One commandment my dad taught me and hounded me from a young age still rings in my ears to this day, "The job is not done until the tools are put away." Have lived by this motto and never have had a problem with messes, or misplacing tools ever since...
The only single quibble I had was the “no flat head screws”😂 when building furniture that has hardware of brass, bronze, or iron, nothing looks worse than a Philips, Torx, Roberson, etc…. Those applications absolutely required a hand driven flat head. *admittedly, I’m primarily a hand tool woodworker. -a huge thank you for your content ❤
Yes, exactly. Not just in furniture: slotted screws are without alternative for a number of things, especially stuff made pre-1930s. It’s okay to hate working with them, of course - but replacing them in such items is a bit of a sin. And we’re usually only talking about a few, not hundreds. Also, it would be cool to call them “flathead” screws if that didn’t have another, different meaning: flathead screws are countersunk screws with a flat head, the ones with a slot across the head are slotted screws.
I spent my youth working in a mom and pop hardware store followed by a century old family lumber yard. I am not the expert. When I hear Van say 'flat-head screws, I translate that to slot head. Using a flat head screw driver. I will use countersunk flat head head screws with a Phillips drive. Never with a flat head screw driver. Tomatoe tomato. Potatoe potato.
@@nickspann89 reason for that is you can find random items that work as a flat head screw driver when you need to improvise but good luck improvising your own Philips driver.
I’m a lowly general contractor. Did historic restoration and architectural renovations in SF for decades. I’ve saved/stored many materials over the years. Just finished cottage on the property with many of these items, sinks, fixtures, electrical, wood, siding, etc. very satisfying. Flat head screws have there place. On wooden boats. Where they are countersunk, caulked and bunged. The slotted or flat head is easier to clean out to extract when repairs are needed. Probably one of the only places I’d use them in a new project.
As a son of a hoarder, I find it really difficult to not hoard scrap wood and spare hinges, door stops, odd sized screws etc . The "I might need this someday" dialogue is constantly replaying in my head. However, I am very organized with my tools, and my workbench is ALWAYS clean after every project. Side note: I never use flat head screws (I think the devil invented them), and as a Canadian I often don't use Philips either! Robertson (square) does not have cam out issues!
I keep the rustiest Robertson screws after removing them, to use in another project, because fasteners are money, but no matter how new, I throw all Phillips screws out unless if they were designed for use with a particular kit. Not worth hoarding them.
1:42 I’ve cut laminated signs for five years using a straight razor, each time we were cutting on top of a pre-printed line but we nailed it every time. Never cut a straight line freehand, it only leads to mistakes. With peace and love to the spirited man
Oh man…. I’ve only ever cut straight lines both with the penciled in or printed line AND with a good straight edge. I worked at a sign shop for 15 years and I still make small signs for my current job. I just always make sure I use a very heavy ruler with some grip underneath. I can only remember messing up once.
I finished a project yesterday, cleaned my shop today, starting the next project tomorrow. Making videos about each project has helped this practice a lot!
@@larryfisher7056 Yup. Button head slotted drive screws are the worst, followed by flat head slotted drive and Phillips in either configuration. Button or flat head in Robertson, hex socket or Torx are great!.
Looking back at some of the darker moments in your life that you've shared with us, I really enjoy seeing this version of you truly being celebrated by the audience and by yourself. It's such an awesome thing to witness you creating this unique niche where you can sing and just be the most authentic version of you. I'm definitely stealing these tips, sharing them and applying them to my personal life beyond the workshop so thanks for that Van!
I love this. There's so many tips that I'm putting into practice. Namely: "Do not migrate tools" GUILTY, "Do not use the last of anything" GUILTY, "No hoarding materials" GUILTY, "Do not switch horses midstream" SUPER GUILTY. Thanks Van!!
Van - Discovering your writing and work feels something akin to finding someone that speaks your language in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home. I'm not sure what else to say. As a writer and dad, someone that tinkers in a shitty garage shop, writes in a little shed, a dad that writes down rules to live in a large book to hopefully give to my kids when they move out, your work really means something to me.
I noticed you’ve made a wooden top work bench out of a trestle table. Would be awesome to see a video on setting up an outdoor workspace, for people that live in apartments and need to use common yards etc.
