My Flag Building Process | How To

[@johnford7624]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@obfusk8or]

"Earn your upgrades." Best all around wood working advice I've heard in a long time.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Works for me!

[@MrsLadyleo13]

As a former LEO, now turned recent carpenter/woodworker, I totally appreciate the work you're doing. I love your techniques. I've never thought to burn my wood before assembling but I will from now on. Thanks for the tips. Stay safe!

[@stushop3910]

Your videos are great, but your talent is greater! You are helping out all of us woodworkers and give us great motivation to try new things. Amazing! Thanks for your lessons!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support!

[@wartesworkshop131]

I recently started to use acrylic paint on my flags. Cheaper, faster, truer colors, more options on colors, when applied with Frog tape and sponged on- way faster. Just an option I felt was worth sharing.

[@jeffdasher5136]

Wondering if you water it down or use it straight out the bottle? I can never seem to get the water ratio right to turn the paint into a stain apperance

[@wartesworkshop131]

@@jeffdasher5136 depended on the color; but typically straight out of the bottle but applied with a sponge and only letting it stain the wood so the grain comes through. Hope that makes sense. I’ve watered down some colors, but typically that’s white or yellow, and rarely have to utilize those colors.

[@731Woodworks]

Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for watching brotha!

[@dpk13]

I just found this. I am a medically retired Police Officer and looking for ways to help keep myself sane. Love this and thanks for keeping it simple for someone like me. Stay Relentless brother.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support brother! And that's exactly why I do woodworking on my days off!

[@johnturner5753]

Loved the video.. I have made several Texas flags and several USA flags all from pallets for outdoor yard displays... I like your method and may have to give it a try, after I recoup from shoulder reconstruction...

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for watching!

[@sellingsanjoaquin]

Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate this. It was such a blessing to watch it. Keep up the good work!!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support!

[@stankrieger3598]

I am loving your channel Great work with very good instructions.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Tha is for the support!

[@stevepereira8898]

Nice, clean work, good tips, thanks

[@dissectingdiy]

Just swinging by to the people who helped with my project. Your video was one of the ones I watched to fill in the blanks. It helped squash some of the doubts I was having. I did a thin line flag that is able to cover most of the thin lines in one flag using RGB lighting and epoxy.

[@LazyLabAcres]

I'm glad the video helped!

[@leviervin4167]

Great work, a true craftsman.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support!

[@travisswiley7663]

I've started using pocket holes and screws in mine to get rid of the boards on the back and it works really well and it comes out super fast and since I do all my stars with a Dremel it makes it very easy. It sits nice and flat on the wall too

[@LazyLabAcres]

Plenty of good flag making methods out there!

[@bhutch216]

Doesn’t drilling out all those pocket holes and screwing all the boards together take way more time, and money, than 3 strips and brad nails?

[@travisswiley7663]

Yes it takes a little longer but I like it better than brad nails and strips on the back because it sits flush against the wall and comes out just about completely flat and if i had a planer it would be completely flat but the flatter yiu can make it the stars come out so much easier and better when using the dremel to carve them out. It cost me about 50 dollars to make my flag because I use good wood not furling strips

[@outkastjeepz5034]

funny that i ran across this , i just bought a CNC router. But I actually watched your make money making cornhole boards video over a year ago and bro I did exactly that I used your methods and jigs/tricks and it made it so easy for me . Thanks for all you do keep up the good work brother

[@LazyLabAcres]

I appreciate the support!

[@KVogel1963]

Great video and awesome craftsmanship! Thank you for sharing your woodworking skills. Do you recall the brand/color you used for the blue stripe?

[@gradybaswell558]

Amazing work. Great video.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you sir!

[@tufankilinc636]

Great video! "Earn your upgrades!" Thumbs up and already subbed.

[@ruthreay5318]

Your comment was that you started Feb 2018. Can you walk us through the process of how you started. Where you sold the products at and how the process evolved to what it is today. This may be a terrific idea for a video even.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Definitely will be a future video!

[@JoeLazzara]

Hi there. Your flags are awesome. Could you please tell me which model Shapeoko you have there? Thanks so much.

[@MrTeamfitz]

Thanks thanks for all these great videos. I am a virgin to the CNC world LOL I just purchased the same one you have on this video but it’s still in the box in the garage. Hopefully I get time to put that sucker together soon. Do you happen to sell the files for your flags so they’re easier to upload to Carbide create? Thank you for your service as well, I am a retired LEO and So Cal. Please stay safe and you’ll be in my prayers.

[@danielmcnamara2876]

Great job. Really enjoyed watching and hope to do this hobby in the near future.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you for the support!

