Scribe Fitting An Alcove Shelf

In this video I show how to scribe fit an alcove shelf. This is a project for my friends at Courage Noble, a local independent barber shop.
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[@ryuhabdle9]

This is the best video I’ve seen so far for doing this kind of shelf alcove install for older buildings with non parallel walls.

[@paulgray3231]

Another way would have been to batten the wall first, have some 3mm MDF lengths ripped to 80mm wide and cut these to the extents of the shelf. Then scribe the MDF to the wall and screw all 4 pieces together in situ. That will allow you to use it as a template to draw around and jigsaw the shelf for a perfect fit. It's very respectable and brave of you to be learning a new trade and doing so in the full glare of others on KZbin. I commend you. I've been doing this for 15 years now and still learn something new every week. Good job sir.

[@psymon25]

great stuff and great shoutout for gid joiners channel he really is awesome too. keep it up

[@Gidjoiner]

Hi, Thanks a lot for the mention, 👍👍👍 You fitted it well . If i may say 😉... when i scribe something similar, I put the battens on the wall first, that gives the board/top something to sit on while scribing & gives a more accurate scribe because as you know these walls are all over the place so you'll be scribing in the right place along the wall, the second scribe is then sat on the batten on the other side for the same reason, that's why you had to scribe twice, the board being up like that was scribing against a part of the wall that could've been a very different shape & distance,. Once again Thanks a lot for the shout out, Much appreciated 😁

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks Gid, that makes a lot of sense! I don’t know why I didn’t think to do that 😂 next time! Thanks for the videos I’ve learned a lot!

[@Gidjoiner]

@Rag 'n' Bone Brown Yep next time 😁 👍 You were honest that it was your first try n it fitted, that's what counts, easier to cut a bit off then glue a bit back on 😁Thanks you're welcome 😊

[@archiebf4524]

Hey guys late to the party I know but another method would be to mark your scribe on smaller off cuts, cut the scribe and use it as template lining the ends up with the length of the piece marked on the corners. Hope that makes sense. Its extra cutting I know but when done properly it means only fitting once!

[@Bapuji42]

I learned this technique from you and used it for the first time on three alcove shelves for a client. It worked out great!!! Plus I felt pretty cool using my grandfather's 100+ year old bevel gauge, which I restored with a little sandpaper and some tung oil.

[@The_Joker_]

Excellent 👌

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice work on the alcove shelf Keith! Thank you for sharing the video.👍😎JP

[@seanconway6419]

Nice job. Seen Gid using that method of scribing good few times now. Makes it look easy. Keep the commisions coming in! Great vid.

[@mrsodojukan]

This is a great video. Very easy to follow along for a novice. Thank you. The shelf looks great. I was looking for videos on how to scribe.

[@MrZOMBIE170]

i've been watching gid joiner for about a year great channel he's a time served joiner

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Yeah I’m loving his videos 👍

[@MrZOMBIE170]

​@@RagnBoneBrown I've learned stuff from him my joinery lecturer should have probably have told . he films all his videos on his phone i kind make me wont to make videos myself

[@bighands69]

+mrzombie Fitting things is really carpentry, Joinery is making something and then there are people who do both.

[@MrZOMBIE170]

@@bighands69 where I come from joiner and carpenter are use interagency I done joinery at college and work with a couple joiners as well I know what they do.

[@ipal1545]

Great job Keith! Front trim fixed with several dominos makes it rigid piece. Not a long ago my client ordered 4 similar shelf in alcove without exposed edges. I cut 45^ bevel on shelf and front piece, glued and nailed. To increase strength I made a recommendation to have bottom of shelf joined to front same like the top. The customer was happy with the design idea as the top shelf was 170 cm from floor- unexposed batons.

[@yeltsinsirob3144]

Love your honesty regarding mistakes etc. Great job, have now subscribed, thank you and well done 👏👏👏👏👏

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

Rippa build, mate👍 Happy for you that the work is picking up.👌 Good on ya...

[@StamosTee]

Nice job ! Great fitting and really good finishing!

[@rodgerq]

Excellent, I've often wondered the best way to scribe into an alcove.

[@pteddie6965]

I like the use of the compass.

[@justinwilsoncustoms6520]

Top class Keith!!

[@robboone4367]

Nice job Keith!

[@garywateridge]

great well done video, thanks for taking the time to make it

[@diywithemma]

You're about to save my alcove shelves thank you!!!! 🎉

[@Rossip00s]

Good job matey.... 👍

[@andljoy]

I had similar issues when fitting my ikea buchers block desk / workbench ( got birch should have goten oak ) i just accepted the gaps and attached 6mm thick steel brackets to the wall and scrweed it on :).

