Stop Complaining About The Shop and Tools you Don't Have - Rant!

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

Chip in! I'll like you better if you do! Project plans for sale: ibuildit.ca/plans/ Support this channel on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=865843&ty=h

[@JOSEPH-vs2gc]

Remember John, statistically - 1/100 people commenting are Sociopaths!

[@DrewEdwardBacklas]

I started building furniture when the only power tools I had were a drill, palm sander and a jig saw. I bought a circular saw from a garage sale for $10 and bolted it upside down in a plywood table (that I made) and clamped a 3’ level down as a fence because I didn’t have a table saw. This was in a 1 car garage with no electricity so I ran an extension cord from the house. Every time the wife wanted a piece of furniture I made a deal with her that we could either buy the crappy particle board department store item or for the same price I could buy a couple tools and the materials to build a better version of whatever she wanted and it would be custom whatever exact dimension style and finish she wanted. She fell for it. Now 10 years later I have a 40’x40’ shop with electricity and lights and lots of tools. Most of which I bought used or built myself and my house is filled with furniture I made myself. You have to start somewhere. Your spot on about people making excuses for why they “can’t do it”.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Great story. I used to collect mechanic tools by charging my friends the price of the tool plus a little extra for me.

[@marppp28]

Exactly 👍

[@mightygrom]

@@mariusthefaker9339 Any excuse to get quality tools, when you can afford to, is a good excuse :) Tools are fun, and quality tools are more fun because they are less likely to break when you need them.

[@grahamd.8713]

I find my that my "$10 circ saw attached upside down to a sheet of plywood" works so well that I've never bothered to upgrade :D I too use a level and clamps as my fence.

[@stevejohnson1685]

I rented half of a townhouse apartment when I went to college, and the day I moved in I made a workbench in the bottom of the basement stairs. The second day, I made a queen-sized platform bed from two sheets of MDF and my hand saw. At that point, I had a hand saw, a brace & bit (a hand drill), and a hammer, plus the stuff I got from the lumber yard nearby. Taught both my kids the same way. No excuses!

[@mcremona]

You make rant videos look easy

[@cliveclapham6451]

Matthew, Johns *well practiced* 🤭

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

Experimenting with the kinder, gentler rant. Seems to be better received than the fiery, screaming, banging on the workbench type :)

[@Don.Challenger]

Truly "skillful" at it by now, having reached out along the trail of experience (many are wrecked along that way).

[@jimmysanders5261]

well played

[@adamliske]

Must be a Canadian trait or something. I see a guy talking about building stuff and telling people to shut up, which is useful.

[@themeat5053]

Thank goodness, you're back. You've been awfully calm in the last few videos. I missed you old man.

[@benzmansl65amg]

Best comment

[@Marcus_Caius]

"I hate John because he is skilled" He made his own bandsaw, I bought mine. He made his own Router table, I bought mine.. etc... Seriously I love you John

[@duffjolly4428]

I here you John. I have been trying to teach my grandchildren a little about using hand tools, with little success. They want the instant gratification that computers give them. I may have broken through to my young grandson who wants to be an Electrician like I am (retired) so he can do the things that I do. Little does he know that it took me over 40 yrs to accumulate the knowledge Keep being the voice of reason. Cheers.

[@KipdoesStuff]

My grand sons are convinced Tik Tok will make them rich and famous. I show them the math on their chances and they think I'm just old. I can do the math, makes me useful.

[@markreid6816]

So true! You and I have a similar history/background. The only down side is my wife thinks I can fix anything. Lol

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

My first wood shop was an old garden shed measuring 8’ x 6’ (back in 1976.) I had a cheap-o lathe and a tiny “table” saw with a 12”x 12” top and an old fan motor hanging off the back. In that tiny shed I made a three-legged table with a turned spindle, hand-cut sliding dove tail slots for the legs, and a 1” thick top. All from black walnut gifted to me by a lumberjack in central Nebraska. That little table is still in use today. And now I graduated to a 20’ x 20’ air conditioned garage, and over the YEARS accumulated a variety of nice equipment. Woodworking is an evolutionary hobby requiring patience, money, ingenuity, and time.

[@mattbowers5342]

Thank you for making this video. I hate complainers. I grew up poor and didn’t get to finish college but after 30+ years of providing for a one income household that 4 kids have been raised in I have squeaked out a 24 by 36 shop with the required tools to make furniture pieces. I got there by working my ass off, and never losing track of the goal. Some weeks I only contributed a couple bucks or a part of an hour, but I kept moving forward. This “I’m owed something because you have it” attitude drives me nuts! I commented on the drawer slide vid that I would use the idea. I will use it because when I build my miter saw stand (at 52 years old my miter saw still resides on the floor and I’m finally getting too old for that crap!) I will use it because it allows me to trade some time for money. Probably won’t even make minimum wage doing it, but it allows me to move forward and have cash go where it’s required! Thank you again, and Keep up the great work!

