Great video, Matt! Is there a reason you wait to diverge the front and back of the drawer boxes until after cutting the dados, rabbits, and tenons? Can I cut the backs to final size at the start, not cut the dado, and save a little bit of stock?
Good eye for efficiency and detail Andrew. I think the only drawback to the sequence you ask about is that you'll need to keep track of those parts starting earlier in the process. It's probably worth it and, in some cases, the little extra stock you'd save might make the difference of not having to buy a whole extra sheet so, by all means, go for it! Keep in mind that you need to make sure the width of the backs matches the top of the dado on the other 3 drawer pieces to get a good fit of the drawer bottom. It's not that hard to do, as long as you're mindful of it. Thanks for watching and commenting on this one! Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry Thanks for the reply! Something I just learned trying to do this is that you have to consider that your 1/4" dado for the bottom is not going to be exactly 1/4", more likely a bit smaller. So if you cut your back exactly 3/4" shorter than the front (1/2" clearance + 1/4" dado) you might end up with a back piece that's too short. Using the dado as a mark for cutting the back to size is actually a really convenient way to get a good fitup if you don't mind losing a little bit of stock per drawer. You can also raise the blade at the end of the dado cutting (38:00) and make the cut there.
@@Contrail4 Spot on! It's an easy enough problem to work around as long as you're paying attention like you are. Another aspect of it is that, usually, I find that any material savings are a moot point and the only actual result is that the leftover scrap/offcuts I throw away at the end of the project are just a little smaller. But, once in awhile, it means the difference between using .98% of one sheet or 1.08% of a 2nd one which makes a parsimonious approach to cutting drawer backs totally worth it! 🤓
I'm cabinet maker/ carpenter of 20 years experience and I'll agree that this was 80 minutes time well invested. You never stop learning and it's great when one of us can share so articulately. Well done!
I’m a self trained by much experience to the point of making my own musical instruments. I felt like I was there in the workshop doing it myself. One thing for sure even though I’ve done many cabinets and rustic furniture I still got
There's lots of great youtubers out there in the woodworking field. But where they all leave off, you pick up the ball and keep running with it. This video is a clinic in so many of the detais that most people still have to learn. Thanks so much for putting out this informative and educational piece!
Glad to know you see things that way Matt... my main motivation to build this channel is to do precisely that: pick up where other's leave off... or just plain old fall short, right? Thanks! Best, Matt
you mention that you get a lot of slack for going long bc of the detail you go into in the videos. please dont let that be a deterrent to you making the same type of videos you have been putting out. yeah, we live in an impatient society and i myself am not the most patient. but the fact is that you are in essence giving a woodworking class. Its the most informative, in depth tutorials out there. If you want to learn a technique or best practices, its your channel that you should turn to. Thank you for the time you put in providing this educational information. Dont think ppl truly understand sometimes how much work goes into providing the content you do.
Yours is the sort of comment that makes my day, Jake... thanks for watching and taking the time to post a comment with such a grateful tone. You're quite welcome for the time invested because hearing from viewers like you is a large part of the reason I keep on keepin' on producing 'deep in the weeds' videos! Best, Matt
There is a big difference videos that go long because the creator likes the sound of his own voice and those that are long because the creator has a lot of useful tips to share. Several of the tips here would have saved me from grief on past projects.
@@NextLevelCarpentry you have a fan here also...no problems watching this length of video from start to finish, especially as I am learning how to do things right, not quick. The extra tips and explanations really help to impart your genuine skills and experience. Thank you Matt. 😊
I’ve noticed a lot lately so many people making these videos make comments about their audience not giving them a bad time about one thing or another. I say if you don’t like the video move on and keep rude comments to yourself, but anyone can say anything and not be held accountable. Unless someone is doing something unsafe or you can add something useful. Be a different story if they were face to face. And you made a good point, this guy is basically giving a woodworking class for free.
