The real reason why I've not been sharing DIY projects / Bed Lift Storage

Hi all, long time no speak!!
Here's why I haven't been putting any videos out over the last few months and how we felt it was time to get the camera out and document what I thought would be a DIY struggle....
fitting a DIY bed lift onto an existing narrowboat bed frame with gas struts and the challenges I faced.
Hope you enjoy!
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[@mofojohnson1]

I use similar dampers in work for hatches. You screw them in or out to make them stronger or weaker for different weights of materials

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Really?!! I didn't know that! There were no instructions with the gas struts at all!

[@mofojohnson1]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK the ones I use do. So you can adjust to the perfect strength you need, I imagine these would be the same

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Will have to check that out! I've pinned it if it's helpful to others!

[@m0nk3yl0v3r]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Im invested this now... let us know!

[@sachae321]

If I may - I personally enjoy watching you enjoy being successful when you have the inspiration to solve problems. Doesn't matter if that's the narrow boat or your next home!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much for your kind words 😘

[@DavidinEssexUK]

It’s all in your head.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I've got to stop thinking so much 😵‍💫😅

[@matthewharmer1656]

We all want to see narrow boat filming !!!!!!

[@virginiakirkupscrolltoto7794]

Love watching you doing projects

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@spencehh]

I started subscribing to you because of your narrowboat. Definitely want to see more boat projects.

[@mjallenuk]

It's your enthusiasm people want to watch ... anything you feel folk should know will be very enjoyable

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks! I like to think my videos aren't stuffy and boring 😅

[@mjallenuk]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK they're not... Perfect watching when one's enthusiasm is low. All the best 👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Aww, thanks! Glad I can help 😀

[@ChrisShute62]

For a good source of thin, flat, strong webbing straps, try a car scrap yard. Seatbelts, when cut, can have their edges sealed with a lighter. Years ago, I had a mate who made a climbing harness out of this stuff!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I'll have a look for something!

[@charmedohio-yj2gg]

It's all in your head Vicky we love any type of project you do narrow boat or not, you are a very creative person and you shouldn't let your thoughts or anyone tell you otherwise

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks! It's me... I'm my own worst enemy 😵‍💫

[@HouseFairyDIY]

That was stressful just watching so must have been a nightmare to do! Got there in the end though. Boat projects would be good! You can be more adventurous with boats and campers, so it could be fun.

[@pteddie6965]

Glad to see you again. I've been missing your projects and humorous banter. Thanks for this video. Your creativity and resourcefulness are still intact.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much for your kind words 😊

[@cliffthompson2996]

IT GOOD to See you BACK 💐💐

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! 🤩

[@kortt]

yes, more projects please! :)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I'll do my best 😀

[@dalepage360]

Great to see you in action again always enjoy your projects!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much!

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

Just watching this one because I missed it. But all I could think was all that bloody hard work for nothing as after some heartache you have got a new house (which was great news). However, it was a Great video, and well done as it looked like a hell of a job. 👍👍👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 🙂 I suppose I should've had a go at this sooner!! 😆

[@GregsWorkshopOregon]

Two of Mt favorite things: Making Stuff and Boats.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😁

[@yellownev]

All in your head - we'd love to see what you do to your boat

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😅 Thanks so much 😊

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

It's weird how our minds can tell us lies and stop us from doing the thinks we like.. I'm glad your back Vicky 💖

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@rjamsbury1]

Amazing perserverance! Great result

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... I needed it with this one! 😅😅

[@HaveaLukeatthis]

If they're still a bit stiff, gas struts usually have a small bleed screw you can use to release some pressure and make them easier to close - you've got to be careful not to release too much though as there is no way to top them back up!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much for the info! I don't trust myself on this one, but it's very good to know and look out for!

[@Rockhopper1]

check your struts are parallel to each other and level. Slightest offset makes it harder, Personally I would have put a bungee rope under the middle spar "drawer to back" have it really tight, when you lift up it will help with the torque and lift setting with the gas struts,

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Interesting! Thanks so much for the idea!

