MDF Storage Bench | Build It | Ask This Old House

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I owe a lot to Master Carpenter, Tom Silva. I'm licensed electrician with close to thirty years of experience. I do not need to know another trade to maintain a decent income. Yet, I find myself doing carpentry work at home (cabinets, shelving, etc., and I can definitely see myself incorporating into my electrical business some day. Thanks for the influence Mr. Silva!

[@aaqilian5.085]

I knew Tommy was a magician. He pulled a rabbet out of a dado.

[@marieapple6866]

Tommy is an excellent teacher! Soft spoken and extremely knowledgeable! Love sharing his knowledge with no attitude! Love watching Tommy at least once a day. Thanks Tommy!

[@HarrietThugman]

Man Tom is the chillest man, I really wanna meet him and just build a simple table!!

[@Char1ieJr]

I swear, Tommy draws the straightest lines freehand.

[@lobitome]

Experience. My Uncle & Grandfathers taught me to do it that way. Once you start, you will rarely if ever use any other way. Saves a LOT of time.

[@christopherruizperez9586]

He uses his ring finger as reference to draw the línea.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Again , Tom Silva is the best . I will prepare one like this but from pine.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Precise dimensions and dimensional stability are two additional pro's for MDF. Big cons for the material are exposure to moisture and lack of fastening options. So, MDF is a no-no around water like in kitchen sinks and dishwashers, as well as most bathroom applications. As for fastening, screws strip the hole easily, and it's not possible to toe nail or use pocket holes. Pretty much just face nailing and gluing. For final finishing of the piece, ease the edges with a router or (very carefully) sander before painting. Would love to see the finished piece. Bet it's beautiful. Final thoughts: 1) Dust. Be sure to use respiratory protection when milling MDF. 2) Dust. Be sure to use dust collection when milling MDF. Also, machining the material creates extremely fine *dust* (not typical saw dust as from real wood products). This dust flies freer and further. And cyclones aren't as effective, so watch your vacuum filters as they'll clog much faster.

[@bighands69]

Europeans use it on their kitchens and furniture. And I mean they use it a lot.

[@KevinRay_man]

Never thought I’d see tommy build something out of mdf...times are-a-changin’

[@chrissota7439]

Kevin Ray it bothers me that he didn’t use a respirator for the cutting and sanding

[@KevinRay_man]

Chris Sota I agree, particle board is terrible for the lungs. Have made quite a few ported enclosures for various car stereos and a solid respirator is a necessity for sure.

[@lobitome]

He does quite a bit. But without protection around his nose and mouth. Very bad to teach the diyers this.

[@bestyapper]

This is science fiction I bet. Learned so much watching this vid. Thank you very much for posting such an amazing instructional video

[@Zeppelinfaktor]

I can just see the production crew: “Hey Tommy, shouldn’t you be wearing a mask while you’re using a sander?” Tom Silva who just scribed a perfectly straight line by running the tip of his finger along the edge of a board: “No I think I’m good.”

[@TNtoolman]

One of the worst materials you can use in wet areas (like where you take off wet/snow covered shoes) is MDF... it is basically compressed paper and will puff up if water lies on it. You can paint it to protect the MDF, but there are MUCH better materials to use in this project. I'd use exterior grade plywood and cap the edges to finish it... then paint it.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Agree about the issues with moisture and included that in my initial comment. In this application, the toekick riser could be made of a less moisture-sensitive material, but that'd conflict with Tommy's intention of a single sheet project. Personally, I'd use (marine-grade) plywood, and definitely seal all exposed surfaces of the MDF (not just the fronts (especially for the riser).

[@julianreverse]

You'll never use MDF withuot a 2K PUR coating and therefor it's the best material.

[@TNtoolman]

@@julianreverse Where the heck did 2K PUR come from??? Tommy just said "Tomorrow we will fill the holes and paint it". Given the facts stated in the video (not just products that you WISH he said) MDF is NOT the best product.

[@TheKrugen79]

They state this in the full episode. They use an oil based primer then a water based top coat.

[@leestewart1848]

Its the future... Here in the UK MDF standards are very regulated. The moisture resistant is the board of choice. It's the way to go for guys who want to make cabinets.

[@MarshBryan]

nice project, pity we didn't see to the end! I was always lead to believe that cutting MDF even with a super dooper vacuum attached to a track saw or router warranted a mask! (not just for sanding)!

[@lobitome]

It does. They should use it.

[@bighands69]

On a one of project it is not much of a concern. If they were using that professional every day then they should take all of the precautions that they can enforce.