Hey man, you mentioned that you're known for over-talking things. I appreciate that. That's a good thing. I'd really enjoy running a few months of jobs with you. These videos are the next best thing. A quote for my Grandpa, "Watch and learn from other people's mistakes, you won't have enough time in life to make them all yourself." Thanks for these videos. I really enjoy hearing your thoughts.
I love Matt's presentation. I love the long format. It's like attending a $$$$ seminar, but here, in this format, it's rewind-able so I can learn more every time watched. No loud music, no shouting, no... all that other unwanted stuff. And we get to learn. This is not entertainment per say, it's education. Grandpa way probably a person like Matt. Commit to doing it. Then do it as best you know and then do it again better. I've been in my garage "workshop" with minimal, not completely accurate, tools.... buying culled wood and cutting and cutting until I can get a piece of wood "near" the dimension I want. And then I do it over and over and over until it almost feels natural. There's a load to learn here in this space. When I really want to see something done with accuracy, Next Level Carpentry, Ishitan, Boyd, Heinz, Howarth, Sellers, Young Je.
LOL.....That's a great saying. I enjoy this guy a great deal. He's real! Although I use different methodologies for my work, he's a real pro. He is definitely one of the better modern woodworkers on RU-vid. I've been building cabinets for over 40 years and have a good bit of experience in all of this. Good job.
I prefer your long form videos for subjects like these. Your short video tip videos are great for 98% of potential viewers but I'm sure I'm in the group of ladies and gents that sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy 80 minutes of learning.
I wouldn't worry about the length of your videos. I like getting ideas from you. Your experience and "throw away details" teach me and give me better insights. Thank you for posting these videos.
If you are wanting to ever build cabinets with drawers, then this video is a must see before you start your own project. A professional video for the do it yourself novice. THANKS for your valuable information.
Please keep making your videos the same way. It's like being in high school woodshop and learning from a teacher that retired from the field. All the details are essential to those of us that have not mastered woodworking yet.
I’ve learned a lot from your videos, but the biggest thing I’ve realized is that I have a lot more to learn. You are a gentleman and a craftsman. Thanks.
Hey Matt, I have watched dozens(?100's) of instruction videos, but yours are in another class altogether. I was so impressed I subscribed for the first time ever! LOVE your attention to detail and general style and attitude towards first rate outcomes(and the pride that comes with knowing you did it right). YOU ARE THE MAN!! Steve S
Wow... thanks Stephen... ya just made my day! Glad you like Next Level Carpentry so well... it's my goal to continue to provide content worthy of 'sub at first sight' with videos here.😉😁😎 Best, Matt
I’m so glad I found this channel. Solid gold. I hope you monetize this somehow. Infinitely less-worthy youtubers do. So you should be well compensated. I’d pay for this quality teaching.
I'm glad you found Next Level Carpentry too Sean... welcome! I do allow ads to run on videos here which is part of how channels are 'monetized' and watching or clicking ads is how most viewers 'pay' to watch free videos. Some viewers purchase products through the NLC Influencer's page links for items listed in the video description so Amazon pays small ad fees that also help support video production efforts here. Any teeshirts or swag offered through TeeSpring are another part of the revenue stream. Still others choose to go above and beyond to support this Channel by becoming patrons with a pledge through Patreon as their way to 'pay for this quality teaching' and is always appreciated. Cool thing is there's no obligation to do any of these things other than to watch and learn from free video content... even a free 'thumbs up' or subscription adds value to this channel and don't go unnoticed or unappreciated! Best, Matt
Next Level Carpentry I suppose I already was aware of all of those methods you are employing to monetize. But, your reply is just like your videos: thorough and professional!
I really enjoy watching, but I'm fine whether it's monetized or not. I've had many of my customers ask me to teach woodworking to them in my shop, but there's just too many liability issues I can't afford so I have a local "Nextdoor app" blog I guess you could call it to teach people really basic stuff. I suppose I could monetize it and i do by getting new customers. Who knows though? Maybe I'll move to a new level and make video's in my extraordinarily messy shop. LOL I'd be lucky to be able to squeeze a camera in there..
