How I built these angled wardrobes safely under Covid-19 lockdown conditions
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4 жыл бұрынIn this build video I take you through the process of installing a bespoke wardrobe into an angled ceiling in an attic bedroom.
Focusing especially on my techniques for scribing parts tight to the wall. We were fitting up to fragile expensive wallpaper and I focused on getting a very tight fit with no caulk.
Find out more about my scribing tools and support these innovative small business by following them on Instagram here:
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I begin the video with talking points regarding the controversial subject of carrying out installations in people’s houses during coronavirus lockdown.
We spent the first 4 weeks of lockdown isolated and I did what I could in the workshop (at the back of my house), with staff on furlough. Now in the 5th week, out of financial necessity and in line with Government advice we have decided to keep the business going by returning to work with strict guidelines in place.
Contrary to some people’s interpretation that only key workers should carry on working, the official government advice has always been that business must continue (except for certain named types of business that create social gatherings). Those who cannot carry out their work from home can continue to work while observing social distancing and disinfecting procedures. There is clearly a need for us to be very responsible in how we carry out our duties, for the safety of all concerned.
www.gov.uk/government/publica...
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@davidsykes7644 4 жыл бұрын
Great to see you working again. Think it’s the right decision for you and well done with all the precautions. I’m in the same position as a director of a small company having fallen through the cracks of the assistance. Very useful video again thanks.
@thomasdemontlivault5647 4 жыл бұрын
Absolutely love it! I have to do the exact same layout for our future daughter and I have to admit that not being a woodworker, your video just made the preparation a whole lot simpler!! Thanks a million! Love how you tackle it!
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this, I'm so glad you appreciated it!
@jamesgallagher4655 4 жыл бұрын
Another quality build Alistair. You have approached the safety aspect as you do with your work ethic exemplary.
@raminybhatti5740 4 жыл бұрын
The eye for detail to the mm is magnificent. Wonderful stuff. Glad to see the Freebird crew getting back to work after Covid. 👍
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Jay K Thanks!
@carlblakesley6723 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Alistair, Great to have a build video to watch thankyou , I'm glad you've been able to start work with a precautionary approach . ballsy move putting it out on social media , well done 👍. Also interesting design of inset and overlay fillers, panels .nice scribes
@CJAY3.1.6 4 жыл бұрын
You've been put into a position where you have to work and it looks much safer than the people going to BnQ, good vid
@glencrawford8125 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Alistair, great video superb tool organisation don’t blame you for working you’ve got to survive 👍🏻
@MelbourneAlan 4 жыл бұрын
great video and install as usual. once everyone is safe then work away. everyone needs to keep things ticking over or people will have nothing. you have worked hard to build your business , you have to do everything to keep it. i hope we get a new tool box tour
@stuartgregory7130 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this Alistair, it’s one of the most useful videos I’ve ever watched, it answers so many questions.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Stuart Gregory that’s nice to hear and I am intrigued at what questions it answered for you?
@2255buck 4 жыл бұрын
Beautiful job. Keep up the good work. I appreciate that you have adopted the common sense approach
@davidhull1610 4 жыл бұрын
When all is said and done people have to work. There is no alternative or there will be no small businesses left in the UK. 👍
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
david hull true
@simplerefinedliving9285 4 жыл бұрын
Yep you gotta work bro. Great measures you put in place there. Wish my work place had the same attitude.....
@morganskinner3863 4 жыл бұрын
Lovely workmanship as ever, and those Hafele shelf supports definitely up the quality factor. Totally understand your decision to carry on working and I hope you can weather this storm.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Morgan how are things with you?
@nicharvey7211 4 жыл бұрын
Looks like you have gone back to your roots with this build and the video. Great detail, great tips. Need me some swanky scribeness! Best of luck mate. 👍
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Yes I think we were overdue for a build video! Those swanky scribes are useful little things!
@davidmurray1928 4 жыл бұрын
Great job. Best of luck going forward.
@MrLamrod174 4 жыл бұрын
Nice tan you have there. Nice to see you are able to work during this mess.
