Turn what you HAVE into what you WANT!

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This week I took an 8ft tall bookcase and turned it into a credenza/sideboard/office organizer for the Dream Office. Part of the challenge I've given myself in this Dream Office is to make as much as I can out of stuff I already have. The top is reclaimed Douglas Fir from a salvage yard, I use Patterned Plywood edge banding from a prior video, and the drawers are made from old shelves and scrap wood. I hope this video encourages others to try upcycling. It's a great way to experiment in the woodshop without spending a lot of money.
This channel is supported by Rockler. Thanks Rockler! Rockler Products used in this video include:
Rockler Deluxe Panel Clamps www.rockler.com/rockler-delux...
Rockler Sure Foot Clamps www.rockler.com/surefoot-alum...
Rockler Marking and Measuring Tool Pouch www.rockler.com/marking-and-m...
Rockler Table Edge Router Bit www.rockler.com/table-top-edg...
Rockler PRO LIFT Router Lift www.rockler.com/rockler-pro-l...
Rockler Glue applicator kit www.rockler.com/rockler-3-pie...
BETTER DRAWER SLIDES (don’t buy amazon slides) www.rockler.com/centerlinereg...
Affiliate links to tools and materials used in this video
Totalboat Halcyon Clear www.totalboat.com/product/ halcyon-marine-gloss-varnish. Use code TotalALM22 for 10% off all Totalboat products
ISOtunes Pro 2.0 Noise Cancelling headphones www.bit.ly/almfabiso
Sawstop 36” 3 HP Table Saw amzn.to/3Jo4oEb
Festool TS55 track saw amzn.to/3ylUG0g
Hitachi Crown Staple gun amzn.to/3Iki1UC
23ga nail gun amzn.to/3OTqzUN
Bostich 18ga nail gun amzn.to/3RbJ8EI
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig amzn.to/3AqwdYy
Titebond 3 Wood Glue amzn.to/3AVBgSn
Ryoba Japanese Pull Saw amzn.to/3AVCyN1
Dozuki Japanese Pull Saw amzn.to/3oLY7J7
Milwaukee M18 Palm Router amzn.to/3KrKqZT
Mirka Deros 5” Palm Sander amzn.to/3oKrbR5
Flexcut Wood Carving Knife amzn.to/3CNEbO2
Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver Set amzn.to/3yYMF2V
Milwaukee M18 Drill and Driver Set amzn.to/3BBhnkk
Armor Tool auto adjusting long reach clamp amzn.to/3QXeZc9
Camera Gear
Sony a6600 Mirrorless Camera - almfab.com/sony-a6600-camera
Cage for Sony a6600 Camera - almfab.com/rig-cage-sony-a6600
Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone - almfab.com/shotgun-mic
17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E - almfab.com/tamron-lens-17-70m...
77mm NXT Plus UV Filter - almfab.com/uv-filter
577 Rapid Connect Adapter with Sliding Mounting Plate - almfab.com/rapid-connect
MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod - almfab.com/tripod
Orion Jr DVC50 4' Compact Camera Crane / Jib - almfab.com/camera-crane
Aluminum Travel Tripod - almfab.com/travel-tripod
MC RGBWW LED Light - almfab.com/mc-led-light
PavoTube II 6C RGB LED Tube Light (10") - almfab.com/pavo-tube-light
Heavy-Duty Portable Tripod Dolly - almfab.com/tripod-dolly
360° Pan Lockable Bearing Mount to 3/8" Tripod Legs - almfab.com/bearing-mount
Tilt Brake for Orion DVC200, DVC210, and DVC250 Camera Cranes - almfab.com/tilt-brake
Jonathan Katz-Moses Wood Movement Calculator kmtools.com/pages/wood-moveme...
Jonathan Katz-Moses video "Is Wood Movement a MYTH?" • Is Wood Movement a Myt...
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[@sgsax]

The custom moulding is definitely what brings this to the next level. And great reuse of existing materials. Thanks for sharing!

[@colemine7008]

Paint the interior the same gold/or green of the wall paper. That would make it look sharp and part of the decor. Or! line it with the wall paper.

