Strong Joints on Thin Plywood by OTB Thinker

OTB Thinker. How to get a strong joints with thin plywood. Sometimes brads nails or screws can't be used. Let me show you an alternative way to get a strong joint even on plywood 1/8" thick.

[@philliptoone]

3:29 You're killing me Russ. It's like you're teasing me how you did it. So I made a link here for others who are impatient like me. :)

[@russveinot5754]

When you're right . . . you're right. I do ramble. Thanks for pointing out the starting point for those that hate the rambling. I am pinning your comment to the top so others can be warned. Let me know where that point is on my other videos and I can pin your comment there for others :>) BTW, I will always ramble and I am no where near done. Thanks Phil.

[@philliptoone]

@@russveinot5754 No, it's not that bad. I was just anxious to see what you had to share. You had me on the edge of my seat. Great idea. I subscribed to you channel. I'm looking forward to trying this out. I found this video when I searched KZbin for "How to make thin wood joints."

[@russveinot5754]

you're not the first one to suggest I ramble, you just did it the nicest. thanks for subbing

[@3rdblindmouse560]

that't funny was thinking the same thing, watched it all anyways then read the comments, says thanks Phill, i'm like how did you know =)

[@jamesbarros950]

@@russveinot5754 You keep showing us cool tricks like this, you ramble all you want. We all really appreciate the education. =)

[@marcdoumitt9901]

This is really awesome Russ! I've struggled for years trying to connect OSB and keep the corners square. This is why I use KZbin to find solutions and a better way.

[@prinsa1889]

Russ, you're one of the few woodworkkers on you tube that's not irritating to listen to. Great info as well, please keep em coming!

[@razzix2]

Genius idea. The critical angle and opposing angles are great - the logic is perfect

[@gabrieleg6384]

I like every single second of this video, Mr Veinot! It's so naturally well-done! You keep unveiling new secrets little by little 'till the end.. and without any unnecessary information. thanks a lot, please keep going!

[@russveinot5754]

thanks for the words of encouragement, Gabriele.

[@demonhand]

Just the tip I needed for my 1/8" hardboard project and easy enough for a beginner like me. Thank you very much!

[@russveinot5754]

It seems to always work for me. Thanks DH

[@deucerider430]

Thanks Russ, for another informative video. I used bamboo skewers to reinforce a very elaborate picture frame that I built this past Christmas as a gift. I used the skewers rather than splines and was able to countersink them and then fill the holes. The picture frame outer edge was to be painted so it was an invisible addition and made the frame nearly indestructible!👍👍👍

[@russveinot5754]

Skewers are very handy to reinforce anything. I use them all the time. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@deucerider430]

@@russveinot5754 And thank YOU for prompting me to ‘think outside the box!’ 👌🏼

[@riedjacobsen8620]

For a fast growing material, bamboo has some crazy strength properties. Thanks for the idea!

[@PurpleRhymesWithOrange]

Thank you! This is exactly what I have been looking for! I need to make a set of boxes from 1/8" birch. I've watched dozens of small box videos and none of them have addressed how to make a strong joint in such thin material.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Purple. Using this joinery on 1/8" wood will mean you will have the BS (bamboo skewers) exposed on the inside walls. With 1/4" wood, the extra thickness gives more meat to stay inside the wood. I have made several more videos on using bamboo skewers in different ways including a bs jig. They are all in my playlist called "BS Joinery" if interested. I would love to hear your thoughts after using this technique on 1/8" material.

[@PurpleRhymesWithOrange]

@@russveinot5754 For this particular application having them on the inside won't be an issue. These will be special keepsakes and honestly I expect 3/4 of them will never be opened.

[@Fire35VVet]

Excellent idea. I had used toothpicks for small dowels, but as soon as you mentioned bamboo the light bulb went on in my head. And the drill angle really made sense. Thanks for the tip!

[@kylieb4836]

You’ve just saved me.... I’ve made some shelf magazine holders and the sides are thin mdf - this joint technique is perfect !!! Thankyou !!

[@russveinot5754]

I love it, why didn't I figure this out sooner. I use it a lot now. Thanks for the kind words Kyles

[@alansmith8080]

I was looking for a way of making strong boxes out of 1/4" or 1/8" plywood. Your method is the answer and a fantastic simple easy to do solution. Thank you for sharing.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks for the kind words, Alan. I have made several videos on BS (bamboo skewers) joinery including on a jig to help with drilling holes at a perfect angle for the bamboo skewers. I have a playlist called "BS Joinery" if interested.