[@craigphillips3154]

I get the gist of what you're saying and I agree with most of it. HOWEVER, I have a 3D printer. Those same people who bitch about "needing" $10k worth of woodworking equipment are the same type of people that bitch about "needing" a $10k 3D printer to do anything. My printer was $350. I can figure out how to print most things that I want to print that are within a reasonable size (about 6.5" cubed). I fail...A LOT. But that's all part of learning. Using a 3D printer is very much like woodworking. There is a very long learning curve before you can get the idea for a complex project out of your head and created in real life. The one huge difference between most hobbyist woodworkers and hobbyist 3D printers is that you MUST have an exact design figured out and created on a computer before you attempt to 3D print something. Unless you can find a design file for exactly what you want, this is very often the blockade to getting your idea out of your head and physically created. Sure, there's a lot of trial-and-error that goes on with both, but you can't just pull out a spool of filament and start printing without having a design created in a 3D design program and then "sliced" in another program to account for the filament type and printer you're using. In both cases (woodworking & 3D printing) you have to understand the limitations of the equipment you have and how to work around those as best you can. Keep up the good work. We all love a good rant once in awhile.

[@pettigrewwoodworks]

Brought back memories of doing woodworking in my apartment with shag carpeting. I still have the book cases I built. That was almost exactly 40 years ago. Keep building John. Love to see your creativity.

[@nfix09]

my first car had backlash, steering took a few inches to register the other direction, made strong gusts of wind and passing trucks a puckering experience.

[@larry400]

Noah Fix sphincter moments like that make you appreciate good weather and car repairs.

[@MattKnowsThat]

Great points John. Another point about people making excuses for not getting things done is about the time involved. When something is important to you, you'll make time for it. Every minute that you've chosen to do something is a minute you've chosen NOT to do something else. Woodworking and "making" in general is very important to me, so I schedule at least 12 hours per week for it. I keep my appointments for time in the shop like I would a dentist appointment. I also have a rule that whenever I'm working IN the shop, I have to do something to work ON the shop, even if it's something small like emptying the dust collector or draining the compressor.

[@allenbourassa1579]

I love the way you tell people that complain,If there's a will,there's a way. I'm very impressed with your extended drawer system,and that I will probably use that on my next project. Thank you very much John,Keep the Videos and Rants coming,You only speak the truth!

[@Andrew-gu7kf]

You should make projects I want, with tools I have and the skill I know, in the work space I'm in. It is Me tube after all. Me me me me me me.....

[@KipdoesStuff]

SO true

[@deaconblooze1]

Also, if you could make it for me, for free, that would be great.

[@markreid6816]

@@deaconblooze1 and use ebony otherwise it's racist!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Spot on Andrew!

[@Andyloveswood]

A couple of years ago I visited in the home of man who said that he was a woodworker. He pointed out a couple of pieces of furniture that he had build. When we had concluded our business he asked if I wanted to see some other furniture he had build, and I certainly did. We toured his house with him ad his wife pointing out the dressers, cabinets, lamps and other decorative items he had made. Everything was well-made and attractive. My first thought was that he must have a much better shop than mine, and that he must have way more and better tools than I do. Finally, he asked if I'd like to see his shop. I certainly would! He took be out to his garage, where he had to back a car out in order to have room to do woodworking. The tools and benches were pushed up against the wall. The tools were basic as sparse. He had a fraction of the space that's in my shop, fewer and mostly smaller machines than I have. I hope he couldn't tell how ashamed I was for my earlier attitude. I went back to my shop determined that the quality of my work would only be limited by my carefulness, creativity and growing skill, and not by my shop. I'm still improving my shop and tools, but I realize that I do the woodwork, not the shop.

[@kd2rdhlarry571]

Your camera focus in this video is creepily spot on. It probably is normally but, today I really noticed it. Well done. It matters.

[@ws6619]

Nailed it. "People looking for excuses to not do things" I love your ingenuity and use of your space. So thankful you share your skills and process and shop with us.

[@tennewsongs]

I started woodworking in a 20th floor apartment in Chicago, alternating between the living room (dust wasn't so exciting for my wife) and the 3x8 balcony. Got smart and joined the board and got unfettered access to the 20x30 maintenance room. Made my first skil saw sled and router cuts down there. I don't miss the dust though - zero ventilation 1.5 stories underground. But there's always a way if you want to.

[@jlf1430]

It's good to hear you vent. You qork hard on your shop, your technique and your instruuction. I and many more appreciate your efforts and your openness.

[@jameshuey2775]

I don't understand some people. I am amazed at the tools that you have built. I have never in my 35 years in this hobby seen a home made table saw. That is a skill that I admire. Love the videos.

[@phrozenwun]

I very much appreciate you putting your content up - I live vicariously through your content ( used to do a lot then developed massive sneezing allergies to even small amounts of wood dust ).

[@tgnwoodworking9599]

BRAVO! Those without the 'will', there's no 'way'. I'm opposite. I look at a person's shop and strive to attain the same setup. I find your shop even more inspiring, to me, because of your self-made tools. I just finished extending the 'on feed' on my 18-20 year old Ryobi job site table saw. Of course when I did this I needed to make a new fence. I bought your plans and BINGO! Fence done and it came out great. I was going to buy a fence and rail system but thought it would be more satisfying if I made my own. It was quite nerve-wracking cutting the materials, adding to the front and then assembling the fence but it was worth it. Your channel is awesome! Thank you for your videos.

[@xof-woodworkinghobbyist]

I don't have your space, nor your tools, nor your skills... not complaining, you and other KZbinrs are inspirational!!! Thank you for that!

[@timkozak6106]

Great project. Everything will wear over time but those are well made and will last years with little maintnace. You are right about the tools. You get more as you go but get by without until.

