Furniture grade apple boxes! Honestly, they’re way too nice for equipment that’s going to get banged around. 3/8th inch A/C plywood is more than good enough. The one bad piece of advice is using screws as an alternative to biscuits. Use staples and rabbet joints. Biscuit joinery is overkill. Also with staples you don’t need to use all your clamps. I still appreciate Nick geeking out in making these. If the client is willing to pay for birch plywood and all that extra labor, why not make furniture grade Apple boxes?
Thanks for the instructions, Nick. My wife is a photographer and has been eyeing these for months. They are commercially available for about $120 + tax and shipping. I used your cut list, but modified just slightly. She wanted to use 3/4 inch stock instead of the 1/2 inch you call for. Taking 1/2 inch off the short side pieces made all the math work out fine. Also, she didn't want bottoms on her boxes to save on weight. I was worried about stability without the bottoms, so I used pocket screws instead of biscuits/slots. The pocket screws worked out great. Very stable, yet still gives the no fastener look that makes your plans look great. Thanks for great plans and the instructional video.
As a photographer I use these all the time on set. It was really fun to watch you make them AND demonstrate that you really know how they are used. I love how you used the biscuits. Nothing like being snagged by fastener nails that have come loose over the years.
cool to hear - the only thing I didn't explain the best is HOW much people use them on set and how really useful they are - something you already know for sure!
Nice looking boxes! Learned a couple of new things with this one: Jig-saw into the foam was brilliant! And the tip about flipping the boards to make sure the holes line up. Great idea.
Jeremy McMahan Thanks Jeremy - that is one of the coolest things about all this online stuff is picking up the tips and tricks - glad you got something from it!
Probably a lot of industries have the same thing. I did communication work for an electrical utility and we called them "butt boxes". you will never guess why :-). Used to stand on running phone wire jumpers, Working outside in terminal cabinets and a place to but your butt at lunch. Ours were made of 3\4 plywood with two holes on the end. They were the like your full apple box. You are right really handy to have. When I retired I had to turn in all my tools test gear and my butt box. Now I can make one for the shop and have my old friend back. Thanks.
+Bruce Ferguson you will have to make one I couldn't imagine that they would want it back from you and they wouldn't at least give you that. I would miss having it around as well!
WoodenCreationz don't knock it until you try it - it is kind of a weird notion but they are great for a quick seat or step stool - but yeah mostly for photographers and whatnot
Lovely build! I'm not sure we have a *need* for these in our shop right now but it looks like a good rainy day project to keep everyone busy. Also, donuts. What's not to like :)
And not only that, I know the photographer that uses them and he keeps them in pristine condition - definitely an odd change of pace for the apple box world
Nick, I had to comment on this one. I am a photographer and I know "apple boxes" well. Yours are perfect in design and I am building a set soon. After seeing your "no show joints" I have decided to do mine the same way. Thanks for the useful information. Thumbs Up, Subscribe, and head down to the Jim's doughtnut shop.
Hi Nick, I was looking to buy or make a set of apple boxes for my photography studio and stumbled on your tutorial. I just had to say what a thing of beauty you made! I really appreciate your craftsmanship.
Wow! I'd love to see a video on that. My dad was a woodworker, and I know he'd really enjoy your site. I found a full apple box made by Matthews for about $40, It can't possibly be as well made as your hand-crafted masterpieces.
Nick, each video, a carpentry lesson of how to do and do well, I see a lot of videos and now its better than the other. `Parabens. hugs Everaldo. PS, isso sem entender nada de Inglês já que só falo o português brasileiro que é um pouco diferente do de Portugal.
Great job on those Apple Boxes Nick. I enjoyed that Jay Bates apple eating moment, but I think I would have preferred the Chocolate Éclair myself as well ha ha. Thanks, Barry from England.
one thing i want to bring up, its important that the center support also has holes like the handles, this allows you to put things like ratchet straps all the way through them to secure them to things. ive rigged one to the side of a light pole this way
+Nick Ferry... Oh I could do it I do have most the tools to do it, do I want to nah.... I leave that to the pros. How much do you charge for future reference ?