@liamjohnny335 4 жыл бұрын
In same boat friend.. Totally understand..and you are going about it in a very sensible manner... hope we are all back working safe again soon x
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Liam Crawford thanks for your comment, best wishes to you
@drmkiwi 4 жыл бұрын
Even with fewer jobs, the feeling to be working must be a bit of a salve. Interesting to see how you handled (i.e. solved) and maximised the capacity of cabinet "C" with its top door hinged from the left and bottom half swinging from the right. It would be intuitive for both to swing from the right but the top door might have a bit of a problem if that was so! May you stay safe and solvent. Cheers, David
@sebastian.gallego 4 жыл бұрын
congratulations on the work. The videos are incredible, with all the details, I have taken many tips and tricks. The most difficult thing for me in my work is the final endings. And with these videos I have learned a lot. Thank you very much, greetings from Argentina
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Sebastian Gallego hi, thanks for the feedback and best wishes for your work
@mikeclewlow6510 4 жыл бұрын
Nice to see other trades. Getting back to work. I've found the whole covid thing has scared some customers. But now that it's been a few weeks. Work has started to pick back up. Enquiry rate has increased. The only issue I've found is time taken to do the work. It's added a couple of hours fitting time to each project. I'm lucky most of my work is in large properties. So I've normally got a separate entrance to the property. And only have minimal disinfection work to do. Nice job you've left. Well done on the work and the cleaning of the property
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, that’s good you are working in large properties, it’s suggest a good type of work. Yes it is all adding time. Thanks
@AtelierFloky 2 жыл бұрын
Quelle perfection ! Merci pour la vidéo
@deanoh6414 4 жыл бұрын
Hallelujah. A pro that can't cut straight with a handsaw. Thank you for being honest. Craftsmen aren't supermen afterall ! Nice install.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Dean Oh 😁
@samrix5793 4 жыл бұрын
Hay! Great video and hope you are all keeping well and safe. It's a really quality build and the passion you share through these videos is outstanding I wish you all the best for the future.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Sam Rix thanks Sam
@timsaxon8944 4 жыл бұрын
Just come across your channel and will be watching a lot more. Really great detail and info! Keep it up!
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
That's nice to hear, thanks for commenting!
@tubbycarpenter9847 4 жыл бұрын
Very nice job mate and great site set up you have there
@Maker76 4 жыл бұрын
Good to see you being responsible on site so as far as I’m concerned not a problem, good luck to you. I find that people are not asking for quotes at the moment, preferring instead to wait until we over some of this at least stay safe Alaister
@stevenm1225 4 жыл бұрын
A sensible approach. Great work as usual. Stay safe guys.
@JohnGodwin 4 ай бұрын
Coming to this so many years later is bittersweet. We did everything the government asked us, while they were partying it up. Four years later, Covid is no longer “a thing”, and it turned out most of the precautions we were forced to take ended up decimating small businesses whilst having zero impact on infections and death. Lovely work. No caulking is a great result
@Alastair_Freebird 4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! I think I waffled a bit at the start and can’t remember everything I said at that time. But it did shock me at the time that despite a large petition, the government continued to leave small company owners out in the cold. While awarding PPE contracts to their mates and dishing out loans with minimal accountability. It is one of many significant reasons why I am desperate to see the back of this government, despite being in many ways a likely conservative voter.
@michaelbirchall2247 4 жыл бұрын
Stunning piece of work, well done.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@fordfocusgreen 3 жыл бұрын
Nice work & great finish , love the video's & detail provided !!
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the positive feedback!
@FireAngelOfLondon 4 жыл бұрын
Very nice work. I am glad you have worked out a safe way to deliver for your customers and keep your business alive. I work with computer graphics and have been working from home for years, so my work is unaffected. I want to double the amount of storage at home without losing too much floor space, in fact in the living room I have worked out a scheme that will give me more floor space and still increase the available storage. My designs are very different from yours but I find your meticulous attention to detail very inspiring as I work on improving my home. Thanks for that inspiration.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Fire Angel are you on Instagram? I am intrigued to see your designs
@FireAngelOfLondon 4 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird I am not on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or any other social media platform at the moment. Once my novel is finished I'll have to have a Facebook page to have any chance of publication but till then I have no easy way to show anything. I don't think my designs would impress, my living room is easy to improve since it's a shambolic affair at the moment with too many possessions in it and too much furniture. Part of the improvement will just be giving loads of stuff away and ripping down the furniture to make new items out of the wood. Where I can't make use of the existing wood I'll just get rid of things. My hallway is so heavily stacked with timber that even entering and leaving the place requires care at the moment. In six months all that timber will be storage or furniture (he said optimistically...)
@lesterdewey9317 4 жыл бұрын
Great piece of work Alaister. Well thought out and explained with good detail. Stay safe.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you Lester
@kokonokov 3 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, great job!
@cathconnolly2562 4 жыл бұрын
Well done all round.