[@zombiefromazombieworld4198]

About that 3d printing topic. It can actually be a great tool for a woodworker, too. I intend to do router templates and other little helpers for my wood-shop once I have it. It's also nice to print models before doing a full size product. Helps a lot to really see the relative dimensions beforehand and to be able to test ideas. So, for me its basically a prototyping tool, I guess. Keep going, you have skill, creativity and passion. Nothing else is needed to inspire others and have fun.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

John I get your rant and it is deserved! 20 years ago I started a wood shop with nice tools. Then a divorce. 5 years latter we got back together wanting build up another shop I was gun shy to dump money in tools that I would have to sell again. If things did not work out Finding your channel and Izzy Swann I built a table saw from a circular saw! It worked well. I made a lot of projects with that saw. Then I bought your plans for the router lift! I still use it A long with an Incra Master Lift II 17 years latter I have a shop again allis well. I am guilty of suggesting the nylon bushing over the screw threads not realizing that the screws were only forward and aft stops for the slide travel. I did not understand that the slides had upper and lower guides. Understand your frustration with comments that really do not apply if they had paid attention. Please keep up the wonderful video you produce! You are an innovative thinking person and the world needs folks like you! 😁🛫

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Any of my friends will tell you I've been working on a Murphy bed for a year. What they can't see is that I set out to accomplish this with a skill saw, a drill, and a second-hand rusty table saw. This year has been a journey of failures, innovations, and discovery as I learned first-hand what i can do well with what I have and what I can't. I owe much to the woodworkers making tools with their tools, and to A LOT of trial and error. Trying to hand cut miters with a skill saw and cobbled guide, finding out why big box store ply isn't right for certain parts, making a level space big enough for a bed frame and what it would take to square it up reliably for glue up n screw up, etc.. Along the way I've made a pocket-hole jig (thanks JSK Koubou) , a new fence I can trust, bought some corner clamps, made some corner clamps (which required making a sled that was within a few thou), raised and secured the tablesaw to save my back and added an outfeed and extension wing, and so much more in my tiny space that I have to work with. I had a pretty good excuse, that my do-nothing roommate had filled the garage with boxes and left me no space, but that wasn't changing and so I build shelves for all her shit and got it up on the walls and carved out a little 8x maybe 15 where I could do SOMETHING at least.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

All that to say, something something he's right about skills and tools and will. I try to do as much as I can with what I have, and when I really hit a wall that necessitates a new thing, that's when I'll make or get a new thing. Now, this requires a measure of self-honesty. I can't help you with that.

[@baconsoda]

Well said. You don't have to apologise to anyone for the resources you have.

[@nardoae]

Hell, most of what impresses me is how you don't have the fancy tools and make due with what is on hand. It's made me see the excuses I used before as just that. I noticed it most when I saw your router table. I saw what you are using and noted to myself that if you can make it work I can make it work. Thanks for all you do.

[@paulschwartz6074]

John -- you're a gift and inspiration to all of us trying to make nice stuff and improve our skills and knowledge. You don't need to apologize for anything -- you've earned everything you've attained. Anyone who has built anything understands that what we see in your videos today is the result of years of trial and error, and the humility that comes with this kind of work. I'd be willing to wager that if you give this yahoo $10,,000 worth of tools, you'd produce a more thoughtful, beautiful, functional piece with just a few hand tools. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and artistry with us.

[@woodenlogos3428]

I HAVE THE SMALLEST SHOP, AND I FIND WAYS TO HAVE FUN WITH MANY MANY CHEAP TOOLS THAT I GOT OVER THE YEARS!! THANK YOU!!

[@carlb0666]

Right on John. The great thing about your channel is you always tell it like it is. Thanks!

[@soberlivingwithbrianfrankl8254]

I couldn't agree more!! If u want to wood work or anything they is a way... hell when I first started I was cutting dovetails with a store bought irwin saw from lowes setting in the floor of my living room. And a update on that, now I have a work bench like a full kn wood working bench in my living room.. I live in a trailer and thats the only option I have right now but I like to wood work... yes I'm a mainly a hand tool guy.. but... they is a table saw and small miter saw in my living room also lmao!!! So u don't need all them tool to make stuff....

[@CleaveMountaineering]

Preach it. I've got a small shop crammed under a 11x16 ft roof out back (no walls on 2 sides). I've gradually built it up to a workbench, vises, drill press, old old metal lathe, bench grinder, and plenty of hand tools. Plus a simple blacksmith shop outside nearby. Many of the tools are inside in the second bedroom. There's more capability in that little shop than I have time, money, or skill. I'm privileged to have this space. But we're going to save up and eventually build a shop too. All in due time!

[@lawrencehud]

Thanks so much for sharing the rude comment and your excellent response to it. I have a 134 square foot shop and occasionally have ripped 8' sheets of plywood. It takes some finagling but it works. I used to complain about the size of my shop until I decided to start a business making bunk beds out of 2x6 lumber. I quit after making about 5 of them even though I was starting to make money at it. I quit not because my shop was too small (and in the basement to boot) but because I did not want to sort through 2x6 stacks and then haul them home and then muscle them around by myself and then have to haul it to the customer etc. I now love my small shop and have a list I made up of 50 small items I can make and sell. Small and ill equipped is a blessing as long as you have the desire to actually make something!

[@williamdolan5428]

Dear Mr. Heisz, Never have I thought “you make it look so easy.” My god, your work (and the other pros like Sellers, Cosman etc) make it look so involved and so complicated BUT OH SO ALLURING! I’m a rookie and tool challenged, but I do like trying to figure out work-arounds for not having certain tools. I must admit, there are many projects I cannot even attempt without a surface planer or a jointer ... maybe some day (sigh). I do enjoy watching your creative instincts.