[@kevino601]

Nice video, that method with the caulk is top notch

[@The_Joker_]

Brilliant video and great work 👍☘️

[@wrzlgummidge7663]

Nice one Keith. Good job you remembered the 25mm before the cut! Learnt a lot from this one, thanks

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you!

[@chrisperry7963]

Nice job!!

[@razattimusic]

I like that you work with what you have

[@MrBez007]

great timing, got two alcoves either side of a chimney breast to shelve out tomorrow !

[@ratchriat1716]

plan simple shelves enjoyed the video

[@hansdegroot8549]

Great video and well performed project. Thanks for sharing. As a less experienced DIY-er I always use cardboard templates. But now with this awesome scribing video I might give it a try to do direct scribing.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Peter Millard’s template method is pretty impressive!

[@bighands69]

Han de Groot There is a hundred different ways you can do templates. I have a series of adjustable templates/jigs that I just slot in and you make the adjustment then take that jjig out to the plywood and make the cut. The only problem with this is taking the time to make them up and then having to carry them in the van but when doing the actual job the method is really fast. Three independent jigs should be enough to cover most smaller jobs with each having 50mm adjustability.

[@squidlings]

Good that! I learned a few tricks

[@balke7935]

Gid is great! The real deal.

[@Poor_Mans_DIY]

Very nice shelves. I am impressed with the straight cuts that were made freehand. Although I am a mere rookie, may I suggest using clear caulk? Keep the videos coming!

[@armychris9148]

Thank you sir

[@TheToolnut]

Nice job, 👍😁 get yourself a track saw. Preferably a cordless one, game changer, 🔨 🇮🇪

[@dalelbiker]

really like the method you employed.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks!

[@jamesjohns83]

3:07 No truer words my friend!

[@normanroberts9914]

Nice video by the way

[@m.allmark]

Thoughts on using 18mm MDF for a 45" wide shelf like those you made? I made some shorter ones myself with 18mm plywood but when going to make some for a family member there local woodyard recommended 18mm MDF instead as the plywood they had was splintering badly when they were cutting it. I've got the shelves in but need to finish them off with a front support.

[@rakeyohn222]

Great job, Keith. Cool scribing , and nice job making straight cuts with handheld tools.

[@zephyr789]

Great video.. however, what would you do if the back wall is uneven aswell?

[@phunkissartisticcreations2316]

We learned a bunch from this one. Thanks Keith!

[@EM-yk1dw]

So if your gap is at the front you set the compass to how wide the wide is at the front? I have a worktop to put in, gap is 107 cm at the front but the wall at the back the gap is 106 cm. Also is it OK to cut a worktop with a jigsaw? Many thanks.

[@waynerowe8477]

Question: if you’re taking away material from sides after you’ve measured, wouldn’t you be shy? I get over measuring for the back but the sides are puzzling me.

[@artillerystudio]

Why did you measure the corner angles and cut initially when you scribed it anyway?

[@Scurvybilgerat10]

if you need to scribe the back at what point would you do that?

[@nathalie5064]

Always love your work. they are lucky at the shop to order project from you. I would love to be able to order project from someone like you ^^ too bad I don't live nearby .

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks!

[@joecoleman7028]

Looks great where do you get the ply from

[@michaelburton4521]

Good work Keith Floating shelves are my favourite thing to make. I think you're gonna start getting work from recommendations in your local area. Actually I need a haircut - no, London to Norwich is just too far for a haircut

[@RagnBoneBrown]

It would be more of a scare cut!

[@accessfm]

I gotta say on this one Keith while you got the job done very nicely... I much prefer Andy from gosforth handmans video on scribing alcoves he did a good while back. A few less steps and a bit easier. But like I say following since day one and loving the videos... Keep up the good work

[@chrisuk441]

Good to see you working on site with the tools you have..

[@kamleo1685]

Keith, You don't need a track saw to make straight, long cuts. KZbin has plenty of videos showing how to create a jig (track/cutting guide) for your circular saw. You probably have the materials on hand to make one. Solid wood for the trim edging would have hidden the voids in the plywood. I don't know how much a piece of solid wood trim would cost you. In my area, a piece of white wood (pine), 1-inch x 2-inch x 8 feet, only costs $1.00.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’ve never really fancied making a tracksaw system it just isn’t a project that excites me enough to do it and I don’t think any of the ones I’ve seen are all that great, they are good ideas but they don’t really compare to the convenience of a tracksaw in my opinion. Solid wood was not the right choice here as it didn’t fit with the clients design aesthetic. Birch ply was the material of choice and hiding the edge grain was not wanted

[@normanboyes4983]

Keith - you do great work but I wonder why you put the front trim piece against the shelf rather than underneath - structurally I think it would have been better.