[@Gnew111]

I am having so much fun learning how to use my use my Shapeoko XXL! Some people online act like it’s cheating or something lol just another tool

[@LazyLabAcres]

The people who say it's cheating are just mad because they don't know how to budget and save for one. You are right, it's just another tool like a router or a table saw

[@tonymorris756]

Very nice video. Good job . Thanks.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support!

[@jhroche75]

Just found this and your Instagram feed. Loving the work you’re doing. As someone who’s getting started doing this type of work, your tips were super helpful.

[@LazyLabAcres]

I appreciate the support!

[@ryanmuse9231]

Dude, I just happened across your channel and love your content. It’s also awesome that you’re a fellow LEO in North Carolina!! I’m a little further east. Stay safe brother!!

[@LazyLabAcres]

You do the same, thanks for the support!

[@darlamorvant9442]

Beautiful flag, thanks for sharing

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikeledee8786]

When you made you keyhole jig, how long was the the hole, total length, also depth? Thanks.

[@timchortie2860]

Do you lay the flag stars in carbide create then put the logo over top removing any stars that would be under the graphic? Trying to play with the software while saving up for a machine!

[@FrenchieFrench1555]

Very impressive

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for watching!

[@saulelizondo7872]

What’s the name of the blue stain that you used on this one?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Man was this awesome! I literally learned or picked up so many tips from this video and it was awesome to see you're process. Great video, great edit!

[@LazyLabAcres]

I appreciate it! Lots of good content on KZbin about building flags so it's nice to be able to pick and choose what works for your set up

[@Swiatek88]

Awesome video dude. Fellow flag builder and follower on Instagram.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support and thanks for watching!

[@PaganWizard]

I just found your channel and subscribed 3 seconds into this video. Thank you for being willing to defend The Thin Blue Line.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you very much for your support!

[@mikehamilton4880]

BlueLine WoodWorks I agree. THANK YOU SO MUCH, from a 26 veteran of the Virginia State Police that is now retired.

[@LazyLabAcres]

@@mikehamilton4880 thank you for your service brother!

[@carolinaghost4138]

You can have the blue lines just don't put it on our American flag it's against the law for someone desecrating the American flag

[@mikescampfire1676]

@@LazyLabAcres it’s fucking illegal to desecrate the American flag. It always has been. Police are publicly funded not a private club. I am a veteran who took an oath to our flag and country. The police are supposed to be neutral. Fuck sake.

[@andrewpusbach7825]

Liked and subscribed. My father-in-law is retiring this year here in Colorado and I’ve been thinking about making him one of these. He has been on the force a long time and deserves something like this. Thank you for the awesome video and instructions. Thank you as well for service!

[@LazyLabAcres]

I appreciate the support! Glad I could help out a fellow blue line family!

[@JohnBuildsIt]

Nice work man, looks good!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks brotha, I really appreciate it!

[@rotagilla1596]

YO MAN THIS IS LIT🤪🥵🔥 TUMPER 20🇬🇷🇫🇷MAGNA🥇🎣🥶

[@kidvicious2227]

What color blue did you use and is your stain semi transparent or soild

[@custompictureframing]

Outstanding work man keep it going love the hustle !

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you for the support!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Nice job! I've made a few flags but I burned the black stripes till they were charred. Do you think it is better to do the charcoal stain instead?

[@LazyLabAcres]

I've done it both ways and I personally just liked the stain better

[@mexidep]

@@LazyLabAcres I would imagine that burning the stripes would leave potential for soot, or would the poly finish eliminate that?

[@LazyLabAcres]

@@mexidep a little sanding before finish will remove any soot that may be there

[@barrygoffe]

Well done! Great piece and great video! Thanks!!!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for watching!

[@InkedDink]

Nice video! Also love that the shop dog made a cameo!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you! She makes appearances more often than not. She loves laying in the sawdust 😂

[@mikeluebeck4000]

Well done!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you!

[@msellers13]

Doing great things my man! Great KZbin content, I imagine your channel will be taking off for you soon!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you for the multi-platform support! Gotta love the side hustle!

[@saulelizondo7872]

Having trouble finding the clear boat u used been having trouble finding a clear that doesn’t yellow wood. You wouldn’t happen to have exact name or link would u. Thanks in advanced

[@JoseHernandez-mj6ne]

Great work. I’m a retire Marine and started making flags for fun. I have sold some. My question is did you buy the program to make the design on Etsy and how hard is it to learn the shapeoko CNC? I’ve been looking at one for a while I just been overwhelmed by the learning process.

[@SuperLonney]

Great work.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you!

