Faux Fingernails from Free Laminate Samples
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Laminate samples with a razor-sharp edge are the best substitute for scraping when fingernails fail. Learn how to make a simple fixture for safely cutting a whole batch of free laminate samples for an endless supply of uber scrapers when you need to do difficult but dicey scraping on 'delicate' surfaces like plastic, anodized metal, glass, stainless steel, etc. You'll learn that the best scrapers in life are free!
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and find yourself stylin' and smilin' 
Хобби
To all viewers and subscribers to Next Level Carpentry:
I respect viewpoints and opinions of all reasonable viewers regarding videos I publish here. Because of that respect and comments on this video below I've reached out to laminate manufacturers shown in this video and am considering pulling or at least editing this video so that the segment where I show gathering 'free samples' at a local home center is aligned with their intent and policies and, equally important, my principals, which don't advocate stealing from any one for any reason. This may be a prime example where it's NOT better to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission! Thank you for understanding... Best, Matt
WOW bravo going further, hate to see video go away it's a good upcycle and the comments it started are interesting. I think the main take away is "free" == 'use in moderation', you even mention focusing on getting ones destined for the dumpster /shrug.
This all may be semantics over what "free" means in the sense of business cost. We all do this with "free" items: pens,parking, dumpster scrap, paint samples,etc because the underlying no-money-transaction is somehow the brand is being marketed free of charge on our side of things. With something like this your literally carrying the brand with you to every to every job site, marketing seems an odd justification but there it is.
@@TheNewton I appreciate your comments on this one Paul... I'm curious about what response I'll get from home centers and Formica on the matter. For all I know they'll follow your comment and my belief that it's pretty inexpensive marketing but time will tell... Best, Matt
The laminate sheets retail for about $1/ft^2, so we're looking at about 1 dollar worth of material here. Of course they don't care about that. They would only care if their samples were gone and they couldn't sell countertops with them.
Thanks Matt. This was a great low cost idea that will help many struggling wood workers. I really like the aspect of recycling old, and yes, free samples to do it as well. For the people with concerns about the issue I agree with your approach of simply asking for last years color chips. Keep up the good work, Phil.
Tip for removing stickers. 1) Mineral spirits is usually the best choice if you don't mind using solvent. It's pretty safe on most things. Acetone and lacquer thinner are faster but can ruin finishes and melt a lot of plastics. 2) Any kind of oil. It's slower but safer. Even cooking oil works. Just apply some and wait for it to soak through. You can tell when it has and then the sticker peels right off. Use the same oil to wipe up the good.
Some stickers are actually plastic so these methods don't work so well since they have to work their way in from the edge instead of through the sticker. Also, many things come with water-soluble glue so sometimes just using warm water will remove stickers.
I scrape as a last resort because I still have to go back with something to remove the left behind goo. But if that's what it takes then that's what I do. My first choice is mineral spirits.
Matt, you may have started a trend for 9.5 finger nail people! (see below)
* Choose sample design
* Cut to size for the .5 finger nail on scroll saw
* Heat up laminate sample to put a slight curve in it
* CY glue it on and file edge to 45 degrees
BOOM! You now have a custom wearable scraper!
I've been using laminate samples for years as little disposable spatulas for applying wood filler and 2-part epoxy. Nice straight edge and stiff enough for a clean finish.
Flaming brilliant!
Thank you for this extremely useful hack!
Good info. I’d guess the thumbs down votes are laminate salesmen. 😙
Great video and I look forward to your next video.Thanks!
Matt, this video reminds me of the days when my father who was a cabinet maker take us to his shop, asked us to pickup scrap Formica, and sanded them instead of cutting them. That was safer for use to use instead of the saw. This is great at cleaning every thing from windows out side or inside if you painted, to cleaning up glue and other gunk from surfaces.
Good video Matt. Just got some samples the other day to pick a color for shop counter tops and a countertop in the laundry room. This will be a good use for the samples I have.
Hope you had a happy Father’s Day.
Ron
Thanks Ron... it's all good. Belated HFD to you too! Best, Matt
Thanks for the solid tip. You are truly a master craftsman!
Yes, because only a master craftsman could put bevels on laminate samples. :)
I got some small square flooring samples once and after checking the sample at home they made great coasters.
These chips are a great idea. I have to take a look if i can find those over here in belgium too. Thanks for the tip!
