Illuminated Cube Stools

[@HLR4th]

Thank you for sharing the glue up. Your sighs spoke volumes.

[@TheDesignerXD]

It’s nice to see that even a wonderful woodworker such as yourself runs into little issues in glue up. Makes me feel way better about my projects! Also, love the bandyclamps, probably my favourite rockler product.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks! We all go through glue up stress... It's part of the process.

[@yoshmarklund]

I felt that glue-up scene :D perfect

[@MichaelAlm]

😅

[@ChrisPage68]

@@MichaelAlm Challenge: A power-carved plywood bathroom sink. I think the patterns would be beautiful. 👍

[@mattheld4219]

I love the fact that you showed the 1st glue up and then shared the lessons learned. Those of us that use these videos as much as instructional as well as entertainment can use that for our own learning and process improvements. Thanks Micahel, great video.

[@FSStudios2]

I had a visceral reaction to watching that glue up. I know that feeling, especially the bouts of frantic movements where you don’t quite know what to do in that moment. Thanks for sharing, that’s a feeling every woodworker knows.

[@MichaelAlm]

Oh man I can tell I was in lizard brain mode during those clips. The panic is real.

[@BeInspiredwithDominic]

Cool piece of furniture. I have never even considered painter's tape to mark pieces. That's genious! Thanks for sharing!

[@nachtdiertje1972]

First glue-up, oww man, I feel the pain 🤣. Glad to see it's not me but also that YT-ers feel it. Your face spoke the truth. Thank you 👍

[@aguywithwood9293]

The best glue up ever.

[@HelloKevinWhite]

Thanks for the glue-up scene! It made things real for me in a great way and an even bigger fan.

[@evanpatterson9379]

Thank you for showing that first glue up. It’s inspiring. It lets me know that even amazing woodworkers like yourself can In fact struggle at times. Thank you for that!

[@MichaelAlm]

The struggle is real! Thanks Evan.

[@turgworks4138]

It's so good to see the little issues you had with that first filmed glue up, that stuff always happens to me. It's just refreshing to see a video with bits like these included 👏👏👏

[@jamesgallina3857]

Glue-up stress is so real - thanks for the validation. Wonderful channel - keep at it!

[@sterlinghein]

Great tip on taping around the gap to prevent wood filler from filling surrounding grain.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks!

[@appahman]

the glue up had me DYING! glad it happens to the greats too :)

Hello friend, Unless you try the innovations, you cannot learn something new. And you are always working to teach innovations. And you always produce innovative studies and ideas. Thank you for sharing. See you. greetings.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you very much!

[@TheTrullGallery]

Hey Michael! These came out great! Here's a thought for you. I pre-sand the interior of my projects before assembly. To keep them clean during glue ups, I use more blue tape along the edges. This is especially helpful on pen grain woods. I look forward to more of your videos!

[@mildlemon7866]

I was looking for an interesting and well-made woodworking video. But then, it turned super-interesting when a dark grey systainer with a light grey lid was lifted onto the workbench table! I love!

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! Thanks!!

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

Killer work on these stools, Michael! Love the videos as always!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you!!

[@alexaben6849]

Absolutly love this design. So nice. First glue up is so recognizable. It's a relief to see an artist/maker like you also struggles with those things... thanks for sharing!

[@MichaelAlm]

Sure thing! Thank you!

[@troykatt05]

Thank you for showing the glue up. Keeping it real.

[@JTWoodworks]

Absolutely love the look of these. That white finish on the oak is beautiful!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Johnny! Yeah, it makes staining SO easy... It's nuts. No lap lines. None! Highly recommend it

[@joshhearn2877]

Really love the finished product scene, so much work gone into those shots and they look great!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you 😅

[@rodrigobuzzoni8429]

Beautiful and simple design. Congratulations.