WOW! Awesome Video! I cant let my wife find out about you! No special red, blue or green tools or jigs. Simple and effective use of tools and tons of skill! She'll cut my buget even more. Thank you!
Nothing better than watching old school, where he doesn’t have every piece of equipment. Another efficient and productive small shop.!! And he’s not afraid of the saw dust.🙂 Great teaching video !!
Theres two kind of youtube carpentry video. Here is for actually learning and build things that gets paid for. Thank you for all the time and effort and never stop please,
happened across this video but I want to thank you for all the little comments throughout the video. 12 minutes in and I've already gained lots of value just in general shop practice working solo in a small shop myself. perhaps a lot of it is common knowledge but I was never taught most of the little things.
worked wood all my life as a wood floor guy.......i have learned much bout cabinetry and I thank you. Grand dad was cabinet guy but I never was taught as he died when I was child. too bad, all that experience that could have been passed on through the generations.
Cabinet making is a quickly evolving trade because of advances in tools/equipment and changes in materials but best practices and attention to detail/accuracy are still hallmarks of the best IMHO
If you leave the dato on the drawer back, it will hold the bottom without screws, In fact, so strong you can stand in the drawer and it will not fail, even with 1/8" material. On the drawer sides finish nails can be used instead of screws, much cleaner look. Be sure to glue all joints and especially the bottom. We made dressers this way with lifetime warantee, and never any claims.
I use CutList Plus for optimizing material use. You can allow for kerf width, force cutting with or across the grain, print labels if you wish, print a cut list and/or cutting diagram, and much more. No need to apologize for going into detail as far as I am concerned. You can't over communicate I believe. If there is a little too much info for some they can skip over, for the rest they will get all the instruction they need. You do an excellent job with your videos and editing.
I just love the long, detailed videos. I’m tired of those skilled guys who make incredible things with their last generation festool toys I will never have, all the complicated process and decisions compressed in 4 minute videos with no explanation. I watch their videos to fall asleep, but yours are meant to learn. Thank you from Cancún.
Glad to hear it Carlos... "long, detailed..." seems to be my signature video style. It's not all that popular with RU-vid's Algorithm but viewers like you are helping Next Level Carpentry grow anyways... thank you for watching and sharing! Best, Matt BTW I hope you're a subscriber because the next new video is a up there on the long side! Best, Matt
I love the professional construction of all the projects . You are a master and teaching this craft is priceless. Thanks for passing on the knowledge . I prefer the longer videos to get it all in one lesson.
WOW !! This is a MUST for anybody that wants to learn the right way to build cabinets and drawers. And he does it perfectly with out anodized blue color tools and fancy schmanzy depth gadgets. OLD SCHOOL WINS ONCE AGAIN !!🙂🙂
This is the best! It's comprehensive. Real-life carpentry. Imperfect woods. May take me several times viewing and listening through this video to grasp all the multitude of practicalities presented. Thanks
Thanks John... hope you don't mind if I quote you from your comment; "comprehensive, real-life carpentry" is a great tagline and my goal for videos here at Next Level Carpentry. Hope this helps you towards your personal 'next level'! Best, Matt
Methodical, precision, intelligence. This is truly a master craftsman. This is the best drawer instructional video I've ever seen. I hope you have a dovetail drawer video. I have always wanted to learn to make truly great dovetails. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Hi John, Hope its not too disappointing but I don't have any plans to do a dovetail video. Even if I did I wouldn't be the one to show how to "make truly great dovetails" at any rate. They definitely have their place but, in my experience, that place isn't in the client niche I serve. My clients aren't afraid to spend good money on things they want but I've yet to find one with dovetails high on the list. Other over the top stuff is fairly routine though, and, since it's their $$ I do my best to accommodate. Don't be discouraged by my response though because there are some people 'out there' doing magnificent dovetail work and you'd most likely really enjoy the challenge and reward from tackling them. Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry It's the challenge of making dovetail joints that fascinates me, they are functional beauty. But, I understand that they don't sell well. I don't make furniture, but if I do make anything it will incorporate dovetail joints. Thank you for your response. Good luck! I'll keep watching.