[@Aleph-Noll]

would be cool

[@WiltonSilveira]

Madeira pintada na cor ouro ou verde? Não gostei da ideia. Eu escureceria a madeira com uma tinta no tom que me agradasse, mas sempre aparentando ser madeira para valorizar o trabalho de marcenaria.

[@rodrigorodrigues5496]

@@WiltonSilveira Excelente ideia!!! Madeira no tom certo combina com tudo!

[@DatSuKid]

Hope you can make a sit/standing desk!

[@maxwest4137]

I wish there was an annual voting on who on youtube was creative beyond their peers. Some on here are just on another level. Michael Alm, this job was done skillfully and creatively, just like many other items you have been tackling. Very nice job.

[@richfmatos]

A simple plastic straw to clean glue: you get my inscription!

[@nehemoth]

Can't watch your videos without thinking that you are Peter Sarsgaard's doppelganger, incredible the resemblance.

[@Blahnik1182]

My kind of project. Blue tape for the win!

[@thePunisher95125]

I agree with upcycling and reusing claiming wood and other materials because it makes so you don’t have spend so much money. In certain theatres we reuse a lot of materials (flats, platforms, stairs, etc.) we don’t have to spend so much money when building flats, platforms, stairs, etc. and it also saves us time. Some theatres need slides for when cutting materials and they definitely need planners.

[@eulerizeit]

I was skeptical about the drawer fronts, I was wrong they look awesome.

[@IAmKyleBrown]

I was curious as well. I think it works because they are inset. They turned out fantastic!

[@jeremyspecce]

Me too, although I do think they interact a little strangely with the interior roundover of the casework.

[@johnstone9396]

32 seconds in and heard the term "upcycled", that's all I needed to hear.

[@mcheddadi]

my man with the custom keyboard 👌

[@hansangb]

You're artistic and woodworking skills are just INCREDIBLE. When you first made the drawer front, I was like "uhhhh, that looks horrible" But of course, proven wrong at the end.

[@Mat0s0]

I'm getting into woodworking and this is definitely something that gives me motivation to try things! Always looking for ways to up-cycle furniture or any wooden material! I managed to get my hands on larch panels used for ceiling. I cut those to usable planks, sanded them down to their raw material and made a dice tray and plan to make cup or glass coasters!

[@167curly]

It's always good to economize with todays' lumber products' prices, Michael.

[@fieldofteames6310]

That turned out awesome. Great video

[@RPO6464]

Wow, absolutely beautiful.

[@berrymand71]

This was GREAT timing. I'm currently rearranging/organizing my garage and setting it up for doing more woodworking. I'm getting free old cabinets and shelves off a facebook group and rebuilding it to my needs.

[@bbg-designs8364]

If you make a Dado with a regular blade, you can use a drill bit that has the same width as the sawblade, and then if you were to use the stock material, you get a perfect dado every time.

[@ericpjlanglois]

Add the same wallpaper to the inside of your bookecase. Or one of the colors in the wallpaper and paint the back panel. I will look great.

[@williamellis8993]

Looks great, Michael. Did you forget the Shaun Boyd 1/8" drill bit trick? Bill

[@adrianwilliams763]

Great to see materials up cycled rather than end up in the landfill. Nicely done.

[@TotalBoat]

You've done it again! Love the design, it looks great!

[@cz2301]

Tuen what you HAVE into what you WANT - provided you are a carpenter and have all the equipment and knowledge.

[@wretchlikeme5321]

I recently turned two beds no longer needed, that no-one wanted and, made shelves, drawers for my shop. I saved all the screws and made two cross stitch stands and scrolls for my wife. Saved at lot of money. I will be watching out for unwanted furniture during spring cleanup.

[@mathieugenoino4462]

Loved the straw trick!

[@lDanielHolm]

2 mm movement seems like a lot, though. I hope you don't end up regretting that glue-up! The cabinets certainly _look_ awesome as hell. (Though they'd look even better without that stain on the inside, but hindsight is 20/20 and all that.)

[@gpetesr]

Looks great Michael

[@dannyoktim9628]

I have up-cycled all my life, I find it more challenging then building from a plan. Great rework of what might of become trash.

[@meperson]

That is great video and upcycling project. Thanks!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I absolutely love this project. I love that you upcycled a book shelf to make what you needed. And it doesn't look "hacked". It looks great. I love it!