@SpannerAT34 4 жыл бұрын
Superb workmanship
@kestelle1271 4 жыл бұрын
Great work Alistair. I'm in full support of your decision. I have just about exhausted all the work I can do in the workshop and I feel I'm going to have to start contacting customers about installations😬 the kids need to eat
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Yes we all need to get back to work eventually
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
I found customers were more open to me installing than I expected them to be and the ones I can’t proceed with are only held up because other trades won’t cone to do preceding works like plastering, and in many cases that’s only because they can’t get materials.
@kestelle1271 4 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird very interesting, I've noticed a few merchant's are starting to open around here, which is maybe a sign of demand from the trades. The construction industry will really be starting to feel the strains of lockdown soon I'd imagine. Thanks for the reply Alistair.
@SimondelaCourt2 4 жыл бұрын
You seem to have taken extensive measures to deal with the situation and I would find hard words in a situation like these horribly rude. In the Netherlands small business owners are not exempt from government support, but even still, it is tough for small business owners. I hope and wish that you find enough business within this new normal to be able to survive. Best of luck!
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
It’s always interesting to hear from other countries. We are not exempt from support as business owners, but it’s complicated and I personally fall through the cracks, not able to claim a £10k grant that I would have been eligible if I was working from a small business premises and not from home. The main issue is that the government would only support my wage if I stopped working altogether (which, unfairly, is not the case for self employed who can claim AND keep working), but also the wage support doesn’t take into account the dividends portion of my wage so is too low, and the overheads of the business would keep running us into debt.
@herbertthecat 4 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird I do similar work to yourself, and this morning received my grant from the local council. My workshop is a cold damp old pigshed. The grant will allow me to invest in some new machinery, and maybe a better workshop, What the future holds workwise is unclear. I feel very lucky to have received the money. I wish there was something similar to help people like yourself, Lovely work
@Jackzuk 4 жыл бұрын
I had been keeping an eye on this project on instagram coz i know the detail u go too to get these projects perfect and the pictures you posted looked like there was a big gap between the cornice and the wall scribe, and I couldn’t work out why you would do that and also show it off in pictures. Now I realise it was a shadow due to the cornice being level with the doors and the wall scribes being level with the carcass. Im guessing it doesn’t look like that is real life. Great video.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Yes and a harsh shadow from a nearby light!
@RJSCarpentry 4 жыл бұрын
great video Alister, very good, totally understand your decision to work on safely. hope that work is still coming in? it is for us although very slowly.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ryan nice to hear from you. Yes still getting enquiries, and I have won three jobs off the back of video calls so that’s a good sign of things to come. We need to adapt. I’m glad you are still getting some enquiries too.
@peterriordan1179 4 жыл бұрын
Good job safe way of working people have to work,our biggest problem is all suppliers of materials are closed here in Ireland
@brianneedham1699 4 жыл бұрын
Great build video Alastair mate. I like the addition of the grommets. I have been using them for years and they really add that extra look of quality. I buy mine from a company here in the states called widgetco. I just looked and they ship internationally. They were way more cost effective than Hafele and they have quite a few finishes. Give them a look see when you get a chance. Stay safe mate!
@popandu1170 3 жыл бұрын
@Alastair Johnson - Freedbird Hi Alastair - congratulations on this project! there is some great information in this video - particularly around the method of scribing and how it works with swankyscribe toolset. I am making my way through your videos and very much enjoying all of the detail that you include in them so thank-you for all of your hard work and effort in putting them together and whilst on the job to boot!
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
Hi! I love receiving comments like this. I have been less active on KZfaq lately but it’s nice to know people like yourself are still discovering the videos. I do more on Instagram lately, do you use Instagram? There is a good community of woodworkers on there.
