Camper Van Wall Panel Ramblefest

Рет қаралды 19,068

Күн бұрын

Instead of doing a monotonous step by step guide to building a wall panel, I decided to ramble on about some of the most useful tips and techniques I've learned to install and make a better wall panel. I'm currently in the middle of a 2022 Sprinter 4x4 conversion.
0:00 Intro
0:59 The best drill bit for pilot holes
2:32 Finding the hole
3:51 Adjusting hole locations
4:44 Make nice cutouts
11:58 Working with small pieces and making cutouts
15:17 Better results wrapping fabric panels
If you found this entertaining, educational or even enraging, consider buying me a coffee...or a beer;). Please use the link:
www.buymeacoffee.com/projecto...
Thank you for your support!
Amazon links help me out. Thank you.
Twin tip bits: amzn.to/3jOIMIP
Rivnuts (M6!): amzn.to/40LBZQS
Cone tip set screws (M6): amzn.to/3RUbZ1u
Cone tip set screws (1/4"): amzn.to/40J2JBH
Barb bit (aka rotary rasp): amzn.to/3YA1Ucq
Note: this is model Vermont American 16680. This thing seems to be sold out almost everywhere as of January 2023. Ebay seems to have a few available. These 1/4" thick rasp bits don't seem to be made by many other companies, or any.
Carbide burr bit: amzn.to/40QzNaC
Note: these carbide bits work in metal, but are slower in wood. If dealing with wood I'd try to find the barb bit.
Corner templates: amzn.to/40I9eEN
Jigsaw blades: amzn.to/3DZXiEH
Makita trim router: amzn.to/3lne61H
Pattern router bit:
The exact bits I use: www.infinitytools.com/mini-me...
Note: I like the router bits with top and bottom bearings. There are applications where you don't want top and bottom bearings, but I use these for 98% of tasks.
Other options:
Whiteside makes great quality bits: amzn.to/40LCAlA
Yonico makes decent bits, the angled cutters on a true spiral bit can leave a better surface, but aren't usually available in a top bearing setup. This looks close to a spiral bit with a top bearing: amzn.to/3RRCV1X
Square file: amzn.to/3XmVVXu
CA Glue aka super glue:
For blue tape trick medium works decent: amzn.to/3XpwunW
Accelerator: amzn.to/3Xu6cB4
If you haven't used CA glue I'd recommend picking up the sampler to get acquainted: amzn.to/3E0aYPU
Spray adhesive: amzn.to/3XqHzFx
Drawer latches I use: amzn.to/3Zghk5B

Пікірлер: 59

@Deltro61 Жыл бұрын

I'm a woodworker of 40+ years and still picked up many tips. A real pro here.

@joeblow1942 Жыл бұрын

I just discovered your channel today. I was a cabinetmaker and finish carpenter for many years and have learned a lot from just the first two videos I’ve seen so far. Thank you very much for taking the time to post these videos.😀🤙🏼

@fightington Жыл бұрын

how does this channel not have a zillion subs? gold. thanks man. love it

@joeblow1942 Жыл бұрын

How to accurately line up wall panels with holes in van. Double tipped drill bits. Using barbed burring bits to quickly hog out holes. How to do super clean rounded cut outs in plywood with a router and scraps of wood.

@thejackofalltravels8267 Жыл бұрын

I am about to build out a 144 sprinter. I’m going to watch all your videos at least twice. Your content reminds me of a channel This Is Woodworking. He did a 144 build with a marine theme amazing finish product. The fabric practices and the drill bits are money in the bank oh and curing me of the 80/20 bug

@StansE250 Жыл бұрын

Check out Drill Hog Cobalt bits, as well. Small US business, Lifetime Warranty, GREAT Customer Service ! 👍🏼 No affiliation, just a happy customer

@Datzneat Жыл бұрын

That set screw tip blew my mind. Also dealing with my fabric bubbling on a curved piece.

@kennethspengler9934 27 күн бұрын

You are an amazing craftsman. Love your channel even though I don’t have a van nor will I ever do the interior of one. You e got a a new subscriber.

@robward7662 Жыл бұрын

Panel drills / sheet metal drills, called all sort’s around the world but the point is they have a steeper angle and therefore don’t drag threw like a conventional drill bit, should always be used as a starter hole, they also do not wonder off like a conventional drills when trying to start a hole.