Kid with the IKEA frame “I can’t believe I wasted my time in that line for buddy to cut some pieces off it and hot glue it. I thought he was more skilled than that”.
You're awesome Van! My favorite part of this video had nothing to do with the message of the video but it's how I raised my boys as well. "I warn him, then I let him get hurt".
When I was at university we had a long straight edge with a rubber no slip base and had a deep V shape groove in the top to protect your fingers from slicing
I feel so god damn mad at myself for watching your brother for YEARS, and now discovering that your content is so much more beneficial in my life. Now let me go finish a project.
That is pretty much what my Dad told me every day after I left HIS workshop: "keep it organized". My answer "little spirits keep order, genius surveys chaos". He is dead for almost 40 years. I still hear his words, he even made a sign from a piece of wood for me to remind me of cleaning up. Needless to say that MY workshop is very, very organized, now! And I agree the best way to find little metal pieces with very sharp edges is - walk into you shop bare feet :)
I would agree with everything and it seems that this was almost you speaking to yourself on so many levels. This coming from someone who struggles with all of these things, I would say that a clear workshop creates a clear mind and therefore productivity increases 👊🏾
There are perfectly good reasons to use a flat head screw. Ships are a great example, or any environment where debris gets trapped in screw heads because you can easily clean a slot. Good luck cleaning 50 year old paint and grime out of a Torx head.
I love all these concepts. Videos like this keep me grounded on many fronts. I have found that applying consistency to my tasks and focusing on getting one done before another starts is very beneficial related to the outcome. I have two 30s era planes that I am restoring and had to force myself not to do them at the same time. The Type 3 G5 Gage plane will be done in a few more days and then I start on the Type 14 No 7 Jack plane. The amount of random tools and supplies it takes to do this job is significant and I am also teaching myself how to clean up as I move to a different task and put those tools and supplies away when done. Makes for such a better organized process and thus, better results.
I clean and organize my work station and garage after everyday of working on the project. That way when I come back the next day, it’s all clean and feels nice to start again.
A man I admire, I had very few interactions with, and unfortunately passed away in 2016 told me: "what you do before and after the thing, is as important or even more so than the thing itself".
I'm definitely behind these rules, the only rules I was guilty of violating are the lending of tools, which I've stopped doing, and using a hard edge with my Stanley knife. I learned that one the hard way. Thanks Van!
Your no flat-head screws thing made me laugh. One of my clients repairs and rebuilds antique furniture and early 1900s motorcycles. His rule is No Philips head screws allowed in his shop, because they didn't exist during the time anything he works on was made.
This video is absolutely spot on, Van! Priceless information gleaned from years of experience. This is one of your sweet-spots for consulting work IMHO
I need to break #3. I hoard a lot of scrap materials, mostly wood. In fact I stopped at my neighbors house this morning and picked up some old wood he was throwing away. I also built a ~2'x5' lumber cart thinking it would organize the "collection" but that lasted maybe a month and has since turned into 75% junk. I use a lot of the bigger pieces but the cutoffs accumulate quickly.
Number 1, is a very good shout, I try to stick to it. I have a current build going on so no other builds, but I did a repair project. But flat head (slotted screws) do have their place, in very rare cases very rare.
Number 2 does not apply to everyone all the time but most people always. I'm the type to borrow a tool and return it that same day or the next day if it'd be too late to return it after I used it. I make this a practice after years of my things going missing for months and knowing the frustrations but also wanting to be held in such a regard that no one will have issues with me borrowing any tool at any time when I'm really desperate for that specific tool. And if you need to borrow a tool 2-3 times that's when you just go buy yourself that tool.
Van, the workbench is like an altar and you are its acolyte. I can't speak for everybody but I grew up with a lot of good memories around the workbench. It's really sad and contradictory to see it become an excuse to hoard and a junk-pile among close family and acquaintances of mine. Like, they still have reverence for it but it's only a shadow. Thanks for this.