[@steves2061]

Thanks John for the rant about tools. I kind of reminds me of the Clint Eastwood movie Gran Torino where the kid asks Clint where he got all the tools. It’s over time. I don’t care how many tools that you have, you have the right tool for the job blah, blah, blah, there will always be that awe crap moment when the design didn’t quite work out and you get to do it over again. Thanks again for all the effort you put in to making things look easy.

[@rodrigocozta]

I use candle as lubrication on wood scratch and wipe down , works great for me .

[@tdkrei]

All I got to say about this video is ,,,Yup. Keep up the good work and thought process John. Keep on smiling.

[@donaldp9259]

Ha! I make all kinds of things like you do with a garage sale table saw, cast off routers that I have fixed and cobbled, home made router table, fences and guides for everything, etc. Virtually every power tool I have was bought for next to nothing at yard sales. The only thing I bought new was a $250 drill press from Harbor Freight. Even my planer was bought for $20, which I disassembled and rebuilt for less than another $20. I can testify that you don't need to spend a ton of dough on equipment to have fun and make nice things in your home workshop if you're willing to invest your own time and ingenuity to adapt.

[@freakazoid5907]

The rant was more of an observation in my opinion. I recently heard somebody else say the same thing, just phrased a little differently: "if you truly want a (blank), then you will get yourself a (blank). If you don't really want a (blank), that's the reason you don't have a (blank)". The other piece of this puzzle (in my opinion) is that a lot of folks want you to teach them in 15 minutes the things you spent a lifetime learning. You were spot on with the comment about learning to use the tools that you do own - I have made a LOT of very nice firewood! Keep up the good work and rant away!

[@vabearcub]

Don't let the haters get you down. Your work and videos are great. Keep on making things. You're a very handsome fella!!

[@Viken43]

I watch you to learn ... you have a skill which you freely share. Keep it up John 😀

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Like many of us, you usually start with second-hand tools & that's power tools and hand tools. Go to auctions, second-hand stores, or tag sales. That is how I started out. I have a 10" Jointer made in 1930 that I got for less than $100.00 dollars at an estate sale. You can't buy a good quality hand planer for that amount. I also got a cabinet saw from the same estate sale for $150.00. That's a far cry from the $2-4000.00 that a good cabinet saw costs today. I bought that 10 years ago and it's still running like the day it was made. Tools that were made in the early 20th century are still around for a reason. They were built with quality and durability in mind. They are made of cast iron and dead flat steel tops. As John said "if you really want to get into woodworking, you will find away. It is just easier for some people to complain and be envious of others! Envy and jealousy make for a bitter person.

[@daveturnbull7221]

I can't do what John does for one simple reason - I haven't been willing to devote the time and energy to developing the skills that he has. That being said I watch a lot of his videos and enjoy them even though my power tool collection consists of a battery drill and circular saw. When I see him using some fancy do-da to make something is where my real fun and enjoyment starts. I'll sit and watch it over and over again trying to work out how it would be possible for me to do it with just some cheap hand tools. I get hours of fun from that. I don't look on John's videos as a definitive list of instructions to be slavishly followed but rather as a sort of 'here is a concept for you to sit down with and explore'. The vast majority of the things that John makes are not things I'll ever try but boy have those videos given me a lot of fun. KZbin is full of lots of highly skilled people (because they have spent the time becoming highly skilled) in a wide variety of disciplines that are willing to teach us for free (which is good for those of us with no money). Personaly I'll continue watching and enjoying their content even though I'll never even attempt most of what they do. Please continue doing what you do John because I for one enjoy watching you.

[@HaloWolf102]

Great comment. Props.

[@sebastiancaceres1053]

The problem is not the lack of tools, is the lack of money! I hope you get back to making more videos, there are other woodworkers but i always learn something from your videos, is the creativity and the way you think that makes this chanel one of the best!

[@daifeichu]

The reason your channels are my favourite for woodworking is because a lot of the stuff you've designed and made yourself. I'm a bit confused that someone would complain that you have high end tools so therefore they can't do the same projects. You had a circular saw as your table saw for a while for crying out loud. A lot of your tools you made. I think most of us started out with just a few cheap tools and as time went on we upgraded and acquired more tools. It takes time. If someone enjoys doing this kind of thing then they will do it no matter what they own or where they are doing it. I use to do some woodworking in the hallway outside the kitchen of this place I use to rent years ago.

[@leonardwilson980]

Well said John. I started with a hammer, and a handsaw well over 40 years ago. My first power tool ws a skilsaw. That in turned, let me have a table saw a miter saw and a router by using and learning what a skil saw can do. I think my next power tool was a router. God only knows how many things that taught me. I don't like to brag but I can do more with a tool than most woodworkers can do with a whole shop full of specialty tools. I can take a reciprocating saw and cut straighter cut than a lot of these weekend warriors. It all falls back to learning what you can do with a single tool .

[@treborwilliams]

you have vision and imagination and lot of people do not and it bothers them, keep up on what you're doing

[@donjohnson24]

I agree with your predictions about 3D printing, but have to say that there WILL still be skill involved. However, as you said, it will not be physical/manual skill, but the mental skills involved with computer design and programming, which may appeal to a different type of person.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Most design has been done and you can download the program for almost anything, a few adjustments is all that's needed. I can see the convince of that for some. But, I'd rather make it with my own two hands. Or at least create the design myself.