@phalimmaguire6069 4 жыл бұрын
Stunning quality work
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@tomasztwardzik3127 4 жыл бұрын
Respect Ali amazing skills
@AC-xw5tj 4 жыл бұрын
Excellent work and video Alastair. I don't think you need to explain yourself to anyone. Both you and the client are taking sensible precautions. You need to get back to work. With the right precautions and common sense people can start getting back to work.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
A C thank you 🙏
@daveryan3085 4 жыл бұрын
I think what you’re doing is exactly how we will have to act when working in people’s homes moving forward. However currently I was under impression that if you are an actively working small company director you can furlough yourself? I could well be wrong! Credit to you for your safety, and good luck moving getting through this weird time 🙏
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
If I could furlough myself without going bankrupt I would. The government hasn't made that possible for small company directors. It's a weird sort of injustice, providing less for those who have more at stake. If you're self employed you can get 80% of your average take home pay AND keep your business ticking over. If you're a company director, responsible for other's jobs too, and paid partly in salary (too little to live on) and partly from dividends (which are NOT tax free, but only slightly more tax efficient), you are only entitled to 80% of the salaried portion, more like 40% of my real wage, AND you must do no work on your business. This would mean receiving from the government too little to live on, while the ongoing basic overheads of keeping the business in existence run us rapidly into the red, and we are prevented from lining up future business. It's an absolute guarantee of business collapse and the loss of my staff's jobs as well. There is a lot of cynicism and misunderstanding about small company directors being paid partly in dividends. For us it provides a release valve for fluctuating months where your base salary stays the same but sometimes you just have to forfeit the dividends, or occasionally take more if your hard work has created profit. Please sign this petition if you agree it's an unfair situation! www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-small-ltd-company-directors-to-get-government-support-like-the-employed-and-self-employed
@daveryan3085 4 жыл бұрын
Freebird Interiors thanks for taking the time to reply with such detail and solving my curiosity. I didn’t realise it was such an absolutely limited scheme and I’m glad you’ve cleared that up. Consider the petition signed! Great vid by the way, I’m looking forward to getting back to work myself! 👍
@jeffreycohen8511 4 жыл бұрын
nicely done,thanks for the video
@peakcraft1187 4 жыл бұрын
Nice job Alistair 👍 Yep I agree you really have no alternative but to go back to work, it seems the country is slowly creeping that way now anyway. We have lots of fitting work we've postponed because of this situation but are looking at doing some installation work this week on the Crescent project in Buxton, the site is still open but there is hardly anyone on site so it really shouldn't be a problem to keep to the social distancing guidance. Good luck and hope you get through it all ok 🙏
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Peakcraft thats good you have work lined up and I agree I think we will all have to find ways to get back to work soon
@saajanji1674 2 жыл бұрын
Great video and very good finishing well done.
@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@georgeoldridge 4 жыл бұрын
I think you are taking an entirely sensible approach to keeping your business viable and good luck to you.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@jaimecosta2966 3 жыл бұрын
Excelente job.. Wish you well
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@noskills9577 4 жыл бұрын
Could see the concentration when making that hand cut 😃👍🏻👍🏻
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
I tried doing it as a whole sequence sped up like I did with the rail sawing but I looked absolutely ridiculous, huffing and puffing as I blew the dust off the cut!
@noskills9577 4 жыл бұрын
Freebird Interiors que Benny hill theme 😎
@TheOffroader7458 4 жыл бұрын
Very good job
@malcolmbale9566 4 жыл бұрын
Nice job, common sense is all that’s needed & you’ve taken precautions, there’s a lot of people out there that don’t give a 🤬😭
@chevyimp5857 4 жыл бұрын
First rate..much to learn from the way you work.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
chevyimp thanks!
@richarddunn504 4 жыл бұрын
Great video as always, glad you’re able to do some work 👍 that’s a lot of scribing tools, 😀I’ve always managed with a compass, how do you do you find those tools are better? Thank you and stay safe.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
I did go to town a little bit! I don't really need them all and I think I'll wittle them down. I do think reliable fixed distance scribing spacers are worth having, especially the triscribe with the mix of flat face and point, and especially the 18mm spacing in combination with the uscribe jigs
@brianoneill350 4 жыл бұрын
Very nice job. You have moved to DeWalt boxes over festool
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Brian O Neill a bit of both!
@kiwdwks 4 жыл бұрын
Nicely done! I do hope small shops can find a way to survive this. Definitely uncertain times for all of us...
@marconeill9510 4 жыл бұрын
Excellent 👍
@johnschotz1614 4 жыл бұрын
Quality job!
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@ianthornton1642 3 жыл бұрын
Beautiful work 👍
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@dariuszduszak7437 4 жыл бұрын
Brilliant
@therabman_5606 2 жыл бұрын
Perfect 👍🏻
@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
@chrispearce6948 4 жыл бұрын
Great build looks great! Looking to build my own, what material did you use for the end panel and scribes, were they painted by you? Many thanks
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Chris Pearce all medite MR MDF, yes spray painted by us.
@woodboi5973 3 жыл бұрын
How much work you charge for this wardrobe? Looks great and a lot of work. I would have thought about 1800 to 2000 with the angled doors?
@paulmanning9540 4 жыл бұрын
I just finished fitting a kitchen this week.. Not an issue as the customer just didn't come into the room. I`ve always cut fillers with my CS 70 and used my jigsaw upside down to do any detail finishing but your system is better, basically you can do all your cutting without running up and down the stairs all day! All the best for you're business.