[@virginiakirkupscrolltoto7794]

Try flat webbing strap stapled as a handle

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to get looking for some

[@markevans1973]

Its in your head boat DIY !

[@charliekingpin8568]

Boat or house you always come up with interest stuff and your good at it. :)

[@markduggan3451]

That took a lot of figuring out, but it was worth it.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Yes, absolutely 😊 It was a poor design for accessibility, but thought (or hoped) we were halfway there

[@deffojeffo]

Get some off cuts of angle iron - the form will be much stronger than flat plate. Glad to see a proper video - the shorts were good - but I like to sit with a cuppa and digest - plus we get to see Hans ! :)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I never thought of that! And I must admit, I do prefer watching someone share the challenges and struggles - it's all part of the DIY journey/story, but all will be explained soon about why I only had time for shorts 😊

[@deffojeffo]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK if you ever see some old Dexion racking - keep a couple of lengths as you only need to cut it to length with a hacksaw and it’s pre drilled - it’ll be strong enough and lightweight - I fixed an ilea lift up storage bed exactly the same way once - and as far as I know it’s still going

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

Hilarious 😂 ended successfully so alls good.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks, Karl 🥰 It was "good enough" I thought in the end for our needs 😀

[@Mikidy303]

It's good to see you back. I've always liked your insight on doing projects.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you very much!

[@jimmypenn]

Great to see you back and I'd definitely be happy to see you continue your DIY on the house boat , space permitting . We are in the process of getting a new house shortly so I know the stress involved in that so I wish you all the best in your house hunting. We actually bought a bed with that type of lifting mechanism and I was shouting it'll lift and close fine when the mattress is on lol. Other than replacing the 4 bits of mdf with one solid piece on a timber frame , I'd have done the same as you. As far as lifting goes , it's more awkward for you as you have that raised bit at the front whereas ours has hand holes just below the mattress , it's heavy but manageable and is a godsend for accessible storage .

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

LOL... it was so frustrating... we'd seen others say it in their own videos, but it's that whole not knowing whether your gas struts are too strong and whether it will actually work that gets you😅 And good luck with the house purchase - it has been a very stressful experience searching for the right property - and also, not knowing whether you'll find one or not and whether you should lower your criteria and settle.

[@EdwardIglesias]

Awesome! I'd love to see more boat videos! Also, I'm wondering if you could place a hitch on the roof so you could add a rope to help you pull up on the thing. You could even put a stirrup at the end and use full body weight.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That's a very very interesting idea!

[@across8339]

And YES, we want to see your work on the barge!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

♥

[@Petertronic]

Lovely to see a new "normal" video again, I'd love to see more projects on the boat. You did a great job in that tricky confined area, I was dreading hearing a big "snap!". Having stayed in static caravans I know how important every little bit of storage space is.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! Yes, it's been an absolute pain this bed so it needed to be done! I was so scared of it snapping or ripping out too lol

[@Ploggy.]

Looking forward to the Exciting News 👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I'm looking forward to share 😍🤗

[@CamelliaSinensis]

Lovely project and thanks for sharing the pitfalls and fails, as a novice it's a teaching moment for me too. And thanks for pinning the strut adjustment comment

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you and any time! I'm still learning after each video, with the wealth of knowledge and experience from my viewers!

[@tomas5376]

A narrowboat is a great place for DIY projects. Let’s see more!

[@stephendavies6949]

Good to see you back, Ms Lee! "Shorts" don't really cut it. Your previous work was knowledgeable, entertaining and skillful, so I look forward to seeing you back in business. Good luck with both boat & house.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I felt quite guilty about only sharing shorts, but felt they weren't sufficient enough jobs to share in full length videos (but also, I had to do them to a very tight deadline). But I look forward to sharing some meatier projects soon.

[@MrPhilbun]

Think about a length of old seat belt or ratchet strap webbing as a handle.

[@markevans1973]

Great job !

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@markevans1973]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK your so welcome .love your videos ❤️

[@davidkettell5726]

I will watch anything you do ,i love your enthusiasm and your accent,reminds me of home .