2:05 it will also shift a little bit when you are drawing a line, if you are able to draw straight line using scale then you can also cut a straight line, as the pen & cutter have identical shape
Hello, my name is Pete and I'm a wood hoarder. I've got wood in my shop from the early 2000's. The only small pieces I hang onto are the more exotic species, but I do have to confess that they gather a lot of dust. I'm on a no-purchase restriction (unless a project calls for something directly specific) until I use up a lot of the hoarded wood supply. It's crazy how much space we surrender to stuff we're not using and don't even have a plan to use. I'm using a fair bit of it now in preparation for my own first kickstarter, for next year's Make100. Van and a few others have inspired me to start putting more out there and exploring "my art" more and more. It's tough to walk by some of those pieces at Woodcraft or a lumber supplier though!
Van's videos are about the only videos I give an automatic like too. Without having seen the video, I already give it a like. Now, you may think or even Van may think that giving a like without watching the video first is like giving an undeserved reward. Well, If I didn't like the video in the end I could take out the like, but that's never the case. If I could I'd support him in Patreon or the likes... but as it is, I'm doing the best I can. He's a great inspiration to me and his videos and art are a delight. I have named my latest series of personal journals "The Spirited Man" in his honor. It just consists of sticking the logo onto the journal cover but It brings a swell feeling nonetheless. Anyhow, just something I thought I'd share.
Use straightedge to make initial score and keep it there, make successively deeper scores then cut with straightedge still in place. Anti-skid straightedge too.
A trick I use to break rule #9: I have some iron rectangular weights from a scrapped weight lifting machine that I glued cork padding to. I set the straight edge, and then weight it down to keep it stable. It's especially useful when cutting leather or thick foam where you'll want to make multiple passes.
I'm really happy no flathead screws made the list. What a trash fastener. My asub-addition to that would be no wood style screws for metal. When I'm taking something apart to salvage fasteners those those go right in the trash.
99% of the time, I totally agree: no flat-head screws. But when restoring old (pre-1950) door and window hardware, the original brass flat-head wood screws complete the aesthetic. As much as I hate driving them, I love the way they look. Especially on an old door hinge with all the slots oriented in the same direction.
Flat head screws have their place, eg adjustment screws. Forces user to do it by hand and makes it easier to keep track of the adjustment / count turns
“No straight edge” is great for accuracy based tasks. But a straight edge is for precision based tasks. That’s why it’s called a *Straight-Edge*. Using or not using one just depends on the goal of your task. If you absolutely need the finest line you can (which I do when making foam board models) you can’t go with anything other than a metal edged ruler. And you’ve gotta get a good alumi-cutter/straight edge with a rubber foam or silicone bottom edge to prevent sliding.
I feel spirited, doing things around the house since you started this RUclips Channel. I am watching you becouse of Casey's mention. Thanks to him too! Keep it up! Tamas, Hungary
No. 5 - Flathead screws are awesome! I don’t think he knows what they are. I think he means “no slotted screws” or “no slot-drive screws.” Flathead (countersunk) screws are essential for many projects (even the torx screw he shows is a flathead).
"Even people of high character, they don't return it when they need it" Ha! Your slight smile when saying this makes me think your comment was aimed at Casey!
I'm loving your channel. Best new advice from this video: No hoarding material. I feel a sense of guilt if I throw something out that might be useful in the future, but you're right. You can't collect everything. Also, no fixing garbage. Good call.
I've got a handle on all of these but #1 is definitely the hardest to master. It's very easy to lose momentum or inspiration for a project and to start daydreaming about the next one. FINISH THE FIRST ONE! You have to stick it out even when the honeymoon period has ended!
in my architecture school i developed that rule number 9 is hybrid, first draw a line, and cut a small checkpoint free handed, split it into several section that probably gapped less than 20cm, then use a metal ruler (i used to chop off the damn plastic with my razor cutter)
For cutting along a ruler or other straight strip of material, just glue or stick something rubber to the bottom, like in the guide rails for plunge cut circular saws. They'll never slip unless you're really clumsy. Also, always mark at least the beginning and the end if your cut, tyat way you'll bevable to check your work.
Agreed on so many points except Philips head screws. I will use them, but prefer Robertson, a square headed socket screw common where I live in Canada. Power Torx is next closest.