@joshhoward9677 4 жыл бұрын
Great video as always thank you Just wondered why you decided to set the end panel on the left flush with the doors but the fillers on the right flush with the carcass? Cheers Josh
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Josh Howard good question, perhaps I should have set the end panel set back. Usually I have that and the wall scribe flush to front of doors. The customer specifically asked for the wall scribe to be set back, they didn’t want everything to run too flush. That kind of made sense to me too because the angled scribe needed to be setback to avoid the angled doors jamming when they opened. To be honest I suppose I just went on autopilot with my normal approach for the side panel. You could argue it both ways but I do think the upper corner under the cornice looks better doing it this way.
@joshhoward9677 4 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird ah yes hadnt thought about the door needing clearance, yes I agree the end panel does work best with the cornice how it is
@chubbychequer1512 4 жыл бұрын
Love this channel I'm trying to get a few pointers so I can build my own fitted wardrobes, ie tools I'll need how to build a carcass and scribes maybe. Can I build fitted wardrobes without a carcass? Thanks
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
chubby chequer yes can do, see reply on your other comment. Glad you like the channel!
@peternikitorowicz9225 4 жыл бұрын
Very nice and clean job. Do you have edge bander? If so what brand? I’m thinking of getting one soon. Maybe conturo......🤔
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Peter Nikitorowicz no we still just sand the mdf edges for paint. We get the melamine cut and edged to our sizes by Lawcris
@nb2211 4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic job. Ive been taking similar precautions. Just out of interest. What CAD software don you use for drawings?
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Sketchup Pro with a paid plugin called Cabinetsense, how about you?
@richardbrown4254 4 жыл бұрын
Great video Alister what make are the Mft clamps for holding the work piece upright?
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Richard Brown thanks Richard, they are a fed tool product that came with an MFT clamps and accessories in a systainer. Just google then and they are called MFT-SP. Ridiculously expensive of course!
@sawdustwoodchips Жыл бұрын
Love the channel! When you cut away the carpet how do you secure it back?
@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын
Hi usually I would reposition the carpet gripper strips. Glad you like the channel!
@nealwalden3543 4 жыл бұрын
Greetings from a California Cabinetmaker. Great content and well presented. Will absolutely investigate the Uscribejigs. We have really used the Lamello Peta system and think you would like it too.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
That tool is on my wishlist. It would have really been useful for this project! Whereabouts in California are you? My wife's family is based near Sacramento.
@nealwalden3543 4 жыл бұрын
I'm near Santa Rosa, so about 2 hours from Sacramento. I promptly order the the u-scribe helpers that showed up in your video. I think I've figured out a way to still use them, even with the Lamello system/backers. In our work, the fillers are always flush-to-face of door and connect to a concealed backer, via the Lamello system. Which is insanely brilliant just expensive at first. Really appreciated your posting the video(s).
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
neal walden I really must get a lamello! Dan will be pleased to get another international Uscribe sale!
@dimmaz88 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Alistair, do you remove the levelling feet from the plinth once you've fixed it down?
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Scott, no I wouldn't be able to as they have a projecting lip that is sort of spiked in to the underside of the structure!
@RKHAMB 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Alister learnt a lot from you. Excellent tips esp on small gadgets! Just a small Q when you built a base what brackets do you use to adjust the level before screwing it in to the floor? I noticed you had couple of special brackets. Thank you
@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын
Hi thanks for commenting. For details on the adjustable feet see this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p9FnjdWCvqmRfqs.html
@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын
The long arm brackets I use are these ones www.bedroomsplusonline.co.uk/accessories-fixings-c48/fixings-c51/m4tec-furniture-fixing-joint-bracket-100pcs-bedrooms-plus-p784
@paulround8501 3 жыл бұрын
And here we are 10 months later still in lockdown with small businesses going bust by the thousands. I hope you guys have managed to get through this nonsense ok so many I know have lost everything.
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul it has been a challenging few months since this video however for us Covid has not been the main challenge. We decided to grab the opportunity presented by the government bounce back loan and go ahead with a major relocation of the business to a proper industrial unit. Also we began monthly business coaching to help us do things properly and ensure the success of the business. It was a choice to move forward that is exhilarating and at times terrifying! In this industry though, covid has created an unprecedented boom - we’ve never had more enquiries, as everyone wants to improve their homes. Thankfully the government has continued to allow tradesmen to work, even in homes (although recently there was a ban on this in Scotland which hit some friends up there hard). The main challenge in the last few months has been the cold in the big new space, combined with our decision to stick with waterbased finishes - paint drying issues have been a huge bottleneck in production but we are now bottoming out on the loan money and had to make a choice between proper space heating or a CNC machine. We chose a CNC machine for the biggest impact on future production (and we’ll improve heating by next winter). So right now we are in a precarious position financially due to the risks we’ve taken, but with a full order book, and positioned to make huge steps forward in the spring. Long answer sorry! Very sorry to hear you know people who have been hit so hard and I’d be interested to hear the details of how covid has impacted other sectors.