[@cdan1768]

I too have a CNC machine. It is an x carve using easel software. I am in the process of making a flag for my son who is a police officer so I would like to add his departments patch logo. The problem I am having is converting the HTML artwork to something I can carve. Any suggestions would help. Thank you.

[@porkchop3094]

Ha-ha, your dog is like mine, all he wants to do is play! Nice work brother. I'm a retired LEO and been playing with woodworking projects. I"ll look into the Dremel tool. Do you have a video of free hand drawing the Department Badges and the stars? Have you done any with the LAPD badge? Stay safe if you are not EOW.

[@thomassmith9881]

Nice job ty for the measurements. Disabled vet trying to make a little money on the side. What is the average price for a flag??

[@LazyLabAcres]

Gotta feel out your area because it's always different. I've seen them sell from $100-$600. All depends on time, materials, and the quality of your work.

[@BraxtlyTools]

We are late to the party on this, but this is a great video. We are definitely posting on our social media! Keep up the great work! Emmy Braxtly

[@Cooping99]

Very nice work. Which CNC did you buy?

[@michaeldilbert5150]

Have you had any issues using your cnc with flags made with strips?

[@LazyLabAcres]

Not typically, I did switch up my method and use glued up panels for better accuracy

[@rickwilliamson9510]

Aside from running the boards through the planer you never sanded them? I don't have a planer so I'm using an electric sander. My stripes differ slightly because I'm just using palette wood. Do you think I should assemble first, trim my rough edges, sand, and then disassemble to stain and then reassemble? Like your work, keep the videos coming. Stay safe

[@LazyLabAcres]

I lightly hand sanded after burning I just forgot to show that. I would say to try a few different ways and find what is the most efficient method for you. I try a new technique all the time to try and make the process faster

[@Bsolo09]

What was the bit used for the holes made for hanging the flag on the wall?

[@MuttonChops24]

its called a Keyhole bit

[@LazyLabAcres]

3/8" keyhole bit

[@Lutzboater]

Nice work. As a Vet (Nam included) and a retired LEO (32 Years), I love what you have done. I too have made many similar LEO, Breast Cancer Awareness etc, representative flags. Keep up the nice work and ignore the fools

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you sir! And thank you for your dedicated service!

[@journeythroughdarkness693]

Hey man I have built and sold a few flags and had a few questions if you dont mind. #1 I started making my flags without a separate Union and found that it was more challenging with the dremmel due to the wood separations for each stripe. I have since gone to using a separate piece of wood for the Union which I find is much easier to carve now. My question is, how does the CNC machine do with the going over the stripes? Also, how hard was the learning curve to learn how to use the machine? Last question, why that specific machine opposed to others? I have been contemplating getting one but the people I have sold to already said they appreciate the hand touch. However, its very tedious carving each star and I would love to do more complex designs. Take care my friend. Thanks for your service!

[@KnottyDogWoodshop]

Nice video! Thanks for posting ! Can’t wait for the next one

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support brotha!

[@TheLilli08]

I’m just north of you in Henderson. Where is the sawmill that you are getting your lumber from?

[@LazyLabAcres]

I typically go out to the Murdock sawmill in Bunn

[@davemanning2275]

Great job. What bit did you use for the badge? I'm assuming not the V bit?

[@LazyLabAcres]

If I remember correctly I think I used a 60 and a 30 degree v bit

[@mikeledee8786]

How do you get you strips to lay flat, so even? Thanks.

[@reginaldmitchell7746]

What made you buy the Shapeoko CNC machine instead of the X Carve machine?

[@LazyLabAcres]

I'll be discussing that in my next video!

[@dustinulrich6443]

Have you ever used a spar urathane to coat? Curious of your thoughts on this instead of polycrylic. Thanks

[@LazyLabAcres]

I used regular poly. Works just fine but it will amber the wood because it's oil based. Water based finishes will not alter the color of the wood, stain, etc.

[@brendanschack5847]

What kind of cnc do you have and what software do you use? -never mind! I found your video explaining everything about it. Thank you!

[@LazyLabAcres]

There's a video on my channel all about it! Shapeoko and aspire

[@Bvfd1505]

Great video and very good advice. I have been making flags for about a year and a half now. I finally earned enough to to buy a Shapeko 3 XXL, so I am retiring my Dremel, hand make stencils and hand carving. The learning curve with carbide create has been tough so far but I have managed to create a few designs that I am excited to try out. I have not actually cut anything on the CNC yet. I just assembled it today and still have to true it up and cut a waste board. my question is how did you market your flags? was it online or did you start out at a local venue? Appreciate your work and talent.