I appreciate your videos, I put them on a watch later list so that I can watch them all at one shot. I did learn several things. I have installed hundreds of cabinet over the years and you can tell which are just thrown together and which were built with love and care. You’re sir rank at the very top, I am for ever looking to improve my craft. Thanks very much. I look forward to the next video
He makes it look easy because hie s an experienced professional . But you have to be thinking all the time . I've learned a heck of a lot watching him . .
Joe Palooka, let me lend a little perspective. I'm in my sixties, and a third generation, full time custom cabinetry/furniture maker. I just discovered NLC about a month ago, but so far I've come away from each of Matt's videos with a little better way of doing some task, or at least a realization that there may be a better/faster approach to a given problem than my pet method. He's a production cabinetmaker. His forte is teaching time-saving, quality-enhancing tweaks developed over a lifetime of hard earned experience. If you can do it better, then great; I'll be glad to check out your channel. Meanwhile, in what I like to call the Chick-fil-a "boycott effect," you just gained Matt another subscriber.
I got so engrossed in your teaching that the video didn't seem all that long. Cutting all the parts while the saw is set up is something I need to work on. Lots of good information here. Thanks
Thank You So Much. I have learned a lot about cabinet door and drawer construction by studying your videos. I'm just a home owner and wanted to reface my kitchen cabinets and drawers. I built "shaker" style cabinet doors and drawers using your lay out process. They came out perfect! I was very excited. I do have to mention, it took me 2 1/2 days to build 19 doors and 6 drawers. (Ha.Ha.) Now my wife wants me to construct a vanity for our bathroom. Well, back to the drawing board. Thanks again for the wonderful instructional videos.
You're sure welcome James... thanks for watching and commenting here. Glad to know this video helps you be a hero on the homefront! Work safely and have fun! Best, Matt
What sets this video apart, it seems to me (and which I suspect will be true of his other videos), is that he is not just showing the viewer, and telling the viewer, what he is doing; he is sharing his thought processes about each subject, which allows the the viewer to develop his/her own intelligence on the subject, and his/her own processes.
Not sure how many comments I have left saying the same thing over n over with these videos but…it’s always such a pleasure to watch sir! School. Really puts me in a state of awe and inspiration.
Carpenters like you are a true gem. You create quality workmanship! They sure don’t make them like this anymore! Great Class! I love your shop gymnastics. I learn from you. I make less mistakes and during cutting and assembling, I can minimize wasted time because, I already know the steps you showed. Thank you!
Jake Dogg is absolutely right. When I listen to you, i can find myself rolling back and listening again until it sets like concrete in my mind. What you are sharing with us is priceless and your knowledge is top tier. I actually would work in helper mode (mouth closed --- ears engaged, ego at the door) with you at no cost just for the skillset, technique gain.
I appreciate your offer of working in helper mode... you'd tire of it quickly though because you'd get stuck with pretty much all the sanding because I don't like sanding😉😁😎 Hope what you learn helps you out going forward... Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry How funny, thats what i do for a living. But i usually get to drive my sanders, which makes it more fun than my walk behinds. But i always learn something from your videos and that is how much i dont know. HAHA. Be well.!!
Matt...As a One Man Shop, Preventing Call-Backs is Essential in Keeping Ones Lively-Hood Healthy not-to-mention Prosperous! Quality Workmanship Creates Word-of-Mouth...and that's the BEST Form of Advertising in the World. Very Nice Job Matt...you are to be Commended on a Job Well Done my Friend!!!
"Next Level" is the correct name for your channel. I appreciate the time you invest and the knowledge you pass along to so many that you will never meet, but who will work to spread the same craftsmanship you consistently display. It is an act of pure generosity. Thank you, and please..... keep talking.