[@alansmith8080]

@@russveinot5754 Hello Russ, thank you for your reply I will definitely check out your playlist "BS Joinery" particularly the jig video for drilling the bamboo skewer holes at the perfect angle.

[@pmdoit]

I definitely learned something today and the best part is I found a new favorite channel. Thanks you!

[@jayspell179]

I think my shop teacher covered reinforcing thin joints with toothpicks and popsicle sticks in the first week of class, and that's over 25 years ago. It's not a discovery, but your title did get my attention well enough to watch, so you're doing something right.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Jay. BTW, didn't the instructor explain the difference between toothpicks and bamboo skewers? There is a subtle difference.

[@jayspell179]

@@russveinot5754 , actually, he did. He said it's fine for soft woods, but never use it for hard wood, because it expands at lower humidity, and it can cause hard wood to crack.

[@russveinot5754]

@@jayspell179 You might be overthinking that. The bamboo expands, but no where near enough to crack hard woods. Expanding in the hole is part of where it gets its strength. The other part is the fact that bamboo is very stringy and wont break across its grain easily.

[@fr3dfixit945]

Fantastic! Outside the box indeed. Bamboo is interesting wood. A grass, not a tree, and using its unique advantages--flexibility, resilience and hardness--in this way is just plain genius! Many thanks. Gotta go now and rustle up some bamboo!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks fixit. I have made several more videos on using bamboo skewers in different ways including a bs jig. They are all in my playlist called "BS Joinery" if interested.

[@fr3dfixit945]

@@russveinot5754 This is so cool. I've started watching (studying) the playlist--love it!

[@michaelh405]

When I remodeled the kitchen the old cabinets went into the garage for a workbench/storage. Since then, I have overloaded the drawers with tools and supplies. Since the drawers are made of cheap fiberboard, needless to say, the fronts broke off from constantly opening and closing the overloaded drawers. I reattached the fronts using cleats. It worked, but still flimsy at best and it was only a mater of time before it happened again. Gears started turning when I saw this. I drilled 2 hole through the side, cleat and front on both sides. A little glue and some bamboo skewers. Now the drawer is rock solid. Thanks Russ!

[@weekendwarrior9570]

I've used my skewers and dowels straight in the jount. However, you Mr. Master Carpenter have demonstrated how to strengthen my wood joints. Excellent video and process. Thank you for sharing. I'm going to get me a cup of coffee...

[@russveinot5754]

cup of coffee always helps, thanks

[@woodwisdomnonsenseandcats4203]

Russ this worked great! Those skewers really tighten up when the glue sets. I can already tell it’s gonna be super strong. Thanks .You are smart and entertaining.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Wood. I have a playlist (BS joinery) with several more ideas about skewers, including a jig to help drill, if interested

[@woodwisdomnonsenseandcats4203]

@@russveinot5754 I also used the tip about drilling straight holes with a forstner bit. It worked great, but any tips on reducing tear out?

[@russveinot5754]

@@woodwisdomnonsenseandcats4203 Either clamp on a backing board or drill in from both sides.

[@whithill7353]

You just solved the problem that’s been keeping me up at night, Russ! Thank you!!!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Whit. Now go get that good night sleep :>). BTW, I have seral more videos (a playlist named "BS Joinery") about using bamboo skewer joinery, including a jig to help drilling angle and depth of drilling if interested.

[@francisbriggs806]

Excellent Video. I did not know about the bamboo sticks and the fact they swell up in the glued joint. Thanks.

[@vikassm2383]

Thanks for another awesome video. Plywood and glue are like chips and mayo. Made for each other. I use a few tricks from all over the interwebs to help my woodworking projects. Coat/soak the surface of thin pieces of plywood with glue to make them a whole lot stiffer. Use a really sharp chisel to trim off bamboo sticks or strips, works really well. I've also tried screws dipped in wood glue, hell, even nails dipped in glue to improve the strength of thin joints. Those work very well too. Finally I've also used strong strings (dipped in glue of course) to basically tie wood together at an angle and add a whole lot of strength to the joint. And now I'm finding many of your tips even more invaluable because of the lockdown, can't even buy glue on most days, do what you can with what you have!