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Aww, thanks! Glad I remind you of home! Does that mean you've relocated?

[@davidkettell5726]

Been in the USA since 1980@@TheCarpentersDaughterUKNative of Lutterworth Leicestershire.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Ah, I know that area a little bit :) I used to live near Nuneaton and Hinckley!

[@grahampartridge9335]

Nice job

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much!

[@Kirsty-bz5oj]

This video is great Vikkie, I have the same kind of bed situation on my narrowboat and would like to do something similar , this has inspired me with the know how , keep them coming. 😊

[@Lego6980]

Bravo

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks :)

[@craigbeas6111]

Do more on the boat it's interesting and might help others 👍👍👍💯

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much :)

[@craigbeas6111]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK power to your elbow Hun go for it 👍👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😄

[@chatterboxpopsi8265]

Nice to see you again Vikki missed your blogs

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much :) it's nice to know I've been missed ☺️

[@wisher21uk]

Brilliant Vikkie looks great maybe use one of those over sized long cupboard door handle for lifting the bed ? With a plate top and bottom, The handle will be close to the mattress though if you know what I mean 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Is this the type you mean? allhandlesandpulls.co.uk/hide-profile-handle-toniton-black-120-mm.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpompBhDZARIsAFD_Fp-ZiBlqsJyv-lhzxAcTPTDbuOUZTV-cg9F9H4E52XbYT-_xI3AtTM4aAnmXEALw_wcB

[@drew8135]

Appreciate the effort you went to in negotiating the small spaces to bring us another video! As long youre not gone for good... and 4k views so far should tell you its in your head :)

[@baldvale5418]

Vikki are you kidding, iv'e been waiting & wondering where all your Barge video's were! We all do DIY on houses & on dry land but only a lucky few will have ever had the pleasure of owning and renovating their own Boat. I was really interested seeing your progress on your floating home as it's always been a dream of mine to own one myself.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Sorry 😅 it's so hard convincing myself on many projects, whether it would be interesting to watch or not and I end up deleting some videos, or making them much shorter or bundling topics with others I'll have to encourage myself more!

[@baldvale5418]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Your vlogs have always been top class with loads of great tips. Don't beat yourself up, just look how many people subscribe to your great channel 🙂👍

[@priestland1]

What you must add is some way of propping the bed when in the raised position. You cannot rely on the mechanism to always work, there must be some redundancy and so some other physical element needs to be added. Can be bolts or just a piece of wood holding up the bed when in the raised position.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Very good idea! Especially like you say, something to lock in place while it's open.

[@alltherestofit8109]

Nice to see you back and yes we do like the narrowboat projects 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks and good to know :)

[@lynjermey6423]

I find you inspiring whatever the project, and would love to see more boat videos.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much :)

[@jlsage4059]

All content is good content. Do the boat if that’s what you’re onto.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😊

[@user-fo4xo2mf9k]

Good to see you back Vickie!! Keep broadcasting wherever it’s from. Great tips and content.👍🏻

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 🤗

[@andyc972]

Bless you Vikki, this is real world DIY/Woodworking and of course we'd love to see whatever you're doing ! The reality with something like this is there is an element of trial and error so you did good, my only observation is that I would have secured the braces across the joins rather than along them especially with MDF, but hey you got there in the end ! Hope it makes your life easier and means you'll be posting more content again !

[@mrfixituk2606]

I'd definitely be interested to see boat based projects, keep up the good work 👏

[@envoycdx]

yup, video's are good :)

[@baronvontrap3325]

Definitely all in your head

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

🙈

[@denewoodthorpe5872]

A carpenter on a ship was called a ship wright 👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Really? That's so cool! 😊

[@anton4video]

Nice to see you again, been waiting so long. Have nothing against boat projects.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much and good to know 😊

[@jlsage4059]

One thing for sure…All those stripes bend in all the right places.