@skiff14 Жыл бұрын

Great tips….fabric tip a winner!!🏁

@maradall Жыл бұрын

Very nice work, and thank you for all these very useful tips! As a beginning woodworker attempting my first van build, I have already discovered many of the problems you mention... and have a deep appreciation of the way you have used simple strategies to get such great results! One thing I have learned: a metal blade (with fine teeth) works quite well in the jigsaw with thin plywood to minimise tearing. I don't have a table saw, but I have just got myself a router, and have hopes that this should help me get better cuts.

@theroadnottaken9378 Жыл бұрын

thank you for the tips, i am in the process now, and this will save me many $$, after all we just can't afford Humble Road type rv's.

@brianmi40 Жыл бұрын

Green painter's tape on those panels and you can skip the hole saw, just jigsaw them with a good quality (non dull) narrow blade for tight turns, and when you pull the tape, you pull directly towards the hole, not OFF the panel, but doubling the tape back over itself, that way you don't risk pulling any fibers and making a rough spot. Light sanding and you're good to do. As well, a simple router jig can enable you to use it to cut any diameter holes or radiuses. All over YT.

@ly_ai Жыл бұрын

Yes!!! Snagged a VT American rasp bit on eBay today. It's gonna save my a** from painstakingly handfiling some screw holes to get my panels in just right.

@2000madi2000 Жыл бұрын

I read that tearout can be somewhat prevented by cutting into the pencilled lines with a blade beforehand, never tried it though.

@rhendersbee685 Жыл бұрын

Great, ta. For tear-out, we use painter's tape which is excellent with the jigsaw, but gums up the router. We use poplar but it is incredibly soft, and dents, scores, and stains.

@TheSnuggla Жыл бұрын

One way to prevent tearout is to using masking tape then mark out the cut out. The tape helps hold the veneer, read somewhere that cutting along the edge with a knife which will work however I find that slipping over the can be an issue. Just found your page and as a cabinet maker that has built caravans, I really enjoyed your approach and technique. Plus, I learnt a few things. Well done 👍

@Guds777 Жыл бұрын

To make sure you won't get tearout on the back of the plywood, if you know where the hole is gonna be, you can use a knife to cut lines in the back...

@MyLittleFarmhouse 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for these awesome tips 💕👍🏽🇦🇺 I cringe at what the weight of some van fit outs must be 😖

@DanSlades Жыл бұрын

Amazing video, some seriously good tips. Thank you for sharing!

@brianmi40 Жыл бұрын

Best drill bits for steel like that are the STEP BITS from Harbor Freight. Dirt cheap and the secret is they have so much MASS by being a step bit, they don't HEAT UP AND RUIN THE HARDENING in the cutting edge. I've ruined a dozen high quality bits, from running too long and heating up, or not frequent enough application of cutting oil. SKIP ALL THAT and just use a cheap STEP BIT, you'll thank me.

@robertwagner8596 Жыл бұрын

new scriber here,greetings from NC,thanks for the videos man,theyre excellant

@tedpreston4155 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great instructional video! The skills I learn here will go way beyond just van building! You have a new subscriber!

@timhughes5939 Жыл бұрын

Use the blue masking tape on perimeter of cut . Stops jagged edges

@wkwong80 8 ай бұрын

Great tips! Thank you!

@lumpy6 Жыл бұрын

Great tips!

@arlenekufchock1394 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your helpful useful tips! Any more best practices with a router is much appreciated! I'm about to build out a 2013 Ford Transit Connect Cargo that already has metal utility shelves so your woodwork curved openings on 1/4" wood will make it classy. I'm looking for best practices for no-build build components that can be easily removed and re-assembled if I need to use the full cargo van for a few days. We just got a new Ryobi router with a dozen bits or so and want to learn best practices. Can you make a video showing what bits are best for specific jobs? I'm so glad I found your channel!

@robertturner4225 Жыл бұрын

great tips thanks

@mjuurata8463 Жыл бұрын

Great helpful and thoughtful information!! Thank you

@tonyd6884 Жыл бұрын

Thank You! Love That Shop.

@markfriend2067 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Also your links are really helpful in sourcing here in the UK. Cheers

@westsideway55 Жыл бұрын

Thanks some great tips there brother, 👍🤛

@rickt7425 Жыл бұрын

Great works, tips are very useful

@scottcates 9 ай бұрын

super useful. thank you,

@sailingeden9866 9 ай бұрын

This video was very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

@FBall-im8ui Жыл бұрын

super. learnt a few things that will help with my build, Voila! Merci

@michaelanderson3771 Жыл бұрын

A top to also prevent drill going too deep is to put a piece of rubber or silicon tube over the shank of the dril. This acts both as a stop and also prevents chuck damage to the face of the surface you are drilling through.