[@ptmoy1]

Nice simple small project. But for using in a mud room, I think it's a bad idea to use MDF for the base. Mud rooms usually mean wet shoes and water. That MDF will swell and deteriorate in no time.

[@nw6gmp]

I think dado is Tommy's favorite word.

[@daisym930]

Nice tools, wished I had them! I wished I had that cool shop, too! AND in all honesty I wished I had a man like you, I wouldn’t be watching this video trying to figure out how to build a bench with a drill and jigsaw! Maybe I need to upgrade? 😁

[@BartBuilds]

I started with those tools too. You could still make clean straight cuts with a jigsaw. Just buy a good blade and use a sturdy straight edge as fence. I eventually moved to a circular saw. It made work a lot quicker

[@Dave-kq7gv]

I wish they would've showed the painting. I would've used rattle cans but I bet they'd do something really cool that I don't even know about

[@peterk7931]

In the full episode the next segment was Mauro painting it. That video is probably coming soon.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Probably a HVLP sprayer. Again, this project is possible (with excellent results) with good ole roller and brush.

[@lobitome]

The tv show showed the guys using brushes to apply oil based paint.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Only came for the comments by those who have hundreds of years more carpentry experience than Tommy.

[@MellowYellow.]

I love this show!

[@rawlsawh2804]

I'm surprised this wasn't made of upper cabinets like the island from a free years ago

[@Tom-es9qy]

Hi need to start working with common house tools like circular saw jigsaws and drill people watching don't have plungesaw routers and table saws

[@bighands69]

If they were using common house tools it would be a longer build, more equipment such as masks would be needed and they would have to explain every single detail such as how to guide the circular saw. You could do that whole project with a hand saw, drill and pocket hole jig.

[@TNtoolman]

I'd also put a full board across the back of the base... to keep the mice from building a nest underneath. I live in 7 acres of trees... always a concern...

[@jGoodloejr]

That's a shame one cannot watch the entire show but Ask's player won't half way work! Just publish to KZbin so fans can watch to finished product! Been fan since the days of Steve and also Norn. Also New Yankee workshop !

[@VelicS]

I wish there is cutting list dimension! As always great video.

[@lobitome]

I think they sell plans, so that may be why. Also, it can be built to the specs you need, rather than their specs.

[@Jimddddd1981]

I like this show, been watching it for years. But what drives me nuts is that they either flash the final product on the screen so fast that if you blink, you miss it or, as in the case here, they don’t show it at all.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqZqIaofL9jqMU

[@sebastianbillings5102]

Hey guys, looks amazing. Can you confirm the thickness of the sheet?

[@gurribuy]

Tom looks like the old man from the movie UP.

[@GermanLibertarian]

The thumbnail got all Jay Leno fans here

[@Dollar_Dad]

Tommy reminds me of my Dad.

[@henrybrar]

All this good work and didn't show the finished product. Such a fast and unfinished world we live in.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

@@dangkolache No joy for cable-cutters without TV subscriptions. How about posting beauty shots to Instagram? I follow and checked, but they're not on either the TOH or AskTOH accounts.

[@kaceyhowell6570]

@@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt This Old House is free to watch for everyone. It's a PBS show, there is not subscription needed.

[@lobitome]

@@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt what? I watched this episode this past weekend over the air. PBS has 4 channels in my area that have more good stuff on them than most tv shows out there. And for free. No cable required. P.s. there is a shot of the finished product in the thumbnail for this video. Wake up!

[@Lexlugr]

They split it into two segments, the build portion with Tommy and then the "How to paint MDF" with Mauro. Makes sense,

[@dangkolache]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqZqIaofL9jqMU

[@VolpeInCalze]

30$ for MDF? I get cabinet grade for that much. Might as well go that route and spend the little extra for edge banding.

[@bighands69]

If you are a professional yes that is what you would do.

[@Engineer9736]

5:59 I thought he had an electric glue tube 😂

[@tylercorbin8073]

Richard van Pukkem i I did too I was like how in the world! Lol 😂😂😂

[@johndavid8949]

hows about part 2 ,now i watched part one.

