love these videos!! I'm a 53 year old woman trying to do a van build and your instruction videos are terrific. I couldn't do this right without you ,Bob, and Terry. thanks guys!!
Have the same van these videos are the most helpful than any others... no annoy music... no girls in short shorts... no overly long explanation... it's to the point and gives me just what I'm looking for!
"Dammit Jim, I'm a Doctor not a carpenter". We can't change the laws of physics. Our vans have more curves then a intergalactic nebula. Doing a van build is not easy, but it can be done. You are helping a lot of people. Thank you guys. May the van life be with you.
You can also cut a perfect circle out of plywood and drill a hole exactly in the middle. Put a sharpie in the hole and roll the circle along the curved wall while drawing the pattern on a big piece of cardboard and use that to cut first so you know it’s spot on before using the pattern to cut the wood.
When I did my walls I used an old lawnmower wheel and just stuck a Sharpie through where the axle would be. I rolled the wheel along the wall of the van while holding the Sharpie against the plywood.
Excellent tip. I was scrolling through the comments to see if anyone had suggested this or at least the tip to understand how keeping the points in the same vertical relationship is the key.
THANK you so much for demonstrating this technique! I just finished the rear panel on my van, around the wheel well, around the filler tube, up to the back door. Couldn't have done it on my own...
Great instruction video. Thanks to Bob and Terry. If you like the rustic look you can use manila rope in the corner fastened with upholstery tacks to dress it up a bit. I did that on a couple log cabins I had.
Watching your videos, I thought...I wonder if Bob realizes just how valuable and terrific a man he is? Just thought I'd tell you~ Take care and enjoy your life!
What I've been watching with your van build is good, 'cause it's the average person, with average skills working through the build. We see the kind of missteps, good-enoughs and I didnt see that coming, that most people are going to bump up against. The take away is, even with a skilled hand to supervise, don't beat yourself up for doing a good job but not a professional job. Nice job.
Pencil sharpener. Yeah, that is the one to have...everything should have more than one purpose. scriber, eyeliner sharpener, pencil sharpener of course and maybe the sharpener could be used for carrot curls. I absolutely love this van build series. Alot of information, Thank you so much for preserving this information for future generations.
Good morning, Its funny how the universe answers questions regrading anything even as simple as using a compass. I bought one just yesterday as I have begun to put up my insulation and paneling in my van. I knew I needed a compass but I was like how do I use it it accurately and then here is your video. Sure I guess I would have eventually looked it up but i was just surprised that I did not have to and so quickly the answer was in my youtube subscriptions. I have never doubted that this is what I want to do eventually however the not so subtle hits that it is the right thing for me to do I keep getting from the universe just confirms that I am headed in the right direction. Thanks bob thanks universe ha
Thanks guys. I tried the ruler & pencil trick but it didn't work for me. I just ordered the scribe tool to use for my 2nd weekend of insulation/paneling installation. Love the videos and your timing is perfect. Keep them coming!
So this band build has really caused me some anxiety Until Bob says and a quote "The king of half ass " Oh my good gosh that cracked me up because I'm the same way, no matter how hard I try I still run out of the patience to do it. I am so thankful you have him there to help you.
You can cut most of your curves with a circular saw. Set the blade depth to just break through the panel and you will cut better, smoother curves far faster than a jigsaw.
nice work.. my only suggestion would be to use a thinner board (1/4" plywood perhaps) that's wide enough (about 8" in this case) to accommodate your initial scribe mark of the arc. then make your first cut - and subsequent scribes and cuts - to that board. eventually, you'll have a template that you can use to layout the cut on your finished piece. in this job, you don't appear to be that concerned about trimming away too much of the 'finished piece' in order to find a good fit, but if you needed to insure you weren't removing too much material in order to make up that fit, a template is a good way to go.
G'day Bob, What a great video I certainly picked up a few fantastic tip's from this one. As you know I am doing the fitout on my truck camper & the large scriber for getting the right shape (angle) down the wall was a major plus for me Mate. Also thank you for the Amazon link to the scriber which I have ordered (only $15.98 + $6.51 for shipping to Australia) so I will be a happy camper when I get it. Safe Travels to you & Cody, Steve.