[@1967_RS-SS]

Just saw this. Nice idea Russ. My father has been woodworking for years but I'm new to it. You have yourself another subscriber. Cheers

[@skyelincoln7296]

This is amazing! I’m shocked I didn’t think of this. Thanks for fixing my 3/8 drawer situation!

[@russveinot5754]

I have done several more videos about bamboo skewers since this one. My playlist is "BS Joinery" if interested in using them for more things.

[@skyelincoln7296]

@@russveinot5754 thank you so much!

[@SkyHookSteel]

Your AMAZING!!! TY so much, I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to make my corners stronger on my project.....this is GOLD! I'm off to the dollar store now to buy up all the bamboo skewers i can get my hands on!! Thank you, thank you.....THANK YOU!!!! MMMMMMWAH!!!!❤😂

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks SkyHook, for the compliment. I have made several more videos on using bamboo skewers in different ways including a bs jig. They are all in my playlist called "BS Joinery" if interested. MMMMMMWAH!!!! back at you :>).

[@grbggaming6885]

I had a bag of 100 of these from Dollar Tree, just used this trick and idk how I never thought of it before! Awesome video!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Gr. I have made several more videos on using bamboo skewers in different ways. They are all in my playlist called "BS Joinery" if interested.

[@CarpeDean]

Thanks for the video. I have a project that this is perfect for. I’m trying to make a jig box with scrap 1/4” plywood instead of buying thicker wood. I’m glad I found your idea.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks for the kind words. I do have a playlist of other videos about using bamboo skewers in joinery, including a simple jig if interested. It's called "BS Joinery" in my playlists.

[@summertime9629]

“The Guy in the back..”Again” he’s right on top of it” !! ~💛~ I Genuinely LAUGHED & boy that’s been rare for me! So …Thank You RR for you being GENUINE & for all I’m learning! 👍🏻👱🏼‍♀️

[@Dill-it-Yourself]

What a killer idea! I love little bursts of genius like that. I’ll be using this strategy to reinforce a little beverage caddy I’m making for my wife out of 1/4” ply. Glad to have found your channel. Thanks!

[@russveinot5754]

"A little burst" !?! I'm like this all the time :>). All kidding aside, I have a playlist (BS Joinery) that gives lots of tips and tricks including a jig to control angle and depth of drilling if interested. Thanks, Dillon, for the input and let me know how your project goes.

[@policedog4030]

I've come to realize that one can never have too many boxes; and often they need to be a particular size - like for example a box for storing a micrometer or caliper or expensive carbide bit that didn't come with it's own case. Regarding cutting the bamboo skewers off flush I think one of those pet nail clippers should work - I haven't tried it yet but it has a sliding captive sharp blade and can cut reasonably flush. Thanks for the video, I'm gonna try your method with the 5mm Luan plywood underlayment. The Dollar Stores have the bamboo skewers and they are way stronger than softwood dowels as you already know.

[@russveinot5754]

thanks Dog, let me know how it works. I suspect it wont work well but it might. The trick is to shear the fibers or they will splinter.

[@allenhess6583]

Thanks , great idea and great explanation as to why you would change to a steeper angle for a butt joint and why you might make it a complex angle like toe nailing for even more strength.

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Every day is a school day, this is one of the better ones! Thanks

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Clem. and attendance is optional. I hope to see you in my class (shop) again :>)

[@boggers]

Easy, strong and no special tools required... exactly what I needed for a simple 4mm marine ply housing. Thank you!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks boggers. FYI, I have made several videos on using bamboo skewers including a simple jig if interested. Just check my playlist with the title "BS joinery" in the title.

[@boggers]

@@russveinot5754 Hey! Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I checked most of your BS joinery videos, really helpful, thanks again. I'm in an apartment, so no table saw or drill press to make nice jigs etc. but I can easily make a variant of your angled mini jig with just a miter saw. For now I only have the one size skewers, For the jig I'm going to keep the other end of the angled cut and make a couple of spacers the exact width of the drill, then glue it back together with the spacers along the edges, so I end up with a wide angled slot that allows me to toenail the BS pins if I want to, without drifting off the one angle that needs to be accurate.

[@russveinot5754]

@@boggers By law, you have to share pics (or video) with me :>). I would love them when done. Thanks for your input.