@paulround8501 3 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird I know a few people who had businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sector that have lost everything trying to keep their businesses afloat, the business, their homes everything gone, it was the latest lockdown that destroyed most of them as they had spent all they had left to reopen for Christmas. The government have treated these sectors appallingly and I struggle to see any small to medium sized players still being in business in a years time as the ones still hanging on are now so over leveraged. The CNC machine is the right choice if you have lots of work as it will increase productivity and therefore overall turnover. Taking the bounce back loan to get set up in larger premises was a huge risk for sure but was the smart move. Also getting some management coaching to handle expansion was a very smart move. You are essentially paying not to make the mistakes already made by others and although an extra expense it pays for itself many times over. It is going to be hard times for the next couple of decades to pay for this governments course of action and to sort out the mess they have made but I hope you continue to do well. You put the work in, took some pretty big risks and deserve to succeed.
@touchwoodsouthwest 4 жыл бұрын
Great work, I am learning so much from your videos, thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. One question: do you also get the melamine cabinet carcasses cnc cut?
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Hi, I'm glad you like them! We are currently getting the melamine parts cut to size and edgebanded to our specifications by Lawcris. They do this using a beam saw. We just have to do any angle cuts ourselves. We have experimented with getting the same company to CNC cut the carcase parts to include drilling holes but concluded this was an unnecessary cost both in money and our time laying out the drawings.
@touchwoodsouthwest 4 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird Thanks, I'll look them up. Did you want them to include cnc cutting the holes because of damaging the melamine when drilling or just to speed up assembly? How are you dealing with the screw holes now?
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
I thought it would be clever and speed up assembly and ensure precision but I concluded it’s faster to rely on our own skill, there are ways to line up a shelf and we just drill the holes ourselves as we go
@touchwoodsouthwest 4 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird Thank you!
@paulmorgan1636 4 жыл бұрын
Just started back myself empty house so no problem, I'm looking for a paint system for kitchens don't want to us pre cat type paints how do you find the durability of your paint and is it brushable on small areas that are difficult to spray on site thank you
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
paul morgan hi Paul yes I think the Sayerlack AT99 paint we use could be exactly what you are looking for. It is used by high profile kitchen companies such as Devol, so I’m told. We chose it because you can also brush paint it. It is rated pretty highly for durability though I would t say it’s as hard as AC etc
@R168Y 4 жыл бұрын
Thats a very nice finish. Is there a handle on the bottom door?
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Dave we decided things looked best with no handle on that door, just the 3 handles all in line. You can grab the top of the door to open it after opening the upper one.
@gerrym4377 4 жыл бұрын
Great video! New sub here now 👍 Curious as to why you had the stable type door on the end with the lower door opening the opposite way?
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Gerry M thanks! There was going to be a bedside table there so this arrangement allowed the upper door to swing wide open for access (that needed to be hinges on the left because of the sloping ceiling), while the lower door could be opened a crack up against the bedside table for occasional access, or opened wider by removing the bedside table.
@gerrym4377 4 жыл бұрын
Freebird Interiors I knew there would be a good well thought out reason! Thanks for the reply 👍👍
@gdcatowner426 11 ай бұрын
Hiya did you use kreg screws for the units and am I right in thinking you need course screw?
@Alastair_Freebird 11 ай бұрын
Yes coarse for MDF, probably some kreg screws and some confirmat at this stage, I don't remember, see this blog post: www.buymeacoffee.com/Freebird/screws-mdf-3-types-use
@markaylett2844 3 жыл бұрын
Lovely job that. Is the wood MDF?
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks and yes
@ChristopherClaudioSkierka 3 жыл бұрын
Hi there, after following you, I have decided to give the Kregg system a go - may I ask you do you use the stainless steel or zinc coated course screws? -
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
Christopher Claudio Skierka zinc coated - SS is only necessary for outdoors
@ChristopherClaudioSkierka 3 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird ahh ok :) thanks for that Alastair
@chevyimp5857 4 жыл бұрын
Have you done a video about your on site set up?