I've cut thousands of pieces of paper when prototyping, and I always use a ruler-with an antiskid material on, of course, the kind made for that job. Then it doesn't skid and your cuts will be perfect. Also, flathead screws are awesome. If you look into fine woodworking you'll find a lot of flathead screws and learn about clocking. I would never exchange a flathead screw on a repair, if it had an aesthetic quality to it (like old furniture).
AGREED i will ad to that with the fact that i have never stripped a flat head screw. but you even look at a Phillips head the wrong way and oops boom stripped bare FLAT HEAD FOR LIFE
I swear to God the straight line cut thing happened to me today cutting drywall with my Dad. He kept telling me to use the straight edge and I felt the same way Van is describing here.
i convert all flathead screws into some wing nut type apparatus by welding another piece of metal into the grove to allow for finger turning, thats about all i use them for
For straight cuts with a straight edge, I just clamp the straight edge to the table. Keep a couple clamps right by the straight edge and it takes hardly any extra time.
Recently built a shed. Instead of running electric I thought I might just run extension cords. Until I realized it was just a mess of trip wires. So with 25 feet of Romex I ran two boxes and one fixture and connected them with a pass thru RV power outlet. I run the extension cord to the exterior wall of the shed from the garage (plugged into a GFCI). No more tripping. Edit: I loaned out a jigsaw 10 years ago to a person who I thought was a friend. Haven't seen or heard from them since. Shame on me for being overly trusting.
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One commandment my dad taught me and hounded me from a young age still rings in my ears to this day, "The job is not done until the tools are put away." Have lived by this motto and never have had a problem with messes, or misplacing tools ever since...
My version is: "You're not done playing 'til you put your toys away." I will recite this to myself every time I've reached a stopping point.
The only time I lose a tool is when I put it down and go to look for it less than 3 seconds later.
Yeaaahh sure until you work a 29 hour shift on a rig and pass out while standing up
I feel simultaneously validated and attacked. Thank you for your service, sir
Haha 😂
Yes, this was my experience too. Appreciative and offended.
🤣😂
The only single quibble I had was the “no flat head screws”😂 when building furniture that has hardware of brass, bronze, or iron, nothing looks worse than a Philips, Torx, Roberson, etc…. Those applications absolutely required a hand driven flat head.
*admittedly, I’m primarily a hand tool woodworker.
-a huge thank you for your content ❤
Yes, exactly. Not just in furniture: slotted screws are without alternative for a number of things, especially stuff made pre-1930s. It’s okay to hate working with them, of course - but replacing them in such items is a bit of a sin. And we’re usually only talking about a few, not hundreds.
Also, it would be cool to call them “flathead” screws if that didn’t have another, different meaning: flathead screws are countersunk screws with a flat head, the ones with a slot across the head are slotted screws.
And guns use flatheads, looks better. No other way around it.
I spent my youth working in a mom and pop hardware store followed by a century old family lumber yard.
I am not the expert. When I hear Van say 'flat-head screws, I translate that to slot head. Using a flat head screw driver. I will use countersunk flat head head screws with a Phillips drive. Never with a flat head screw driver.
Tomatoe tomato. Potatoe potato.
@@nickspann89 reason for that is you can find random items that work as a flat head screw driver when you need to improvise but good luck improvising your own Philips driver.
I’m a lowly general contractor. Did historic restoration and architectural renovations in SF for decades. I’ve saved/stored many materials over the years. Just finished cottage on the property with many of these items, sinks, fixtures, electrical, wood, siding, etc. very satisfying. Flat head screws have there place. On wooden boats. Where they are countersunk, caulked and bunged. The slotted or flat head is easier to clean out to extract when repairs are needed. Probably one of the only places I’d use them in a new project.
As a son of a hoarder, I find it really difficult to not hoard scrap wood and spare hinges, door stops, odd sized screws etc . The "I might need this someday" dialogue is constantly replaying in my head. However, I am very organized with my tools, and my workbench is ALWAYS clean after every project.
Side note: I never use flat head screws (I think the devil invented them), and as a Canadian I often don't use Philips either! Robertson (square) does not have cam out issues!
Robertson all the way
I keep the rustiest Robertson screws after removing them, to use in another project, because fasteners are money, but no matter how new, I throw all Phillips screws out unless if they were designed for use with a particular kit. Not worth hoarding them.