Tiffany McCoy I don't really make a bunch of things to sell multiples of, mostly just family & friends but I would say around $200 - you can get the mass produced ones cheaper of course
Those turned out nice. And great explanation of their use(s). I share your aversion to mechanical fasteners, in general. I would assert that one could make these with simple butt joints and glue, without mechanical fasteners or even biscuits or dowels. Edge grain glue joints are quite strong. Plywood edges are 1/2 end grain and 1/2 edge grain, and the way they're boxed in this will be plenty. And since you used BB ply, delamination is not likely.
Those are fantastic. Much more intensive than I thought it would be. Def gonna go hit the cut lists you have. I don't have that shop though so it will be interesting 😂
I was just laughing about the apple when the donut came out. Love it! Of corse I never knew what an apple box was... But great video. I haven't had my biscuit jointer out for a while. And I never would have thought to use it for a box like that but I believe I'll use that on some wine boxes I'll be making. Thanks!
Glad you explained that. I was wondering how you were going to put apples in a closed box. I am part Polish, I need things explained. Thanks for sharing the video Nick.
I used to use wooden dowels not only to put them together but also when used, the kids could tell when they are close to the edge without having to look down I had wooden dowels every 4 inches around the framing of the top about 1/4th inch higher then the box itself but there was a third thing I did to help... I had the mating holes on the bottoms of each box to match the 1/4 inch peg of the box under it. I had an extra 1/4th inch added to each box but when stacked all on top of eachother it was still the 15 inches with 1/4th inch warning markers around the frame. the one thing i didn't think of was the fact that the kids thought the pegs were to be used as feet and used them upside down the first few days "to keep them clean and safe from the dirty floor". I used the router and wooden stencils to carve out the word "top" and "this side up" (with arrows) on all four sides of each of them that following weekend.
Great video Nick, like you, I prefer as much as possible to hide joints and these came out really nice. It's funny as you were building them and closing the top I was beginning to wonder just what you were doing, sure glad you explained things. :-)
Hey, just found your channel through a Jay Bates video, and I'll admit- I've been binging out on auto-play on your vids. This is a great vid and topic. These boxes have so many great uses (I've got 3 built in my shop waiting for me to finish them up with the router to clean up the edges) and I was turned on to them from my cousin who worked in the studios for Warner Bros, while also using them in his shop as both a contractor and for car work. I was worried for a second when you weren't adding a center piece to help make the larger ones more supportive, however his method- nearly identical to yours, also has the same cut outs in the middle as on both ends, for the purpose in studio work when they are clamping them together with ratcheting tie-downs, so they can pop all the way through. I think it's best to add those since it's basically just adding one more step that you're already doing for the ends, and then you never have to worry if it's needed. Mine are made out of AC ply, just because it's significantly cheaper around here (Los Angeles) than BB, and I use fasteners and glue with the intention of adding on paint later- his are usually flat black for studio work, mine are mostly for beater boxes, construction site stuff etc. I do really like the look and as a former architectural student and photography hobbyist can attest that the clean, no-hardware finished wood look of the BB is very nice when the boxes won't be abused as step-stools like mine are. Anyways, just wanted to let you know about that little tip of making the centers identical to the ends for the large boxes, and say great vids. I've enjoyed watching the progression of your personality coming out and becoming more personable with the jokes from the seriousness of the first couple videos :D
+Zzyzx very cool to hear you are digging my channel and that you found it - as for the middle supports I have never made them identical to the ends - I have however cut one large square opening in the center support to allow for straps - that seems to allow for easier fishing of straps or ties through the center - being these were specially made I omitted that in this case - good point though - thanks again for checking out the videos and glad to have you here!
Wow Nick. You're not just a master craftsman. But a shrine of useless info too. 😝🤣😂 Just kidding buddy. Your one of the best at explaining whatever your showing us. Thanks again for sharing your know how. 👍🏿
I love apple boxes. Yours are particularly nice.... I have currently about 12, I don't know how many I have had over the years... sometimes they get left on location, loaned out... sometimes an assistant will accidentally pick up an apple box that isn't mine, but it ultimately ends up as mine... so the numbers equal out... but I would like to build some myself..can't get too many of them... . I like the looks of yours more so then the Matthews boxes.. or others, some use ⅜ boards... for those that don't know, the original purpose of apple boxes was to even out actors on camera... if one actor is MUCH taller then the other then the apple boxes leveled them out.. I like 'em after they get old... the wood ages... they have been nailed to, stacked, thrown, used for every possible thing you can imagine..actors have stood on the, models have sat on them, I sit on them when I need lower camera angles.. I have always lived in my studios, so they do double duty, they end up end tables, ottomans, at the moment, I have a TV sitting on a stack of them, apple boxes are great...