@darrenpaulgreen 4 жыл бұрын
Lovely job as always Alistair. Fully support your decision to carry on working and not sure how anyone could criticise given the lengths you’ve gone to protect yourself and your customers. I’m interested on the CNC outsourcing of the doors. Do these come back fully sprayed or do you do this in house? Is this expensive? Take care.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
I pay about £50 per 8’x4’ sheet to have them machined ( and a bit less for the 12mm panels) but I am supplying the boards, dropping them off and collecting them, and preparing the drawings. It is cost effective when I can nest a lot of doors together. We then assemble the panels into the rebates, sand the edges and do all the spraying. I see it as a process that I have learned now by outsourcing it. so that I can hit the ground running doing it in house one day when I get a CNC machine. I did a video series on it if you want to see how we wrestled with getting the method and tolerances right.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
darren green kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hrSbpJVnmsCdhYE.html
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fbmcmMaildvGfqM.html
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7GVn5qoyKe3pp8.html
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Brief overview here: instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDU4MTgzNzQ3MTQ4NDc0?igshid=13vawnat0ck45
@piee683 4 жыл бұрын
Lovely craftsmanship can I ask y the split door and not 170 ° hinges
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Bedside table will be too close to the lower part. Long hanging will be accessible by opening the upper door, which had to be hinged on the left due to the ceiling angle. Occasional access to the lower section was easier as a door hinged on the right that could be opened at least part way up to the bedside cabinet.
@piee683 4 жыл бұрын
Good thinking nice work
@XYZ-lc7cd Жыл бұрын
Could you kindly explain how do you work, cut and join the angle on the carcasses? Please 🙏🏽
@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын
Hi! Hard to explain fully in a short written message but I did a series on angled work over on the member site: www.buymeacoffee.com/Freebird/angles-part-1-measuring-drawing www.buymeacoffee.com/Freebird/angles-part-2-carcases-sloping-tops-left-right
@philknights8579 2 жыл бұрын
Dude I helped me heaps thanks .how do u make ur doors in doing my own and what a help
@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын
On our own CNC machine now, no joints! Can give you a price to make some for you if you want. If you can collect from Sheffield.
@philknights8579 2 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird are they made from mdf if so how do u get such a good finish on it and what type of paint are you using.I’m in Scotland so cud organise transport as I have 3 to do in my house
@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын
@@philknights8579 Finsa Fibrapan Hidrofugo MDF (moisture resistant) - it’s very dense and flat and it’s the best board we’ve found for getting a good finish with water based paint (we spray Sayerlack AT99 paint). We wouldn’t offer presprayed doors for someone else to fit though, I would only offer raw doors
@philknights8579 2 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird that’s ok I was just wondering what I’d need to paint them with it’s going to be a bit before I need the doors but defo hit u up for a price I’ll get the cabinets made first tho so I know what size I need
@Alastair_Freebird 2 жыл бұрын
Ok drop me a message on Instagram @freebirdinteriors if you use it
@connormorrissey4755 4 жыл бұрын
I think this is a good example of the planning and measures we are all going to have to use for the foreseeable future, at least until we get a vaccine. Have you tried the cam height adjustable mounting plates? They make things a lot easier. Anyway good work Alastair, Connor @i.4.detail
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Conner I have tried them but don’t really find them necessary - with standard plates I can loosen the whole door, nudge up or down and retighten . With the cam plates, would you use them on every hinge and tweak each one a bit at a time?
@connormorrissey4755 4 жыл бұрын
Yep use one on every hinge. You can adjust each one in the same time it takes to loosen the slotted ones, no manually lifting of the door. I find them really worthwhile. The new draw set up is 👌
@chrisrussell8781 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Alaister, I hope you don’t get slated for working I to run a small joinery business and to survive we are all going to have to make changes like these. As a manufacturer you couldn’t of done anymore than you have to protect yourself and your client. In the long term we are all going to have to do things differently as a country to survive this pandemic I wish you well for the future, I wish I had written book in the 28 years I have been trading we’ve gone from interest rates at over 15% on our third day of trading on Black Wednesday to the Corona virus today! Keep smiling, I enjoy your channel :)
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
What is your business name Chris, are we connected on Instagram?
@chrisrussell8781 4 жыл бұрын
Freebird Interiors not connected on my business account which is acjoinery but I need to get better at updating it 🙈 but please look me up
@ktm125pete 3 жыл бұрын
My thoughts are this was all planned and it's %90 con. Also- Lovely wardrobes and epic tools
@ktm125pete 3 жыл бұрын
Also, enjoying watching the video and the way you work.