You're welcome Tony... stay tuned? Releasing a new deep dive video soon... it runs almost a full hour and shows how to make some surprisingly intricate star-shaped Christmas ornaments... Best, Matt
Matt, You provide the gold level standard that I Can judge all the projects and products I encounter. I find that I can go back again and again to learn deeper and deeper. Thanks any times over
Just an excellent instructional video that takes us all the way to completion of the work unlike so many other videos that give us hints but never teach the whole process. Long but very complete. Many thanks to the author.
I am voting you as shop teacher of the year! From a guy that did another form of hazardous work (body work), two things need to be ground into peoples heads... Always Be Paying Attention and Always Be Thinking. People that ignore those rules get themselves or others hurt. Thank you for these videos. They are very helpful.
Curious coincidence MrPhilbert... I spent my first 4 years out of high school working in body shops advancing quickly to doing high end/custom work on exotic cars before getting into carpentry to get away from toxic fumes... Best, Matt
Joe, who is the joke? My guess is you are the type who are GREAT at critiquing those who actually do something and make an honest attempt at helping others who would like to learn but very poor at producing anything on your own. If you cant say anything good then don't waste others time by being so negative. Next Level Carpentry is pointing out some very good techniques that a lot of others may not have thought of, unlike someone like you who apparently was born with all this knowledge from day one.
At 84. you just showed me how to build High End Cabinetry for multi million dollar homes for my $50,000.00 two bedroom. Others may not notice, but every once in a while I go look at the six ft retaining wall that I built 63 years ago at my Dads instruction. It still stands straight and tall. THANKS O'L FRIEND! By the way, my daily auto is a 1995 Mercedes Benz which now qualifies as an Antique Auto, It pays to take care and due things right!!!
Couple questions Who makes the insert? I’ve never been able to find a flat tooth xcut blade other than a box blade which I’m tooo cheap to buy a set. You did an excellent job very organized and clear explanations. I’ve built a ton of cabs, but it’s always good to see how someone else does it.
Ivo: I uploaded 4 pictures of the crosscut holder to Pinterest where you can see them on this board: www.pinterest.com/thetimbertailor/next-level-carpentry-project-photos/ I think you'll be able to figure it out enough to make one for your saw if you like. Best, Matt
This is the best video online about how and why you do what you do to make everything right. I wish I could have had this teaching years ago, I will be following your channel in the future. Thanks again for your teaching abilities.
Thanks for that Mark I really appreciate it. It is always rewarding to hear from viewers like you who watch next level carpentry videos to learn and understand that Mastery takes time. There's a clear distinction between you and those who watch videos to be taught and expect to achieve mastery by watching a few 10 minute videos where they're shown a project going from start to finish in an absurdly compressed timeline. Thanks again for watching and commenting. Best, Matt
Hello Matt, At the 18:00 minute mark you mentioned not using a Riving Knife on your table saw. I have been building cabinets now for over 40 years and have never engaged or entertained the idea of a Riving Knife... I too like to manipulate my “Sheet Goods” and feel the Riving Knife gets in the way. To this day I have not had a pinched Saw blade from ripping “Sheet Goods”... Safety First, Always... Great Video, Greg
I think there's work habits that build over time for guys like us: never had a riving knife and work safely without one. Lots of people drove millions of accident free miles before there was ever such a thing as anti-lock brakes too. Take away antilock or riving knives from someone who learned with them as normal and they're bound to have issues. Safety first with what you're used to maybe is a good mantra? Thanks for your comment! Best, Matt
I am your vintage, worked in many shops and built a business. Although if you ask 5 guys how to do something you will get 5 different methods, yours are well thought out and polished. I am watching the laminate show. I was self taught in the 80s and waiting to see if you developed the same tricks I did. I remember ripping & crosscutting 5 x12s on a table saw by myself. A+
EXACTLY. If you're going to ACTUALLY build it then I certainly want something of Real Quality otherwise what's the point? If you're going to cut corners then save yourself the time and headache and go to IKEA LoL (IKEA obviously is still a time eater and headache but one you'll have to repeat sooner when it inevitably breaks). When you do detail work you NEED the Details and those details need to be addressed as you go throughout the entire process because this is an Art.
