Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van - Bench Seat

Building the Bench Seat frame for our Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van using 38 x 38 CLS timber from B&Q and IKEA bed slats.
Here is a link to my 3D warehouse where you can download my free plan for this bench seat so you can build one yourself.
3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/mode...
Here are the particular tools and parts used for this build.
IKEA Slatted Bed Base - www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/c...
Self Centering Drill Bits - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53...
Silverline Brad Nailer - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53...
Dewalt Drill and Driver Set - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53...
Picture Frame Strap Clamp - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53...
Dewalt Compact Router - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53...
75mm Butt Hinges - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
If you have found these videos to be helpful and would like to make a donation please visit www.paypal.me/gregvirgoe
Thank you for watching and please make sure to subscribe, it's costs nothing and you won't miss another episode.
Best wishes
Greg Virgoe
#gregvirgoe #vanlife #tinyhome

[@GregVirgoe]

Very well spotted everyone who has mentioned about the slats being fixed, I have enlarged the drill holes to allow for a little movement, thank you all for your feedback, it's very much appreciated 😃

[@brianemeney8903]

I think I've seen plastic mounts for caravan bed slats - might be worth looking out for another time!

[@d.beaumont9157]

Greg I'm watching this again four years or so later, as im building a bench in my woek van. Clear and methodical. Your videos never fail to cheer this Yorkshire man up.

[@robertturner4225]

what a superb video, you are a natural teacher. well done and thank you

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m pleased you liked it Rob. Cheers 🍻

[@stephensugden3050]

4 years later and still nobody has noticed that one slat went missing ;-) Love this series! we're about to start our first build and yours are by far the clearest/most educational on the subject

[@GregVirgoe]

Haha 😂 you may want to watch again. There are 16 slats and 17 gaps. 15 gaps in between the slats and one gap at either end. Did you see something else perhaps 🤔😊

[@stephensugden3050]

@@GregVirgoe thanks for answering, and I'll preface this comment by saying it really (really) doesn't matter; I'm just overly sensitized to fence-post errors. 🤓 Around 1:48 when you purchase the slats you say "about 17 slats" (and they can be seen clearly enough to count a few seconds later). The odd number was memorable, so when you later mentioned the same number of gaps my "spidey sense" went off. I did the counting in both parts and made my silly comment. Most likely one slat was used as a test piece along the way.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@stephensugden3050 ok so there may be seventeen slats in the pack but I didn’t say I was going to use them all 🤣🤩👍🏼 Anyway you get the price for being the most observant viewer. Thanks for watching and for your interesting feedback 😊

[@griffinjar]

Not sure if my favourite quote is ‘Adding error build up’ or ‘less noticeable’ If my build is half as accurate as yours I’d be a happy bloke! Absolute legend.

[@GregVirgoe]

griffinjar, thank you for picking up on that, I must be the only bloke that uses a micrometer on a woodwork project. 😂🤓

[@thinkfirst9464]

Greg you make all jobs look simple I think that's called talent.

[@JonSmith-wg8mr]

All of your videos are just so well explained, they give people so much more confidence to try things themselves. Brilliant!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Jon, glad you are finding them to be useful.

[@johnspurling1269]

Hello Greg, from the USA again. Once again a really nice job. Planned and thought out so nicely making the job easy to do. Then even giving a free set of plans besides! I have to really compliment you for your free and generous gift of your talents and knowledge as well. So many would charge for their plans. They would be so greedy for the all mighty dollar that they would want to be paid for their plans. You have wonderful talents, show and explain it all so clearly making it easy to learn and do our work. THANK YOU, again for your excellent video sharing with us! I wish I could meet you some day to thank you in person and shake your hand. Alas though, as they say there is a big pond between us. So I don't think our touring paths will cross LOL. As always respectfully JOHN

[@richardedwards9389]

So true - the other guys give far less info and some even try to get you to buy their book. This video series is ground breaking I think. They're very professional, well shot, the instructions are very clear and accessible to a novice. His approach of setting the scene, doing the work and reflecting is fantastic. His engineering background and approach puts him at the top of this tree. As a Software Engineer I love his approach and attention to detail.

[@mikedeman5351]

That was a masterclass in attention to detail. My jaw dropped when I saw that you made the spacer to one decimal place. You are a perfect example of the 'Do it Once, Do it Right' philosophy. Great video. Enjoyed it and will probably view it a few more times too!