[@jimmiller8389]

Glad you posted this video. I am heading out to get some bamboo skewers in a bit. Need some milk for my coffee. Have a lot of 1/4 and 1/8 plywood on hand. and now the opportunities to make use of it are broadened.

[@christianpetersen1782]

Thanks Russ. A great video I wouldn’t change it a bit. I enjoy listening to your natural somewhat rambling approach. You’re a joy to listen to; very relaxing. I’ve only just finished gluing up a small thin plywood box of drawers that came undone. I’ll try this mostly for the fun of doing it. Cheers

[@smokepony]

Brilliant! I'm new to woodworking but felt like a pro when I was able to make some 1/4" plywood butt joints that were super strong.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks, Dean for sharing.

[@foochy]

This method really helped me join together some 1/4 boards. Thanks for making a video about it.

[@russveinot5754]

I have done several more videos about how to use Bamboo skewers and a jig to help drill exact angle if interested. Go look at my playlist "BS Joinery" on my channel page. Thanks for the kind words, Matt.

[@foochy]

@@russveinot5754 Thanks. I did run into some minor issues getting the holes aligned properly with out a drill press. The miter joints with the BS worked amazingly well.

[@michaelgrier]

Love it! I will use this, I'm about to join some 1/2" plywood so I'll use regular dowels or maybe pocket screws but I would have used 1/4" if I had this technique in my toolbox.

[@johnbutterfield1855]

I am making a light, portable, slant desk for use with my fountain pens. I decided on 1/4 inch plywood to keep it light. I was worried about the butt joints. I live in a condo and have few tools. This video is exactly what I needed.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks for sharing, John. I use this method all the time now :>)

[@tomhart5465]

Greetings from England! This is a great idea, and a worthy addition to the ol' knowledge bank! Thank you!.

[@russveinot5754]

I find new things to use them (BS's) on all the time. Thanks Tom, for the greeting from across the pond. FYI, I have done several more videos (including a Jig) on using bamboo skewers.

[@tomhart5465]

@@russveinot5754 Thank you Russ, I'll have a look at those. I have ended up with a huge bag of these skewers and still no clue where they came from, or what they're for? but at least I can make good use of them now. I was surprised at the strength in your demo's as it was quite significant difference. Good thinking! All the best. Tom

[@russveinot5754]

@@tomhart5465 Yeah, I got 3 bundles now, so I keep finding uses :>) FYI, I have a playlist of all the bamboo skewers related videos called BS Joinery. Thanks Tom

[@tomhaley-vt1vs]

I'm building a stage prop out of plywood and your idea makes a lot of sense because weight is important thank you

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks for the comment. I have made several more videos on using bamboo skewers in different ways. They are all in my playlist called "BS Joinery" if interested.

[@naz7493]

Thank you, finally found someone that has a great solution to my problem. 👍🏽👊🏽 much appreciated

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks for the kind words. I do have a playlist ("BS Joinery") with lots more info on bamboo skewers including a simple jig to help with drilling, if interested.

[@johnmeyer77]

If anyone watching this doubts whether this works, I tried it, and it does EXACTLY what he shows. Brilliant technique!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks John. I would pin this if I hadn't already promised that to Phil for his comment. BTW, I was totally surprised by the added strength of the joint the first time I tried this. I'm glad it works for you (& others), too.

[@johnmeyer77]

@@russveinot5754 ... "(& others), too". Yes, that's why I re-visited this: for "others." My son-in-law saw the demonstration piece I created from your video (I banged it on the table, just like you did) and has a project, using thin plywood, that needs exactly this kind of strengthening. He doesn't have a box or dovetail jig, so this technique/trick is exactly what he needs.

[@billelse5294]

Brilliant idea Russ... Thank you again for your knowledge...

[@hongshouma6041]

This is great. It opened up my woodworking fields. Many thanks

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Where did you find this video? BTY, welcome to my shop

[@snarkfinder2621]

I have some 6mm ply that I have butt joined and felt it was a bit flimsy. Now I know how to fix it up. Video was bit long winded though.

[@IsaKocoglu]

Rambling or not, this is a very valuable pro tip shared here! Thank you so very much Russ. I have liked and subscribed 🥰👍

[@the250mikec]

Love the explanation of the angle of the dangle as it applies to the laminations

[@russveinot5754]

The angle of the dangle definitely increases the length of the strength :>) thanks Mike

[@shripadlale7476]

Brilliant idea! Simple, uses available resources, and adds tremendous value! Thanks for sharing!