[@PeteBernardo]

Great video and beautiful pieces. The first glue-up was awesome to see.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks 😅

[@paulbnixon]

They look amazing. The attention to detail is just amazing.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Such an incredibly cool design! Streamlined design with so much going on when you actually think about it...super cool!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Ethan! Yeah, sometimes the simpler it looks, the more work it is to build 😅

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great film. Beautiful peices. Excellent work. Mahalo for sharing!🙂🐒

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks so much!!

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Michael! They look amazing! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Menelaz]

you should totally show more of your first attempts and fails, it's really instructive

[@noobFab]

That first-time glue-up was almost slapstick in nature! Your videos always make the process look so smooth and effortless with amazing attention to detail. Thank you for being open enough to show us that you are human too :)

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnvolker6781]

Great tip for edge banding.

[@kristinbrewer-lowe6693]

Love your videos and your style! I'm really fascinated by coffee tables that transform into dining tables, but I feel like they never look stylish. I'd love to see you tackle something like that--I feel like you'd have a creative solution and it would look incredible.

[@woodworkfrance5048]

Really good job 👍🌹

[@MichaelAlm]

It's crazy that you mention this. It's in the works!! Thank you 😁

[@kristinbrewer-lowe6693]

@@MichaelAlm No way!!! That's so exciting. I can't wait!

[@luvshak3095]

Despite having watched several videos on the Shaper Origin, including yours, that machine is as close to real magic as I've ever seen.

[@Mcphilsmith]

Nice work. Very cool to see someone using the shaper origin in the workflow in a natural way.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Phil! Yeah, I find i most helpful for the operations I'd normally have to build a jig or a template for, and I hate making one-off jigs.

[@averagejoesworkshop]

Hello Michael. I really like how you’re using the Shaper Origin as a “smart” router. It saves a lot of set up time making templates. I use mine to cut circles, and I loved the tip last week using yours to cut shelf pin holes. You’re a hell of a builder!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Joe! Yeah, that's been a really affective way to use the tool in my shop. No more one-off stop dado templates for me!

[@pizzawarlord9232]

WOW, they look great!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

That's really cool. Good job. Very unique design.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MrBlakePratt]

I love when you leave the frustrating parts in the video…makes me feel better about how my glue ups go 😂

[@anb1142]

Found your channel today, I've been binging you for hours now

[@andrewrea2799]

Love seeing the mistakes. Realy humanizes the video and makes me appreciate how difficult it can be even for a person like you with your experience and talent. Thanks.

[@MichaelAlm]

Really nice to hear, thank you!

[@ellieboa]

really did enjoy that first glue up, thank you! and these are beautiful!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you!!

[@dolliemainor1156]

Some minimalist furniture good sturdy solid 🪵 hard wood

[@julietphillips1991]

I have not laughed for the day...until now! That glue-up was so you-are-only-human funny! I thought you were kidding! You do fine work, this was no different.

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! Thanks Juliet

[@AstroSirrus]

Great craftsmanship!

[@marc6340]

These would make great bluetooth (wireless of course) speaker boxes. Add some custom square cushions to the tops, and you're all set! Great project.

[@naterapp7881]

Great project. Big fan of your design aesthetic. First time I’ve seen the Rubio white. Turned out great!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks so much! Yeah that Rubio makes staining crazy easy!! I'm really impressed.

[@TheSteveAS]

Nice project Michael. Goes to show there is a lot involved to make something look that simple! If it were me, I'd add a coat of paste wax and buff out to a low sheen. The white oak looks a little dry to me with that Rubio whitewash.

[@loveappleTV]

Honestly a bit refreshing to see that the glue up isn't always super easy :)

[@katzmosestools]

Great build dude. I need to do a white oak project soon. So beautiful.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks dude! Yeah I really love working with it. You should totally give it a go!

[@turnereverett2363]

i guess Im asking randomly but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot my login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@casonryder4705]

@Turner Everett instablaster :)

[@turnereverett2363]

@Cason Ryder i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@turnereverett2363]

@Cason Ryder it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out !