1:42 I’ve cut laminated signs for five years using a straight razor, each time we were cutting on top of a pre-printed line but we nailed it every time. Never cut a straight line freehand, it only leads to mistakes.
With peace and love to the spirited man
Oh man…. I’ve only ever cut straight lines both with the penciled in or printed line AND with a good straight edge. I worked at a sign shop for 15 years and I still make small signs for my current job. I just always make sure I use a very heavy ruler with some grip underneath. I can only remember messing up once.
Yeah that rule should be “buy a good straight edge” not “half ass cutting everything”
I like that the story of building something is woven parallel to the story of the video. Its very engaging.
About those Phillips screws, what you really want is the Canadian designed Robertson screw. Superior to all including Torx.
Torx are FAR superior to Robertson. Robertson round easily, especially when the bits get worn.
Belive it's the called pozidrive. Can use flat/phillips/square. That is king
@@anonymouswhite352 for universality. Torx has superior torque-ability.
I finished a project yesterday, cleaned my shop today, starting the next project tomorrow. Making videos about each project has helped this practice a lot!
Same! I was a MESS until I started making videos of my projects :D
Comments drive traffic to your channel. Nice workshop.
#5 - No flat head OR Phillips head screws. (Canadian version) ;-) Robertson, hex, or Torx are fine.
roberson are not fine they are trash. im half canadian they are still shit
I'm just guessing you mean slot head screws.....not flat head.
Came here to see if someone else had said it.. Robertson ftw! Amazing for just about everything.
@@larryfisher7056 Yup. Button head slotted drive screws are the worst, followed by flat head slotted drive and Phillips in either configuration. Button or flat head in Robertson, hex socket or Torx are great!.
just try finding Robertson hardware though... it's tuff and I believe them to be the best.
Looking back at some of the darker moments in your life that you've shared with us, I really enjoy seeing this version of you truly being celebrated by the audience and by yourself. It's such an awesome thing to witness you creating this unique niche where you can sing and just be the most authentic version of you. I'm definitely stealing these tips, sharing them and applying them to my personal life beyond the workshop so thanks for that Van!
I love this. There's so many tips that I'm putting into practice. Namely: "Do not migrate tools" GUILTY, "Do not use the last of anything" GUILTY, "No hoarding materials" GUILTY, "Do not switch horses midstream" SUPER GUILTY.
Thanks Van!!
Van - Discovering your writing and work feels something akin to finding someone that speaks your language in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home. I'm not sure what else to say. As a writer and dad, someone that tinkers in a shitty garage shop, writes in a little shed, a dad that writes down rules to live in a large book to hopefully give to my kids when they move out, your work really means something to me.
As someone who may not be the target demographic of this channel, this is still my favorite channel and you, Van, are my favorite creator
I noticed you’ve made a wooden top work bench out of a trestle table. Would be awesome to see a video on setting up an outdoor workspace, for people that live in apartments and need to use common yards etc.
Kid with the IKEA frame “I can’t believe I wasted my time in that line for buddy to cut some pieces off it and hot glue it. I thought he was more skilled than that”.
I feel you on number 1. A friend says I have a black belt in the partial arts. I have so many projects 25 or 50 percent done.
You’re undoubtedly the creative force, while Casey is clearly the marketing genius.
i agree with all of these. as someone with adhd it's so hard to do #1 but i keep trying.
You're awesome Van! My favorite part of this video had nothing to do with the message of the video but it's how I raised my boys as well. "I warn him, then I let him get hurt".
"Do not use the last of anything"
I really like that one
I watched this as a kid been reprehended by a dad. I understood the message and I felt the love. Thank you, Van.
I need this. Somehow I followed some of this principles but you just articulated them so beautifully. Thanks once again, Van!
When I was at university we had a long straight edge with a rubber no slip base and had a deep V shape groove in the top to protect your fingers from slicing
The best way to end a hectic editing session is to watch a Van video … so calming 🔥💯
Asking for subscribers without asking for subscribers
I feel so god damn mad at myself for watching your brother for YEARS, and now discovering that your content is so much more beneficial in my life. Now let me go finish a project.