Hey Matt great idea on the laminate samples.I stopped by my local home center this morning and picked up a bunch with a load of wood and other building supplies I bought from them. I love their free samples just like the free samples in Costco I love those two. The way I look at it it's hard to steal something that's already free 😂
Great tip and I like the jig for holding the chips while you cut them. I use the "temp" cards that arrp sends me all the time as scrapers, have sharpened them with a file. Those sample cards are also useful as spreaders when working with resins and fiberglass
Thanks for commenting Tom... we think alike in that I've got a whole stack of 'free' credit card offer cards for the same purposes you use 'em for. And I didn't even have to ASK for any of them... Best, Matt
Thanks for sharing I use a disc sander but that's a neat approach that you have have a blessed day
Another winner. You never fail to inspire.
Thanks Kyle... it's the little things that count, right? Just yesterday I was using this tip to clean up a cordless/airless sprayer... no better way to clean spots of paint off plastic! Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry definitely
Great use for these chip.
Very nice Matt, good info and tips,
Bonus...??? All for free...😎😎👍👍👍
Nice tip. Thank you
I do like how Matt always prefaces his purchase choices with "if you can't get it locally"...
Thanks Michael... I try to remember to say that because it's how I feel. I do appreciate when viewers who are shopping on Amazon anyways begin their session with a link at Next Level Carpentry though... it helps support the Channel without shortchanging local businesses or costing the buyer any extra. Best, Matt
Thanks for sharing that
Good tip, thanks Matt
You're welcome Bob! Best, Matt
GENIUS!
Nice tip. I'll have to get some laminate samples.
I have been using the laminate chips for years as scrapers, shimming base cabinets that get granite,marble or quartz tops. I use the big ones for mixing epoxy.
I use these things as spaces for drawers and drawer fronts and also spacing to set my depth on my pocket hole jig. Never thought of using them as scrapers.
Brilliant!
They also make great spacers
Great tip Matt, thanks for sharing. Sorta sucks when you use your finger nail and it separates from your finger. I better run to the big box before all the samples are gone! 😁
I am not sure if you a scraping the bottom of the barrel for video content, or you are shooting for more edgier content...but this is great idea.
I'm not sure either, Eric, but am always o-pun to suggestions🤢😂😎 Thanks for commenting! Best, Matt
This is a good idea - I am forever frustrated by the damned labels the "big box" stores put on everything - and the time I waste getting them off whilst leaving the part I want undamaged.
You have shown me the way!
That's rich with irony... using their free samples to remove their annoyingly difficult labels but I totally understand! Best, Matt
YOU ARE GOOD !
Great tip. Thanks Matt.
Michael O.
Alabama,USA
Thanks for watching... finding time in a busy summer is not an easy thing to do! Best, Matt
Hay Mat. I stopped and picked up some chips, Now if could only find the Dip! Having trouble chewing Though.
I'm guessing some jalapeno or habernero (sp?) chip dip will MELT these things so chewing will be the least of your troubles, John! 😂😂😎 Best, Matt
Back in the day when I did LOTS of Formica, laminate work (lots in a production environment) scrapers were made by laminating a scrap of the laminate to a piece of 3/4 something and then cut that to a bevel. With softening of the non scraping edges it made a nice tool that was comfortable in the hand. Just every so often sharpen it on a disk or belt sander.
AND, once the scrap of Formica is laminated to a piece of something it is reasonably safe to cut and sharpen.
Glad to see you found this old video too... it came to mind when you shared your scraper idea on the other laminate video here on the channel. Only guys like you (us?) know that formica/laminate edges are 'Ginsu sharp' when cut or, sharper still on a jagged edge on a piece that 'tears'! 😉😎
As to your (us?). My first exposure to laminates was back in 1961-62 when I took a co-op job (school a week, work a week) in my senior year at Connelley Vocational High School (Pittsburgh, PA). Recalling that my last exposure/adventure into laminates was about 1975/76 when I remodeled a kitchen with Formica cabinets and counter top. I tuned into your "Formica Application Master Class" for a refresher on the topic since I am now building a work bench/assembly table that will have a Formica top.
I suspect you are a least bit younger than I, OR you are in super good shape. Your video sure brought back some great memories, thank you! :) @@NextLevelCarpentry
@@williammagee7514 I'm guessing you've got about a 15 year head start on me... my sole 'education' on this was when I watched/helped my boss do a simple bar top with formica on a basement remodel project in Chicago in about 1978 or so. Everything since then is self-taught during on the job experience and picking up secrets and tips from a mentor at a cabinet shop where I'd always ask a couple questions every time I went in to buy laminate or contact cement. It's cool you're still engaged with an interest in this stuff when many/most your age seem to spend their time 'coasting'.