[@drukilkelly8599]

i’ve never had an in person viewing of Judd’s plywood sculptures and not been amazed by the intensity of accuracy- - all of his works are amazing but his furniture goes well beyond where Rietveld left off

[@MichaelAlm]

I don't think I've seen them either. See tons of metal and acrylic pieces. I really want to make a Rietveld chair at some point!

[@drukilkelly8599]

@@MichaelAlm the ZigZag chair is a work of defiance of physics. what else is furniture for? Clarice Lispector gave me my only explanation for being a furniture maker- and i paraphrase - whoever invented the chair had a lot of self love

[@drukilkelly8599]

to clarify though - i have been to Dia:Beacon to witness Judd’s work. i meant i’ve never seen it and not been AMAZED

[@donnysarvis]

Very cool video. Love the glue up scene. Makes me feel better about myself. 🤣 I'm pretty fascinated by the shaper and how it works.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks! I'm fascinated too! I still can't believe how accurate it is...

[@jerdow]

I really like these! Thinking how great they'd be around the patio door kids. Even they're in some cheap rgb LEDs so they could 'claim' a chair by assigning it a color

[@MichaelAlm]

That's a great idea!

[@Zamboni-0805]

I prefer seeing real life situations, then a polished video. It shows that even the highly skilled woodworker may run into unforeseen issues.

[@victoriamiskolczy6336]

Beautiful work, Mr Alm!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you!

[@kwik5150]

I feel like those would be a really cool spot for some speakers as well

[@pthomas36]

These are just beautiful, and your work is inspring as always. Liked and subscribed now... I'd love to see you do some speaker cabinets, maybe a custom build to replace some crappy MDF cabinets or something. The challenge there would be keeping the audio response where it should be, or maybe improving it. As an example, my mom is a real music buff, but hates her ugly black speaker boxes. I'd love to make her some cabinets that fit the decor of her living room, after watching YOU do it!

[@mihir9608]

Simple is elegant

[@OtherBrotherDaryl]

Beautiful work.

[@JP-mq7pg]

Small details can make a difference. Good call on the rounded corners for the back panel.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks! I'm really happy with those

[@Christian6.1803]

Dooooope! I have built a couple Judd tables.

[@kentwalter3615]

I would like to see you build a plywood gaming table. Ideally with a recessed play area using the aesthetic of the ply's in the table design. These tables are used for games and also serve as a dining table with many have rails for added features, cupholders, player desks or other game specific attachments. I have been planning a pentagon shaped table for this purpose but really any shape would be great to see what you do with it. These tables can be expensive because they are usually built out solid wood and plywood would be a great model to bring style and affordability.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks for this idea Kent! I could definitely see that working. So many games use hex tiles, and a lot of my patterns are based on that. I'll give it some more thought! Best of luck with your build!

[@MichaelAlm]

Shout out to DUST for creating the original design for these cubes. Check out their incredible work at www.dustdb.com/

[@trouty]

Dust is an awesome firm - great collaboration Michael.

[@christianquendangan9703]

I enjoyed the first glue-up, Michael! More of those on your next vid, please. Haha

[@MichaelAlm]

You got it!

[@robertolobato6859]

Well done! Thanks for share.

[@bartloncke9359]

just a quick tip from a pro, next time you glue up mitres like these boxes, do not apply glue on the inside edge of the mitred saw cut, but stay about 4 mm away from the edge. that way you only have to deal with glue squeeze out at the outside parts of the mitres which is easily sanded and you don't have to deal with chiseling away glue residues on the inside of the boxes. 19 mm thick plywood has 26 mm mitred cut so no worries if you only glue a 22 mm wide glue strip, it will be plenty strong. I just made 15 mitred boxes a spared a lot of labour not having to deal with glue squeeze out.

[@moonpie21012]

More inlay and patterned plywood. I love that stuff!