BROUSBLADES haha too funny - you noticed that too - every picture I took of them made it look like eyes and a mouth - my wife and I were joking about 3:59 too
Its funny I came across this because I have been wanting to make apple boxes for a while. Love the clean joinery, but i think I would make one panel removable as to have access to the inside to clean out dust, crawly critters and any other debris that might end up in there.
Such nice work. I made 4 sets in 1988, and I was so amateur, I used the local Burbank BLVD Hardware store, and they cut all the pieces. I used Elmers, hammered on brad nails, dark walnut stain and "61 productions" on the side. They were used on the movie "Far Out Man" The last Cheech and Chong movie ever made. (It wasn't that great-what was left on the cutting room floor was WAY BETTER!) I was the Key Grip of that film. Wish I hadn't sold the boxes to the guys who made the "Taco Bell" commercials in 92ish. Maybe it's OK I sold the trucks and apple boxes, but I wish I kept one darn box. Maybe I will make one 1/2 apple in your style and dark walnut stain it for reminiscing...
That’s a really cool story - you might not have the original boxes left but you got the better part, which is the experience of being a character in that cool story - I say do up another half or full apple and use the walnut stain like you were talking - make a 61 productions stencil, a little rattle can action & boom - if you do make sure to post a picture, I’d love to see it ✌🏼
Hey Nick, first of all great work and write up! Really appreciate the cutlist and thoroughness in the details. I'm looking to build a couple sets of these for our studio and definitely will be using your guide. I have a quick question though. I know you used a 1-1/4" bit to drill the holes for the handles on the Full and Half size boxes but what about for the Quarter? With the side panels only being 1" high for that particular box I wasn't sure what you used to get the most out of the small amount of space available.
+Kyle Copeland thank you - I believe I used a 3/4" drill bit for those. There isn't a lot of material left on the sides after that but the top and bottom make it nice and secure. If you have any more questions let me know. I'd love to see some pictures when you get them all done!
Wow!!!! I have seen other videos on how to make apple boxes. Your video is THE BEST!!!! You make the boxes look quite beautiful! Do you also sell them?
As a beginner, I really don't understand how you make joints as perfect as the ones in the closeup at the 7:17 mark. Did you get them right the first time, or did you have to "persuade" them off-camera?
patlaw53 having used baltic birch helps and the biscuits help keep everything aligned as well - I have been woodworking for more than 20 years and have been known to be rather particular and picky on how joints look - in this build they all came together on the first try but that is definitely not always the case - taking your time and practice I would say is the best advise
8 years later I’m watching this again and still inspired. Thanks Nick.
Wow bro, much appreciated - 👊
Professional photographer here... these are much nicer than any commercially made boxes I’ve ever seen! Great job!
Thanks much - the guy that bought them is really taking care of them too which is rather unheard of
AGREE!
Furniture grade apple boxes! Honestly, they’re way too nice for equipment that’s going to get banged around. 3/8th inch A/C plywood is more than good enough. The one bad piece of advice is using screws as an alternative to biscuits. Use staples and rabbet joints. Biscuit joinery is overkill. Also with staples you don’t need to use all your clamps.
I still appreciate Nick geeking out in making these. If the client is willing to pay for birch plywood and all that extra labor, why not make furniture grade Apple boxes?
These are the best looking apple boxes I have ever seen anyone making. You really put a lot effort into making these a quality product.
Thank you - clean is what he wanted, so clean he got
Thanks for the instructions, Nick. My wife is a photographer and has been eyeing these for months. They are commercially available for about $120 + tax and shipping. I used your cut list, but modified just slightly. She wanted to use 3/4 inch stock instead of the 1/2 inch you call for. Taking 1/2 inch off the short side pieces made all the math work out fine. Also, she didn't want bottoms on her boxes to save on weight. I was worried about stability without the bottoms, so I used pocket screws instead of biscuits/slots. The pocket screws worked out great. Very stable, yet still gives the no fastener look that makes your plans look great. Thanks for great plans and the instructional video.
awesome to hear - glad it all worked out
Nice work Nick! I particularly liked the "watching the glue dry" bit with the apple. Jay Bates is the master at that.