[@youbadolivez]

Thinking this is a commercial for MDF

[@m..5494]

Hey Tommy , can you make video on how to replace T1-11 siding on a gable ? There is no videos on KZbin for gable T1-11 replacement Thank you

[@travismiquelon7288]

Is there a way to do the same thing for some where there is moisture like a play house for kids

[@fmartino100]

SWEET

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Tommy has the safest table saw set up: a blade guard and a riving knife. Most youtube table saw cuts the guy's blade is set way too high and they took off the riving knife which is an essential anti-kickback device. Kevin is not wearing safety glasses while sanding and is a little awkward reaching across the $700 Festool tracksaw, which you should never do

[@japan-e9j]

Perfect yes perfect

[@grumpymaker6154]

Time to mortgage my soul to buy some sweet Festool gear. Though I GUESS I could do this with a $40 Harbor Freight router + a clamped piece of 1x2 as a guide. Where's the fun in that?

[@lobitome]

Saying you built it with much cheaper tools.

[@mariabillings9618]

What thickness is used?

[@seededsoul]

Can you do this with a handsaw?

[@ericsiekman7347]

Are there dimensions listed somewhere?

[@billyandjohnny7734]

Np

[@nightscape2008]

Tommy, I wish I had your tools to make this $30 (awesome) bench.

[@Aurora8709]

Right 😂 lol All i have is a cheap circular saw... not the tracked brand. Thats about a solid thousand investment in tools. Gotta sell a bunch of those benches to recoup the cost.

[@farhanhere]

What screw was used in this one, I am trying to join 18mm MDF, please advice

[@moisesrobles7884]

What do you do with the things you bill are you salem

[@cccc-ru9ex]

Why wouldn't you show the completed product? This old house has changed, it's become almost just to make money. The production co. Are taking short cuts.

[@ryqarst4690]

Cutting up cancer board indoors with no mask? The dust collection on those festools works nice but still puffs of cancer shooting out every now and then.

[@farerse]

what is a Deido ?

[@RAMESH-cz8ro]

hasnt tommy been against the use of mdf ??

[@dongemus]

Yes, because it doesn't hold up to water. Something that was not discussed for some reason

[@cup_and_cone]

It's a bench for an inside foyer that they said they were going to paint. Once it's got a layer of latex on it, it will be water resistant. One thing I would have done different is add furniture glides on the bottom to get it up off the ground, assuming it's not going on carpet.

[@rodgerq]

I'd have thought more important was the issue of MDF dust.

[@cup_and_cone]

@@rodgerq - No longer a concern like it was 20 years ago. Lookup GP's UltraStock, it's an NAF, so there's no added formaldehyde. I think IP has their own NAF MDF too. Any MDF you grab from Home Depot or Lowe's should be NAF these days. Cheap Far East Asian made furniture, not so much.

[@rodgerq]

Excellent, good to know! I hope the UK is the same!

[@richardwilkes2990]

Did I miss something? where are the dimensions? or is that something you do on your own?

[@bighands69]

It is sort of a guide. You can use your own.

[@yahyaomarjee8370]

What track are you using? ....I see that your router and circular saw run on it! Nice

[@kitchentimeinc]

Yahya Omarjee Festool, only tool you need these days

[@MrBertstare]

oh man dont google festool, dont watch youtube videos about festool. if you do you will end up with a systainer in the garage that starts letting in more systainers and then your checking account is empty and before you know it you are looking for a festool toaster for the kitchen because toast goes great with green koolaid!

[@kitchentimeinc]

MrBertstare the truth

[@lobitome]

Festool isn't the only brand you need. If you believe that hype, I have a bridge over a swamp to sell you.

[@penrodautorepair3170]

I like the saw you first used. Who makes it. Thank you.

[@JB-re8jf]

*Festool Saw

[@penrodautorepair3170]

Juan Betancourt Thank you so much. Hope my wife doesn't get upset when one shows up

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

@@penrodautorepair3170 She will unless disappearance of $900+ from the bank account isn't an issue! Don't forget, you're also buying into a manufacturer's proprietary battery platform. So, if you don't want to be locked into Festools premium pricing for future tool purchases, do yourself a favor and look into either the DeWalt or Makita versions. Even less expensive alternatives exist that are every bit as accurate. For instance, I've done complete high-end kitchen and bathroom remodels, include fine cabinetry, with an existing 7¼" circular saw paired with tracks from Bora. (The Kreg tracks didn't work for me at all.)

[@lobitome]

@@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt i have only recently used Kreg track saw attachment that belongs to my cousin. The first thing you notice is having to attach their proprietary piece to your saw. Inconvenient if you need a cut longer than they short edge guide track provides. And that it isn't very accurate. I drove home and brought my own circular saw and self made track jig.

[@sdolman79]

Glues it first then says "let's see if it fits" Better fit now we've just glued it.

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

To be honest it's probably been since the Reagan administration Tommy has cut a board that didn't fit.

[@webdev217]

All the saws have guards all of a sudden.