[@Usonian7]

I love the way all the round over details work together

[@alanr745]

Turn one of the book shelves on their sides with backs facing and join them together. Add whatever storage on each side to make it look like a desk, and then add another waterfall top and you'll have the desk needed along with it matching the shelving cabinet you just (awesomely) made. Just my thoughts. Nice work Michael! Using scraps of the endgrain ply was genius!

[@jeremyspecce]

I think to help your chances with the glued on top I’d cut some grooves length wise on the underside to give some dead space to absorb some expansion if needed. That being said, you’re building this in the summer so I guess you will more likely experience some shrinkage, so those grooves might actually be a place for cracks to start. So maybe my idea is dumb, just putting it out there for people to consider and weigh in on if they want.

[@Dresden76]

I LOVE the idea of upcycling, especially right now with prices of everything so high. I couldn't agree more that it's a way more approachable starting point than jumping into fine furniture making.

[@DaDunge]

Sure but all these channels use loads of equipment and tools most people won't hav access too.

[@sol_in.victus]

@@DaDunge I mean... are they supposed to use worse equipment just to show people that it's possible. They make this for a living of course they're gonna invest in good tools

[@Avoh_]

Great work. Also love the TKL and numpad you put on there at the end, I am also a keyboard nerd!

[@robwgeorge]

Upcycling rocks. I turned a broken sleigh bed frame into a patio bench. Love your content!

[@JTWoodworks]

This turned out great! I love the look of the drawer faces

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks dude 🙌

[@DickvanZanten]

Nah, those tops'll hold just fine. Now of you were in a tropical environment or somewhere like japan with its huge changes in moisture over the seasons it'd be another case entirely.... Love the way you use that leftover material for upcycling. Great job!

[@spencerbass7142]

That turned out very nice.

[@TheBlueMuzzy]

I'm glad you're calling people out for potentially calling you out for the glue-job you did. You're right, but to ensure that, please let us know in the next season or two how this piece fares. Would love to know that you were dead right.

[@DaDunge]

Love these channels about saving money on materials while using equipment that probably costs as much as a house.

[@espnmk]

vintage look with a modern twist I really like this piece great job keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays...

[@Luqman899]

just the fact that you gave the metric value earned yourself some respect points, thank you for that. 19:06

[@joaquimribesbelles2484]

Good taste. Great design.

[@user-iv8xk1vn9e]

I’ve been rewatching this video. It has helped encourage me to take on my most challenging repurposing goal yet, building drawers. Thank you for the work you do.

[@benjaminfarthing3849]

Wow that looks nice

[@Asianwaste]

Hot damn those clamps are amazing.

[@jtsholtod.79]

You should have asked Rockler for some Bandy Clamps™ for all that edge banding!

[@MichaelAlm]

I was worried if I included them I’d reach critical levels with my Rockler clamp collection 🤣

[@marksmith9345]

Along with the pocket holes [gasp!], safely gluing the top [the horror!], and non-undermount drawer slides [nooo!] I'd like to make one more youtube-woodworker blasphemous suggestion: PAINT. Now, this piece already looks more than amazing and It does add more time/money to the project so this suggestion does slide into overkill.... but it could be fun to try. I must say that I do agree that the inside does look a bit off with that stain on it still. Hindsight is certainly 20/20 and there was no real way to know before having it all assemble. But seeing the end shot of it next to your green wallpaper, I couldn't help but think how great it could look with the inside painted that color. I know, crazy suggestion, but more than reasonable for an upcycle project. And paint these days (no, not chalk paint) is pretty amazing and may not even require any stripping. Love this this upcycle project. You're obviously capable of making unbelievable pieces, but it's not always the case that an heirloom piece is needed. The space where's its going, the time needed and cost of materials just don't add up. Seeing you flex different creative muscles is great. I would love to see more of this from you anytime it's warranted. Check out a channel called ModernMakeover for more upcycling. It seems pretty hard to find people who do this and do it well.

[@TeamDivaRealEstateSeattle]

This is so relaxing to watch!!’