Terry, this is reflecting on the journeyman / lead man in charge. You may need to discipline your "Good enough" apprentice with a night in the box, like they did "Cool Hand Luke". Wait a minute, Bob lives in a box. He won't care. Never mind, forget it.
I am a template guy myself, but we are talking about subscribing onto a board. Cardboard templates can be added onto, but the final board can not. A good method for scribing is to use a tool, and hold it so it is easier to handle. If the tool can not be easy to handle get another tool, or make one. How to make a scribe tool. Take a piece of thick wood like a 2x4, cut a notch on a flat side big enough for a pencil. you should have a 2 inch high tool. It will have a pencil 1.5 inches from the wall and 1-2 inches wide depending on the curves in the wall. If the wall is very curved then make the end without the pencil narrower and rounded. If you want it close cut a slice of the block. You can make a new tool from scrap if you make a mistake. These scribing tools are small and light, and can be kept or not. When scribing ensure that the the pencil is pointing toward the center of the curve of the wall. With this method you may need to make a few cuts on a very curved wall like this van. Make thin lines. Measure 2 or more times and rub out the line if required, take a break, and check, then cut once. Peter
When marking finish cuts, get a kids divider with a pencil, Run the steel leg against the wall, use the pencil to mark, Hold it perpendicular to the wall. Another expediency is to find a scrap the thickness of your widest gap and use it as a marking spacer.
" Hold it perpendicular to the wall" is incorrect. As the van wall bends inward as the wall height increases, your scribe ( pencil) line will become more inaccurate if you maintain perpendicularity. Hold the scribe continuously LEVEL as you scribe the wall onto your template to obtain best accuracy. Bob's multiple pencil lines show what happens when you wander off level, and also shows why marking and cutting a disposable template is wise. I hope this helps.
If you need a scribing tool, and do not have a compass, drill a pencil sized hole in a piece of wood, and that makes your tool. You could even use a flat carpenter's pencil as your piece of wood. I think a golf score pencil is 1/4" dia.
Howdy Bob, I am following this series on a Ford E150. I will finish the floor and trim this week and will start the bed next. But, I cannot find the bed video? The bed is already in on the scribing for the walls. Can you point out where I could find how to do it? Thx!
I've actually used the roller that comes with the soundproofing (I had Fat Mat). You affix the pencil to the handle and just roll it down the wall. It's fairly limited but it works in most cases for me :)
Nick Carter - 😂🤣😆 IKR....That was 3 years ago, I don’t even know what I was thinking when I wrote that comment. 😂🤣😁 I’m sure I meant it as a joke...or trying to make a copy of someone we like etc. 🤷🏻♀️😂🤣😁
Very nice. I have a question. What does anyone say to police if they get stopped. When they ask on home address. Or what address does someone keep if traveling?
I've often wondered why people don't use the same technique on the floor profile, then when each side is contoured, use the edge of the overlapping plywood as a straight edge for the center line cut.
Beth Hurst you have to find a piece of cardboard large enough! Then scribe the ardboard, then the plywood - doing the job twice! Ever seen joiners walking around with sheets of cardboard?
It should be clear that you got to keep the tool at the same level angle as you scribe from top to bottom. Then you only have to pass once, not over and over.
love these videos!! I'm a 53 year old woman trying to do a van build and your instruction videos are terrific. I couldn't do this right without you ,Bob, and Terry. thanks guys!!
that almost sounded like Tom and Jerry lol
GOOD LUCK :) I have learned alot too from BOb's videos
Also I've learned a lot here,,,ty
me too, same here 53 and hoping to hit the road soon! :)
LUCKY! good luck
Have the same van these videos are the most helpful than any others... no annoy music... no girls in short shorts... no overly long explanation... it's to the point and gives me just what I'm looking for!
I was never sure how that worked. Now I know and knowledge is power. Thanks, Bob and Terry.