Mike Kapotsy thanks Mike - It was fun to do that part
I ALSO LIKED THE GLUE WATCHING BIT TOO! Sorry stuck on caps.
As a photographer I use these all the time on set. It was really fun to watch you make them AND demonstrate that you really know how they are used. I love how you used the biscuits. Nothing like being snagged by fastener nails that have come loose over the years.
cool to hear - the only thing I didn't explain the best is HOW much people use them on set and how really useful they are - something you already know for sure!
That doughnut looked delicious!
Chocolate Old Fashioned guy here.
Jay Bates Yeah, I would have started with the doughnut. The heck with the apple LOL
Jay Bates it was - the typical Bates snack just wasn't cutting it for me, lol
Of course there are always a good Bear Claw and fresh cup of coffee.
+Jay Bates HoneyDo or Powdered. Don't like fillings.
I love it when I think of something that would be funny and then you do it!
Chem Cody the donut thing?
Yep! You are too funny Nick... and a little warped. Just like me and my friends! I guess that's why I like your channel so much.
Chem Cody cool cool thanks Cody - odd is more fun
Nice looking boxes! Learned a couple of new things with this one: Jig-saw into the foam was brilliant! And the tip about flipping the boards to make sure the holes line up. Great idea.
Jeremy McMahan Thanks Jeremy - that is one of the coolest things about all this online stuff is picking up the tips and tricks - glad you got something from it!
I love that a woodworker just taught me photography terms. never knew the positions of apple boxes had names😂
Very interesting. Came for the woodworking, learned about the film/photo industry. Droppin knowledge!
+justin metzler dropping knowledge like a bad habit LOL. Thanks Justin!
that apple doughnut switcheroo earned yourself a subscriber
Haha - glad to have you onboard
You are a beautiful unicorn of a human for explaining this so clearly and providing the detailed blog with downloadable cut list. Thank you, sir! :)
I’ve been called many things, but this is a first for a unicorn - glad you liked it 👊🏼
This is fantastic. Used these in film for years... now making some for myself
awesome!
Probably a lot of industries have the same thing. I did communication work for an electrical utility and we called them "butt boxes". you will never guess why :-). Used to stand on running phone wire jumpers, Working outside in terminal cabinets and a place to but your butt at lunch. Ours were made of 3\4 plywood with two holes on the end. They were the like your full apple box. You are right really handy to have. When I retired I had to turn in all my tools test gear and my butt box. Now I can make one for the shop and have my old friend back. Thanks.
+Bruce Ferguson you will have to make one I couldn't imagine that they would want it back from you and they wouldn't at least give you that. I would miss having it around as well!
Bruce Ferguson be Edwarf
Those are the nicest looking apple boxes I've seen!
Thanks much, he was pretty happy with them
Great project Nick! Perfect for that frosty beverage and other stuff. Fun outtake.
AdventuresInDIY I would agree - maybe I should do some testing
I have no idea when I would ever need a box that I can't put things in... lol! But if I do... I now know how to do it. Great vid man!
WoodenCreationz don't knock it until you try it - it is kind of a weird notion but they are great for a quick seat or step stool - but yeah mostly for photographers and whatnot
Lovely work! I like the Jay Bates style of waiting for glue to dry. LOL
Thanks - Yeah I got a kick out of doing that one
love Baltic birch. those look nice, even with the plys visible. nice work
+mike wright thanks - I love it as well!
Great looking apple boxes. I liked the way, you showed where the apples go!!
Thanks for sharing.
Bakthavathsal Kadambi haha - thanks man
Thank you for sharing that. It is always very interesting to get a glimpse of the theatre or film industry in your videos. Daniel
Mighty Wood cool I'm glad you liked it - thanks Mighty!
Nothing better than a nice looking box. That's all I'm saying!
Bill Longland and such clean lines
Lovely build! I'm not sure we have a *need* for these in our shop right now but it looks like a good rainy day project to keep everyone busy.