[@livdamnit6998]

I hope you and your significant other don't take this the wrong way but you are the kind of man most of us women want. Creative, handy and thoughtful. I'm not actually making a come on I just like that you are intelligently thinking and carefull. Great job.

[@GregVirgoe]

Hmm, I'm very flattered, Thank you She's a very lucky woman, :') lol

[@melaniethompson4561]

Whenever I watch your videos I literally hurry press the "like" button on the first second every time because I know they are going to be awesome. 😂 I am so glad I am starting my build at a time when so many of your amazing van build videos exist! I'm watching them over and over as I'm slowly beginning my build... Can't get over the quality of work, attention to detail in the build how well explained and laid out the steps are in the videos! Thank you!!

[@run4eva]

Ditto 😀

[@Kenny-rv6li]

"What I've done, I just cut and sand a block to exactly 31.3mm" Really Greg, I LOVE it! 😅 All of it, the videos and all the perfection 👌

[@GregVirgoe]

Kenneth Giwolight 😂 yes that is a bit too precise 😎

[@andykelly7367]

Brilliant Greg! I expect your fans, like myself are learning so much from your videos. Cheers mate! If you have to create a little "give" on the fixed slats Greg, just over-size the drill holes on one side of the bench slats and refit your screws using a washer and tighten just enough to hold the slats in place. Thus allowing the slats to flex but not move about when you are on the move. Just a tip matey. ;-) Andy Kelly

[@marthasalter405]

I adore these videos. I saw this one and thought, "nope, I'm not going to have a bench seat," but I still watched the video. 'Cause I learn something every time.

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi martha, with a lot of woodwork you can apply the techniques to all sorts of projects, thanks for watching.

[@MuddyBootz]

I fear when we come to the end of this build 😂. Really enjoy every episode. I spent 41 years as a Jig&Tool Designer in Aerospace so appreciate the benefits of creating little jigs fit the repetitive tasks. Nice one Greg 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@simonsackett]

I really like that you point out all the little things that would make me go "Oh no, why didn't I think of doing that first!" and I'd have to take apart everything I'd just done.

[@georgbuse2721]

Greg, I'm always fascinated by your 100% workmanship, you're thinking of everything!

[@bmonck5110]

So structured and logical. You are a natural teacher Greg. Thanks

[@luiseEllen]

So generous. Thank you for posting. Watched diligently from beginning to end, and got excited about the free plan....I'm not even building a van, don't even own one!! That's what quality videos do to people!

[@volksman3]

Love this! We are just starting the interior construction on our truck and I am following this tutorial to the letter. Thanks for all of the detail as it really helps us newbies!

[@jasongowans27]

As always love the quality of work and attention to detail. Thanks Greg.

[@LThomasCouch]

Brilliant. I love your thorough detailed reasoning and attention to detail!

[@believeingood5875]

Simple work, excellent quality. Thank you for sharing the experience and all those little tricks.

[@GregVirgoe]

Simplicity is the best way to go, the more complicated the more to go wrong. Thanks for watching :D

[@itsadamoc]

I thought you were going to say “exactly 31mm”. No, this is Greg, “exactly 31.3mm”. 🤓😂

[@GregVirgoe]

itsadamoc who else would use a micrometer on a wooden bench project 😂👍🏼

[@JagerScot-01]

All that precision and great joinery work then you fix the slats with drywall screws. Tut tut. Great series Greg. Enjoyed it all as I'm going back over it again. Just purchased an ex network rail crew van and cant wait to get started. Cheers

[@robpower100]

Again very methodical and good attention to detail thats why when its finished it will all work and last, nice job.

[@x86cowboy]

Great work Greg! Again, showing those tricks like 3:55, join design, placing the wood top of the supporting vertical pieces seem trivial, but to us untrained in woodworking, these details can be easily overlooked to the untrained eye. This is what sets your videos apart from others; you take the time to explain these small (but important) details that others gloss over.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Wow - loved that centering drill bit !

[@matsf8268]

A pleasure watching :) Thanks to you I'm currently looking at getting a van to convert myself :D

[@marcoankoslosky474]

Congratulations from Brasil, Greg ... you are “the guy” !

[@wayne6220]

Thanks Greg. Another enjoyable video.

[@allanandmichelle]

You are a man after my own heart Greg, just awesome!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Allan, much appreciated.

[@SkylineHotAirBalloon]

You really are the bomb. I mean that in the very best way. This is hands down the best van build video series. Thanks for sharing. I truly appreciate all the little details and specifics. Anxiously awaiting the next video.