"Dammit Jim, I'm a Doctor not a carpenter". We can't change the laws of physics. Our vans have more curves then a intergalactic nebula. Doing a van build is not easy, but it can be done. You are helping a lot of people. Thank you guys. May the van life be with you.
You can also cut a perfect circle out of plywood and drill a hole exactly in the middle. Put a sharpie in the hole and roll the circle along the curved wall while drawing the pattern on a big piece of cardboard and use that to cut first so you know it’s spot on before using the pattern to cut the wood.
When I did my walls I used an old lawnmower wheel and just stuck a Sharpie through where the axle would be. I rolled the wheel along the wall of the van while holding the Sharpie against the plywood.
Shhhh. You're gonna put the scribing tool manufacturers out of business :)
lol
Brilliant
I’m not quite understanding. How do you hold the plywood? I mean like at a 45
Fantastic idea!
I've the same tool. I added a stick-on bubble level to help me stay consistent. As always, thanks for the vids!
Excellent tip. I was scrolling through the comments to see if anyone had suggested this or at least the tip to understand how keeping the points in the same vertical relationship is the key.
I'm with you Bob, that's good enough for me too.. nice job !
Thanks for all the info. My Dad was good at this stuff. Wish he was alive to build me a van.
THANK you so much for demonstrating this technique! I just finished the rear panel on my van, around the wheel well, around the filler tube, up to the back door. Couldn't have done it on my own...
Great instruction video. Thanks to Bob and Terry. If you like the rustic look you can use manila rope in the corner fastened with upholstery tacks to dress it up a bit. I did that on a couple log cabins I had.
You are fortunate to have Terry there.
I'm purloining your motto, "King of Half-assed and Good Enough."
King of the half arsed job. That's going to be my motto.
First scribe buy hand, then a half " batten , job done. Saved 15 bucks
Enjoy all your videos and all you do for your fellow dwellers. Thank you.
Watching your videos, I thought...I wonder if Bob realizes just how valuable and terrific a man he is? Just thought I'd tell you~ Take care and enjoy your life!
Bob you are doing perfect, I am proud of you!
What I've been watching with your van build is good, 'cause it's the average person, with average skills working through the build. We see the kind of missteps, good-enoughs and I didnt see that coming, that most people are going to bump up against. The take away is, even with a skilled hand to supervise, don't beat yourself up for doing a good job but not a professional job. Nice job.
thanks guys. really appreciate you sharing your knowledge so generously
I always wanted to know how to do that! Thank you Bob. (And Terry!👍)
This series is going to make a great library for how to convert a van, Bob! A real resource. I so appreciate it : )
love your videos sir and your carefree attitude toward life.
That's a real handy little tool. The Scriber..
Pencil sharpener. Yeah, that is the one to have...everything should have more than one purpose. scriber, eyeliner sharpener, pencil sharpener of course and maybe the sharpener could be used for carrot curls. I absolutely love this van build series. Alot of information, Thank you so much for preserving this information for future generations.
Good morning, Its funny how the universe answers questions regrading anything even as simple as using a compass. I bought one just yesterday as I have begun to put up my insulation and paneling in my van. I knew I needed a compass but I was like how do I use it it accurately and then here is your video. Sure I guess I would have eventually looked it up but i was just surprised that I did not have to and so quickly the answer was in my youtube subscriptions. I have never doubted that this is what I want to do eventually however the not so subtle hits that it is the right thing for me to do I keep getting from the universe just confirms that I am headed in the right direction. Thanks bob thanks universe ha
Awesome work Bob. Hope one day to meet you. Be safe and God bless!!!
I ve learned so much just by watching these videos ....thank you for posting...and it looks pretty good.
This is the toughest step of all to get right.
Thanks for posting Bob.
Quite a project...enjoying watching....
thank you Bob I always wondered how to do that now I know... Thanks for showing us poor guys how to do it with regular stuff
Brother Ron same here . I could get something looking good but this is great .
April 2018 Had to look up this video. I remembered the concept but needed the details ! Thanks Bob !
For second pass use a fender washer. Place the point of the pencil in the hole and roll the washer along the paneling.
i always wanted to know how to do this..