Also, donuts. What's not to like :)
hahaha - oddly they come in handy for a lot - propping things up or a simple sitting or step stool - glad you liked it!
Nice clean build, Nick. I appreciate the no-fasteners aesthetic.
Thanks Ben - they do look super clean
Hi Nick, I made a set of apple boxes based off of your video and the pdf provided. This saved me about $130! Thanks for sharing!
That’s great! If you post any pictures make sure to tag me so I can see them
Will do!
Great job Nick.
krn14242 thanks man, much appreciated!
I love the attention to detail, especially with keeping the same edge to the fixed point edge on your drill press.
+M1ST3RHYDE thanks man! they turned out pretty nice
They came out great - I like the clean design. Also like your angles and editing. Very Bateseque (even without the apple scene!)
synapseZA thanks!
Why are these so nice?! These look too nice.
And not only that, I know the photographer that uses them and he keeps them in pristine condition - definitely an odd change of pace for the apple box world
@@NickFerry when you mentioned that they might be seen in shots, it made a lot more sense. They really are pretty.
I learned something new, thanks for the lesson. Very cool project.
Thanks much!!
Best video out there for these! THANK YOU!
thank you Mark
Nice boxes and really liked the info on their use.
Thanks Kelly - not many people have used them ever but once they do they seem to like them a lot
These are beautifully made!
Thanks
Nice video. I liked the Jay Bates bit.
Symon Fobbester thanks - I thought it was pretty funny too
The "watching glue dry" part was perfect. 😚
👊🏻
Great project! Very versatile!
YAY! Got a classic Nick Ferry outtake at the end!!
*I'm so good at math*
you can thank my wife for that one - she looked at the video and said "awww, no outtakes? I know you have bloopers" - so I added it last minute
Tell her thank-you for me!
I will do that!
Nick, I had to comment on this one. I am a photographer and I know "apple boxes" well. Yours are perfect in design and I am building a set soon. After seeing your "no show joints" I have decided to do mine the same way. Thanks for the useful information. Thumbs Up, Subscribe, and head down to the Jim's doughtnut shop.
thank you for the kind words - glad to have you here - gotta love some donuts, lol
Hi Nick, loving your work Bro, keep sharing and I'll keep watching :-)
martin godsell thanks martin!!!
Thank God you picked up that doughnut, I was getting worried that you had caught something from Jay Bates ...lol :)
Phil Sale ha, my wife really liked that part!
Is that foam core/insulation you use as a sacrificial surface for the jigsaw?
best video on the apple box ever
+Juan Azpiri thank you!
Hi Nick, I was looking to buy or make a set of apple boxes for my photography studio and stumbled on your tutorial. I just had to say what a thing of beauty you made! I really appreciate your craftsmanship.
Thanks man - it’s really satisfying seeing all the clean lines come together - now he wants me to make him a nesting set too
Wow! I'd love to see a video on that. My dad was a woodworker, and I know he'd really enjoy your site. I found a full apple box made by Matthews for about $40, It can't possibly be as well made as your hand-crafted masterpieces.
It’ll be a video at some point - very cool, your dad would appreciate the time that went into these
Awesome. Best of luck to you, sir!
Been wanting to do this for a while. Excellent job, Nick!
Make some apple boxes? If so, very cool!
Yep. We used to use some non-traditional sizes when I did photography, but they'd be crazy handy with home photography and replacing step stools.
Exactly the inspiration I was looking for.... thanks man!
My pleasure - good luck
Nick, each video, a carpentry lesson of how to do and do well, I see a lot of videos and now its better than the other. `Parabens.
hugs
Everaldo.
PS, isso sem entender nada de Inglês já que só falo o português brasileiro que é um pouco diferente do de Portugal.
well thanks you. hopefully google translate does a good enough job for you to be able to read this. glad you are enjoying my videos
Great job on those Apple Boxes Nick.
I enjoyed that Jay Bates apple eating moment, but I think I would have preferred the Chocolate Éclair myself as well ha ha.
Thanks,
Barry from England.