That is pretty much what my Dad told me every day after I left HIS workshop: "keep it organized". My answer "little spirits keep order, genius surveys chaos". He is dead for almost 40 years. I still hear his words, he even made a sign from a piece of wood for me to remind me of cleaning up. Needless to say that MY workshop is very, very organized, now!
And I agree the best way to find little metal pieces with very sharp edges is - walk into you shop bare feet :)
I would agree with everything and it seems that this was almost you speaking to yourself on so many levels. This coming from someone who struggles with all of these things, I would say that a clear workshop creates a clear mind and therefore productivity increases 👊🏾
There is a reason why no one should ever use flat-head screws - if a screwdriver slips from a slot, it goes into your hand.
And even if it doesnt go into your hand you immediately wish it wasnt a flat head
There are perfectly good reasons to use a flat head screw. Ships are a great example, or any environment where debris gets trapped in screw heads because you can easily clean a slot. Good luck cleaning 50 year old paint and grime out of a Torx head.
@@Nubby007 grime and dust etc. In the torx or philips would bother me a lot less than a slipping flat head
@@smashyrashy Here here! Agreed good sir.
good point. probably the single most common tool injury on earth.
I love all these concepts. Videos like this keep me grounded on many fronts. I have found that applying consistency to my tasks and focusing on getting one done before another starts is very beneficial related to the outcome. I have two 30s era planes that I am restoring and had to force myself not to do them at the same time. The Type 3 G5 Gage plane will be done in a few more days and then I start on the Type 14 No 7 Jack plane. The amount of random tools and supplies it takes to do this job is significant and I am also teaching myself how to clean up as I move to a different task and put those tools and supplies away when done. Makes for such a better organized process and thus, better results.
I pretty much learn all these rules along the way. Hoarding items, overlapping projects, they all lead to messes.
I clean and organize my work station and garage after everyday of working on the project. That way when I come back the next day, it’s all clean and feels nice to start again.
A man I admire, I had very few interactions with, and unfortunately passed away in 2016 told me: "what you do before and after the thing, is as important or even more so than the thing itself".
Great guidelines. PS... Robertson bits are king. B)
Nice tips Van, thanks. I'll take the ones that work for me & my circumstances, and ignore the ones that doesn't, and adjust as needed.
I'm definitely behind these rules, the only rules I was guilty of violating are the lending of tools, which I've stopped doing, and using a hard edge with my Stanley knife. I learned that one the hard way. Thanks Van!
Your no flat-head screws thing made me laugh. One of my clients repairs and rebuilds antique furniture and early 1900s motorcycles. His rule is No Philips head screws allowed in his shop, because they didn't exist during the time anything he works on was made.
This video is absolutely spot on, Van! Priceless information gleaned from years of experience. This is one of your sweet-spots for consulting work IMHO
Foam backed rulers have been good to me, I built architectural models for 5 years. I agree with you on really long cuts though.
I need to break #3. I hoard a lot of scrap materials, mostly wood. In fact I stopped at my neighbors house this morning and picked up some old wood he was throwing away. I also built a ~2'x5' lumber cart thinking it would organize the "collection" but that lasted maybe a month and has since turned into 75% junk. I use a lot of the bigger pieces but the cutoffs accumulate quickly.
Number 1, is a very good shout, I try to stick to it. I have a current build going on so no other builds, but I did a repair project. But flat head (slotted screws) do have their place, in very rare cases very rare.
Number 2 does not apply to everyone all the time but most people always. I'm the type to borrow a tool and return it that same day or the next day if it'd be too late to return it after I used it. I make this a practice after years of my things going missing for months and knowing the frustrations but also wanting to be held in such a regard that no one will have issues with me borrowing any tool at any time when I'm really desperate for that specific tool.
And if you need to borrow a tool 2-3 times that's when you just go buy yourself that tool.
Rule #1 is one to live by. I can't even make a new meal until the kitchen is cleaned and reset from the previous meal. Same goes with any project.
i thought only God could pull that one off
Van, the workbench is like an altar and you are its acolyte. I can't speak for everybody but I grew up with a lot of good memories around the workbench. It's really sad and contradictory to see it become an excuse to hoard and a junk-pile among close family and acquaintances of mine. Like, they still have reverence for it but it's only a shadow. Thanks for this.