I've been watching all your van insulation and build vids..great info..got my van a couple weeks ago..excited to get started..thx a lot😊
This looks good so far. Quite a job.
Bob, you’re a treasure.
THANK YOU!
Converting out this astro and this will come in handy!
Thanks guys. I tried the ruler & pencil trick but it didn't work for me. I just ordered the scribe tool to use for my 2nd weekend of insulation/paneling installation. Love the videos and your timing is perfect. Keep them coming!
We love Bob. So helpful.
Thanks for the sacrificial scribe reference. That helps!!
So this band build has really caused me some anxiety
Until Bob says and a quote
"The king of half ass "
Oh my good gosh that cracked me up because I'm the same way, no matter how hard I try I still run out of the patience to do it.
I am so thankful you have him there to help you.
AWESOME THANK YOU For Taking me to School ...I Love This...
Looks like a neat tool! Thank you for sharing!
I've never seen anything like that. Awesome!
You can cut most of your curves with a circular saw. Set the blade depth to just break through the panel and you will cut better, smoother curves far faster than a jigsaw.
nice work.. my only suggestion would be to use a thinner board (1/4" plywood perhaps) that's wide enough (about 8" in this case) to accommodate your initial scribe mark of the arc. then make your first cut - and subsequent scribes and cuts - to that board. eventually, you'll have a template that you can use to layout the cut on your finished piece. in this job, you don't appear to be that concerned about trimming away too much of the 'finished piece' in order to find a good fit, but if you needed to insure you weren't removing too much material in order to make up that fit, a template is a good way to go.
Thanks for this! Just starting my design & this is something that has me worried. Not any more!!
Oh my hat! I have never heard of or seen a scribing instrument being used. Very cool.
that is awesome! you have the best useful videos.
Very helpful!
Great informative video. Such simple things to make the final look look great. Anxious to see the end results.
you are awesome bob!
You do good work Bob!!
G'day Bob, What a great video I certainly picked up a few fantastic tip's from this one. As you know I am doing the fitout on my truck camper & the large scriber for getting the right shape (angle) down the wall was a major plus for me Mate.
Also thank you for the Amazon link to the scriber which I have ordered (only $15.98 + $6.51 for shipping to Australia) so I will be a happy camper when I get it.
Safe Travels to you & Cody, Steve.
That helped a lot thanks
Jason
Brilliant, thank you!!
Terry, this is reflecting on the journeyman / lead man in charge. You may need to discipline your "Good enough" apprentice with a night in the box, like they did "Cool Hand Luke". Wait a minute, Bob lives in a box. He won't care. Never mind, forget it.
I did my best....
Good stuff Bob. Thanks!
Thanks Bob!
Love it! This is exactly what would happen to me.
I am a template guy myself, but we are talking about subscribing onto a board. Cardboard templates can be added onto, but the final board can not.
A good method for scribing is to use a tool, and hold it so it is easier to handle. If the tool can not be easy to handle get another tool, or make one.
How to make a scribe tool.
Take a piece of thick wood like a 2x4, cut a notch on a flat side big enough for a pencil. you should have a 2 inch high tool. It will have a pencil 1.5 inches from the wall and 1-2 inches wide depending on the curves in the wall. If the wall is very curved then make the end without the pencil narrower and rounded. If you want it close cut a slice of the block. You can make a new tool from scrap if you make a mistake. These scribing tools are small and light, and can be kept or not.
When scribing ensure that the the pencil is pointing toward the center of the curve of the wall.
With this method you may need to make a few cuts on a very curved wall like this van.
Make thin lines. Measure 2 or more times and rub out the line if required, take a break, and check, then cut once.
Peter
Thanks for the feedback Peter
lol, "the king of half-assed".....oh Bob, you did great!
Thanks for the great ideas!
thanks for all the video's
Bob you get better and better with every video. keep up the great work. I APPRECIATE YOU. Do you give classes? I sugessed 1/2 "U" (university). lol
Good job congratulations
Think you did a great Job.