Haha thanks, it was tasty!
one thing i want to bring up, its important that the center support also has holes like the handles, this allows you to put things like ratchet straps all the way through them to secure them to things.
ive rigged one to the side of a light pole this way
Very good point
thanks for the video though! i plan to make about 20 sets very soon, this was helpful
I need an apple box for a shoot tomorrow. Watched this video. Made my box. Came back and looked at yours. Damn yours looks good. Nice work on this.
Haha thanks much
Well done video, Nick. I like that cove bit trick!
Steve Collins thanks Steve, it worked out pretty good
Not that I could even tackle this But I have to say you are awesome Nick! really cool to see them being made.
+Tiffany McCoy thank you - never know until you try though - but yeah a fun & useful build
+Nick Ferry... Oh I could do it I do have most the tools to do it, do I want to nah.... I leave that to the pros. How much do you charge for future reference ?
Tiffany McCoy I don't really make a bunch of things to sell multiples of, mostly just family & friends but I would say around $200 - you can get the mass produced ones cheaper of course
OMG, you watching the glue dry literally made me LOL!
Haha - I’m always goofing around
Those turned out nice. And great explanation of their use(s).
I share your aversion to mechanical fasteners, in general. I would assert that one could make these with simple butt joints and glue, without mechanical fasteners or even biscuits or dowels. Edge grain glue joints are quite strong. Plywood edges are 1/2 end grain and 1/2 edge grain, and the way they're boxed in this will be plenty. And since you used BB ply, delamination is not likely.
Yeah you probably could. They tend to got lots of abuse so I like the added biscuits
Those are fantastic. Much more intensive than I thought it would be. Def gonna go hit the cut lists you have. I don't have that shop though so it will be interesting 😂
Thanks, my pleasure - Best of luck with them
Thanks for this! I've often looked at various apple boxes and thought of making a set.
+Art Mechanics no problem - good luck!
Nice job. You did a really good job on the editing. Very professional. Douglas.
RetroWeld cool now it works - thanks Man!
I was just laughing about the apple when the donut came out. Love it! Of corse I never knew what an apple box was... But great video. I haven't had my biscuit jointer out for a while. And I never would have thought to use it for a box like that but I believe I'll use that on some wine boxes I'll be making. Thanks!
+Angie Overton would make great wine boxes!
Nice video Nick. You are right, the Baltic birch makes beautiful joints.
Ted Alexander thanks Ted - wish I worked with it more often
That was hilarious, Doughnuts did looked delish.....
haha, thanks - it was
Eclair!!!! Friggin hilarious! Awesome job dude, love the boxes and build!
lol - yeah I thought that was pretty funny
Glad you explained that. I was wondering how you were going to put apples in a closed box. I am part Polish, I need things explained. Thanks for sharing the video Nick.
Ha I'm half polish, not sure what half though - I am left handed if that counts for anything, lol
Nick Ferry maybe you're split the other way, like at the waist, Top is Polish bottom is ???
Bill Longland lol
Nice! Those clamps look very familiar. Can't have enough clamps.
+JD Fidler i agree!
I used to use wooden dowels not only to put them together but also when used, the kids could tell when they are close to the edge without having to look down I had wooden dowels every 4 inches around the framing of the top about 1/4th inch higher then the box itself but there was a third thing I did to help... I had the mating holes on the bottoms of each box to match the 1/4 inch peg of the box under it. I had an extra 1/4th inch added to each box but when stacked all on top of eachother it was still the 15 inches with 1/4th inch warning markers around the frame. the one thing i didn't think of was the fact that the kids thought the pegs were to be used as feet and used them upside down the first few days "to keep them clean and safe from the dirty floor". I used the router and wooden stencils to carve out the word "top" and "this side up" (with arrows) on all four sides of each of them that following weekend.
Interesting - I hadn't seen any using dowels like that before
Great video Nick, like you, I prefer as much as possible to hide joints and these came out really nice. It's funny as you were building them and closing the top I was beginning to wonder just what you were doing, sure glad you explained things. :-)
***** thanks Larry - yeah it can seem odd to have boxes you can't open but boy are they useful - glad you liked it!
Those turned out great! I really like how the edges of that Baltic birch plywood look. I can't find Baltic birch near me.
