Turn Trash into Treasure: How to Build an Incredibly Easy DIY Christmas Tree from Fence Picket

[@hardshellwoodworks]

It's done and all ready to go! The measurements can be found here: kzbin.infoUgkxNJfZaqPZovWCjGOoXUtIoLuLek3FDFy8 And don't forget about the "Subscriber Showcase"! If you're interested, the details are in the description. I'm looking forward to seeing all your holiday builds! 🎅🎄

[@dian3145]

If I heard you correctly, you designed this off of a photo. You, sir, have some mad math/geometry skills! So impressed. Great project, definitely new in the tree space.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I did build it off of a picture I saw on Pinterest but, there are a lot of “little tricks” that help find angles just by having a reference to look at. Welcome to the “tree space” and thank you for your comment! Means a lot. If you build it, let us know how it turns out!

[@tompowell1260]

Great video direct and to the point no distracting music. Perfect. Tree looks amazing thanks for the measurements.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Tom! Thank you for letting me know it was easy to follow and direct. I appreciate your comment and you’re welcome for the measurements. Any of the projects I put together will always have the measurements inside the community tab for everyone!

[@cardboardorigami]

And so nice there’s no extra rambling and time wasting! Great instructional video.

[@nikkivi6541]

What angle did you cut the top triangle?

[@anthonyroy7004]

I appreciate your video; you gave great measurements. I see others do this tree, rather than they giving both measurements for the outside branches, they said just cut it off at the end, were yours matched up to the bottom branches. I really appreciate you not leading people with bad tool practicing. I understand the tips and trick you learn as a tradesman that a DIYer could get hurt if they were to try it that way. Great job, now I think I might try and make one.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@anthonyroy7004 hey Anthony! Thank you for you comment and letting me know you appreciate the video! Definitely give it a shot. Worst thing that happens is it doesn’t work the first time but I’m sure you’ll get it no problem! Let us know how it turns out!

[@SteveNendza]

Thanks for the great video! Just finished my first one.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@SteveNendza That’s awesome! Yeah, Christmas tree season is right around the corner. Glad it was helpful and you got the first one knocked out!

[@richardmccann4815]

Thanks for sharing this, I will be making these!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@richardmccann4815 absolutely! Let us know how it turns out!

[@carolhudson3219]

Thanks for your detailed video with all the angles. Now I have a reason to go buy a new miter saw while they are on sale.😊

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@carolhudson3219 You’re welcome and I’m glad I could help with new miter saw! Nothing beats a good reason for a new tool 🤣🎄

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

Good morning! The video turned out really well. The tree looks amazing! I feel your explanation is spot on! And also, thanks for sharing the dimensions and angles in the community post!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

I’m glad the explanation came out well and was easy to follow. The tree does look pretty cool and is definitely unique.

[@rangewh]

Here are the trees I made using your measurements the project came together great I was able to make one in about 40 minutes the first diagonal branch I found that if I custom cut that piece the fit was much better I plan on doing more everyone wants one thank for posting the video. Don’t know how to add the photos!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

That’s awesome! I’m glad they worked out great and came together nicely for you! They are unique for sure! I’m not sure if you saw the “short” I posted with the jig I made but, if you made it in 40 minutes, you could easily do it in 15/20 with a jig and cut the time way down if you had to make a bunch! Thank you for letting me know everything worked out great! Glad to know the measurements and explanation was enough! … my email is in the description. If you send me your tree, I’d gladly add it to the “Subscriber Showcase” this year!

[@timgwaltney5770]

Great job. Love the dimensional look of this tree.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Tim! I appreciate that! I’m still trying to figure out the best angles for the cuts to make sure everything is easy to follow along with but, if everyone keeps helping with ideas, I think they’ll be easy to follow in no time! Thanks for watching and commenting. If you give it a shot, let us all know how it turns out!