OK, 80 minutes IS long, but I’ve seen enough of your videos to know it would be worth it. Due to my short attention span, it took 3 sittings. Thanks much for all you’ve taught me with your methods of work, things they didn’t teach me in engineering school. Jacques
Good stuff! Thanks for showing us how it's done without the use of an expensive track saw and a bunch of gimmicky gadgets. Glad you are showing people how to break down a sheet of plywood on a table saw. Something every woodworker should learn to do. It's fast and accurate and the set ups are fool proof.
There was a gentleman named Charles Neil who used to make them. I do not know if he is still making those.Charles Neil woodworking is his site. Try that .
I’m new to woodworking and am currently rebuilding our kitchen. I appreciate your in-depth methodology of the process because you provide a lot more instruction and demonstration than any other video I’ve watched yet. Thanks!
You're welcome Jason! FWIW here's another NLC video in case you end up making cabinet doors for your kitchen project: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RE_BKm4T5Po.html
After having watched dozens (if not hundreds) of woodworking videos by "woodworking experts", I've lost my initial "blue anodized envy", and really appreciate your pragmatic approach to crafting quality cabinetry. Your emphasis on process rather than "cool tools" makes your videos stand above the crowd. Don't try to shorten them, they are well worth every minute spent watching.
Your comment made my day Dave... thank you! Fear not about flashy/short videos overdone with 'blue anodizing'... ain't gonna happen here! I'm trying to be the first 500K subscriber woodwork/carpentry channel on RU-vid that makes the milestone based on content, not promotional savvy and help from viewers like you will make it happen... Best, Matt
I found it interesting that you decided not to include the process for determining the sizing for the amount of drawers that occupy the spaces. Its been my experience that this is the one aspect no one seems to teach! Its always about the cabinet / drawer construction techniques. Aside from this little gripe, thank you for your time and effort in creating great content for us to enjoy and learn from.
Hey Superwingman... the reason you don't see it covered is that it would take a dozen very boring, technical videos to even begin to cover the subject since EVERY piece of drawer hardware has different requirements. This should and, in time, probably will be covered by manufacturers in video format. They already cover it in print/PDF format but I would definitely agree it's lacking in understandability. Best you can do is study product literature specific to your choice of drawer glide and then make a mock-up installation to confirm you got it right. 45 years in and I STILL find myself doing that for anything but the most basic side-mount glides that require 1/2"+ space on each side of the drawer. But don't go with that as an assumption because most glides are manufactured in metric which throws another variable into the equation. Best, Matt
Matt, thank you for your detailed feedback. However, I think there's a misunderstanding. I am well aware of the differences regarding slide considerations when determining the width of the drawers. My lack of understanding is with regard to the height dimensions of drawers and how to determine these dimensions. If my cabinet vertical opening is "X" and I want 4 drawers in that space, what's the best way to determine this?
@@SuperWingman69 ahhh... I see. Turns out that's an even bigger question because it goes beyond logical/physical considerations and gets into art and borders on philosophy. Google the term "geometric progression" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometric_progression to get a peek into the labyrinth of 'answers' to your seemingly simple question. Beyond that just think about what you want to put in your drawers and size them accordingly 😁😎 Good luck... Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry I think you could simply give / teach your methods for determining the dimensions for the amount of drawers that fit in a cabinet. Your last reply seems a little sarcastic. Up until now I've really appreciated your time and effort in teaching your craft. Not so much at this moment due to your response.
@@SuperWingman69 Seriously?! Dude... I'm afraid your expectations for free answers from a free channel from a content producer who's taken a good measure of his valuable time to give sound answers to your questions again, for FREE, are far out of line. You should reconsider that ungrateful reply... and good luck finding a better answer. Seriously. Best, Matt
Thank you for the detail. Don't cut it short. Even with almost 50 years or work working experience I have no shortage of attention span for details and comments as rich as yours. Thank you for aiming high for an audience.
You're welcome David... glad to know viewers like you are 'out there' and appreciative of non-typical long format videos here at Next Level Carpentry... Best, Matt