[@hansdegroot8549]

By putting the trim face in front no edge was visible anymore. For strength underneath is better. So the best is to put two trims, one underneath and one at the front.

[@cobberpete1]

Agree Norman, more strength.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

It was clients preference, nothing more to it

[@normanboyes4983]

Rag 'n' Bone Brown that’s fair enough.👍

[@bighands69]

+Norman Boyes At the end of the day he could have done it several ways and all of them would have been a correct way to do it.

[@Andy-sj2hl]

Nice video. I would be interested to see any tips or feedback from Peter professional-alcove-installer Millard on the way you did it.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Me too!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Nice job Keith. Funny though, I always used to do them this way, but switched to templating because it was quicker, and more accurate... and less mess on-site too! 😆😂 Oh, and I know it’s been said before, but you *really* need to be using extraction with the Domino👍 👍

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’m gong to have a look at your template shelf video now... interested to see it!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

@@RagnBoneBrown I'm crushed that you haven't already seen it, Keith... 😢🤣🤣🤣👍👍

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Oh I would have done, but my memory is like a sieve !

[@jonny69rotten]

Another nice video Keith, might be time to invest in a laser for levels? keep up the good work

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Maybe if I start doing this kind of work more regularly 👍

[@davidosullivan3432]

You have have taken Peter millardS advice on the ALIDI track saw they work great

[@ExtremeShez]

Any company following this channel, get the man a track edge 😉 Subscribed. Keith, if you were to purchase a track saw, what would you look for to make the ideal purchase? Thank you.

[@johnkiger4195]

What is a woodworker called?

[@KCBhandy]

Blue painters tape has a lower tack than masking tape and is less likely to pull the paint off the surface being masked.

[@rodgerq]

If you just use maskers, stick it to your jumper first and the fibres will take some of the tack off and stop it taking paint

[@jackjones429]

hi mate have you thought of making your own rails for your skilly? just fix a batten to the edge of a sheet of plywood then cut along the batten and you have a rail. works great for me. great video too mate

[@bighands69]

He should really just buy a track saw. Any professional who works on site should most certainly have one. They are a time saver and are very accurate. Good ones can be had for about £250.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Making a track rail is something I’ve considered but it doesn’t excite me as a project and a straight edge and circular saw work just as well, just with a bit more measuring. As for buying a tracksaw, I would want a cordless one, and needs to be on a battery platform I already have (HiKOKI or Makita). I am hoping HiKOKI release one soon and in the mean time I will make do with what I have

[@Mr_Judge_Benny_Hinn]

This guy needs a 'track saw' ....will someone send him one ;)

[@thecockneyworkshop]

make one i did 10 mins work

[@gozergozerian3192]

Nice work! I think if you had put the trim on first you would not have been able to tip the shelf into place to do the scribing.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

That’s a good point! 👍

[@andytyrrell62]

Decent job Keith. For what it's worth I would have left the caulk to the person painting the walls. They could put the tape right on the edge of the wood, put a very thin smear of caulk and painted before it dried, then remove the tape straight away and you have a perfect straight edge finish without cutting in or trying to paint the curved face of your caulk. Trust me it really works.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks I’ll have to try that some time 👍

[@andytyrrell62]

This video shows perfectly what I was trying to explain Keith. The guy's video style is totally hilairious but the explanation is better than mine. I've used this painting method to great effect in my house. Impressed the missus no end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGO0eX2ag6ijgtU

[@bighands69]

+Andy Tyrrell He could ask the client what he wants and explain it to him. Offer him the choice of either filling it in or getting the decorator to do it. Gaps like that do not look good so it makes fitters a little bit conscious of them being there.

[@andytyrrell62]

@@bighands69 yeah I get that. My comment was merely to share a finishing method with Keith.

[@DebsHill1]

Lovely. Check out one minute workbench on you tube, he made his own track saw which you can use your own circular saw with

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks! I’ve seen that and have pondered making one but I can’t get excited about it enough to make one for some reason!