[@leifharmsen]

Purpose built landfill.

[@marcodm]

What happened to Festool? Its blurred out?

[@kitchentimeinc]

Festool didn’t cut them a check obviously

[@Ryan74777]

Idk just saw an ad saying they are a proud sponsor for this old house..

[@lobitome]

@@Ryan74777 don't think the are for ask though. That said, some people know the color schemes and certainly "odd" shapes of certain brands.

[@lobitome]

MDF is a nice product, but don't ever use 3/4" MDF on a large project that you may have to move one day.

[@masontejera506]

Love you guys and the project - but doing a budget $30 project with thousands of dollars of Festool and Saw Stop seems a bit of miss. Would love to see more DIY cabinets and furniture though!

[@jej3451]

The procedure is the same with cheap tools.

[@lobitome]

You both have valid points. They use the tools they have. We use the tools we have. I was part of a woodworking website for a while. They had contests every month and ANYONE was allowed to do the projects. One time they had a festool tracksaw as the main prize. The guy who won was a pro and won, but he already had all Festool products. He somehow won most contests and always took the prizes that other people could have used. I guess it is just a coincidence that he died soon after the tracksaw win. But I prefer to call if karma because he was a prick to anyone who he didn't feel was on his level.

[@dertypeko]

I made this storage 5 days ago from masive wood 4cm 😉

[@aaronshensky9385]

I so wanted to build one of these then realized I dont have a router, bits, or circular saw. Damn.

[@lobitome]

Home depot rents tools. But don't use mdf.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

You can buy all that stuff dirt cheap, used on Craigslist. Then you can make multiple projects to get your money's worth, or sell the tools again for what you paid for them, which = free tool usage.

[@tambarlas5248]

Here's a question that TOH an answer: When use wood glue, and why. Don't you already use nails?

[@X152535]

By now Tommy's probably using wood glue in his sandwiches

[@dandavid513]

Nails don’t provide all that much holding force. They mainly act as a clamp so that the glue can dry and do all of the heavy lifting.

[@Engineer9736]

Use nails for a strong bond, or use glue for a strong bond, or use glue and nails for a strong bond^2

[@matto.1074]

Glue and screw... glue and screw!

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

@@matto.1074 Best not to use screws in MDF.

[@Engineer9736]

In reality there never was a cushion and the project went right to the dump after pressing the Stop button on the camera 😏 Edit: Ah the final product is in the thumbnail i see. Nice.

[@dandavid513]

Building a bench for $30 - using over 10k worth in tools

[@30DayReviews]

and your point is? those 10k tools can make a 100k+ of just about anything you want..... much of what they used can be done with cheaper tools and such but I'm sure they where sponsored or got a great deal on it because of the show.. who cares what the tools costed

[@dandavid513]

30 Day Reviews first of all, I’m not saying anything about the tools in general. What I’m pointing out is the irony of the fact that they are trying to build a bench for very cheap, yet using pretty much the most expensive tools on the market. And about the sponsorship. TOH used to be sponsored by Festool, but I am assuming that that sponsorship has ended due to the fact that the company name had been blurred out on all of the shots in this video.

[@Ryan74777]

Dan David idk but I just saw an ad that said festool is a proud sponsor of TOH

[@dandavid513]

Ryan where was that? And how recent?

[@Ryan74777]

Dan David This episode which aired November 8th

[@benmaltas4923]

Where’s there dust mask even though they have extraction there is still dust around

[@dcdvdreview772]

when is Roger Cook coming back

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

See his farewell letter on the show's site. He's left the show to take care of his health issues and to spend more time with his family.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I'm sure he's a nice guy, but his Boston accent drove me up the damn wall.

[@stuartmenzies3928]

No masks MDF????

[@Gorgula]

Nice project but anyone with a tracksaw, sliding miter saw, router, nail guns, set of chisels, and table saw already know how to do this -everyone else will just buy it?

[@cjhan47]

That was my thought. I only have half the tools for any project they do at best.

[@cup_and_cone]

To be honest, this build was fairly modest and it's all going to be covered in latex paint. Someone could easily do this project with a 20 year old Skillsaw if they really wanted by skipping the dado joints. They'll just sacrifice precision and have to make up for it on the backend with a lot of sanding and filler to finish it. And it will probably take two or three times longer, more time aligning and clamping.