@halfabee Жыл бұрын

Kitchen mounting cabinet screws are available. They have a wood screw on one end and a metal screw on the other. I screw them into the rivnuts and hammer the plywood against the wood screw/point end. To mark where the holes have to go.

@siimtuulik6344 Жыл бұрын

You can easily resharpen the drill bits, don't throw them away.

@margotfox61 Жыл бұрын

Wow!!!

@angeljia3506 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the super helpful tips! I’m so glad I found your channel. I’d love to see a video on how to make precise cuts on the van itself (for windows and max air fan). Thank you!

@projectofscience Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Honestly for most metal cutouts the cut line is going to be hidden (by the ceiling fan or window). Using pneumatic sheers does leave a nice line, but its hard to get it perfectly straight and it doesn't do corners. So if I really need to have a nice straight line I'll do my best with a power tool and then clean it up with a flat file. But assuming it is on a van, it needs to be painted to not rust...and that is hard to match the van color...so I usually just end up priming the cut line and covering the edges with Trim Lok. Hope that helps some?

@angeljia3506 Жыл бұрын

@@projectofscience thank you for the great tips! Your videos are super helpful! Please keep them coming! I am also obsessed with weight. I was planning to use. Coosa boards for floors and countertops, but your video convinced me to switch to poplar ply instead. They are the same weight and saved me a bundle! Thanks!

@fkplastic Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips! I'm starting my first build and am more woodworker than van (up) fitter.

@projectofscience Жыл бұрын

Best of luck! It can be an overwhelming process at times but being a woodworker has always been an advantage in my opinion!

@whitewatervans Жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks! What's that veneer on the plywood control panel? Looks like a black stamped pattern.

@davidlundy5007 Жыл бұрын

I’ve been doing my cuts freehand with a jig saw. Looked like crap in the beginning but though the build I got a lot better. Was very time consuming . I do have 2 routers but really not skilled to use them. After watching this I’m going to try it . Appreciate the tips.

@projectofscience Жыл бұрын

The router is one of those tools I continually find new uses for. I'm going to try to highlight some of those in a future video. My first router was a monster 3.5hp makita unit and it was intimidating to use...and even now I give it plenty of respect for thick wood projects. For the van though a little palm/trim router is sufficient for 98% of tasks, and its way less intimidating. The biggest thing that took me a while to make "second nature" is understanding which direction to cut...and when you mess it up it can ruin the work piece, not to mention make you crap your pants. When making tons of small cuts where sometimes the cut is in front and sometimes behind the bit it is easy to cut the wrong direction. Best of luck! Hope it helps out!

@joeywelch-ud8yr Жыл бұрын

@@projectofscience When routing the inside of the hole, think of it as a clock face - go clockwise. If you're routing the outside of the clock face, go counter-clockwise. I like the idea of putting fabric on the outside of all cabinets. This will improve sound quality in the van.

@brianmi40 Жыл бұрын

Don't BUY pointy screws, 30 seconds with a grinder with a screw in the vice and you can cut the head off and make it into a point.

@sandyradsek2058 Жыл бұрын

What is that radius tool you used to mark the corners?

@projectofscience Жыл бұрын

I use a corner radius set. amzn.to/40I9eEN Mostly I reach for the yellow ones (inside radius) but the outside radius is helpful for countertop corners.

@vandal144 Жыл бұрын

Thoughts on furring strips? Do you use them or go straight to the panel?

@projectofscience Жыл бұрын

Well, I don't use furring strips but I attach everything with rivnuts or plusnuts. I think the logic on furring strips is sheet metal screws can vibrate loose over time, but if you use wood screws into the strips it should do better?

@vandal144 Жыл бұрын

@@projectofscience nice, thanks for that! Your method makes the most sense. I've seen some people use rivnuts to attach furring stips, then screw the wall panels into the strips which just seems like an additional step that also costs you space.

@racingfortheson Жыл бұрын

Any way to stop cheap plywood from splintering?

@projectofscience Жыл бұрын

I've had good results using a knife to score a line along the cutline. There are tricks I've tried a bit using painters tape but when using a router I find they gum up the router bit, which requires cleaning...but if the piece is important I'd say cleaning would be worth it.