In this blog post, we will be discussing the topics covered in the YouTube video titled “.” The video starts with the woodworker explaining how he created a cut list and basic step-by-step plans for building a custom closet organizer. While the plans cannot be generalized, viewers can gain valuable ideas for their own projects.
The woodworker also addresses a common question from the previous video about what to do with long dresses. He clarifies that his wife doesn’t own any long dresses, emphasizing the importance of customization in woodworking projects.
The video then moves on to the process of creating a story stick, a handy tool for achieving precise measurements. The woodworker uses this stick to determine that the closet is actually 71.5 inches wide, leading him to make adjustments in his plans for the three cabinets he will be building.
The video concludes with the woodworker explaining his method for breaking down plywood into manageable pieces and ensuring consistent measurements. Using one board as a measuring tool, he marks the dimensions on each additional piece to maintain accuracy.
If you are interested in woodworking and customizing your own closet organizer, this video and blog post will provide you with valuable insights and techniques. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on woodworking projects during the lockdown.
Below Table of Contents
- 1. Planning and Prep: Creating a Custom Cut List and Step-by-Step Plans for a Closet Organizer
- 2. Addressing Common Questions: Organizing a Closet and Dealing with Long Dresses
- 3. The Importance of a Story Stick: Accurate Measurements for Building Cabinets
- 4. Breaking Down Plywood and Ensuring Equal Lengths: Tips for Efficient Woodworking
- Q&A
- Final Notes
1. Planning and Prep: Creating a Custom Cut List and Step-by-Step Plans for a Closet Organizer
The first step in planning and prepping for a custom closet organizer is to create a cut list and step-by-step plans. This is crucial for a custom project like this, as each dimension and detail needs to be carefully considered. Although I won’t be providing a full set of plans for everyone, I’ll share some basic ideas that can be adapted to suit your own project.
One common question I received is what to do with long dresses. However, in my case, my wife doesn’t own any long dresses. It’s important to note that custom projects like these can be tailored to your specific needs, so consider the requirements of your own closet organization project.
Before breaking down the plywood, I recommend making a story stick. This stick is cut to the desired width of the closet, and then slowly shaved down until it fits perfectly. This method provides a more accurate measurement than using a tape measure. In my case, I discovered that the closet is actually 71.5 inches wide, so I’ll have to adjust the dimensions of the cabinets accordingly. Making a story stick is a great idea whenever you need to ensure a precise fit.
2. Addressing Common Questions: Organizing a Closet and Dealing with Long Dresses
The first step in organizing a closet is to create a cut list and basic plans with accurate dimensions. Since each closet is unique, it’s important to customize the plans to fit your specific needs. While I can’t provide a full set of plans for everyone, I hope you can gather some ideas from my process.
Now, let’s address a common question I received regarding what to do with long dresses. In my case, my wife doesn’t own any long dresses, as she hasn’t worn one in over 25 years. However, if you have long dresses to accommodate, there are a few options. Consider installing a designated section for hanging long dresses or incorporate adjustable hanging rods that can accommodate different lengths. Additionally, you could create shelving or drawers specifically designed for storing folded long dresses.
Before diving into the project, it’s a good idea to create a story stick. This is a stick that you can cut to the width of your closet, slowly shaving off small increments until you achieve an exact fit. This method is more accurate than using a tape measure. In my case, the closet turned out to be 71.5 inches wide, so I’ll need to adjust my plans accordingly. Making a story stick is crucial when building cabinets or anything that requires an exact fit. It helps avoid the frustration of creating cabinets that are too wide and difficult to fix.
3. The Importance of a Story Stick: Accurate Measurements for Building Cabinets
If you’re building cabinets or any project that requires precise measurements, it’s crucial to use a story stick. A story stick is a simple but effective tool that can provide you with accurate measurements. Unlike a tape measure, which can be difficult to bend and may not provide precise results, a story stick allows you to slowly shave off small increments until you achieve the exact fit. In the case of the closet organizer project mentioned earlier, the stick was originally cut to 72 inches, but after shaving off some width, it was discovered that the actual width of the closet was 71 and a half inches. This information is invaluable when building the cabinets, as it ensures that they will fit perfectly into the space.
Making a story stick is a relatively straightforward process. Start by cutting a stick to what you believe is the correct width or length of the project. Then, gradually shave off small increments until you achieve the exact fit. This method is much more accurate than relying solely on a tape measure. By using a story stick, you can avoid the hassle of cabinets that are either too wide or too small for the space. If there’s a slight gap on the ends, it can be easily filled in with a face frame. Remember, precision is key when it comes to building cabinets, and a story stick is an invaluable tool that can help you achieve those precise measurements.
When using a story stick, it’s important to consistently use the same stick to measure each additional piece. Using different boards for measurement can lead to inconsistencies and mistakes. Take the time to mark the stick or make an X on it to indicate that it’s your measuring board. This way, you won’t accidentally mix it up with other pieces. By maintaining consistency and using the same stick for measurements, you can ensure that all your pieces are of equal length and fit seamlessly together. Whether you’re working on cabinets or any other project that requires precise sizing, incorporating a story stick into your process can save you time, effort, and potential mistakes.
4. Breaking Down Plywood and Ensuring Equal Lengths: Tips for Efficient Woodworking
The first step in efficiently breaking down plywood for woodworking projects is to create a cut list and dimensioned plans for your project. This allows you to have a clear idea of the required lengths and sizes for each piece. Since custom projects like a closet organizer may have unique dimensions, it’s important to create individualized plans. However, you can still gain ideas and inspiration from the process.