[@Esuper1]

Very good idea. Especially the talk about the layered would being weak if you drill at a 45 straight through like nails or screws. You taught me a thing or two there old timer and I thank you.

[@clivedurrant481]

Russ you are a joy ..almost a zen approach to woodworking....nice!

[@AlCatrraz]

Good advice.. the Japanese are known for utilizing joints without METAL nails & screws, and this technique has been a working one ... Stay Healthy!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Al, and be safe yourself.

[@jaycullen9901]

Your videos are the best kept secret on KZbin. They're very informative. Thanks!

[@russveinot5754]

thanks Jay (twice :>)

[@socialemotion]

Simple is always best... Good video. 10 out of 10 young man.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Don. I am about to come out with an update video on do's and don'ts with the skewer joinery. Keep an eye out :>)

[@rickw4022]

Russ, Great video! I gave this a try on small desk drawers with butt joints. Found using my cordless drill with a bamboo skewer inserted let me cut the skewer to length using a pvc pipe cutter. I also made a simple jig so I could drill the 45 degree holes in the corners. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@mitchfountain6523]

Good video. To make it great, drop the first five and the last five. Keep em coming!

[@petersibly9166]

Thank you so much for bringing a technical strategy to the use of the simple but important bamboo dowel. lots Of times the simple strategy is extremely rewarding Thanks so much for explaining their importance Peter.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Peter for the words of encouragement.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Excellent and simple idea Russ! Thanks, I'm in the process of building a off-road camper trailer and the slide out kitchen will be of 1/4" ply. I was planning on reinforcing the joints with fibreglass after building each component, but with this idea could be all I need and get away without fibreglass reinforcement.

[@edwardschmitt5710]

You should glass the outside. Whatever finish you use won't be better than glass and gelcoat.

[@bahahajahmed3336]

Thanks a million Sir, Very Sweet of you, You have answered my question, really been informative and nice. I wish you all the best. 💐

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks, I'm glad I could help.

[@isabellegauthier1254]

Thank you so much for that information. I'm building a guitar case with thin plywood. This is definitely the best info i found. 👍

[@russveinot5754]

good luck with the case :>). I have done several videos on ideas and a jig to use bamboo skewers. They are in my playlist "BS Joinery".

[@isabellegauthier1254]

@@russveinot5754 i just discovered your channel, I'm gonna check it out. You're top notch👍😁 thank you

[@hrbricker]

Razor saw, just like a miniature Japanese carpenter saw. Quick and probably neater then a razor blade.

[@MarcoACasco]

How is it that you come up with such great and cheap ideas ????? What brand of coffee you drink ???

[@russveinot5754]

Don't tell anyone but I get these ideas from the aliens . . . they give them to me in my sleep :>) Actually, this idea was a result of my needing to make a strong joint on that dust shield and I just figured it out. I drink Folgers. thanks Marco

[@MarcoACasco]

@@russveinot5754 ...Haha

[@lindam.9282]

@@russveinot5754 LOL! Aliens? Good one!

[@ianedwards1293]

That is truly innovative Russ thanks for the tips keep them coming,

[@russveinot5754]

thanks Ian

[@ianedwards1293]

Russ Veinot I also got inspired by your Incra jig innovations and pulled one out that I bought many years ago, may be 30? I had less than satisfactory results. Nothing to do with your suggestions. I was trying to cut half blind dovetails. When it came to the pins I had problems with the bit self feeding and pulling the work into the bit and blowing the joint. After several try I became frustrated and decided that this is not the best method to do this type of cut. Any thoughts?

[@MappingAmy]

Thank you sir, next project in my list is make some thin plywood boxes to replace old basket drawers, this should do the trick!

[@Kwendioslecabron]

Simple ideas to achieve great goals, can only come from experienced masters. I learnt a lot and I will use this technique in my projects. Thanks from Belgium!.

[@russveinot5754]

thank you Luisma for your words of encouragement and welcome to my shop. Be safe

[@MrBluesluver]

Nice tip and great video. I never thought of skewers. I have used small dowel rods and even chop sticks on somewhat larger projects. I have a little project in mind (small box thing) that I will try this on. Thank you. BTW, you are a really good instructor.

[@Rusty_ok]

Great solution to a common problem. I have skewers I have collected from restaurants as they use these to hold some sandwiches together. Was using them to spread glue into tight corners.