[@VampireOnline]

I’ve been 3D printing for about 3 years you can get the machine dialed in but it’s still very rarely plug and play. Lot of settings on the slicer and keeping the machine running is a large task as well. My buddy has had one for longer than me but he still runs into constant issues where I mostly have my machine dialed in and know what to do to get a good print.

[@mightygrom]

@@KipdoesStuff the free designs you can download are more often than not worth exactly what you pay for them... (unless you just happen to need a blobby plastic statue of a cat)... It takes just as much skill and materials science knowledge to design for 3d printing as it does to properly design a piece of furniture... I do both.

[@BubbasDad]

3D printing is the next level, but making it with your hands is more of an art

[@larry527az3]

John, I agree with you 100% on your points except the point on 3D printing. It isn't as simple as you portrayed it. You need to have good CAD skills to design your model, you need to have skills on knowing how to slice the the model, as well as debugging your printer when things don't print quite right. When things don't go right in wood working you need to have the knowledge to figure out why as well. Wood working is no different as you already know. Anyway, thanks for your videosm always informative and educational!

[@andyb1368]

Totally agree with your mild rant. You have a lot more tools and a better workshop than I have. So what. There are still plenty of things that I and others with fewer tools can still learn from your videos. And yes, there are things you can do that I and others with my sort of tool set cannot. Again so what. Your videos are still entertaining and informative. Keep up the good work.

[@jcoul1sc]

Thanks for explaining the runners, I always thought the screw was the runner. Try UHMW low fraction tape, life changing

[@paulheitkemper1559]

I've always liked using soap to lubricate drawer slides. However, most soap today (ironically) has too much oil in it to work properly. You want the cheapest, hardest stuff you can find. Same for waxing drawer runners. Soft wax like bee's wax seems to be too "sticky". Hard paraffin candles seem to work better. I love your comment about the hand tools. Just look at old furniture at someplace like the palace at Versailles- it's all made with hand tools. A saw, a plane, a chisel. It's still all you really need. The rest just makes it all faster. And don't get me wrong, you can have my unisaw when you pry it from my cold dead hands.

[@krtwood]

There's more to 3d printing than getting the machine tuned. You really have to understand the limits of the process to design something that's actually functional. The parts essentially have a grain direction like wood, for example. A power tool centric woodworker is really mostly about getting the machines setup to give us the accuracy we need. Power tools are about increasing efficiency and accuracy without having to develop the hand skills to do it. Cnc and 3d printing are just further abstractions of that. And the more abstract it is in some ways the harder it is to design. You can't tinker around with a 3d print to get it to work right. It's got to come out of the machine working or you have nothing. You have to wait a day for the next version of your design to come out of the machine.

[@KipdoesStuff]

I understand there is more to 3d printing than meets the eye, but each day it gets easier and easier. The online support communities are huge and have 99% of the answers. If you want to make a bowl, you can download the design in a few seconds. Not saying any idiot can do it but it gets more fool proof everyday. I myself would like a 3d printer but I see it more as a novelty and it will eventually end up collecting dust in some corner.

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

My point about 3D printing was that it will allow people who want to make small things to do so, without investing the time into building the physical skills required for woodworking. I wasn't putting it down. And my point was also that 3D printing doesn't appear to be there, yet. But as they become more capable, that will change.

[@krtwood]

@@IBuildItScrapBin I thought your point was that it was inevitable to take over because it's easier and my point was it's not inevitable because it's not easier. Regardless of how foolproof the technology is there's something fundamentally linked between the design and the process of making for tinkerers and artists. I'm trying to write a book right now and it's generally about finding the design through the process. Design isn't something that I do first and then separately I make the thing I designed. So it's impossible for me to 3d print a design because it doesn't fully exist yet. I realize most people don't work that way. But 3d printing opens up making things to people who weren't going to go out and buy a table saw anyway. Most of them will never make anything original of their own with it. But some will. And they will find frustration by not being able to directly modify what they make. Some of of them will get a dremel. Some of them will decide that modifying the print to get it to work was more rewarding than the printing part and then they are off to the races.

[@krtwood]

@@KipdoesStuff If all you want to do is print someone else's design for a bowl, you were never going to go out and buy a lathe anyway. That's not making, that's slow motion shopping. Woodturning is a good example of what I was talking about in my response to John. Wood isn't a homogeneous material, especially if you're working with something with a natural edge or defects. You aren't just coming up with a design and then forcing the wood to conform to that design. You have to find the design inside of the wood. That's something an additive process can never do.

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

@@krtwood A book, eh? Gonna send me a copy?

[@wg1948]

LOVE IT I my self live in an apartment and have become very creative and problem solving

[@AJ-ln4sm]

I've worked on cars for more than 30 years. I've operated my own shop for 16 years. If I make it look easy its not because of the thousands of dollars worth of tools I own, it's because I've done the job thousands of times. Keep up the good work John, I've learned a lot from you.

[@plasticonoman]

Great video, I look forward to the scrap bin videos more than your regular videos these days. Keep up the good work!

[@rickculpepper709]

Hey you’re right... we love you here in South Georgia

[@hassleoffa]

My daughter saw me watching your video ... "Oh my god dad ... he's just like you, he has that underlying grumpy teacher guy vibe." LOL, I think it's because we're about the same age and from Ontario.