[@ian_morg]

Top quality yet again, I love the detail you go into, it's like the best how to you could ever have, thank you for taking the time to film everything 😍😎👍🏻

[@foraluckygirl]

Such a wonderful teacher, your work is well done and easy to follow! Thank you!

[@captainbarnes923]

I like that solution a lot. Great idea!

[@ryanellis9087]

Your attention to detail is outstanding. Some brilliant tips, great video.

[@TheWizzkid67]

Thats some attention to detail love it.

[@normanboyes4983]

You are really enjoying this Greg - and so are we.👍

[@cliffp.8396]

Excellent tutorial and workmanship as always.

[@jackwilliams9114]

Great info, much appreciated. You are teaching me in a manner I feel will make me competent to build out my van. Thanks.

[@run4eva]

Loving the centre spring loaded drill bit! I didn't even know they exist🖒

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Beautiful build as always! I learn a lot from the comments too! Thanks Greg!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Lass-in Angeles thank you for your continued support and I’m pleased you are getting some useful info 😊👍🏼

[@MACK13]

Excellent workmanship.... Thanks for taking the time to share. Btw, I once went for a job at Ikea... The interviewer said 'come in - make a seat'... Maggie and Mack, Huddersfield

[@GregVirgoe]

That's brilliant, was there any screws left over? LOL

[@jodysutts]

Class again Greg! Extremely neat and accurate. A joy to watch 👌✌️

[@user-gy7uz8gt1q]

Fantastic job, thorough and well thought out using materials you could find at a local store (ikea). Thanks for the download. Have a good day, cheers!

[@ProjectCamper]

Two years on and excellent information 👍

[@michaelsmethurst4513]

Love the attention to detail

[@GregVirgoe]

Michael Smethurst thank you 😊

[@DavidWinther]

Fantastic job, loved it! I'm going to do this in my van! Thanks for a great video!

[@CommunSpace]

Greg ! I have learnt a lot watching all your videos , the quality of your work is outstanding. I have to learn to do work slow not always in the rush and with great attention to details like you do. I hope i can apply some or many of this learning in my project (if I ever decide to start ) Thank you for putting this series of videos together I guess it must be hard filming and working at the same time and i'm sure it might have delayed the entire project.

[@katcankan7129]

The master builder, with master tools and his jig's! 😊. Another fab build Greg 👍.

[@swisscamperronniecool5419]

So glad I found this fantastic tutorial 😀 now I can run to the diy store and I know what to buy & how to assemble it (I was going to do it all the wrong way) Thanks for sharing your thorough knowledge 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Swisscamper Ronnie cool really pleased that it has helped with your build 😀

[@josephjohnson1977]

Thanks!

[@davelee9791]

Love the little time saving tricks..great job as ever👍👍

[@MrCRAIGREVO]

Fantastic work Greg, your attention to detail is inspiring. Keep them coming mate. 👌

[@maradall]

Great instructional video with lots of attention to detail & superb explanations of each step!

[@littlemisssunshine2931]

Thank you so much for the Ikea tip. That has just saved me hours of work.

[@GregVirgoe]

You are so welcome! Glad it has helped :D

[@linz_in_NZ]

Loving the van build - just about to start my own in a Sprinter, so has been great to watch - wish we had Ikea here in New Zealand for those bed slats. Thanks for all the tips and hints along the way, wish I had a workshop like that!

[@lilliangiron9522]

OMG As always, very impresive work!

[@coratheexplorer1824]

I learn a lot of diy from your video thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@GregVirgoe]

Cora Vernon, you are most welcome, thank you for watching.

[@Scrambler85]

From a list of excellent videos this is one of your best

[@TheWoodHaven]

This was an excellent DIY video. Thanks for the how to. I'm to this point in my camper build and I'm looking for a solution like this.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Mate all of your videos are so well done. Priceless info for people making vans

[@johndouglas62]

Great job very precise

[@Builditfixituseit]

Fantastic work greg! Flawless execution 🤙

[@ketanpawaskar247]

Skills are amazing learning a lot 👍

[@CanesFan65]

Very Nice!! It's always much easier when you have all the right tools. It would take the average person MUCH longer to accomplish the same goal without the table saw and drill press.

[@GregVirgoe]

While having the correct tools will make more accurate cuts, you still need to know how to use the tools properly. :D Personally, I do find it difficult to cut straight with a hand saw, don't know why never mastered that one.