[@guybowers9094]

Very nice, what a great way to repurpose the material

[@samtownley9019]

I like how the beading on the drawers makes them look like tambour doors

[@MicKis173]

I would use One of the remaining cabinets to make a coffee/tea bar (whatever is your poison) Maybe with the upper part in a tambour fashion It would be nice to have refreshments wherever you’re working 😋

[@VladislavCantea]

it looks great

[@buffalojones341]

Looks like you designed it from the ground up with new materials. Beautiful!

[@sarahhardtbern]

What about using the wallpaper to line the insides of the shelves?

[@matthysloedolff]

Great video, Michael! This is the kind of up cycling I like. I am so tired of people (horribly) painting a nice piece of furniture and calling it up-cycling. This gave me an idea of what I can do with some of the old and broken furniture around my house.

[@seanwhitaker975]

Looks great!

[@Sewcialitecrew]

Wow this was fantastic!

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, Michael! It really turned out amazing!!! 😃 I don't know what you're going to do with the other part, but I'm looking forward to see it! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@kamtanzzz]

Thanks for the ideas

[@rfphicks]

The straw trick is an excellent tip! I wonder though if it'd work as well with paper straws 🤔 (single use plastic straws of the type you use in this video are no longer available in the UK).

[@theelmagoo]

I love this series, great ideas for upcycling!

[@Blindauer717]

I absolutely love your work. I am envious of your creative abilities.

[@Kkuts37]

Superb!!

[@fiercegirldesign1]

I love these types of projects. It’s so cool to see what you come up with by repurposing/upcycling. Beautiful work, as always.

[@CarlosFernandez-lr3uc]

Dude Real craft!! I have a passion on turning scraps, the things already have or the things nobody wants to something useful and nice looking. Good stuff dude!

[@dojifly]

Hey, I was able to buy some plastic straws and they do serve well for glue squeeze out.. I cut the straw at an angle and found it to be the best tool I have purchased this year. Thanks! Love those drawer fromts..

[@HarryLovesRuth]

If you have any small people in your life, the kinda useless straws that come on juice boxes are a great upcycle source. They even have a precut angle for stabbing.

[@Agent-ii3dx]

Nice man.

[@iggysixx]

Hi Michael, awhile ago I found a tutorial about using Japanese hand saws (by a Japanese carpenter.. In Japanese). Apparently the trick to cutting straight and less tear-out is you 'rock' the saw while you're cutting; like.. 2/3 strokes more 'overhand' (so you're cutting the front/far edge more.. Aimed diagonally downward) . Then while continuing to saw you 'move' towards sawing the edge nearest to you (so the saw is pitched diagonally upward). Back and forth, back and forth, until you're through. That already helps a lot Additionally, you can pre-score the line you want to cut with a sharp knife. That way the wood fibers near the surface are already severed in exactly the place you want. Can't be any tear-out, if they're already cut :) - To be clear, You are obviously on a much higher skill level than I am, and maybe you already know these things... But I just thought I'd share. I don't have fancy table saws or one of those pull saws.. The things I mentioned here have really helped me out when using hand tools (even when using my ryoba & kataba model saws, that cut very straight already compared to regular cross cut saws and rip saws) - I'm sure someone else can explain this better, and another might have some extra info on this. Happy to hear any comments you or your viewers might have (: (That's how I learned quite a few new things and tricks - I never had a formal education in any of this stuff) - Anyways, love your work. Always very classy, clever, and leaving me wanting to make things myself Cheers from Amsterdam

[@Craftlngo]

This cabinet is a total conversion of the original furniture. Unbelievable how much you've been able to change the look of it! Your fellow kolleague _Neil Paskins_ has built Kerf-Makers for exactly the situation you've been in here with cutting the dado in the Front- and Back-panel. It's a two-piece jig with an adjustable screw for taking the blade-thickness into account. With this screw you're also able to adjust the width for a bit of play. I think it could help you in future projects

[@atomicdetailsoc]

You have very nice tools.

[@gregmize01]

Awesome! Those drawers turned out great!👍

[@johnlanger7852]

talking about back ordered half of my kitchen remodel is back ordered. Talk about frustrations.

[@eugenetswong]

Is it too late to make a recommendation for the other 2 book cases? 1) Make a shallow case that hides behind a door, so that when a door opens, the case can act as a door stop, while also holding a few small knick knack items that make for easy grabbing. If you don't have shelves in them, then you can add clothing hooks, or maybe add a place to keep your wallet and keys. 2) Make a shelf that goes over the door of a bedroom or bathroom, so that a few items can be grabbed easily, and kept off of the floor. This goes on the inside of the room, and looks almost like an awning.