[@davidbeck5352]

I dont think being from ontario is it, im from the US and same thing here.

[@hassleoffa]

david beck lol, true

[@JamesBiggar]

Lmao, I knew someone was going to say something about that hand wheel. I saw that and thought that's exactly the sort of thing that would trigger a comment if it were my video. Sure enough, lol. The tool comment too, it is a bs excuse for a lack of will. Absolutely true. Get it in every video, multiple times. It's pretty insulting, actually. Some people talk as if you were born with a shop full of tools and all the skills you need. They don't consider that most builders started with absolutely nothing but a few hand tools, a circ saw and bucket loads of persistence, and built what they have over years if not decades of dedication to their craft. Half of my tools are home built. I've built houses in Edmonton Ab with nothing but a hammer and handsaw at times. If you're serious enough about getting something done, you won't make excuses for not doing it...

[@kwiknikk]

Came here to say this but you said it a lot better and with more composure.

[@EdwardT9]

His older videos the shop is so basic, in fact I think a really old video is him rebuilding a table saw and it’s basically his garage and that’s it. He started from nothing and built all this, like you say, with will and desire and his wits. Paul Sellers has great videos on wood working with hand tools in really small workshops.

[@heyimamaker]

5:20 My Dad used graphite powder for wooden runners and it seems to work well.

[@animationcreations42]

As someone who has a 3D printer, I totally agree. I often find myself modelling something up in Fusion and about to send it to the printer, then realise in the time I spent modelling it, I could have already made it out of wood, never mind the hours it takes to print. I also have a small CNC, but I rarely use it because of the time it takes setting up, it's faster to just quickly knock something out on the bandsaw, or if it's particularly delicate, the scroll saw. Having said that, they're different tools for different things. I just use what's best for the project. I've plenty of things made of both wood and 3D printed parts. I'm in the process of making a Festool MFT knock off using a 3D printed hinge because of the accuracy. Sure, I could make it out of wood, but it'd be a lot of trial and error making it fit. Whereas if I model it and print it, I know it'll work!

[@KipdoesStuff]

I would like to have a 3D printer but I know I will rarely use it. I have a Genmitzu CNC router and use it rarely also.

[@drawlele]

Hahahaha i love that you hit the nail on the head with regards to people complaining about shops, tools and space. Just an excuse to do nothing. My work space is exactly 2'×5' and I still do plenty of work with my handtools and the 4 power tools I own. To do one project I have to start with break down of stock and getting things to roughly the exact size, then I have to clean everything. After that if I need a power tool I have to take the big metal working vice, which also happens to be my only vice, off the bench set up use the tool then clean everything all over again, then put the vice back on so I can do the joinery, only to remove it again, clean again. Then I get to do the test fit, maybe start over at step 2 for some things and finally glue up, then go outside and do finishing. Space and tools are not what stops people its the limits they have placed on themselves so they don't have to do anything. Great point

[@rootpass74]

The thing I liked about your channel vs all the others is you used normal “construction” tools and materials. You don’t stand in front of a wall of planes or Festool boxes stacked floor to ceiling. Your work and thought process is badass. I don’t even bother to watch the others. Also your plans are so great, easy to follow and error free even I can build from them. I’m Almost done with the ultimate box joint jig.

[@mattdotmac]

I'm actually a fan of both types of channel. I enjoy John's for the reasons you layed out above, but I enjoy other channels too. The link is that they all widen my knowledge on what is possible in a workshop - what range of tools can be used etc etc. I know that I 'd find it hard to turn down a Festool sponsorship offer if they came knocking. A workshop where I've made all the tools or a workshop full of Festool products? Why not both? As John saud, where there's a will there's a way, and people have very different wills.

[@eliezernegron333]

U are right about that cause I'm here in my porch and this is what I'm doing now working in my porch I have 6×9 space ... But I can make anything but what I need now is the skills and learning ... I have been looking in to table saw in small with fenced... But I are 100% right!!!!!

[@Jujoji]

John, there is a massive difference between the woodworkers/makers who have some mid-grade or nicer power tools and shop equipment, and the people who have projects using outlandishly expensive single use equipment. Most of us don't fault woodworkers and makers for doing a project using a table saw, a miter saw, a router, a drill press, a spindle sander, palm or a disc sander. We understand those tools are doing jobs that could be done by hand or by a less expensive power tool. Ninety percent of the work done by a drill press can be done with a hand drill. A circular saw can do some of the work a table saw can; not everything, but enough. Belt, sheet, palm, corner sanders just make sanding faster, not perform a whole new, unique job. Where we start getting upset is when a woodworker or maker whips out the $7,000 X-Carve or $2,500 shaper origin and makes it clear that's the only way the project can be done at all. An X-Carve or Shaper Origin should be shown as making the upscale or premium version of the project; the embellishments; but the basic project should be doable with a tools that don't cost more than most/many high end desktop computers. I'm on the fence right now on all the projects by some woodworkers and makers who require a 3-D printer for some critical part: for some of the us that's still out of our price range; but it's not so far out as thousands upon thousands of dollars. While it's currently a pain in the butt and on hold due to Covid, I can in theory have single jobs/parts run off by my local library system (for a nominal fee): a tedious process if multiple parts are required for a build, but single part might not be so bad.