[@masklethiba4970]

Great video! You really have all the tools. All I have is a drill and jig saw I had to improvise

[@scottanson7524]

You make it look easy .. great job building the van !! watching from USA 🇺🇸

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Scott, things don't always go to plan, I make a few test pieces before cutting main parts, measure twice always and practice. 😊

[@michaelevans1658]

Good job Greg .

[@re33ce]

Nice work as always ,cant wait to see the next installment

[@ckalender1907]

Perfect video.thnks Greg.

[@taronerojay5213]

Another great video. I got some very useful advice on how to build a bench for the campervan. Many thanks, Greg.

[@GregVirgoe]

You are welcome 🙏🏼 thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@lastfrontier_vanscapes5694]

as always top notch work Greg!

[@leestewart4064]

Well done Greg. Top notch never disappoint pal

[@Vandemonium]

Dang it, I wish I'd known about the existence of the drill-centering thingummyjig, that's brilliant. As always, wonderful job and so informative. Cheers

[@mikederosaj]

Great work. One of the best I’ve watched on this construction technique. Thank you for sharing your skills.

[@GregVirgoe]

You are welcome 🙏🏼 glad you like it 😃

[@Ballynoes]

Excellent video as always Greg... love all those wee tips

[@eburn71]

Thanks for sharing and the very clear video! You make it look so simple....

[@GregVirgoe]

eburn71, practice on bits of scrap wood first is what I do a lot of times, makes you more confident doing the final cuts 😃

[@mange2]

Great job Greg. Quality work mate.

[@freakyflow]

dad built something like this in the 80's ..Two bench seat each having hindges so you could store your foam bedding inside..Now you can ether have a collapssible table in the middle that rest between the benches making a bed ..or pull the slats from one side to the other making a bed

[@A.J.Lawson]

Superb job

[@MultiPJoys]

I absolutely love your video's! The details in your work, all the tips and tricks and you're so cool and collective. I wish I had it all figured out like you, but when I'm workin on my van, I just hope I get anything near to what I have in mind and take my losses 😂 I'm also definitely jealous of your workshop haha, it's a dream! Too bad I can only give your video's a like, if it would have been possible I'd gave your video's a ❤️

[@michellewood9646]

Absolutely bloody awesome video Thanks a million

[@GregVirgoe]

You are most welcome 🙏🏼

[@johno7808]

Excellent as always Greg! 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Jono

[@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431]

There are great ideas I will use. The rest with tools and work shop are advance as I have neither. I build in my van I live in full time

[@lqqkitslory]

Brilliant job! Lots of great ideas for our Summerhouse/shed storage seating! Would love to see the finished bench, with seat pad!

[@GregVirgoe]

Just take a look at our van tour video for the finished thing or the bench cushion video 😀

[@nickfry9723]

Another great video 👍🏽 thank you

[@jimmucklin6860]

Great bench Greg

[@abbienormalchin]

I love your videos and have learned so much from them. Thank you!!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Really pleased they’re helping you 👍🏼😃

[@gumballism]

You are the best I have seen superb

[@GregVirgoe]

john smith thank you very much I really appreciate your feedback

[@selfbuiltcampervans]

Greg Thanks 4 idea of stop block on chop saw repeated cuts made easy cheers

[@ryansilva2588]

NICE JOB ON YOUR BUILD, BEST I HAVE SEEN ON KZbin

[@twowolves69]

Thanks for this Gregg. Great insight to building a bench

[@GregVirgoe]

Two Wolves Projects hope it helps you. 👍🏼😊

[@Maggiemay1942]

Thanks Greg, meticulous as always.

[@johntatman1436]

Fantastic job, Greg. Since the slats are meant to flex when weighted, I think making them a touch shorter with an elongated hole and possibly a pan head screw, to allow for the lengthwise movement, might make this more functional. Like you, I get these things done and then realize a small detail I didn't see and then need to makes adjustments. That's always the issue when your project is a one off.

[@gmsk85]

14:07 you look like a kid on x-mas morning with those slats Greg! Once again a great video, thanks for inspiring and teaching.

[@GregVirgoe]

Mattias, it's like Xmas every morning here with all the parcels off the internet, the postman will be happy when the van build is done, he's now taken to guessing what part is in the packages. lol

[@petermiller3882]

Like the jig 👍

[@TheFatbloke1]

Once again Great Video, As bench is my next project. thanks again.

[@ellenstipo3115]

Awesome !!!! You saved me so much time!

[@GregVirgoe]

Ellen Stipo glad it has helped.