"

[@FeelingLikeThatNow]

Great design for structural strength. I think a coat of paint to protect the wood from moisture and those will last practically forever.

[@SwEPooD]

Clicked on this 24 seconds after posting, and i don't even have the bell on! Reminds me of apple boxes from the film and theater industry. Adam Savage has a video on those on his channel.

[@walktxrn]

Don't know if you've heard of apple boxes, but they are standard sizes, and come in a couple variations, that's what is used in film/photography a lot to do exactly what you're talking about. Might be interesting to compare/contrast with your solution

[@markm0000]

“Feelin cute, made a box joint, might delete later.”

[@mumblbeebee6546]

Exercise boxes! 😊

[@Oldiesyoungies]

truly a master, bless

[@Freakoutski]

Look into apple boxes as used by grips in the movie industry, they have standard sizes and shapes.

[@natalieisagirlnow]

why? he made better ones from scrap for free

[@Freakoutski]

"Look into" doesn't mean "buy", genius. Just sharing info.

[@natalieisagirlnow]

@@Freakoutski why would a man who makes his own everything "look into" a product he almost certainly won't buy?

[@natalieisagirlnow]

also if you "looked into" it, you'd see his is superior in every aspect

[@Freakoutski]

@@natalieisagirlnow "Why would a person want to know about something unless they intend to purchase it?!" This is what you sound like.

[@Electric-Bob]

Fill 'em with Concrete...they'll be even Stronger!!! Good Job Matt

[@Dadmadeit]

The video is great as always.👍

[@krenwregget7667]

clever design, well executed.

[@milesparris4045]

I was planning to make some plywood storage boxes with box joints on all sides, but now I think I'll make them just like these.

[@Q269]

Those are some fancy boxes

[@Samtagri]

You should have painted them green and called them Hulk boxes cause they are mighty strong

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Great as always, Matthias. I like that the thicker rim makes stacking more stable. Anyone have the same Bessey clamps with the red wooden handles? HomeDepot two 6” and two 12”. I have several but half of them slip on the bar when I tighten. I’ve filed the notches with both a triangle and square file to get them a little more defined. I think it may be my bars went through the dies and it didn’t get square on the edges. It’s like one edge of the ridges isn’t pressed in enough. Every time I grab a clamp I end up finding one that slips and it keeps happening.

[@ChrisWhalen00]

6:29 the fasteners sound like little kisses

[@albertpolak786]

Safety nerds: No don't do that you're not supposed to stand on boxes thats unsafe they're not made for that! Matthias: Well joke's on you these ARE made for PRECISELY that!

[@SciPunk215]

These are very similar to "apple boxes", which can be found on movie sets and in stage production. They don't actually hold apples. In fact, all six sides are solid plywood. Apple boxes are a bit shorter, and they have an additional cross member in the center which makes them exceptionally strong. But you can stack them like bricks if you need more height. Stage hands use them to hold heavy objects off the floor, usually so they can be seen by the camera or by the audience.

[@matthiaswandel]

I wanted a box that's open, so I can put stuff in them, like other boxes, or clamp to it.

[@lostevesy]

You're really liking that construction adhesive lately ~

[@darrellcaruk8880]

great skills. 🇨🇦👍

[@eagamerzz]

waou waou waou i just discover your channel really like yours jobs

[@woodsmanforlife1677]

Quite elaborate. Fine work!

[@heikovanderlaar3780]

Finally someone makes boxes! Take that, epoxy tables!

[@MRrwmac]

Matthias, You could build a wall of boxes from all the boxes/drawers you’ve built and shown us over the years! Thanks! Always good to see another of your videos! How are all the fans you’ve built holding up?

[@kevindowdall3792]

Quick tip avoid using your the palm of your hand as a hammer as you will eventually get carpal tunnel that's the first thing I was thought as a carpenter

[@markhenry2826]

Well done...

[@barrywaddington3195]

First time I've seen you use a brad nailer. I was wondering if you even owned one. Keep it up mate.

[@matthiaswandel]

used in a number of videos, just non in the last 4 years.

[@BarneySaysHi]

The noise at 4:37 sounds like Pingu having a meltdown! 😂

[@mgena717]

I think this is the first time I've seen Matthias use a random orbit sander.

[@magnusek3966]

Whaaat.. nails, not just glue?! Nice work, greetings from sweden!

[@tyrehester5550]

Those would be very useful for the men in the Royal Society of putting things on top of other things.

[@markkoons7488]

Sure do admire your pantarouter and box joint jigs but you do need a cudgel to hasten your double finger joint glue ups. My version of shop boxes serve the same purposes as yours but are built in pairs with two different sets of dimensions in increments that cover from 10" to 22". Mine were built when the cheapest 12mm Baltic Birch was still affordable and I used 1 x 1s at all of the interior edges. I used low pile office carpet on three sides and several layers of cushier stuff to make padded seating on the remaining sides. The 1 x 1s let me fasten the carpet with staples.