@@NextLevelCarpentry No coasting for me, full speed ahead. In fact I like to get, metaphorically speaking, speeding tickets. When asked how old I am, my reply is usually something like, "I can accurately tell you my age. As to how old I am, you will have to be the judge of that."
For sure I got a head start on you but when you started in 1978, I was making a big change in my life. This will take a bit of explaining, hope you don't get bored. My diversion started in 1976 when I decided to go to collage. Majored in accounting but in my junior year took a required introductory course to computer programming. It was like someone shot some type of addictive junk in my arms and so software engineering was my addiction for the next 20 years.
About 2000 I accepted a position with Bank of America in Chicago. Wife at the time and I decided we did not want to take trains in and out of city every day. So we got a condo at 860 North Lake Shore DR. With the fantastic views of the lake and the city's architecture, especially super stunning scenes where night time lights reflected onto the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, I decided to purchase a digital camera.
That camera purchase started a new addiction that took over the software engineering addiction. So I am now creating art that starts first with image perception and then digital capture. This is followed with lengthy intense computer aided luminosity adjustments supported by many iterations of proof printing. These adjustments can take days, months and sometimes years to complete.
Like you I am into quality and for images that cut the muster I produce Giclee prints on 450 GSM archival certified & OBA (Optical Brightener Additives) free poly-cotton canvas, followed with a water resistant ultraviolet protectant. Printing is done using my 44" HP Z-Series 12 color Vivera Pigment Ink Giclee Printer. Wilhelm Imaging Research has conducted creditable tests on similar canvas demonstrating these inks can last for greater than 300 years before "even noticeable" fading and/or changes in color balance occur. How long they will remain presentable past the "even noticeable" changes? Does "Almost Forever" come to mind?
Then I do my own canvas stretching onto an aluminum reinforced system. Since aluminum is unaffected by potential differences in humidity and temperature there is no twisting, bending and warping. This results in what is referred to as a "Gallery Wrapped" product that is more than acceptable for delivery to Art Collectors. Observers of my digital images swear they are paintings.
Not done yet, but, coming soon is to produce my own "bespoke" floating frames that will protect the edges and corners of the "Gallery Wrapped" images. Not sure what these will finally be but considering at a minimum some type of hardwood, walnut, oak, etc. Or maybe even exotic veneers. The frame creation will be fun and tie me back to my woodworking roots.
This overall creation process requires lots of effort and time. This does not matter since it is NOT my desire to create an immeasurable number of images, but, to create images that last an immeasurable number of years. I like Win-Win scenarios: for the Art Collector, with proper care, my "Almost Forever" creations can be reasonably expected to last beyond their great grandchildren's great grandchildren; for me, it is gratifying knowing that my artistic creations will go on carrying with them an infusion of my personal energy.
Summing this up: The evolution of my life put me where I am now, ever expanding my studio/workshop to support my desires to produce and improve my "Almost Forever" creations. Sure beats coasting since "coasting" makes one get old, real old! :)
@@williammagee7514 That's a fantastic 'life trajectory' William... thanks for sharing. I'd like to see an example of the art you create and describe if you have a link to one. You could use matt@nextlevelcarpentry.shop if you like. Also; you're highly capable at developing cutting edge things but if there's anything I might contribute to the 'floating frames' aspect of your art feel free to reach out?
I will steal your quote: "I can accurately tell you my age. As to how old I am, you will have to be the judge of that."
FWIW I spent my first 24 years of life in Wood Dale, a small suburb west of Chicago you might be aware of...
Best, Matt
You can also use gift cards that seem to be at every checkout , also good for spreading glue , easy to peel glue off when it drys and reuse them.
I'd love to see what a carpenter keeps in his tool drawers.
Cool man!~
You could add a handle for the scraper from wood but acts like a utility knife, where you can just flip the scrapers around....I hope that makes since. Love the videos and the commentary/jokes...keep them comin
A good free scraper I've used in the past, a bit softer plastic than laminate chips, is a credit card. Some of those that come in junk mail are good, or old ones, if you don't want to ruin one of your real ones. You can run a sander over the magnetic script and embossed account number, and dig a bit at the optical chip, if you are concerned about losing it. Better yet, chop off with a scissors the end with the chip, and just use the rest.
In my local Lowes and Home Depot, they charge for those samples.