[@patriciajeffery7680]

The top pace if cut from a longer pace of wood would be safe, if cut from a smaller pace I get that! Good video keep them coming

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Patricia! You are absolutely right. At the time, I only had a couple of smaller pieces left. So, I decided it best to just cut the triangle "out of sight"! Thanks for watching. Happy Holidays!

[@seanpaula8924]

The gauge blocks are genius.👍✌️

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey, i appreciate that. I don’t know about genius but definitely a lot cheaper than what they want at Rockler! Thanks for commenting and letting me know you liked it!

[@seanpaula8924]

@@hardshellwoodworks Retired millwright, (Detroit UBC/Millwright) trying to learn woodworking as a hobby.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@seanpaula8924 as a millwright, this stuff will be a walk in the park for you brother! The math doesn’t change. Only the material we work with! Worked with some millwrights awhile back, very sharp individuals! Japanese joinery is something that might spark your interest too!

[@Mike-hr6jz]

Thanks excellent job

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Mike. I appreciate that. Thanks for checking it out!

[@haroldbehar9703]

Wow great tutorial. Followed your instructions and built 2. This had to be the most fun build I ever done in a while. Thank you.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Harold! I’m glad to hear it! Thank you for letting me know everything worked out great! It was definitely a fun build for me as well and I’m glad to know ow you enjoyed it! I have details in the description if you’d like to email a picture of your tree. I would be happy to add it to the “Subscriber Showcase Short” if you’re interested! Thanks again and Happy Holidays!🎄

[@jamesblock1319]

Nice job. Explained it well.❤

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey James. Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@hobbyhack]

I love the tree. I am going to make some. I think I will try cutting all the pieces to rough dimensions. Then glue it up. Then just run a saw over the edges to get them perfect and make the tree shape. No measuring angles this way and everything will be perfect.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

The tree is definitely a unique design. And, your idea is smart! That will definitely save you a lot of time for sure by not having to measure out each angle!

[@HouseScraper]

​@@hardshellwoodworksmay I ask how can you rouge cut it? I'm new to wood working and plan on giving this a try

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@HouseScraper Hey there! Since you are new to it, WELCOME to the woodworking community! I’m not quite sure I understand the question. “Rouge” cut? If you could elaborate on your question a little more, I would be more than happy to help explain it. Thank you and look forward to helping you.

[@HouseScraper]

@@hardshellwoodworks how to make rough cuts instead of the way he made it. Thank you so much for answering me. I will try and show you what I'm talking about when I make this

[@HouseScraper]

@@hardshellwoodworks now that I went back and read your respond I see what you are saying, your going to make the tree then go back and cut the edges of the tree

[@lenferproduction]

Perfect project for the use of story boards...clamp or screw on the right hand wing of the miter saw a board with marks at the different lengths needed, so no more mesuring every piece to cut...

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Exactly! That would be a really good use for those boards too!

[@derekpeterson5123]

Very cool design! Thanks for sharing your time and talent!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Derek! Thank you for watching it and letting me know you like the design! All the measurements are posted in the community tab so, if you build it, let us know how it turns out!

[@gemmabski1033]

Love it. Very clear directions

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Gemma! I'm happy to hear you love the tree. It was definitely a fun little project for the holiday season which is right around the corner. Thank you for letting me know the instructions were straightforward and clear. I appreciate the feedback.

[@michaelmeneghetti5794]

This is a very impressive design. I'm sure your viewers are grateful for the time and effort you took to calculate the angles and lengths for each piece. Do you also glue each piece in addition to the brad nails? Thank you for the design and inspiration!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Michael! Thank you. I can't take credit for the design but it was definitely a fun build and took some figuring for sure! I didn't use wood glue on this project as I didnt make more than the one. But, if you wanted to make them as gifts or possibly to sell, I would definitely recommend using wood glue before nailing. You're most welcome and thank you for your comment!

[@annodnostaw9971]

Sweet build. I love it. I like your explanation of how it's done.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Annod! Thank you so much! I appreciate that. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and that my explanation was easy to understand! If you make the tree, let us know how it turns out!