[@vanzijlp]

I’m keen on boat, camper stuff

[@andrewcarmichael8683]

Love narrowboats, but I understand your problem. I live in a one bedroom and no longer have a workshop. Got tools coming out my ears, and that is without the tablesaw, pillar drill, and bandsaw!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

You have to be very tidy and organised (which as you might be able to see... this is not me 😅)

[@andrewcarmichael8683]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK not me either, too busy!

[@meuntitled]

First time hearing you say something that makes no sence :D i like the narrow boat videos :)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😅

[@andymarriott8150]

Hi Vikkie loved this video and as for projects on the boat what are you waiting for go for it I'll be watching them all 😁

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@Paul...39]

Been waiting so long for your videos xxx missed you ❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Aww, thank you 🤗

[@user-zh2mb9xl6o]

90% of vlogs on Narrowboats have some DIY in it. Boaters learn from each other.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

True :)

[@geoffreycoan]

Well done for perseverance, got there in the end, and it looks to be much more usable storage space now. I would have put the support plates in the opposite direction, the way you have them there’s not a lot of material on the plate acting to stop the joints twisting. If they were at 90 degrees then there’d be far more metal plate in contact with the mdf to stop the twist and it’d behave more like a single sheet of mdf.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you and good point. I'll have a look at the configuration again. I was worried they may have bent over time that way, but a mix up can't be bad!

[@geoffreycoan]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK alternating the plate orientation would be a good idea, yes

[@Ploggy.]

That was a challenging one Vikkie well done 👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I knew I needed to pick up the camera on this one... I had a feeling it wouldn't be easy on a budget lol

[@EightBitTony]

Definitely want to see more content, don't mind if it's boat focussed or not :) I have no idea how you managed to succeed at that so offering advice seems churlish, but I'd probably want a couple of stout pieces of wood holding up the front edge when it's lifted - just in case the struts fail for any reason!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Yes, it's a scary thought at them failing when you're reaching for stuff... which is probably why it's a good idea to have 2 in and not 1!

[@across8339]

That looks like an essential modification - I cant see how you managed to access the space before and getting that mitre saw out must have been a pig of a job. For flat rope I would recommend using webbing strap, perhaps with a decorative paracord handle section at the mid point. To fix the webbing strap, consider cutting a small slot with your multi-tool, feeding the strap through and fixing on the underside using a could of screws and washers on each side. For longevity and extra strength heat (melt) the cut end of the strap to avoid fraying and then double over the ends before fixing.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you for the idea!! And yes, it has been essential as I simply never ever accessed the storage. Once the mitre saw went in there over a year ago, I never set my eyes on it again 😅

[@CruisingTheBroads]

I came here specifically because it's a project on a boat. I suspect there are a lot of others who'll follow if you made more content like this.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Many thanks! Hope you're not disappointed when we move into a house if your subscribed 😅

[@masm60]

Boat videos, car repairs, heck I'd watch a video of you washing dishes if that's all you can manage.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... that would work out. We have no blooming dishwasher 🤪

[@inkydoug]

Air cylinders with a small compressor to power the them and a foot operated actuating valve so that you can have your hands full and still tilt the bed up with just tap of your foot. (Your approach was drastically more practical on all accounts than this Rube Goldberg of course, and I really like how you keep going regardless until things are buttoned up.)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

lol... just had to google Rube Goldberg 😆 But something hands free sounds bliss lol

[@matharvey87]

i dont know if this is to late or already been mentioned gas struts i dont know if its all or just some they have a little set screw that you can let out some of the gas to adjust

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I'll have to take a look. Probably won't change it now, but would be good to know for reference!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Go on... tell me what you would have done differently!! 😅

[@sachae321]

Epic result. Might I suggest a sheet of pegboard / hardboard so the mattress doesn't tear on the plates and screws?