[@michaeldunn5280]

I just stumbled upon your channel and subbed. Love your honest approach and tutorial. Great channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and resources

[@LazyLabAcres]

I appreciate the support!

[@donnythedart]

Nice work Joe!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you sir!

[@williamhollaway2198]

Awesome. Just subscribed

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the supportive

[@thanoswasright9891]

I really enjoyed your video. I was wondering what make and model of CNC machine you used?

[@LazyLabAcres]

Shapeoko XXL, I recently uploaded a video discussing it

[@mattsmalley1478]

Can you give me the link on what bit you use for your CNC machine

[@LazyLabAcres]

Links are in my latest youtube video about the CNC!

[@joshuaguzman1161]

Amazing skills my friend. Had to subscribe right away. I make these flags as well and selling them locally have really kicked off my little at home woodshop! Great new hobby when I'm not being a detention officer. I'm in the process of purchasing a jointer next month if I continue to sell and a shapeoko XL as well later this summer! I need to shed time when carving out the stars. How's the learning curve on that cnc? And have you thought about building wooden shields for different depts? I'm having a hard time getting a picture of my shield and turning it to a SVG file for carbide 3D and it actually coming out right.. Any ideas?

[@LazyLabAcres]

Learning curve was pretty steep for me, but after some trial and error, I figured it out. I use Adobe illustrator to make SVGs. Inkscape is a good free option too

[@lsxfirebird5580]

Hey man awesome video! I was curious what model CNC you have is it the xxl?

[@chrisschlievert8703]

Hey, can you tell me exactly which stain you're using for that blue? I like it! Thanks

[@travisswiley7663]

When I do mine I use true blue from lowes.

[@vogelfamily7052]

What degree V-Bit did you use? Thanks.

[@aaronolson9501]

Great work! What bit did you use to get the detail of the center of the badge? I've used a 60 degree v bit before for similar work and I'm never happy with how it turns out.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support! I used a 30 degree engraving bit. Next video is going to be a CNC Q&A and I'll be discussing a lot about my go to bits

[@aaronolson9501]

@@LazyLabAcres Awesome! I'll be looking for it, just subscribed today and fellow LEO.

[@reallinestodayly168]

@@aaronolson9501 Way more people have the REAL flag. No one wants a FAKE flag.

[@oincer3943]

Hey man, great build ! I do my own as well. But I like the key hole idea , where did you get the square base plate for your router or it already came with it ? I have a makita but with a round base. I want to make the jig but I’m sure it’ll be much easier with a square base.

[@LazyLabAcres]

harbor freight router came with the square base

[@provenwoodworks8520]

Who makes the CNC machine you use

[@LazyLabAcres]

Carbide 3d. I have a video on my channel about it

[@stiercreations]

Do you have any info on the CNC machine?

[@kidvicious2227]

Can you post a link for your cnc machine

[@kevinmalukiewicz4835]

WHAT BLUE IS THIS? AWESOME

[@saulelizondo7872]

Did you ever figure it out ? Lol

[@justinjones1852]

Which CNC did you get?

[@ericfeldhausen7921]

As a disabled former Marine, I just started making flags also. Very slow for me due to my spine being fused so hand carving is rough. Where do you get a c&c machine? Would save time and be less painful I’m thinking. Great video by the way!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Bought the CNC online. Very expensive so I made a lot by hand and saved up. Thanks for the support!

[@marlinmelendez-laboymrs.pr9573]

Eric Feldhausen check millrightcnc.com and bobscnc.com good luck!

[@tims6376]

When finishing my flags I apply 2 coats of Minwax sand and seal over the flag after staining then sand with 600 wet sand then 3 coats of polyurethane then sand with 800 wet then 2 more coats polyurethane total eye candy. I painted street rods for 30 plus years so I apply my automotive experience to wood finishing.

[@tims6376]

Minwax

[@tims6376]

Or just use envirotec resin

[@theusconstitution1776]

Just got MY SHAPEOKO!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR GUIDANCE❤️🇺🇸 YOUR Q&A VIDEO MADE MY DECISION EASY I’m ALL ABOUT 🇺🇸AMERICAN MADE🇺🇸 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ NOW MR MEYER to learn how to run it and set it up!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE TO A NATION IN NEED😢 I MEAN ITS NOT LIKE YOUR POLICING THE GREATEST GENERATION IN THEIR PRIME❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottfranza7383]

Nice video... great tips and advice. Keep up the nice work

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support!

[@JFT803]

Good job man!! Looks great!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support!

[@mrbishop2098]

Hey nice Nassau County Police patch, I retired out of the 2nd Precinct in 2012!!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Got it from my buddy Tim up there. Met him through Instagram good guy and he makes some cool stuff himself!