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
What, covid?
@deancarter4109 10 ай бұрын
Hello on angled wardrobes how do you work the angles out for the top piece on each angled carcass?
@Alastair_Freebird 10 ай бұрын
This secret video link may help: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o5yBdslzsZ3Dqmg.html
@rogerbaker3914 4 ай бұрын
Hi, great info but how would you then screw the top Angled piece to the two vertical pieces
@adriandotsmall 5 ай бұрын
👍
@RockaShocka 4 жыл бұрын
what is your take on building them all out of MDF
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Rocka Shocka Rudders do you mean the way I did build it? As opposed to solid wood? I don’t think I could get this level of finish on the doors with anything other than MDF. Solid wood would reveal joins on the doors and be more prone to warping etc. And it would cost a lot more.
@mikesweekendwoodworkingdiy2954 4 жыл бұрын
What’s the colour you use on the doors please.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
I was waiting for someone to ask this! I forgot to say. It is mixed to RAL 7037 which is a match for John Lewis's 'Dust Grey' (Customer had a design and quote from John Lewis before proceeding with us)
@ShikCPH1 Жыл бұрын
Which software was used for the drawings?
@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын
SketchUp. I have a few training videos on my channel: kzfaq.info/sun/PL8WrSzZHZZN9DSOso0ezrfNwzHt0WHStG
@Z-add 3 жыл бұрын
The euro hinges don't last on melamine. The screws will come out. What is the solution so that this never occurs. Adding a face frame and using compact hinges is one solution.
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
I used to use a carcase manufacture called Getley. They use hettich hinges, and a variation of mounting platen with 10mm diameter rubber plastic inserts that expand when the screws inside them are tightened. Two 10mm holes were predrillwd for the mounting plates, which could then be hammered in (the plastic parts prefitted as one assembly with the mounting plate, then the screws tightened. These always seemed impressively strong.
@benjamincox9944 3 жыл бұрын
Are the doors MDF, and how wide are they ? I have to enclose a water heater under the door and 600 mm wide doors will make it difficult in future to remove the heater, I would like to go a bit wider, so a little bit of voice of the experienced would help a lot, thanks
@Alastair_Freebird 3 жыл бұрын
I think these were in the region of 55cm. I don’t usually go wider than 60cm for wardrobe doors but you can. Just don’t underdo the amount of hinges
@benjamincox9944 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that answer. I have been researching other cabinetry sites, and manufacturers, and there are very few who will go up to 75 cm, but most recommend staying below 600, so I am revisiting sketch-up to try model with two doors instead of one.. I was hoping for doors that look like wall panels, but I can go with doors that look like doors. "Fitted Furniture Apprenticeship Part 5" finally gave me the real answer on why One Man Band Woodworks has to severely bevel his under-stair triangle corner euro hinge door in this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sNt-q5OVuM_SfIk.html He explains his fix, but never really explains the geometry problem involved, and now thanks to you I know .. So I have to go back to drawing board anyway . Have to use Overlay doors, and trim further away from door edges, so it will look like door instead of panel ... Anything is better than having the water heater next to the dining table ;) Ta, as y'all say cross the pond
@furqanahmed9246 4 жыл бұрын
A common sense approach. Most small businesses who work on other people's property will have to get back to work after the lockdown. Covid 19 won't magically dissappear! People have bills to pay families to feed.
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Yes I think we have to face this and adapt!
@issyfoster1519 Жыл бұрын
Do you have any videos on how to measure up?
@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын
Hi I’ve got a couple of detailed ones and recommended kit over on the membership site - they are on the basic tier, there is no tie in you can sign up for first month then cancel as soon as you like
@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын
www.buymeacoffee.com/Freebird/measured-survey-drawing-tips
@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын
www.buymeacoffee.com/Freebird/survey-drawings-ipad-concepts-app
@Alastair_Freebird Жыл бұрын
www.buymeacoffee.com/Freebird/how-i-angled-surveys-sketchup-drawings
@issyfoster1519 Жыл бұрын
Thank you, I'll take a look at that
@keithbyrne4872 4 жыл бұрын
Could be working in empty houses but suppliers are closed in ireland
@Alastair_Freebird 4 жыл бұрын
Keith Byrne that’s a shame, it may change soon. I read infection rates are much lower there than UK?
@keithbyrne4872 4 жыл бұрын
@@Alastair_Freebird ah sure they have to destroy the economy and every medium to small size business before they open anything. Think we dont know how to follow rules with constant berating of not social distancing when we havent even opened. They must think we all wanna get it.
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