I'd argue that some brass dome head slotted screws on a high end music box/jewelry box is unparalleled sexiness.
2:05 it will also shift a little bit when you are drawing a line, if you are able to draw straight line using scale then you can also cut a straight line, as the pen & cutter have identical shape
#9 just saved me a bunch of grief, sir. I salute you.
Hello, my name is Pete and I'm a wood hoarder. I've got wood in my shop from the early 2000's. The only small pieces I hang onto are the more exotic species, but I do have to confess that they gather a lot of dust. I'm on a no-purchase restriction (unless a project calls for something directly specific) until I use up a lot of the hoarded wood supply. It's crazy how much space we surrender to stuff we're not using and don't even have a plan to use. I'm using a fair bit of it now in preparation for my own first kickstarter, for next year's Make100. Van and a few others have inspired me to start putting more out there and exploring "my art" more and more. It's tough to walk by some of those pieces at Woodcraft or a lumber supplier though!
Van's videos are about the only videos I give an automatic like too. Without having seen the video, I already give it a like.
Now, you may think or even Van may think that giving a like without watching the video first is like giving an undeserved reward. Well, If I didn't like the video in the end I could take out the like, but that's never the case. If I could I'd support him in Patreon or the likes... but as it is, I'm doing the best I can.
He's a great inspiration to me and his videos and art are a delight. I have named my latest series of personal journals "The Spirited Man" in his honor. It just consists of sticking the logo onto the journal cover but It brings a swell feeling nonetheless. Anyhow, just something I thought I'd share.
You're so cool and have a really engaging way of sharing your tips and experience. Thank you for sharing!
I lend tools with wild abandon. I’m just so excited when someone chooses to not hire something out these days that I celebrate it.
Same. Gives me an excuse to buy new ones 😂😂
The superior reign of torx has begun! Long live torx!
New Van video always brings a smile to my face! Thank you Van!
Use straightedge to make initial score and keep it there, make successively deeper scores then cut with straightedge still in place. Anti-skid straightedge too.
A trick I use to break rule #9: I have some iron rectangular weights from a scrapped weight lifting machine that I glued cork padding to. I set the straight edge, and then weight it down to keep it stable. It's especially useful when cutting leather or thick foam where you'll want to make multiple passes.
For #9, pick up a matte cutter for faster and more accurate long cuts.
#5 - torx forever.
#3 is the hardest to follow.
Great vid! I'm inspired to stay on track with my current project!
I love this. I've done all of these, time to incorporate this list into my life.
Awesome video, thank you for it. You seemed to be really happy while making it :)
I'm really happy no flathead screws made the list. What a trash fastener.
My asub-addition to that would be no wood style screws for metal. When I'm taking something apart to salvage fasteners those those go right in the trash.
99% of the time, I totally agree: no flat-head screws. But when restoring old (pre-1950) door and window hardware, the original brass flat-head wood screws complete the aesthetic. As much as I hate driving them, I love the way they look. Especially on an old door hinge with all the slots oriented in the same direction.
I agree with that list, Van. Some great advice to live by!
Flat head screws have their place, eg adjustment screws.
Forces user to do it by hand and makes it easier to keep track of the adjustment / count turns
This is the most authentic content right here. Bless this man!
“No straight edge” is great for accuracy based tasks. But a straight edge is for precision based tasks. That’s why it’s called a *Straight-Edge*. Using or not using one just depends on the goal of your task. If you absolutely need the finest line you can (which I do when making foam board models) you can’t go with anything other than a metal edged ruler.
And you’ve gotta get a good alumi-cutter/straight edge with a rubber foam or silicone bottom edge to prevent sliding.
I feel spirited, doing things around the house since you started this RUclips Channel. I am watching you becouse of Casey's mention. Thanks to him too! Keep it up! Tamas, Hungary
Omg the straight edge advice is spot on, I just did it this week and man it was really off
No. 5 - Flathead screws are awesome! I don’t think he knows what they are. I think he means “no slotted screws” or “no slot-drive screws.” Flathead (countersunk) screws are essential for many projects (even the torx screw he shows is a flathead).