[@daleromdenne]

So cool.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@daleromdenne Thanks. I’m glad you liked it!

[@woodandwheelz]

Thank you for sharing. You have a new subscriber. God bless.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Absolutely and thank you for subscribing. Did you fix up that diecast Bel Air that was in the pile from your "Part 1 of ?" video? I'm thinking it was a '56. If so, how'd it turn out?

[@MASI_forging]

Christmas is coming...hope all well to you 😘😘

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Yes. It’s right around the corner. Thank you. Hope all is well for you also. Happy holidays.

[@dennismcentee4367]

Great video. This is a good time of year to use up your collection of shorts from the scrap bin on unique Christmas items. I have to give you credit for your honesty in explaining why you cut the triangle top off camera. Years ago a shortcut took the end of my middle finger and damn near my whole hand! No more shortcuts for me.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Dennis. You’re right! These trees are the best little projects for the years built up “scrap” pile. Thank you for letting me know you appreciate my honesty. I’m a pretty “straightforward” type of guy and I don’t like to sugarcoat anything. I want everyone to be safe. I know a very talented woodworker who I respect a lot that lost the tips of his fingers on the saw and you are completely right, shortcuts are no place for the workshop. I have to remind myself of this and lead by example! Thank you for your comment. I appreciate you for it!

[@dennismcentee4367]

So glad I came across your channel. Every time I open the door to my workshop I say to myself out loud , "today is not the day I'm going to hurt myself". Regards, Dennis

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@dennismcentee4367 I’m glad you found your way to the channel too because it’s nice to have others leave constructive criticism and positive comments! I have a “dry” sense of humor so there’s a sign hanging up that says: “Days Since Last Accident: 20 Minutes” 🤣 But, I do try to keep it in the back of my mind to work safely.

[@cedarriverwoodworking]

That's a great looking tee. I made a video like the bigger one that you referenced from Pinterest.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

I appreciate that brother! I saw your tree video! Very cool and you did a killer job! I was going to shoot you an email but didn’t see one! Mines in the description if you’d like to get in touch! Great videos and I appreciate you taking the time to watch it! Means a lot! 🔥

[@usmc4507]

great video and explanation on how it all comes together. i appreciate your time and effort. thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thanks a lot Josh! I appreciate you taking your time to tell me what you thought of it! If you take a crack at the tree and want to send a picture of it in for the “Subscriber Showcase” I post them all Christmas Eve! Happy Holidays 🎄

[@rangewh]

Great job I have pickets in my shop and will be building a few

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thank You! Let us know how they turn out! I'm always excited to hear how the builds turn out in another shop!

[@larrystone5749]

Great job and project thx for sharing enjoyed it Keep building God Bless

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Larry! I appreciate you checking out this video and commenting too! Definitely let us know how it turns out if you decide to make it! I always like knowing how all the projects end up!

[@cardboardorigami]

Nice job and nicely explained.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@jamesrae8884]

Brilliant 👏 👏 👏

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@jamesrae8884 Thanks. I appreciate that and glad you liked it!

[@richardblackmore527]

Great video. Your rhombus is a right-trapezium since you asked. Thank you. Richie.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Richard! Thanks a lot! You’re right! It’s a right-trapezium! One of my other subscribers who has been with me from the start pointed that out. I told him, “ I choked and if I didn’t call it a rhombus, I was going to call it a “do-dad” or a “what’s-it” and I don’t know if I’m the only one who recognizes those as shapes!🤣🤣 thank you for your comment and watching the video!

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

19:05 you’re also squaring but up like that because of the type of work you do, it’s your nature

[@hardshellwoodworks]

I agree. I’m really finicky when things are “out-of-whack” too. I would have a really hard time eye-balling center because the pieces wouldn’t match perfectly down the line… crooked trees look cool but, only when their intentional🤣

[@37gdog]

Wouldn't it be faster just to cut all the pieces at 90 degrees and cut the angle with a skill saw after it's put together?