I've heard that... bet they'll give you outdated or over stocked ones though. And don't forget to ask at a local cabinet shop or laminate wholesaler... that's where I get mine and they're glad to just get rid of 'em, especially when they'll be 'upcycled'. Best, Matt
No more scratched windows! 👍
You are right... But still use water and be careful so grit doesn't get lodged in your scraper and cause a scratch... Best, Matt
Aside from the fact that they'll look real funny I'm wondering how to glue them on my fingers.
I like to use them as projectiles , there great ...!!! 🤪🤪🤪
Here, in Europe, since a long Time, we have to pay for all kind of Samples. Yes also those. Not a lot, but about 50ct /piece, but you can bring them back, and get the money back. Especially with Floor Laminate, but unfortunatley they do no refund these pieces.
Yeah yeah great tip now what's with the dull miter saw blade?
There is nothing free in this world, and every one knows this. When you put the cash in front of you, not only are you paying for you purchase, you are paying for the ones who do not pay for it. Let's put in new cabinets in our new house we are building, sale the house, but the customer doesn't like the counter top. Tear it out and put in new. Yes the customer pays for it all, even the waste product that goes to the dump. OR, some one will put it in their house, for free. See. Please get off of your plow horse and get the job done, get some new scrapers. I will and it won't bother me at all. Thanks Matt, your the man. Keep them videos coming. Great work.
Have you tried using a similar jig to hold small pieces of wood for cutting?
I'm more inclined to use this method Shawn: ruclips.net/video/vg1N-LOoveo/видео.html Best, Matt
seems like it'd be easy to make a handle for those there's you a vid idea
How about adding 45 angle like you did cut at the end of the board behind the chips, so they are all lined up on 45 angle. Also how about pre tensioning the jig with rubber band
@@ladya1953 thanx for expanding on my chaotic thought. I was mowing my lawn and typing the comment in...
👍
If you know em check with local colleges that have design courses, some trash all types of material samples every semester or year.
Since Formica or “Formica” like products. What is you4 favorite countertop material in your own home and why? Anyone else please jump in and answer this question as well.
Laminate brand is irrelevant IMHO... it's all a matter of color/pattern, availability, etc. There's pros and cons for all types of products but my personal preference is the manufactured quartz-type solid surface since has superior properties without finickieness of natural products. All it lacks is the true beauty of REAL stone... Best, Matt
What is the brand of CA glue you are using
Hi Paul, you can see the Starbond glue and Stick Fast CA activator here on this Shoperr Storefront set up for this video: shoperr.com/s/Faux-Fingernails-from-Frebdec5632 I'm trying out the Starbond glues and like them but use the Stick Fast activator for assembly (rather than the Starbond accelerator) because it's faster. If you end up trying these let me know what you think? Best, Matt
Well... kind of surprised. Did droves of you viewers descend on the stores? If the laminate suppliers are making noises, I suppose making a bunch from a few dollars worth of laminate wouldn't be all that hard. But I only need the one to scrape the cooking accident from my fry pan.
My heat gun gets used more than about any tool, takes all those product labels off cleanly with or without a bit of Goof Off afterwards.
I know it's a challenge when trying to talk through a demonstration, but you really should be wearing a mask full time when or after cutting before airing out the shop fully. Woodworkers are statistically about 7 times more likely to end up with emphysema...
Wonder how much lit would be to get business cards made like this
I just got a bunch on eBay for cheap
Maybe I am overtired but how does one have 9 1/2 fingerNAILS?
Believe me, Daniel, that's something you do not want to know! Best, Matt
Better too laugh than cry! I’m sure the pain has lessened, but the memory never fades. I’m glade you can make light of a bad situation! Thanks for the great tip Matt! No pun intended
5
This looks like a good use of credit cards also.
Unfortunately mine have melted from over-use 🙄😂
Make some nice shims
And here I was wondering what a carpenter would know about making cosplay fingernails...
Well, Matt. When I saw the title I was hoping that this vid would be one that would be on the playlist with the DuhWalt Board Stretcher vid. Pretty much tongue firmly in cheek. I kept waiting for the give-away punch lines. But then it started sounding like you were being serious. The further it went the harder it was to believe. Do you really take time to gather laminate samples, build a jig, and bevel the chips so that you can scrape glue off your table saw? Why do you have so much time on your hands? I guess I need to slosh more glue on my projects, cause I just don't have that much scraping to do. I'm actually a really big fan, both of your serious and of your not-so-serious videos. I'm still trying to decide which category this one fits into!