[@ModernRemade]

Dang Michael! That’s up-cycling done right! Amazing work as usual. Gotta love that pattern ply detail 🙌🏼

[@RedBudRed]

Looking good. Love the details!

[@makernova8160]

Nice work! I like the drawer fronts and the patterened plywood for the edges was an unexpected but great looking touch!

[@MichaelDinsmore]

Nice reuse and keeping things out of the landfill. I like the strong grain of the Douglas Fir you used to accent the piece too!

[@yunglynda1326]

love it!! would love to see more upcycling projects from ya!! ty for sharing!

[@woodandwheelz]

I have an idea for the other 2 bookshelves, I'll be by this weekend to pick them up. LoL! This project came out great. I have a few bookshelves that could be repurposed but they are made entirely of particle board with that paper veneer to make them look like wood. It's still doable though. I've turned several into shorter book cases in the past. This project, and honestly all of your projects, is very inspiring. I've actually thought of putting a patterned plywood band around my office. Kind of like you would do a chair rail but higher. More like chest height. Thank you for all you share and teach. God bless.

[@codacreator6162]

That’s so badass, I don’t even know where to begin. Thanks for inspiring woodworking!

[@HLR4th]

It will be interesting to see after a few seasons + use if glueing the top and sides will be stable long term. I hope it is, a beautiful piece and a wonderful video!

[@codylee2818]

I love those patterned plywood edges!

[@marinalodi6313]

Clamps now are my adulthood dream. Will I use em? No. But it's a dream now.

[@totalrage76]

use the two others on the side and make a bed with storage underneath out of them? You could also remove the backs put wheels under them and a handle on the side to make them into sliding cabnets like they use in kitchens? Can maybe used in garage for storage of srews ect next to the workbench? or use the wood of one to make the other into a room divider? or storage for a kidsroom with boxes in them? hihi got so many ideas now here in my home. Thanks! great job done

[@emanuelbrunsonjr4463]

Great project!

[@LMCFootball]

Great work Michael!!!

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

They turned out great. Your office is really coming together. It’s so nice I got a feeling you’ll be hanging out in there a lot.

[@karulach]

Wow. It looks amazing, Michael. The final look is really great. All the details are making this furniture fit to your office. Can't wait more projects like this. Greetings from Poland ;)

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great up-cycle project, Michael~!

[@mattelias721]

I have two 8' tall particle board shelf units that somehow survived five military moves... I am doing this to upcycle them into shop furniture, for certain. No hate about the glued top, but I'd offer two recommendations: 1) pre-finish both sides before gluing since you're using water-based topcoat, and 2) use a polyurethane construction adhesive for the glue. Overall it turned out great.

[@jewdd1989]

I absolutely adore this project! Wouldn’t know plywood is underneath all that glorious fur! I especially love the repurposing into something entirely brand new and the customization. Btw I’d love to see some custom tambour shelving above to go with this but really anything works

[@kentgreer3891]

In a word... BRILLIANT!

[@pengle]

Wowza!

[@pauldent3059]

I love them they look 70s. A nice bit of tambour would work well, maybe on the others and I wouldn't worry about the wood movement I do it all the time here in the UK and find that the ply absorbs quite a bit of the movement itself

[@robinverweij__]

Nice!

[@melfindshershelf]

When i saw pattern plywood on Wrymwood's DM screen kickstarter, I knew for sure it was made by you, but I don't use DM screens for my games or campaign to put it to good use. So I really hope there will be pattern plywood dice trays in the future. Will be very proud to own a Michael Alm's item that I can use frequently. The fact that you also create everything, with mindfulness to daily usage, I will be very proud. :) Thank you for your videos.

[@benjaminmilliken1344]

I would recommend the blum undermount runners, u can't see them from the side so u can have a cleaner edge on the draw boxes and they are easy to fit and adjust as well as being able to take the draw out as it clips in place underneath and plus they have a smooth soft close and are really durable

[@SebastiaanSwinkels]

I have to ask, what are those brushes for? They appear to have a very specific shape.