[@mmmmmmm8706]

The drawer slides plan is super useful to have in your arsenal. You can learn something about mechanical design or engineering by building it ... Leveling up that side of things ... Maybe. That router table with lift rocks. I know, I built it. Next to the cnc and tablesaw, it's one of my favorite tools in the work area. Are the drawer slides design going to the makers mob or into bigger project? Also ... 3D printing vs hand tools ... We got some years before that happens. I got cnc because I'm not mechanically or craftsmen like inclined. My Dad is, I'm not. So got cnc. Your comments about craftsmen skill vs automated cnc ... Are absolutely right, can't argue with that because it's true. Best case is to have both sides and understand how to apply them in each working method. Would be curious to see what you would do with a cnc or 3D printer.

[@gs-mt8zd]

I have 6 3D printers and I have designed and printed a variety of objects, some novelties and some practical, I try to do mostly practical things. But, for some things, actually a lot of things, you just can't beat wood! The personal satisfaction from 3D printing, at least for me, is only in the designing. With wood working there is satisfaction in designing, building with your hands and knowing that whatever the item, you built it and not a machine. Again, for some things you just can't beat wood

[@fredrouse9334]

Well said, if you want to do something you will always find a way

[@rantube104]

Spooky reflections in your window behind ya,added value .

[@martinvolkar7245]

I love your videos and learned many skills and techniques from watching your videos over the years. I think people who complain about "$20,000 work shop tools" should keep these comments to themselves. Maybe you have the tools you do because you bought them over time through your hard work or you made them. You are sharing your accumulated knowledge and skills with us for next to no cost. I appreciate the videos you make. Do not listen to the negative people and haters. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for sharing....

[@iasonas1284]

if you can build a box with a budget circular saw you can understand.. i have a circular saw on a sled that i make and i can do plenty of stuff even big speakers!!! thanks John for inspiration!!! cheers from Greece!!!

[@iasonas1284]

also i have a 3dprinter butt nothing compares to fresh cut smell of wood!!! hehehe

[@thomashverring9484]

I'm in a fairly bad place economically and been there for a while. I've been struggling with stress for almost a decade. It's no fun. And I live in an apartment. But over the past six months I've been slowly putting up a hand tool "workshop". It takes a lot of time because I can't afford buying too much at a time. Luckily I already had a lot of basic tools and crap lying around. So now I'm getting nearer to a point where I'm going to get more serious and get some proper materials. My big project (that I'll probably won't get to until next year) is a tiny but proper woodworking workbench. I've been designing it for months and keep updating, simplifying, etc. I do have a mobile workbench that I've updated with a bigger table, and it serves me alright right now. So, my point being, you don't need the big setup, but you have to now your limits in what you're able to actually make in your setup. I'm inspired by Rex Krueger in going the hand tool way-and it's what I can do where I live.

[@thomashverring9484]

@David curtis Exactly!

[@CrimeVid]

My father made a kitchen and all our incidental furniture with about as minimal a tool kit as you could imagine. A crosscut saw, a tenon saw, a brace and bit,a hand drill, hammer,mallet (home made) two chisels, a couple of decent cabinet screwdrivers and of course the ubiquitous no 4 Stanley smoothing plane and a 4 in one rasp. Just after the last war in the UK that is about what everybody had, and huge amounts of furniture and home improvements were done with this kit. What everybody is missing is that this was mostly done slowly, as skills built up or as people could afford some materials, most non tradesmen re used screws and straightened nails. I don’t think my father would have ever owned an electric drill if the family had not ganged up on him and bought him one, (didn’t need it !) My son has it now for a spare ! There is no excuse for not trying to make stuff you want to make just because you do not have a professional workshop. and there is no way you can make it in a weekend ( whatever it is) mostly because you have to finish it. But you CAN make it.

[@peladinho769]

Where there is a will there is a way ....I was told that when growing up..and now i use the same words. But I like your saying "The problem originates with you" ..👍

[@RambozoClown]

Where there's a will...I want to be in it.

[@markvreeken]

I really like the random soundbites at the end . Great entertainment

[@daveduback7974]

Have to agree. Don't worry if you don't have fancy wood. Go out to your garage and pick up a tool. It is that simple. And by the way, I understand most 3D printing is done in plastic. Wood is much more eco-friendly and sustainable.

[@mykalimba]

"Where there's a will, there's a way" should have a corollary: "Where there's no will, there's a troll in the KZbin comments." 😂😂😂

[@jackleg693]

Toolbox fallacy- “I could make that if I had (insert tool name here)” How do people think things were made before these tools existed? Work with the tools you’ve got - sometimes it takes longer and requires more patience but you get there all the same. Excellent video and I 100% agree with your sentiments You just keep being you. It’s why I love watching your videos

[@megelizabeth9458]

To heck with people who think you can only make the things you do because you have a bunch of tools. You have made so many tools and shared your knowledge and plans with us. If he wants to have those same tools, he needs to get off his butt and make them.

[@vanshankguitars]

I've been using a cheap Ryoby jobsite tablesaw for years. Yeah, accuracy sucked, but I managed quite a few projects using it. Now with a new to me King saw with a much flatter surface to work with, my projects will come out just that much flatter and squarer.

[@emm_arr]

You're right. Spot on. I wondered if something was wrong a whole ago when there seemed to be so, so many of these woodworkers building their dream benches with fine furniture woodworking techniques. The need for content? A bench fetish? Keeping up with the Joneses? It just seemed silly - as well as sending the wrong message. I don't claim to be a good woodworker, but I do claim to be someone who can do it better than he ever managed to as a teenager by a bit of saving and a few carefully chosen tools - and learning how to sharpen chisels and plane blades. And I am still learning. It's honest, and it is cool - and wood is beautiful.