[@MichaelAlm]

Definitely! Thank you 😁

[@moonpie21012]

@@MichaelAlm You're welcome 😊

[@willemdenotter]

I Will like to see some more pattern plywood ideas, because that's why I came on your channel

[@MichaelAlm]

More to come! I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon 👍

[@benstanton6759]

I’ve had super expensive therapy that wasn’t nearly as effective as watching that glue-up. 🙏🏻

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahahaha

[@2kidsnosleep]

Love your projects. Subscribed for sure👍🏻😎

[@himdot4498]

Man your shop is so cool

[@himdot4498]

So many new tools I’ve never seen

[@Psychlist1972]

Nice design and build

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Pete!

[@jtotheb-ip2hh]

Those came out really nice. White oak was a great choice too. Might've been cool to add a bluetooth speaker to one of them, but I guess that's up to the customer. Great work. Oh and your first glue-up was like ALL my glue-ups! Ha ha.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you! That's a great idea, I'm really curious how it would sound 🤔

[@triciac.5078]

A comment, a question and a request. First: these are gorgeous! Second: why didn’t you apply finish to the pull out piece on the back? Third: could you include more first glue attempts? I never would have understood why you glued them in that specific order for the second cube without seeing the problems with the first. I like it when people include their mistakes and how they fix them. It’s how I learn. I know many talk about their mistakes, but as a visual learner, it’s easier to understand when I see it. Hence KZbin :) Thanks!

[@MichaelAlm]

1. Thank you! 2. I did apply finish to those back pieces. They look a bit different because they came out of another sheet of ply. I think they look higher contrast on camera. 3. Definitely, I agree, it's important for folks to see.

[@triciac.5078]

@@MichaelAlm ah! I forgot they were different wood, of course they’d look different. Thanks for the answer.

[@JanBaars]

What! that 'shaper' is amazing!

[@Eric-469]

Dude that freehand router cnc thing was so cool. I've never seen that tool before

[@MichaelAlm]

Oh man, I love it! I've got a video on Origin if you want to know more kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn7Kd3miec2HmKM 👍

[@keithspencersr.6806]

When I first seen the thumbnail photo my thoughts were sub woofer box but great idea and beautiful look.

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! I've been getting that. I'm not much of an audio guy, but seems like that's a thing. Thank you!

[@williamellis8993]

Great build, Michael. I also prefer the rounded corners on the back panel. After seeing the first glue up, I feel much better about myself (lol). I thought you were going to do a full Shaun Boyd and lay across all 3 boxes. Take care and stay safe. Bill

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Bill! It's funny you mentioned it, I really considered doing the Shaun Boyd plank. I just forgot when I was filming 😂

[@167curly]

Great extra seating when you have a crowd for a party. Maybe with some loose cushions?

[@woodworkfrance5048]

Good job sir thanks for sharing 👍🙏

[@mammuthboy]

Oh thoose got me thinking of building Klipsch LaScala speakers!

[@alexandergalustov1986]

Fronts look great, not sure about the rear access plates with rounded corners and a hole in the middle... overall quite nice! Thank you for the video

[@kevinf3641]

Love the choose to use hardwood edge banding.

[@MichaelAlm]

It's the best!

[@davidaustin8268]

That's a nice set of speakers...

[@ramanwoodcontractors7774]

Good job Sir 👍

[@OtherBrotherDaryl]

Ah yes. The perfect glueup for camera! That's me with or without a camera! Every time!

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

Great quality work as always. Not my taste, but beautiful in their own way. Perhaps a Jewellery box as a project? Your patterned ply would suit that well.

[@NickGranville]

Glad I’m not the only one who finds glue up’s stressful.

[@shannonkramer1639]

Love the music 🎶

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks!!

[@donnecheli2721]

Great to see your only human like us during the glue up😂Collab with Ben paik from won't design? Making some live edge pattern ply with epoxy could be cool...