[@bighands69]

+Debbie Hill If you are doing woodwork professionally getting a track saw is a good investment. It can allow you to rip large sheets. And when combined with a MFT table (make that your self) it allows you to do detailed carpentry work. It is one of the most flexible tools a woodworker can have. In the future track saws will become standard for woodworkers.

[@abetteridge84]

Great video Keith, I wanted to ask if you went to college to learn carpentry or are you self taught?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’m self taught but learned loads from KZbin

[@abetteridge84]

Me too Mate, samurai carpenter and Paul sellers all the way! Well I'm not completely self taught, I've done a couple of years working for a local joinery company, being shown something physically is a lot more beneficial I find but saying that, I've learned loads from KZbin. I've even gone to work and taught my boss a few things that I picked up from KZbin. Good to see your business is doing well buddy, I'm just edging my way into self employment myself, pretty scary at times. Check out my Instagram if you like, I'm called Red Bear Woodworks.

[@TheStrongwomans]

Nice job but better quality brush would be good and frog tape

[@quintendewit3220]

I didnt know you had a festool domino

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Bought it a couple of months back on eBay and talked about it in my last vlog 👍

[@markosbientos9287]

Good job, personally, end grain of the plywood should not show and trim piece would have gone under the shelf?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

It was a feature in the shop, as per the other projects in the shop. Besides, if you or it under the shelf, end grain would still be visible on the edge of the top

[@Argyll1000]

I would have cut the shelf and the front panel at 45 degrees and glued and pinned them. You wouldn't have seen the front panels grain that way.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

The client wanted the grain visible, as it is elsewhere in the shop

[@bighands69]

+Argull1000 Using a natural pit of pine jointed to the front would just hide it there is no need for fancy mitre cuts that make it more complex to joint. But with some designs plywood layers look greated exposed.

[@Argyll1000]

@@bighands69 I disagree.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

That’s ok, you’re not the client so you don’t have to like it👍

[@Argyll1000]

@@RagnBoneBrown I wasn't refering to you pal. I was refering to the comment about plywood grain looking great. You are correct though. The buyer is always right and they are paying. I wasn't critisicing your work.

[@davidmorris5133]

Peat and diesell

[@alanlloyd7208]

Yellow frog tape all day,

[@normanroberts9914]

Just don’t bother with tape wipe off with your finger and use a damp sponge to get a perfect result

[@JuiceBanger1]

I've used the fugi silicone things and cheaper variants for silicon, they are very good

[@jrgordon47]

I've done projects that sometimes involve Hundreds of hanging items. We use to install wood blocking...But when material cost, labor cost and missed locations where all taken into account We found it cheaper and actually more adaptable to install a 10"~12" piece of the width of the hanging area or the whole width for pantries. We use anywhere from 25 to 20 gauges depending what the load might be...better safe than sorry. Usually the Tin Knocker on the job is more than happy to give a "Great" price...especially when I give a "Great" price for stud/rock repair for wayward duct work...If you get my drift......🖖

[@teeduck]

Why can’t people build square closets

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Plasterers!

[@cornetblower6560]

There’s a way easier way to do this. Screw the battens on the wall then you thin strips with points on the end. Place point of strips into corners and then hot glue back and sides together. Job done.

[@canttReid]

Eh

[@theloneviking9145]

edge of plywood exposed…..no thanks

[@achnamara]

Interesting to see. However, when you start using tools I can't afford like the Festool domino, your videos get less interesting. One of the great things about you channel is that it shows jobs I could aspire to.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Why not think for yourself and use what is available to you like dowels or biscuits - like I’ve been doing for the past 4 years - rather than criticising me for trying to earn a living?

[@achnamara]

First of all may I apologise for my comment. It really was meant to be a criticism just trying to point out that one of the attractions of your channel, and why I support you on Pattreon, is because you do great stuff with affordable tools. You've really taken my comment the wrong way so I'll be careful not to comment again. Thanks for all your work.

[@achnamara]

Oops, wasn't meant to be a criticism. Bloody autocorrect

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Harshness wasn’t my intention, I was just pointing out that we all have to use what is available to us otherwise we’ll never get anything done. I can’t afford a drum sander, I can still sand things?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

No need to apologise, and I’m sorry if my comment came across harshly, I didn’t mean it in that way. The domino is a luxury tool, it isn’t a necessity. Seeing someone use one in a video should not put anyone off woodworking, that’s the last thing I want to do. But the fact is that it makes sense for me to own and use one. Perhaps I should only use it off camera although that seems a bit silly - but I’m not sure what else I am supposed to do