[@janehill6788]

Thank you! A genius solution to the 1/4 inch birch plywood room box I'm making!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Jane. . I do have a playlist of several other videos on tips and a jig I made to make these bamboo joints called "BS Joinery" if interested.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

3:49 Ok I didn't see that coming either! I tell you, this the first woodworking video I've watched that has so much suspense!

[@raysmith2940]

great idea Russ. Thank you for your knowledge. Ill use that idea.

[@behappybuilding6403]

Great information. I am going to make some lightweight boxes for a French Cleat wall and this will most definitely help.

[@brianmiller6304]

Brilliant. This is fantastic. It all makes sense after your explanation. This is only the 2nd vid I've watched. I accidentally stumbled on your channel while looking for pocket hole videos. I watched the one about the 4 different pocket hole joints. A pocket hole is a pocket hole is a pocket hole...NOT. Subbed. I'll be keeping my eye on you. Thanks, I learned something.

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Brian, for your words of encouragement and welcome to my shop. Stop by anytime. There's lots of unusual stuff around here.

[@TuvozAmerica_AsuaVozAmerica]

Que gran idea, dejame decirte que mi tio fue maestro carpintero por toda la vida y jamás he visto esa técnica. Te felicitamos y te enviamos un fuerte abrazo desde la costa norte del estado de Sao Pablo Brasil. God bless you.

[@russveinot5754]

Bienvenidos a mi tienda y gracias por las amables palabras. Tengo una lista de reproducción llamada "BS Joinery & Thin Wood Joinery" con más información sobre este tipo de carpintería, incluida una plantilla si está interesado.

[@TuvozAmerica_AsuaVozAmerica]

@@russveinot5754 Very good i see later, GB

[@HiFiTown]

Very clever! I have been taking apart 1950s production plywood 1/2" cabinets (tolex covered) They did something similar but used a zillion brad type nails. The bamboo is much nicer technique!

[@dyscea]

Great tips with the skewers. Needed drawers for cubby holes. Chipboard was an option after not finding much tips on craft plywood. Can't wait to try :)

[@russveinot5754]

Let me know how it works for you, and thanks :>)

[@dyscea]

Russ Veinot will do!!

[@crackerjack3359]

My first time on your channel. Great Idea that I will be using on the boxes for some of my guitars. Thanks Sentinel Guitars Montana.

[@russveinot5754]

Welcome to my shop and thanks.

[@howardjohannssen4607]

Well done, love sitting in the back. I use a similar idea for setting up steering guides on my extension mechanical lifts. Such as found on a drill press. By extension of the handle on a drill press with a larger work table. I found the used chop sticks from the Chinese take out work very well!

[@lesneilson5632]

I have been using the bamboo skewers for damaged screw holes to hold doors previously, but gluing them up in thin stock for strength is genius so I have bought a packet for the shop and have just used them on some joints and very happy with the result

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Les. I always like hearing how it worked for others.

[@allanmclean6659]

Nifty ides! I like dowels, and never considered using bamboo skewers, Thanks for the "out-of-the-box" concept. Thanks

[@davidreed760]

Thank you for an innovative idea. I'm going to work on a portable Bluetooth boombox. It is a true 2.1 channel amp so I will be building an 8" sub box and 2 satellite boxes for 6-1/2" 2way L-R channels. I will also be building a small box to house the amp, A/C and battery power sources. All 4 boxes will slide together as 1 unit and will be able to separate for better sound outside and for charging the D/C power source without dragging the whole unit. 1/2" birch plywood was recommended to me for the sub and speaker boxes. I was leary about 1/2" plywood having strong enough joints till I saw your video. Thank you! Now I have to look for bamboo skewers to make the joints strong enough for carrying from location to location

[@russveinot5754]

most grocery stores will have them. just look for good made ones. Also, what d/c removable source (batt. pack) are you using?

[@davidreed760]

@@russveinot5754: I'm using a battery pack, batteries, charger, and wiring kit from Parts Express. It will all be put in its own box with the amp. I want to make it separate so I can remove it to my work bench to charge it. I'm using the 5, 3.7V Li-ion batteries for this to last for hours at moderate volume levels

[@rickt7425]

Brilliant idea - will definitely use it for my light weight slide on camper build

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks, Rick. I have a playlist ("BS Joinery") with more tips and a jig to help with drilling if interested.