To ensure accurate measurements, it’s a good idea to create a story stick. A story stick is a stick that you cut to the estimated width of your project, in this case, 72 inches for the closet. Gradually shave off small increments until you achieve an exact fit. This method proves to be more accurate than relying solely on a tape measure, especially when dealing with tight spaces. In this case, the closet turned out to be 71.5 inches wide, so adjustments will be made accordingly.
When breaking down plywood, it’s best to start by cutting the front-to-back pieces first, as their length is less critical. Count and cut all of these pieces simultaneously to ensure they are all of equal length. For awkwardly sized plywood pieces, where they are either too long for the rip fence or almost too wide for the miter, using one board as a measuring reference is the best approach. Use your actual length board to measure and mark off the same dimensions on the other plywood pieces. Remember to make an “X” mark on the reference board to distinguish it from others.
By following these tips and using efficient woodworking techniques like creating cut lists, utilizing a story stick, and using a reference board for measuring, you can ensure accurate and equal lengths for your plywood pieces. This enhances the overall precision and quality of your woodworking projects.
Q&A
Q: What did the YouTuber do first for the closet organizer project?
A: The YouTuber made a cut list and basic step-by-step plans for themselves, customized to their specific project.
Q: Will the YouTuber provide full plans for this project?
A: No, because this project is custom and would need to be changed for each individual. However, viewers can still pick up ideas from the video.
Q: What was the most common question from the previous video?
A: The most common question was about what the YouTuber would do with their wife’s long dresses, but the YouTuber clarified that their wife doesn’t own any long dresses.
Q: What did the YouTuber do before breaking down the plywood?
A: The YouTuber created a story stick, which is a stick cut to the correct width of the closet (72 inches) and slowly shaved off a little bit until they achieved an exact fit. This method is more accurate than using a tape measure.
Q: How wide is the actual closet?
A: The actual closet is 71 and a half inches wide, which is half an inch smaller than the initial measurement.
Q: How will the YouTuber account for the difference in size for the three cabinets?
A: The YouTuber plans to make two cabinets according to their original plans and then make the last one half an inch smaller. This avoids the need to divide up the half-inch among all three cabinets.
Q: Why did the YouTuber make a story stick?
A: Making a story stick is a good idea when building cabinets or anything that needs to fit into an exact size. It ensures accuracy and prevents the cabinets from being too wide to fit.
Q: What method did the YouTuber use to break down the plywood pieces?
A: The YouTuber cut the plywood into more manageable sized pieces. Since the front-to-back measurements aren’t critical, all of those pieces were cut first, ensuring they were all equal in length.
Q: How did the YouTuber cut the upright pieces for the shelves?
A: The YouTuber used one board, their actual length board, to measure off a line on all the other upright pieces. It is important to use the same board for consistency.
Q: Were all the cuts exactly the same?
A: The cuts may not be the same as they would be with a fence or miter, but using the measuring board ensures consistency for the project.
Final Notes
a guide, but that’s okay because these pieces will be hidden inside the cabinets. Once all the pieces are cut, I’ll move on to assembling the base cabinets. I’ll start by attaching the sides to the bottom using pocket screws for a strong and secure joint.
Next, I’ll attach the back panel, making sure it’s square and flush with the sides. I’ll secure it with more pocket screws and add some wood glue for added strength. Then, I’ll attach the top, again using pocket screws and glue.
With the basic structure of the cabinets complete, I’ll move on to the shelves. I’ll cut them to size and attach them using shelf pins for adjustability. This will allow my wife to customize the shelf heights according to her needs.
Finally, I’ll add the face frames to give the cabinets a polished and finished look. I’ll cut the pieces to size and attach them using pocket screws. Then, I’ll sand everything down and apply a coat of paint or stain to match the aesthetic of the closet.
Building these base cabinets for the closet has been a rewarding project. It has allowed me to utilize my woodworking skills and create a custom storage solution for my wife’s belongings. I hope this video and blog post have inspired you to tackle your own organizational projects during this lockdown period.
Remember to take accurate measurements and make a story stick to ensure a perfect fit. And don’t be afraid to make modifications to the plans to suit your specific needs. Woodworking is all about creativity and problem-solving.
I hope you’ve enjoyed following along with this project. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Stay tuned for more woodworking projects and tips. Until next time, happy woodworking!
As the global pandemic has forced us to remain inside our homes, many of us have had to find new ways to pass the time and keep ourselves occupied. For many, this has meant getting creative in their day-to-day lives, forcing them to take on a variety of DIY projects, such as home renovation or woodworking. For the aspiring carpenter, woodworking remains an incredibly rewarding and often challenging hobby. Here, we’ll discuss a recent project where a woodworker built a set of base cabinets for their closet.
On Day 24 of their self-enforced lockdown, this woodworker was determined to make the most of the extra time they had by tackling the challenge of building base cabinets for their closet. This particular project was no easy undertaking; it required careful planning, precision, and a great deal of patience.
The first step was to measure out the area in preparation for the installation. Once sizes had been finalized, the project required the cutting of wood pieces, which were then jointed together and secured. From there, the woodworker needed to determine how each cabinet would be assembled, using metal connectors and other necessary materials. To ensure that the cabinets would be secured in place, the woodworker also needed to install door slides.
After hours of hard work, the woodworker successfully installed the cabinets, and their finished product was a thing of beauty. Not only did they have something to be proud of, but they also had a practical and useful storage solution.
This project was truly a great example of how getting crafty with everyday materials can lead to making something truly remarkable. With a little ingenuity and hard work, even the most basic woodworking projects can become significant accomplishments. With lockdown woodworking, there are no shortage of possibilities.