As much as I think these are common sense, I take them for granted often. Appreciate the reminder along with the explanations :)
Thank you for the weekly sermon. I mean that in the nicest way possible.
Another great video! I don't have a shop but i really appreciate the advice!
I couldn't agree more with your statement, "No flathead screws, EVER!"
"Even people of high character, they don't return it when they need it" Ha! Your slight smile when saying this makes me think your comment was aimed at Casey!
Resetting the workstation is tough when I run out of time but it does have fulfillment when you know everything is positioned to do the next job
I'm loving your channel. Best new advice from this video: No hoarding material. I feel a sense of guilt if I throw something out that might be useful in the future, but you're right. You can't collect everything. Also, no fixing garbage. Good call.
I've got a handle on all of these but #1 is definitely the hardest to master. It's very easy to lose momentum or inspiration for a project and to start daydreaming about the next one. FINISH THE FIRST ONE! You have to stick it out even when the honeymoon period has ended!
in my architecture school i developed that rule number 9 is hybrid, first draw a line, and cut a small checkpoint free handed, split it into several section that probably gapped less than 20cm, then use a metal ruler (i used to chop off the damn plastic with my razor cutter)
Oh man, you gave the best reason to vote, and the video has not even began.
I was just at Home Depot yesterday, having too much fun
For cutting along a ruler or other straight strip of material, just glue or stick something rubber to the bottom, like in the guide rails for plunge cut circular saws. They'll never slip unless you're really clumsy. Also, always mark at least the beginning and the end if your cut, tyat way you'll bevable to check your work.
Thank you. Will do respect them.
These points are valid and oh so true. Well done 👍
Agreed on so many points except Philips head screws. I will use them, but prefer Robertson, a square headed socket screw common where I live in Canada. Power Torx is next closest.
I've cut thousands of pieces of paper when prototyping, and I always use a ruler-with an antiskid material on, of course, the kind made for that job. Then it doesn't skid and your cuts will be perfect. Also, flathead screws are awesome. If you look into fine woodworking you'll find a lot of flathead screws and learn about clocking. I would never exchange a flathead screw on a repair, if it had an aesthetic quality to it (like old furniture).
AGREED i will ad to that with the fact that i have never stripped a flat head screw. but you even look at a Phillips head the wrong way and oops boom stripped bare FLAT HEAD FOR LIFE
Van I need a video about your outfit, I find every piece of it really fascinating
I swear to God the straight line cut thing happened to me today cutting drywall with my Dad. He kept telling me to use the straight edge and I felt the same way Van is describing here.
But if you slip with the straight edge, how would you draw a straight line in the first place?
Love the video Van!
There is something to be said about buying an ad to be used for public service, especially in contrast to the dropshipping shit lol
Kudos to you.
Awesome job van
i convert all flathead screws into some wing nut type apparatus by welding another piece of metal into the grove to allow for finger turning, thats about all i use them for
Thank you! Brevity is the essence of wit.
Van blessing us with knowledge
4:45 Torx head are the best screws!
For straight cuts with a straight edge, I just clamp the straight edge to the table. Keep a couple clamps right by the straight edge and it takes hardly any extra time.
Van - thank you for sharing your wisdom; this was fantastic!
Oh man... I cannot express how I LOVE your beard!
Just keepe it!
Recently built a shed. Instead of running electric I thought I might just run extension cords. Until I realized it was just a mess of trip wires. So with 25 feet of Romex I ran two boxes and one fixture and connected them with a pass thru RV power outlet. I run the extension cord to the exterior wall of the shed from the garage (plugged into a GFCI).
No more tripping.
Edit: I loaned out a jigsaw 10 years ago to a person who I thought was a friend. Haven't seen or heard from them since. Shame on me for being overly trusting.
But look at it this way... You got rid of him for the price of a jig saw.... and you didn't have to cuss him out. I'd say you came out on top.
NICE!! Van, please do a video that is a tour of your flippy, latchy workstation thingy.
I never lend tools. I learned that from my dad's friend from church who stole a saw for months, when it was just supposed to be a weekend
I’m an auto-shop teacher and I believe I will be playing this video to my students. Maybe even make a poster or 4