[@hardshellwoodworks]

It would be 💯% faster doing that. After I made this, another video came up with the same tree and that’s exactly what the creator did! I’m good with figuring things out. But, I’m even better at over complicating them!🤦‍♂️🤣

[@dgperforms1]

Pallet wood is great for this!!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Pallet wood is definitely a great use for this tree! Especially if it was sanded and stained. That's a good idea! If you make one out of pallet wood, let us know how it turns out!

[@mackmcdaniel5827]

Great video thankyou

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Mack! Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and happy holidays!

[@alanrees4837]

Looks good I would like to make some for the children in the school behind my house do you have a cut list or plans available please

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Alan. Thanks. I’m glad you liked it and thank you for watching. I don’t sell plans to any of the “Christmas” projects I make as I want everyone to have access to them for free. But, if you go to my channel, you can see diagrams of the trees with dimensions under the Community tab. Cuts, angles, heights.

[@alanrees4837]

Perfect found the plans ready for Christmas next year thank you again

[@websterbehrens7837]

Awesome how to video !!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thanks a lot Webster! I’m glad it’s helpful. Let us know if you build it. I’d like to know how they turn out and if the instructions are clear enough to get everyone up and running! Thank you for watching and letting me know you liked it! Means a lot!

[@HouseScraper]

Love it

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it!

[@RamoneZuniga]

Great 🌳just would ask for the dimensions for the branches on the 3 D tree

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate that and appreciate you watching. If you are talking about the last tree, I hope to have them all put together soon for everyone.

[@Wolfe_Metals_Stacking]

It's kind of weird that like a month ago, I was wondering what happened to you and bam a bunch of new stuff on my list this morning! I myself haven't had a lot of time to be on KZbin to watch, but I will make sure to go through what you've uploaded so far.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Dante! Yeah, long time. Hope you had a great year! You haven’t missed a whole lot! Not from my channel anyways. I’ve been working straight through the year and since the weathers changing I’ve had some time to make a couple videos! Glad you’re back and I hope you like the new tree!

[@Danseadorf]

Thanks for the video, a new subscriber.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it! And thank you for subscribing. I appreciate it and if you build the tree, let us know how it turns out!

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

Liked the video before watching!!!!😂

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thanks bro! Hopefully you won't be dissapointed with it when you watch it! Let me know if you build the tree and how well the instruction comes out! I'm interested to see a tree someone builds from the video!

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

@@hardshellwoodworkswill do!! I replied to your email finally

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@mrmyblessednest1722 I’ll check the emails later this evening and get back to you for sure! Short day today with work so I’ll definitely have some time!

[@devildawgprepper]

My Mitter saw only goes to 52°. Ugh now what do i do.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

I have the same issue but there’s a way to make a jig to help with that. Here’s a link to another woodworker that made a jig. I hope that helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4ayqax8eNx5gJosi=CEy_HhhZpfi3lXE9

[@garytaylor9689]

Hi awesome work what you been doing. Do you have the plans for that tree?

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Thanks a lot Gary! I really appreciate that. Do you mean “plans” like some guys have for sale on a website or Etsy? I don’t have blueprints for sale but everything I make on the fly or from a picture I saw, I put a schematic up in the community tab that has all the measurements and dimensions listed. I’m working on the measurements now and will hopefully have them posted in a couple hours. I hope that answers your question. Thank you for your comment and letting me know you like it. Means a lot!

[@dgperforms1]

Wheres the community tab

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey there. The community tab is on my main channel. Here is a direct link. I hope that helps. www.youtube.com/@hardshellwoodworks/community

[@garytaylor9689]

@@hardshellwoodworks yes it does thank you. I found your schematic. Keep up the awesome work

[@scottpang9865]

Where do I find your "community" page for the complete layout?

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Scott! If you’re watching the video, you should be able to click on “Hardshell Woodworks”. That will take you to my channel page. From there, you can look at the options that say: “videos”, “shorts”, “live”, “community”, “playlists”… just click the “community” tab and it will take you to all the posts I’ve made with the diagrams. I hope that helps.