Great work terry⚓♿
When marking finish cuts, get a kids divider with a pencil, Run the steel leg against the wall, use the pencil to mark, Hold it perpendicular to the wall. Another expediency is to find a scrap the thickness of your widest gap and use it as a marking spacer.
" Hold it perpendicular to the wall" is incorrect. As the van wall bends inward as the wall height increases, your scribe ( pencil) line will become more inaccurate if you maintain perpendicularity. Hold the scribe continuously LEVEL as you scribe the wall onto your template to obtain best accuracy. Bob's multiple pencil lines show what happens when you wander off level, and also shows why marking and cutting a disposable template is wise. I hope this helps.
Fantastic 👍
If you need a scribing tool, and do not have a compass, drill a pencil sized hole in a piece of wood, and that makes your tool. You could even use a flat carpenter's pencil as your piece of wood. I think a golf score pencil is 1/4" dia.
I'm really enjoying these videos and learning a lot! Did I miss the bed build? I can't wait to see it finished!
@the howling yorkie I was looking for a comment that mentioned the bed build. Did you find that video yet or is there not one?
Terry is correct - don't be the king of half ass. It's looking beautiful & functional.
Great job , love it. With insulation, what is the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the van ? Thank you
Excellent.
Howdy Bob, I am following this series on a Ford E150. I will finish the floor and trim this week and will start the bed next. But, I cannot find the bed video? The bed is already in on the scribing for the walls. Can you point out where I could find how to do it? Thx!
Nice job
For myself since I'm not an expert like Bob and Terry, I'll scribe cardboard templates first.
Awesome tips!!!
I've actually used the roller that comes with the soundproofing (I had Fat Mat). You affix the pencil to the handle and just roll it down the wall. It's fairly limited but it works in most cases for me :)
Damn it Bob, keep it level :-)
LOL. The obvious gets away from us easily, doesn't it?
Thanks for the lesson, but it looked great to this novice!
nice tutorial!
Great info!
awesome video
👍I like that scribing tool 😃 I wonder if they make one of those tools to be used on humans 🤔
Yo wtf?
Nick Carter - 😂🤣😆 IKR....That was 3 years ago, I don’t even know what I was thinking when I wrote that comment. 😂🤣😁 I’m sure I meant it as a joke...or trying to make a copy of someone we like etc. 🤷🏻♀️😂🤣😁
Nick Carter - Also, I was laughing because in my real life, people call me “Yo” as a nickname...so at first I was thinking...does this guy know me.😂🤣😆
I like your "Homeland Security" t shirt Bob!
the line looks like my e k g lol good job thanks for your videos
Thank you!
Very nice. I have a question. What does anyone say to police if they get stopped. When they ask on home address. Or what address does someone keep if traveling?
I've often wondered why people don't use the same technique on the floor profile, then when each side is contoured, use the edge of the overlapping plywood as a straight edge for the center line cut.
Cool tool
why not scribe a piece of cardboard until it fits snug and then use that as a pattern to cut the actual board?
Beth Hurst EXACTLY
excellently put Aniceto.
@Aniceto Maldonado Jr This is what I will do thankyou.
Beth Hurst you have to find a piece of cardboard large enough! Then scribe the ardboard, then the plywood - doing the job twice! Ever seen joiners walking around with sheets of cardboard?
@@gbwildlifeuk8269 No need to scribe twice. The cardboard then becomes a template.
Much easier to do when you have that white metal framework to run your scribe against.
you are doing huck finn now, cool
How do you determine what thickness of plywood you need for the applications? walls/floors/shelves/etc...
Take a thin board, drive a nail thru it...Remember to hold it horizonal while scribing against the vertical surface..
Did you make a video in this van build series showing how to build the bed?
"Good Enough" for Me and Bobby McGee, la la la,la la la la, my Bobby McGee ~
I sure hope right because I m doing it myself.
You are a brilliant man! If you weren’t trying to video what you were doing, it probably would have been much easier
It should be clear that you got to keep the tool at the same level angle as you scribe from top to bottom. Then you only have to pass once, not over and over.