[@gedreillyhomestead6926]

It's been so long that I almost forgot about your channel 😲 Please keep it coming, I love your sense of humour and your down to earth workmanship ( can we still say that or should we be saying workwomenship or workpersonship?) It's all a load of ship if you ask me! 😂 👍. Just had a look at your home page and although I'm sub'd, YT has not been notifying me, the Bar stewards!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Bar stewards indeed lol. Nice to know they've pulled their finger out for once lol. I've only been able to do shorts over the last month due to a tight deadlines, but I'll share why soon in my next video. I try to say tradespeople just incase I offend someone now (or in 20 years time lol)

[@paulyh4531]

Seems your gas struts are too powerful , when you get them for cars they are all diff. You'd be better off going to a car scrap yard and getting a couple used ones or you could add more wieght under it blicks of wood etc intil you get the balance right , nice to see you back thou vickki , and deff do mire boat vids ,i thought you did have a boat channel before ??👍👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks! I did and do, but haven't bothered adding stuff to it as we're only temporarily living on the boat, so been working on my food blog instead

[@paulyh4531]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK AHH I see , yer I've seen a few of those testing new air fryer thingy and that. Can't believe you still not moved yet and things going pear shaped, annoying and stressful no doubt , take care . 😞

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

It's been a very stressful experience, but we've learned a lot which I'm sharing in full videos over the next few weeks :)

[@paulyh4531]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Look forward to it , and have deleted the comment I did by mistake lol 👍

[@martijnfransen9933]

Yep all in your head Vicky 😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😬😅

[@anton4video]

When you drill a hole and pull a string through use monkey’s fist knot to get a large surface area.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for the tip! That looks like a nice knot!!

[@ianpearse4480]

Interesting. Did you consider longer drawers?

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I don't think long drawers would work. The walkway is so tiny, unless you mean another way?

[@ianpearse4480]

I was thinking of two separate drawers on runners, one behind the other. Pull out the 1st one completely then access the 2nd. But then I am very Lazy. LOL>@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I'm too lazy for that too 😅

[@1234j]

Projects, please.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you. Happy to hear you want to see more!

[@DaveGardner64]

Put The gas strut in the middle.

[@lolliedog363]

Is the fulcrum in the wrong position

[@virginiakirkupscrolltoto7794]

Ejectabed 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Something along those lines nearly became the title 😅😅

[@peterwentworth9181]

Like Wallis and Gromitt lol

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Yes 🤣

[@starman9921]

It's all in head. 😅

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I'll have to give myself a very good talking to lol

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Well done for persevering with it. Looked like a traditional English pain in the arse job to save a bit of cash 😂 It's good that you've got a better use out of the space. There's nout worse than struggling for no reason.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much... you had me at "nout" 😍😆 I've had to share a few struggles for no reason on here in the past (trying to paint a car bonnet for one) and it REALLY IS a pain in the arse lol

[@swl6218]

More barge diy. 😁

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😊

[@denewoodthorpe5872]

AN injecter seat 😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... that's what it felt like 😆

[@jasonduplock3832]

You should defo have ran the brackets at 90 degrees to the panels!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Do you mean on the narrow side of the bed?

[@jasonduplock3832]

The 4 panels under the mattress....you attached the metal plates lengthways in line with the join of any 2 panels,,, I think it would be much stronger if you had turned them through 89 degrees and had them across the joint! Good job though and you achieved what you needed to! @@TheCarpentersDaughterUK

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Ah, you mean the metal plates! Thanks!

[@markevans1973]

Vicky my crush so pretty ❤❤❤

[@terrortorn]

It would be easier not to store things in there!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That's exactly what I did. Once that mattress was down, I never ever went in and didn't know what my husband put in there 😅

[@PaulGrosvenor1]

Any videos will be great. 🛥🏡

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks ☺️

[@stephendavies6080]

At a guess you had to cut a few hundred bleeps out of this upload😄👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Easily 😆😆😆

[@Kirsty-bz5oj]

This video is great Vikkie, I have the same kind of bed situation on my narrowboat and would like to do something similar , this has inspired me with the know how , keep them coming. 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Hope it has helped - and any tips in the comments 🙏

[@Kirsty-bz5oj]

This video is great Vikkie, I have the same kind of bed situation on my narrowboat and would like to do something similar , this has inspired me with the know how , keep them coming. 😊