[@mattedwards4533]

I do basically the same as you with the exception that I use bamboo toothpicks.You are right it makes a very strong joint!

[@rramach9091]

Thanks for explaining so well the how and the why of thin butt joints!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks. BTW, I have a video coming out with a drilling guide jig pretty quick.

[@danieldibiaso9342]

Thanks Russ. I’ve been looking for a way to make small boxes without using support pieces inside the box.

[@qubed2313]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@dnnglis]

Russ, you are a genius!

[@petefowler9633]

Thanks Russ. I,m building plywood boxes to fit snug inside the side compartments of my camper trailer. Not much room so I am using 9 mm = 3/8” thick. I believe this will help heaps!

[@russveinot5754]

I'm sure it will. Glad to help. What kind of camper?

[@thecarl168]

i try it on a 1/4 cherrywood plywood for a cover , work very well easy to do and extremely solid ! Carl from canada

[@williammiller2797]

Very informative...just starting my journey..mainly pallet wood projects...for these bam oo dowels, do any kind of dowel work

[@MarkMcCluney]

That's an excellent little tip Russ, and very well explained. And those bamboo skewers are very handy for all sorts. Cheers mate, stay healthy!

[@billdodson207]

great technique. I've done something similar - I used a hand saw to cut a groove and added a spline made from a popsicle stick

[@russveinot5754]

I've used that method on thicker material but not on such thin material as here. Part of what makes this joint very strong is due to using bamboo. I might have to try a key joint instead and compare. If you do both, I would be interested in your thought on strength of each, Thanks Bill BTW, I would suggest (theoretically) that if you are using a key (spline) on a butt joint, you might want to increase the cut angle closer to a pocket hole angle than a 45 degree. This increases the glue surface on the material on the top side of the joint.

[@billdodson207]

@@russveinot5754 I think you're onto something with the steeper angle idea!

[@russveinot5754]

@@billdodson207 That's OTB thinking :>)

[@geoffreymaddison6434]

A nifty idea, you are definitely, Outside The Box. I like your thinking, I'm a bit otb myself, but nowhere a patch on you man. Keep it up man👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@russveinot5754]

thanks Geoffrey. All words of encouragement are appreciated in my shop :>)

[@BertBerg]

Thank you This was Exactly what kind of joint I was looking for!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks for the kind words, Bert. I suspect you will be surprised at just how much stronger the joints can be. To make it stronger, just add more skewers :>).

[@JonathanOwens-zs9gj]

Thank you sir you have made things so much easier for me🤘

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Jonathan. I do have a playlist of several other videos on tips and a jig I made to make these bamboo joints called "BS Joinery" if interested.

[@edwardschmitt5710]

That's a good one I'll use it. Thank's for sharing Russ.

[@KLONDIKEpsychic]

Great tip! Can't wait to try it and I'm sure I'll be using it often!

[@changeindirection]

Wow, what a great idea and explanation! I would love to see how your circular saw dust collection device works. I might have to use toothpicks cause I have a lot around

[@russveinot5754]

You can use toothpicks but bamboo is where the strength is

[@changeindirection]

Gotcha. Thank you

[@kerrygibbs8198]

Great tip!!! I plan to use this in making some thin wood boxes. Thank You.

[@lindam.9282]

I'm new to woodworking and I really needed this..Awesome! Thanks!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Linda and welcome to my shop. any question, suggests, or just chat is welcome here. I'm in the shop most days and I answer all questions quickly, usually less than an hour.

[@tombeals8980]

Just added to my collection of useful facts. Thank you and I just subscribed.

[@LuisCasstle]

This is great. Saved mea good bit of brainstorming time. I'm going with thin to reduce weight, but I also do not want to compromise quality. I will give this a try as it is a very promising solution. I use the dowel max jr, but it only goes down to 1/4. I already looked into getting a drill guide that does down to 1/8”.

[@russveinot5754]

With (very) little practice, you should be able to drill them by hand. BTW, I have used this method many times now and the strength improvement is significant. Thanks for your thoughts. Let me know how it works for you. I am interested in all feedback about this.

[@LuisCasstle]

Hello, drilling for them was easy for sure. Here are some pics of how I used them. Hopefully the link works. I've yet to test the joint strength but I'm sure it's much better than just glue and some brads. postimg.cc/gallery/p50NkDY