[@taggjill15]

Where’d ya get that out feed table that pulls the wood outta the way?!

[@hardshellwoodworks]

So far you are the only one that mentioned that!🤣 It would be really cool to have an out feed table that pulled our cuts away but, it was actually my wife! I had the tripod in a terrible spot and she noticed when I was ripping the board that it would hit it so, she saved the day and guided the wood away from the camera!

[@taggjill15]

@@hardshellwoodworks 😆 yeah I could see her helping out. I can relate to your woodworking. I’m not trained in it either. I figure things out as I go, usually the long way around. If I had a KZbin channel I’d probably name it “The Janky Woodworker “. Thanks for figuring out this tree. I really like it and will be making it since you made it so easy to do.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@taggjill15 She is definitely my biggest asset in the shop! The filming and camera stuff is all “foreign” to me! Camera angles, b-roll and exciting commentary are not my strong suit. That’s for sure🤣 that’s why I try to make up for it with detailed instruction and diagrams in the community tab🤣 The “Janky Woodworker” does have a cool ring to it though so, if you ever decide to make a channel, be sure to let me know!

[@darylbrown2634]

You stated that the bottom branch is cut at 18" long, but then when you were attaching the branches, you stated that for the bottom branch 9-3/8" was the center mark. Is that accurate? Would you please clarify for me?

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey there Daryl! You had me worried there for a minute! I went out and checked the bottom branch to the tree, as well as checked the video again to make sure I wasn't giving terrible instructions! 🤣 @05:20 , I actaully said 19" inches. So, that's a relief. When it comes to the center mark of the branch, you would be correct that @ 19 inches / 2 is not 9-3/8" inches. When I bult the mockup, I must have messed that up and and pulled the degree cut to that numbe on the centerline of the trunk. So, I pull right to left and if you were to pull the same direction, everything would line up. However, if you were to pull left to right, the branch would be out 1/8" of an inch from lining up to the angled cut of the diagonal branch. I hope that makes sense . I do have the diagram on my community page that has all of the measurements that might help explain it a little more. kzbin.infoUgkxNJfZaqPZovWCjGOoXUtIoLuLek3FDFy8

[@darylbrown2634]

I apologize, I was getting ahead of myself. I see it now.

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@darylbrown2634 No worries Daryl. I'm glad you said something and got me to double check everything! I'd feel bad if someone went to build the tree and it didn't match up because I dropped the ball on the measurements!

[@spencerh909]

Are there plans available for this

[@hardshellwoodworks]

Hey Spencer. I don’t have plans available for sale to any of the “Holiday/Christmas” projects. I do have all the measurements available on the “Community Tab” of the channel with a diagram though to all the holiday projects.

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

13:47 not a rhombus, a right trapezium. Actually I believe I’m wrong!! I was thinking it was square on the left end but it has the 9 degree cut on the left end

[@hardshellwoodworks]

A right trapezium! I just had to google that! Dang bro, you killed it! That's right. I'm glad I went with rhombus though because..... I choked😅 I thought that was my better option because if I didn't go with rhombus, it definitely would have been called a "what's-it" or a "doo-dad" and I know for a fact that some might not recognize those as shapes!😂😂😂😂😅

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

@@hardshellwoodworksI think I’m wrong! On the left end it has the 9 degree cut and a squared end! I do recognize those as shapes though😜🤣

[@hardshellwoodworks]

@@mrmyblessednest1722 Obtuse Trapazoid? …..

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

@@hardshellwoodworks🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mrmyblessednest1722]

@@hardshellwoodworks ok, it is an acute trapezoid. Had to know!!! Now I need to sleep!! I’ve got about 7 more minutes left on the video but need to sleep! I will finish in the morning and also get back to your email! And I’ll be emailing some more of the projects I’ve built! Including a coffee table I built back in the mid 90’s! Have a good rest of your evening!