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks! I'd love to collab with Ben! Hopefully we can work that out soon.

[@josiahmoore3806]

2 things: 1: Thank you for showing glue up #1. Story of my life. 2: Thank you for keeping that back panel rounded 😂 Love the channel and your work

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Josiah 👍

[@blaw124]

While this isn’t my style, I must say the craftsmanship is incredible. I’ve learned quite a bit from your videos. Would it be possible to add a timeframe for completion? I’m just curious how long these builds take, because it would take me months.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you! This took me about two weeks with filming, but I could probably knock them out in a week if I had my head down. That said, I used to make pedestals for art museums and so this build is very familiar to me.

[@awesomearizona-dino]

And thats why I use pocket screws. Nice work BTW.

[@pablo4youtube]

Michael - we've all been there on glue-ups. It honestly helps to have a second set of hands sometimes. As per ideas for new videos ... would you ever consider making a minimalist Euro plywood platform bed with integrated storage and exposed endgrains? I would love to watch you do something like that ... especially with a patterned plywood headboard. That would be *Amazeballs*!

[@MichaelAlm]

I would totally tackle a platform bed. I've built a couple, but before KZbin. Maybe the right client will come along, and I'll get to make another. Thanks!

[@sazdab]

very very cool

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Do you still do wood sculptures on your own time or have some ideas you want to get to? I understand that for KZbin that’s difficult unless it was very small or simplified. Always love seeing general building theory and how and whys of joints and decisions for structure or form. I love the problem solving part of design. Covering your PPE board is still something I’m interested in. Even if it’s just a panel with solid wood edge strips.

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks! I'm planning on doing some more sculptures on the channel. It has been a while. I might do the joinery and design stuff as a Q and A Live Steam in the future. PPE? All I can think of is dust masks 🤣 What PPE are you referring to?

[@FearsomeWarrior]

@@MichaelAlm The board next to your door with your personal protection equipment. It catches the eye. Looks like a cabinet door that didn’t get used.

[@FearsomeWarrior]

@@MichaelAlm Ohh and the drawer box under one of your workbenches. The wider one that looks heavy.

[@glenncanning8189]

Hey Michael- I see that you have the 5" mirka; I have 3 quick questions for you: First, have you tried the 6" version (and if so, is it just as stable as the 5")? Second, do you also have experience/own the festool 150 EQ? And lastly, (assuming you do have experience with both brands) which would you go with if you could only have one? I'm about to buy my first high-end ROS and those are the two sanders I'm considering, so I'm looking for as many opinions as possible. Great video as always- keep up the good work!

[@MichaelAlm]

Hey Glenn, 1. I have tried the 6", not spent hours with it, but it seems to be just as stable. 2. I own the Festool EC125/3 which I like a lot too. 3. I would probably go with the Mirka though, because it's lighter weight and more ergonomic. That said, both are a massive upgrade from any of the big box brands. And my Festool sander is pretty old. I have not tested their newer models. You'll be happy no matter which you go with.

[@electruck6805]

This is how EVERY glue up goes for me 😂😂😂

[@danielstutterheim4858]

Thanks for the first glue up scene lol, thats me all over. However I have this weird thing where the first time i do something normally goes well and its the second one that goes mental

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahaha! No problem.

[@ClaesKamp]

Great video as always! Would love to see you go fully sculptural. Maybe a piece of furniture, maybe just an art piece but something that puts your skills in some sort of an opposite of the minimalism in this piece. Would be really interesting to see you work with something like the wings or fox head or something like that again. Maybe your take on it, or techniques would be different now, a few years after those videos. Cheers!

[@MichaelAlm]

That's definitely on my list! It's been a while since I've done a big sculpture. Thank you!

[@ShanusPortellusVI]

I think a mirror surface on the inner ceiling would have been stellar.

[@kypass]

projects... outdoor chaise lounge with dog bed flooor lamp that cantilevers over sofa wooden hub caps for the truck etc...