Bruce A. Ulrich thanks much Bruce - I have heard tru-bond is pretty nice too but I don't have that near me at all so never tried it - wish I could
Hey, just found your channel through a Jay Bates video, and I'll admit- I've been binging out on auto-play on your vids. This is a great vid and topic. These boxes have so many great uses (I've got 3 built in my shop waiting for me to finish them up with the router to clean up the edges) and I was turned on to them from my cousin who worked in the studios for Warner Bros, while also using them in his shop as both a contractor and for car work. I was worried for a second when you weren't adding a center piece to help make the larger ones more supportive, however his method- nearly identical to yours, also has the same cut outs in the middle as on both ends, for the purpose in studio work when they are clamping them together with ratcheting tie-downs, so they can pop all the way through. I think it's best to add those since it's basically just adding one more step that you're already doing for the ends, and then you never have to worry if it's needed. Mine are made out of AC ply, just because it's significantly cheaper around here (Los Angeles) than BB, and I use fasteners and glue with the intention of adding on paint later- his are usually flat black for studio work, mine are mostly for beater boxes, construction site stuff etc. I do really like the look and as a former architectural student and photography hobbyist can attest that the clean, no-hardware finished wood look of the BB is very nice when the boxes won't be abused as step-stools like mine are. Anyways, just wanted to let you know about that little tip of making the centers identical to the ends for the large boxes, and say great vids. I've enjoyed watching the progression of your personality coming out and becoming more personable with the jokes from the seriousness of the first couple videos :D
+Zzyzx very cool to hear you are digging my channel and that you found it - as for the middle supports I have never made them identical to the ends - I have however cut one large square opening in the center support to allow for straps - that seems to allow for easier fishing of straps or ties through the center - being these were specially made I omitted that in this case - good point though - thanks again for checking out the videos and glad to have you here!
loved it. beautiful and informative.
+bitsRboolean thank you kindly!
love the nod to Jay Bates at 2:14
JUAN P. thanks, I thought is was pretty funny
Wow Nick. You're not just a master craftsman. But a shrine of useless info too. 😝🤣😂
Just kidding buddy. Your one of the best at explaining whatever your showing us. Thanks again for sharing your know how. 👍🏿
Haha no problem - trust me, much of what is in my head is obscure information
The apple boxes do not seem to have much use for me but I enjoy your humour, thanks for sharing : )
+Green Kitty lol thanks!
This was wonderful! Thank you.
My pleasure - hope you have an awesome day
high end work. congrats.
Thanks!
Well that was like comparing apples to ......well.. apples. Well done.
Haha thanks David
Came for the apple, stayed for the donut.
Awesome work, thanks for this!
Haha thanks 👊🏻
These look so good, so in lieu of biscuits could you use dowels?
Absolutely, that would be a great alternative!
I love apple boxes. Yours are particularly nice.... I have currently about 12, I don't know how many I have had over the years... sometimes they get left on location, loaned out... sometimes an assistant will accidentally pick up an apple box that isn't mine, but it ultimately ends up as mine... so the numbers equal out... but I would like to build some myself..can't get too many of them... . I like the looks of yours more so then the Matthews boxes.. or others, some use ⅜ boards... for those that don't know, the original purpose of apple boxes was to even out actors on camera... if one actor is MUCH taller then the other then the apple boxes leveled them out.. I like 'em after they get old... the wood ages... they have been nailed to, stacked, thrown, used for every possible thing you can imagine..actors have stood on the, models have sat on them, I sit on them when I need lower camera angles.. I have always lived in my studios, so they do double duty, they end up end tables, ottomans, at the moment, I have a TV sitting on a stack of them, apple boxes are great...
8:59 looks like the apple box is burping with a graduation cap on :)
BROUSBLADES haha too funny - you noticed that too - every picture I took of them made it look like eyes and a mouth - my wife and I were joking about 3:59 too
very nice! im gonna make em my own way because i dont have all those table tools :P skill saw, hammer and nails good enough! :)
Who would have thought.... here I was thinking why have you glued the top on?? Lol. Again, another gorgeous piece you’ve created 👍👍
Its funny I came across this because I have been wanting to make apple boxes for a while. Love the clean joinery, but i think I would make one panel removable as to have access to the inside to clean out dust, crawly critters and any other debris that might end up in there.
+Darrin Race very cool - thanks for watching!