[@sapelesteve]

Well said John! Like everything else in life, learning a skill like woodworking takes time & effort. Personally, I am not a big fan of those CNC machines. However, if that's your thing, I have no problems with that........... 😉😉👍👍

[@scotthutson736]

Good rant, John. Don't let the trolls get to you.

[@CJMorin]

I came across a meme yesterday with this saying which I think fits with what you are saying. Three C's in life: Choices, Chances, Changes. You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.

[@BradsWorkbench]

Totally agree.... only reason why i did a shop tour of my tiny 8x10 shop. Just to show people to make due with what you got because trust me, its nothing impressive lol

[@deanwilliams93]

You are the boss John. It takes so long to do simple things. It is a skill one wishes to grow into that makes the difference. "What's This.. I am not sure" very funny.

[@joeobrien196]

Nothing beats a good Sunday morning rant.

[@gregmislick1117]

Agreed! Especially when you see it on Monday afternoon !!! ( and who DOESN'T need to have a good rant by Monday afternoon ?!)

[@geraldmoore3686]

John, what I love about your videos, is you tell it like it is, whether it's politically correct or not, Keep telling it like it is, the right people will get the point.

[@doover59]

You need tools to build and repair, and if you enjoy doing that you will experience tool evolution...a concept that only skilled people realise , and you’re a prime example of this mob Johnny 🇦🇺👍

[@NickDClements]

3D printing is great, I have 3D printers, I use 3D printers, but it won't replace woodworking. The number one reason is speed. 3D printing is slow, and will continue to be slow for the foreseeable future. e.g. Need a specific one of a kind bracket for a thing. You could spend 3 hours modeling it in CAD, another 5 hours printing it, and then another 5 hours printing it again because the print failed, and then another 2 hours redesigning it because it was the wrong size... rinse repeat... or you can go out the the shop, grab a scrap of wood out of the bin and just make the thing in less time than takes to cook a TV dinner. :)

[@ElectronPower]

Silicone oil has worked well on my wooden drawers, you may want to give it a try. Perhaps even graphite would work well here. Love your videos, btw.

[@ericbuente3260]

I started in an 12x8 shed behind my mothers house with a basic ryobi drill, impact driver, circ saw, a ridgid router and and 5 in dewalt random orbital sander. this is my hobby mind you and i sell stuff here and there to fund my hobby. 6 years later I have a 25x35 separate building behind my OWN home with concrete floors and sub-panel. its outfitted with cabinet saw, miter saw, multiple routers, many other saws, multiple workbenches, more clamps then i know what to do with and then some. Im sure i have more then 10k invested into it and i learned everything ... i mean everything i know now from youtube. starting with one of JOHNS videos (WHEN I HAD NO TOOLS) 6 years ago. Learn and watch all the videos you can and youll be able to build damn near anything ... best part is is that anyone that has followed John for some time knows that he has build damn near every tool he has lol. Except that damn hitatchi miter saw he has had that and makita cordless tools forever hahahaha. see whos been following long enough to know that hahahahha.

[@blahdiblah2169]

I don't have a degree in engineering but surely anyone with some common sense knows that screw won't wear out because the force (or weight) is not on the screw, the supports hold the weight. So yeah it was after I thought about this, I realized how good the build was, which is why I threw you a huge compliment on that build. And yeah I agree with you about the whole excuses thing. I don't even own a table saw, neither a miter saw. I have a circular saw and jigs. Problem with the whole excuse thing is once you start making excuses you develop a defeated mindset, and it's hard to get out of.

[@lesliegrauer4155]

I went to see a large boat being built. The boat was a bit more than 100 feet long, made of tropical hardwood. The ¨shop¨was a warped over bit of beach with a table saw, planer, and drill press. made me think hard about people not working because they don't have a ¨professional¨shop.

[@Lazywatchsmith]

Good stuff. Smoker's have allways money to smoke, but after a few years that makes a lot of money. I have been collecting tools for about 17 years. I did not buy them all at once. Sorry about my English.

[@leemarylohman3852]

Try French Chalk for draw lubrication--and a lot more.

[@leemarylohman3852]

Drawer not draw.

[@WouldWorkforWoodWork]

An old instructor of mine many, many, many years ago (back n the 80s) said, "If you don't have the skill do it with hand tools, you have no right using power tools to do the same thing." When I started, I had a hand saw, a couple of chisels, hammer, and some screwdrivers. I made some beautiful (and some horrible) pieces with just those. I also only had a space big enough to just barely swing my arms in. Power tools do not give you experience. They are a time saver. The also don't give you quality. You have to want to make something good to make something good. If you strive for "meh", you may or may not get to that level. I can't wait to add a 3D printer to my tool collection. But that's going to be a whole new learning experience. I'll have to learn to use the software, the materials, etc. The only difference is, a mistake on a 3D printer doesn't end with blood :)

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

I strongly disagree with that power tool vs hand tool attitude.

[@tlmooth]

John love your work but 3D printers do take learning a skill set too between cad and setting and like materials knowing woods and textures is a skill knowing filaments for prints is a skill I love doing both and I find using some 3D printed parts in design dose help make up for where I'm lacking in wood working. I also agree 100% that where there is a will there is away. Thanks to you and Izzy my first 5 by 7 shop had a home made table saw router table and drill press lol Keep up the good work