How to Make Laser-Cut Wood Kits Look Handcrafted!

This week, Jen and Norm put together some fetching laser cut wood boxes that make use of clever techniques to hide their construction. We love the inventiveness of these designs by Etsy seller Vasily39, and try our hand at weathering and distressing the assembled boxes to make them look more handcrafted.

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Shot and edited by Josh Self
Music by Jinglepunks

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Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman

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[lingfongchung]

I always enjoy watching episodes with Norm and Jen. I hope to see more!

[IIIofV]

Well done video. I’ve purchased dozens of Vasily39 designs. Everyone of them cut and engraved perfectly and when I contacted him about a modification on one he did it no change the next day. Super awesome guy and I recommend him 100%.

[stropheum]

Something I think jen should have done is stained the pieces individually and time the stain with slight variation, so when you assemble the box it FEELS like it's made with almost found lumber that's not necessarily all the same tree

[LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Vinegar & steel wool wood stain ftw! ✨✨

[PTCX]

The rotary sanding bit is called a Spiro Band.

[ACOGG-]

So the way to make it look hand crafted is to actually hand craft bits on it 🤨

[mcgeek]

Really enjoyed watching this. Would love to see a wood chest like these finished with miniature brass accents.

Great job by both of you

[itarry]

I'd have combined the 2 on the left of the lathe together. Using the right side panel of the Multi fix B holder and fixing the holder for the Allen Keys to that. Both saving space, bringing the Allan Keys closer, so easier to reach. Otherwise they're all obviously well thought out and designed to fit your space whilst utilising empty space and presenting the tools really well making it easy to get them, see them and keep them safely stored. Adam seems like the type and I've seen him do it, to use a tool that's not the best one he has for the job but because it was easier to reach or set up. It's things like this that ensure you're far more likely to use the correct tool and both speed up the rate of making the design you're working on and improving the quality of the end result, even if it's just a tiny bit. Love how Adam thinks about his work space and over time keeps improving it, tidying it up, making it a nicer place to both be and work in and keeping his tools safe, easy to see, reach, use and well displayed.

[WileHeCoyote]

Find a zelda chest design, cut build, stain, I'd watch that!

[ndarkness]

A stiff wire brush will also add in some subtle woodgrain texture. Or you can make your own thicker version by driving in some nails or screws into the end of a scrap piece of wood close together like a brush and drag it along the surface of the wood to scratch deep gouges into the wood.

[nathkrupa]

I always enjoyed your video thanks for sharing sir and Ma'am.

[PontusWelin]

I think Norm’s looks like a really old wood floor. After many decades of wear they can often get that polished look.

[philray]

Be great to see the effect produced by some old school iron acetate stain (wire wool dissolved in vinegar) I bet you'd get some interesting variance as it dries and darkens on those boxes.

[Brandon-zoly]

I built that a couple years ago, it was fantastic. I had some issues with the hinges though, they didnt line up. I did mine out of 1/8" walnut, which helped a lot with the look.

[Games_and_Music]

Jen's choice of engraving seemed like a good one, it probably would've been best to redo the engravings with a felt tip pen or a thin brush.
When i saw Norm apply the "paint" i thought he had gone mad, but it turned out pretty nice.
I think i prefer a smooth dark chest over the driftwood look in general, but the driftwood box stands out for its weathering, and i'd probably put more personal or quirky things in there, which can be more fun.

[jakubmakalowski]

Out of curiosity are there any videos that help us get to know the team?

[JJadx]

could you use a woodburner instead of etching?

[shotou]

Brilliant! I have a couple of lasercut box like things made for holding dice and tokens for different gaming systems.
Now the one for my Infinity is painted up in the colours I used for my JSA, but the one for my Dust Warfare, is unpainted.
I might check the local hardware for wood stains and try this.

[markomacdonald]

Was wondering if anyone could confirm this... I've been told that the lighter burnt colour adjacent to the cut is sugar from the wood that has caramelised. Also it can usually be removed with a cloth and cleaning vinegar