Such nice work. I made 4 sets in 1988, and I was so amateur, I used the local Burbank BLVD Hardware store, and they cut all the pieces. I used Elmers, hammered on brad nails, dark walnut stain and "61 productions" on the side. They were used on the movie "Far Out Man" The last Cheech and Chong movie ever made. (It wasn't that great-what was left on the cutting room floor was WAY BETTER!) I was the Key Grip of that film. Wish I hadn't sold the boxes to the guys who made the "Taco Bell" commercials in 92ish. Maybe it's OK I sold the trucks and apple boxes, but I wish I kept one darn box. Maybe I will make one 1/2 apple in your style and dark walnut stain it for reminiscing...
That’s a really cool story - you might not have the original boxes left but you got the better part, which is the experience of being a character in that cool story - I say do up another half or full apple and use the walnut stain like you were talking - make a 61 productions stencil, a little rattle can action & boom - if you do make sure to post a picture, I’d love to see it ✌🏼
These are really clean and nice
Thanks - the photographer was happy with the clean look too
wow, wasnt expecting a response, I appreciate that. wish i had some tools, I am in dire need of a few boxes, Mathews run $130 for the set you made
The comments section is probably my favorite part to making these videos - the Mathews ones will do the job and are great for most throw around sets
I take it that getting a Mathews Set may work out cheaper than if you make 'em for me? 😏
It would - I don’t CNC them and batch out a bunch - the fit and finish on mine are completely different than those
Hey Nick, first of all great work and write up! Really appreciate the cutlist and thoroughness in the details. I'm looking to build a couple sets of these for our studio and definitely will be using your guide. I have a quick question though. I know you used a 1-1/4" bit to drill the holes for the handles on the Full and Half size boxes but what about for the Quarter? With the side panels only being 1" high for that particular box I wasn't sure what you used to get the most out of the small amount of space available.
+Kyle Copeland thank you - I believe I used a 3/4" drill bit for those. There isn't a lot of material left on the sides after that but the top and bottom make it nice and secure. If you have any more questions let me know. I'd love to see some pictures when you get them all done!
Awesome job.
thank you!
+Nick Ferry think you should call them donut boxes! Ha! Great explanation on their use!
Donut boxes does sound good
Is the drill press table shown in this video shop made or commercially available?
+r stewardson yes, I picked it up at harbor freight - nothing fancy but it does the trick
Baltic Birch. Thank you mentioning that!!!
No prob - it’s the cats bananas
Nick! You are hilarious 😂
😂
Great video. I went to your website to get the dimensions for the apple boxes I could not locate them. Are they still on there?
Jay Bates does those fun eating transisitions in his videos too.
Matthew Cyhanick yup
Clean Design, I like the no hardware look as well, my only question is, Where do the apples go, lol , Great Build Nick
***** thanks Sterling - as far as the apples go it's a secret. Can you keep a secret?
***** I think you have to make applesauce and then pour it in those holes Sterling. Smear it on the flat one for apple pancakes.
Wow!!!! I have seen other videos on how to make apple boxes. Your video is THE BEST!!!! You make the boxes look quite beautiful! Do you also sell them?
Thanks - if you’re interested send me a message through my website
that donut bit made me crack up
Amazing work man! I’d love some of your Apple boxes
Thanks much
Now we know where you keep your doughnuts. Good effort on that apple though.
Steve Carmichael thanks Steve - it's all about the effort!
As a beginner, I really don't understand how you make joints as perfect as the ones in the closeup at the 7:17 mark. Did you get them right the first time, or did you have to "persuade" them off-camera?
patlaw53 having used baltic birch helps and the biscuits help keep everything aligned as well - I have been woodworking for more than 20 years and have been known to be rather particular and picky on how joints look - in this build they all came together on the first try but that is definitely not always the case - taking your time and practice I would say is the best advise
Loved the eating an apple while watching the glue dry. Only thing better would have been an apple fritter instead of the chocolate bar doughnut.
Haha thanks - apple fritter would be a good one too
These are a beauty. I wish I could just order from you. I don't have all the tools. :( Great work!
Thanks
Awesome work!
thanks much Mike!
I thought apple boxes were boxes for apples! lol....oh, nice Jay Bates reference!
+Shawn Ward thanks, i thought it was funny too