[@lkorzen]

I love the dog....

[@McDermottWoodworks]

The lines on the flag you did from February are much darker..... is that from multiple coats of the charcoal stain or is that just a solid burn?

[@LazyLabAcres]

Solid burn. I like the solid burn for Dremel work, but the solid burn changes the depth of the work piece slightly which decreases the amount of detail the CNC can achieve. More tear out occurs as well.

[@McDermottWoodworks]

Thanks Joe!

[@Mikey-qd8wo]

What made you go with the shape IMO versus x carve?

[@LazyLabAcres]

Video about that is on my channel!

[@patrickmassey120]

As far as flag etiquette goes, is it not defacing to place an emblem/ carving over the union? I've asked a few of my veteran friends and have received conflicting answers. Ive also built a few traditional flags but was thinking of carving an armed forces emblem on the union but have been told by some that it's defacing. I'm unsure, just seeking your opinion. Thank you for your channel. Subscribed.

[@LazyLabAcres]

As an Army officer, I'll tell you that no offense will be taken by any rational service member. Those who think carving flags is defacing the US flag are morons. Thanks for the support!

[@patrickmassey120]

@@LazyLabAcres thank you for your promt reply as well as your service to my country.

[@dpd136]

Great video, used most of this tutorial to build one for a coworker for a retirement gift. My brother used a CNC to carve out stars and badge, what do you recommend to clean up the inside edges of the cuts where there’s burrs or fraying of the wood?

[@LazyLabAcres]

I use a Dremel tool with an abrasive attachment or just clean it up with a razor

[@dpd136]

@@LazyLabAcres yeah i used a razor this time. i have a dremel but i was worried any attachment i used would damage the stain.

[@dpd136]

@@LazyLabAcres also, do you use anything to clean the flag off before you apply the finish? Or do you just vacuum/blow it off?

[@LazyLabAcres]

@@dpd136 I just vacuum and wipe it down. Seems to work pretty good. The light abrasive wheels for the Dremel don't do any damage as long as you are careful, but I prefer to use the razor

[@dpd136]

BlueLine WoodWorks thanks man!!

[@ajsoko]

What is the most economical method/service for shipping your flags? I struggle with pricing my flags when shipping can be north of $40. Thoughts?

[@LazyLabAcres]

It's all expensive, no easy way to ship them

[@stevegugel3072]

that turned out nice

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thank you sir!

[@mirasteve102]

I'm going to try your method out on just adding glue to the back supports along with the brad nails. I feel like it takes too long to glue every stripe like I have been doing.

[@LazyLabAcres]

All about efficiency!

[@cjsr05]

I agree! I just started flags and it does take a while. And you gotta worry about squeezeout on the front.

[@mirasteve102]

@@cjsr05 how has it worked out for you? I knock out my flags wayyyy faster now and they are a lot cleaner on the front

[@cjsr05]

Mira Steve I still use glue just for added piece of mind but a MUCH thinner ribbon and then add the back braces. Just a quick swipe with the finger on the edges, clamp real quick and throw on the backers. SOO much faster.

[@mirasteve102]

@@cjsr05 ahhhh okay, right on. I only use glue for the braces on the back of the flag now.

[@lesdixon6399]

Excellent work, thanks for sharing.. Key hole jig is great, but since you have a CNC you can create a cut file and use your CNC. I have 2 files I use, one that cuts 0.32 inches deep and one that cuts 0.44 inches deep for heavier signs. They both are base on X0 and Y0, so I just need to jog my router to the location of the keyhole, then temporarily set X and Y to zero, then cut. -Les

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support! I've thought about using the CNC, but with the jig it's so quick to put the keyholes right where I want em. Not sure if I could do it quicker on the CNC

[@cliffpurdy5970]

Hey Joe when you first started doing your flags and hand carving the police patches were you using a photo of the department patch over the union or did you make a file with your wife’s stencil cutter. I’m attempting to make a flag for my local PD

[@LazyLabAcres]

I would trace a stencil

[@mitchelblaser5232]

Hello!! What Bernzomatic torch head did you use? 4000? 8000? Great video!! Can’t wait to build one!!

[@LazyLabAcres]

Not sure to be honest lol

[@Sroufe7]

Very nice! My Shapeoko is shipping tomorrow! What did bit did you use for the key hole? Very slick idea on that simple jig BTW!

[@LazyLabAcres]

You're gonna love the Shapeoko! The bit for the keyhole is a 3/8" keyhole bit. The one I use is made by Bosch

[@napoleondiaz561]

Very nice. Subscribed.

[@LazyLabAcres]

Thanks for the support!