Hey Andy, I was angling to make more of the laminate chip and Chip Wood joke but didn't spend the time to develop it, sorry. There was a couple good jokes in there SOMEwhere! I really do make these chips and, without doing a video, I can cut a 3-year supply in 15 minutes. Expand your thinking about possibilities and you'll easily put this into 'serious video' category. I only need to help Mrs Next Level Carpentry on one label removal or oven or grille cleaning honey-do to MORE than justify the minimal effort it takes to keep a stack of these on hand. Give it a try and I think you'll be surprised by how easy they are to make and how useful they are.... Best, Matt
If you can’t find sample chips I’d bet a cabinet maker/countertop shop would have cutoffs you could have. Ask if you can raid they’re dumpster.
Why not just sand them to shape?
Agree with Timothy Waiz . I am VERY surprised that this excellent channel posted such a recommendation. Boy is our culture spiralling down or what!. Also disappointing is how a majority of posts coming up with rationalizations for what is arguably stealing.
I agree that just grabbing the current offerings is not a good way to go, but Matt did suggest asking for last year's samples and I feel a lot more comfortable with that.
@@David_K_Dickson True David but the mention about ASKING about last year's samples was in passing and clearly the emphasis was on just helping oneself with the samples. I ask myself would I like someone to broadcast this if the store was owned by me. The answer is a resounding NO. I hope Matt reconsiders and takes this post down. Also I suspect this post will not sit well with his business sponsors.
@@kersi-sandiego6036 Tell me this: do you feel bad if you watch a Formica/Wilsonart ad or pick up one of their flyers somewhere and then don't buy any of their product? I'll bet a flyer costs more to print and distribute than their sample chips which are nothing more than tangible sales flyers IMHO. When they change out their product line or update color names, etc guess what happens to any chips left on those pegs? I hope you never walk into a store and use the bathroom without buying something because, using the same line of reasoning, is tantamount to stealing as well. Please take note that I'm not pulling your comment OR the video because dialog like this is healthy and I appreciate your viewpoint. I just happen to feel it's more idealistic than realistic in this instance. Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry Matt when I pick up a flyer etc it is for the express purpose of deciding if I would purchase the item. When I use a business' restroom I do so because nature calls. I do not leave the house PLANNING to pick up a bunch of samples knowing fully well that I will not purchase corresponding items.
Anyway Matt you have some GREAT info on your channel but not in this case. I respectfully agree to disagree with you on this issue.
@@kersi-sandiego6036 it appears we have mutual respect for each other and I applaud you for presenting your viewpoint in so reasonable a manner. Because of your reasonable nature, you've challenged me to re-think my perspective on the 'free chips' thing. It's irrelevant what it is and how I arrived at it because, in the end, I don't want this to sully Next Level Carpentry's reputation or lower my ethical standards. I just posted and pinned a statement to address this and will resolve it in the most equitable fashion once I've processed a response from manufacturer and home center people. I hope you'll take a minute to read the pinned comment? Best, Matt
Not to brag, but I can scrape a little faster than your 9 & 1/2 natural ones. I was born with 10 thumbs.
Hey Chuck, I really hope you like Next Level Carpentry videos since it's effortless for you to give them 10 thumbs ups all at the same time! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😂😎 Best, Matt
Hey Chuck, I really hope you like Next Level Carpentry videos since it's effortless for you to give them 10 thumbs ups all at the same time! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😂😎 Best, Matt
I like so far every video you put out. But this is a complete waste of someone else’s product that they put out in hopes for a sale. And not only are you doing it. Which is a small issue really. But now you may have just sent lots of people to follow and do the same. Now you are creating a real problem that the real customers will end up paying for in the end. Be smart about what you post about as you are now responsible for how you choose to direct your followers. Again I like everything else so far that you do and I follow you. But not a fan of this
I particularly agree, but like he said they throw a bunch of them away from last year's display
Well then a better approach would be to ask the store if they would allow you to pick up some when they get ready to throw them out. Not to make the decision for them. They oils probably say ok. And if they don’t that doesn’t mean to just take them with no intention on purchasing the product.
I think using free samples of laminate chips as scrapers is a great idea. If your conscience wont let you use free samples I suppose you could always offer to pay for them. Personally my conscience remains totally undisturbed when I use free samples for purposes for which they were not designed. For instance, I use the free condoms they give away at some gay nightclubs (They're extra tough) to put my phone or other things I want to keep dry in. Just make sure you tie the knot tightly.
Another party pooper!
@@lstanczykRC You can also check with local colleges that have design courses, some rotate trash all types of material,color,and chip samples every year.