[@still34u]

You don't need all that...You can knock this out with just a skill saw easily.. In their defense, it's hard not to use the tools, if you have them.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Valid points. However, these high-end tools aren't necessary. The most rudimentary shop should have a circular saw and router at a minimum. Accurate cuts and dados are easily accomplished by simply running the tool against a clamped straight edge. Cut off and keep 4" to 6" wide MDF strips. The factory edges are laser straight. As one advances in their craft, homemade jigs come close to the ease and precision of things like track saws and guides. A miter box and back saw are all that's needed for the tie kick riser. Everything else are butt joints. As for chisels, even the occasional hobbyist should have a set of quality chisels (thin, medium and wide). Keep them sharp using little more than fine files (to remove nicks) and assorted fine grit sandpaper tightly adhered to a dead flat plane. Stone counter of cuts are great for this. Not to mention they're available for free at most counter shops. Finally, a tried and true hammer and good ole nails will work fine for this project.

[@lobitome]

@@still34u you are correct. Anyone that knows what they are doing doesn't need more than the circular saw, a straight edge board, screw gun and glue and screws. But the choice of wood is terrible for wet areas. You have to admit though, at least they show projects that diyers can do, as opposed to some of the elaborate stuff they do in the high end homes for rich people on TOH.

[@naveenakalanka]

what material use for cutting table in printing industry. Thank you

[@Opus766]

2:12 WHAT

[@JustMe-fv2rp]

Really !!!!! -- just go to IKEA. How about doing this with a real world budget and real world tools. Anyone with that shop would never use MDF and the rest of us don't have that much space or those $$$ tools. How about real wood done with just a circular saw and maybe the router. Many of us might have those. OH, and in the cold garage, or maybe the driveway. I do like the bookcase I did that way. Much lighter too.

[@chriscain4014]

which one of them farted when they lifted it at 8:07?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Go sniff their underwear and get back to us.

[@FlameStrykeShadowDark]

4:47 Shouldn't Roger have been wearing safety glasses when he was sanding?

[@lobitome]

Roger? He wasn't part of the segment. But yes they should wear protection & and do the fans a dis-service when they don't.

[@gravyboy3072]

Da, 'e's a da-ado Daylight come and me wanna go 'ome 😜

[@mth280268]

Love these videos but boy, there's tension when Kevin and Tom are together.

[@X152535]

Kevin keeps making all these off hand comments, he should be more respectful. Tommy should know that Kevin is young and will challenge him here and there, he shouldn't be returning insults and escalating.

[@theralhaljordan7337]

they're just joking around

[@lobitome]

They have a very good relationship and Tom has said in interviews it is healthy fun between the two. Their chemistry. There is tons of respect for Tom, from Kevin.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

@@X152535 - Kevin is young? He's over 50, albeit 20 years younger than Tommy. Personally, I still miss Steve Thomas.

[@المختصرالمفيد-ج5ب]

Super slow and without finish in the end ((

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqZqIaofL9jqMU

[@garychambers5930]

MDF is junk I only use it I absolutely have to

[@tuskawilla]

Wait. Where is the finiahrd project

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqZqIaofL9jqMU

[@JosueR018]

Six

[@not_stoke_on_400fps2]

Second

[@still34u]

Good luck to anybody who's gonna take a router to the MDF without the dust collector

[@blake102989]

Or dust mask

[@bondibeast]

sanding mdf without a dust mask sheesh

[@ekim955yt]

Lol...now all I have to do is spend $5000 on very pretty tools

[@RaulTorresMorfin]

MDF is horrible....spend the extra $$$ and use non-chinese plywood

[@bighands69]

MDF is perfect for certain projects.

[@mike1968442]

I grew up watching this show. Then Tommy only used real wood and not junk mdf. They are disappointing to say the least.

[@bighands69]

Most projects are real wood. Occasionally MDF is good to use.

[@AlexIAm1415]

First

[@empyreanb9444]

Nice project but it smells like farts.

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

mdf id very toxic

[@SSMJWolf]

you should never ever sand the top of MDF

[@jej3451]

why not

[@SSMJWolf]

The MDF will go all fluffy and will never get a good finish, even with a lot of paint

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

I don't sand MDF faces either and they take paint beautifully. Also, stacking pieces it's best practice when edge sanding. The tool's platen has more surface on which to ride, keeping edges perpendicular to faces.

[@SSMJWolf]

SEE, why you should never sand MDF kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqZqIaofL9jqMU

[@siriosstar4789]

MDF and Festool . Boutique tools and fake wood. What a nauseating combination.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I would have made some kind of low profile retaining rail on the sides and back for the top cushion . Otherwise it will slide all over the place.

[@Heinous1]

Second

[@zohebalvi3910]

First