Great idea. I built a chicken coop rather than buy one, i think the total cost was £50 including bits and hinges. Whereas purchasing a pretty but small one would be almost £300! Good to see you back doing videos! Sorry to hear you were unwell
Nice cost analysis Joe. Sometimes I build things even if there is no cost advantage just for the satisfaction of building it but it is really nice to see a cost advantage. I would like to see more video woodworkers do a cost and time to build their projects. Thanks for sharing.
Loved this Joe. I am looking to build a very large radiator cover. But, I don't have any of the machinery that you have to get the job done. My favourite part was the biscuit cutter. Ive not done wood work before so this was really cute. I have no idea where to find people that have this type of stuff to get help......Best wishes
Thanks mate! I have a recent video showing a different way to make a radiator cover too. You can always use brackets to connect the pieces together too though. I find facebook is great for finding like minded people. I’m part of a few woodworking groups and it’s surprising how many people live nearby. Might be worth looking in to
Great idea for a series. Looking forward to it. Used mdf for the first time last week... Was amazed how the cut edges just soaked up the paint like a sponge.
I’ve always thought about building my own radiator covers but had doubts wether I could pull it off the way you just showed joe. After watching this video, I’m going to give it a shot. Great video mate 👍🏼👍🏼
Great job. You really "sweated the details" (as GM used to say) on that one. I have a few added suggestions. If building the cover to go under a window, it's a good goal to make the ledge of the top of the cover protrude a little from the curtains, to direct the air away from the glass and keep the heat inside; it's also good to fit some insulation board or foil behind the radiator if it's on an outside wall. Here in N. America, we have a lot of fin-tube radiators which usually come with tightly fit covers that are only open on the top and bottom to create a chimney effect, though some of them are quite ugly; any replacement cover should retain this design (even if it means adding an inner shell) to get the most heat from the radiator; making this convection chamber taller can actually increase the capacity of a given radiator. I'm helping a friend of mine convert an old cabinet to a cover for the radiator in his front hall (his wife is complaining about the steel one); some of the extra space in the cabinet will be useful as an airing cupboard for shoes and boots.
One other thing: If your radiator lacks a valve, you might want to make a convection-style cover (which can work with any radiator) and put a hinged damper over the top vents so you can block most of the heat when it's not needed. On the other hand, if you want to increase the percentage of heat radiated from a given radiator (all radiators heat by a combination of radiation and convection, though the former is more comfortable), a cover of dense materials like steel, iron or stone tiles will direct more heat to the people and objects in the room, rather than the air, though it will make any attempt to limit its output by blocking airflow less effective.
Great info! Thanks mate! Here in the UK the majority of our radiators have valves and operate off a central thermostat controlled system. Allowing cold air in from the bottom and out from the top tends to be the most popular option. Both for aesthetics and heat transfer. Some covers are designed to be roved easily too so clothes can be dried on them directly. Id like to make a cover that folds open at the front so clothes can be hung inside too
Good job, Joe. You cannot buy the level of satisfaction that comes from making something yourself. :-) I also like the Build of Buy idea and look forward to seeing more from you.
Hi Joe hope your op goes well next week.Great video.One small problem I have is what if you have a proper customer labour time and costs would be a factor?Time is money as they say.Even so I think your concept is if you just build for yourself and you turned out a professional job.👍🏻
Love it Joe! glad you're feeling a bit better, sorry I couldn't get across to other day. You could really go to town on it with the X-carve though. And Olly is right, you can't buy satisfaction even if it costs more money to make it!
Definetely! There are a lot of cheap things out there, both in terms of quality, but also good stuff thats inexpensive because it's a factory run of 10,000 at a time.
Build or buy is a great idea. It's one of those ideas that you think why has no one done this before. Great build. Using the X Carve helps save time and shows different techniques to get results. Hope your back to full health. Can't wait for the next video. I'm always saying I can build stuff for less than cost.
Cheap to buy yeah, on few occasions and mainly from China. As I'm a spark I thought I'd build my own fuse board set up for my camper van. Turned out I could buy one from go outdoors for less than the materials, some of which I already had andthe others i got dicount at wholesalers.
thanks jo. out of curiosity have you ever tried fitting door lining and hanging doors? looked really easy before I started today at college, cutting splices and remembering the method.
Thanks Terry! Really glad you liked it 😊 one of my latest uploads was making radiator cover for my bedroom actually haha I hope you enjoy my other content too
Good video and thanks for sharing. But, on the pricing list you forgot to add the cost of: Router, Biscuit joitner, Table saw, CNC machine, Mitre saw Glue, Dowels, Paint brush, etc.. :D Then forecast how many rad covers you'd need to create before you break even? :)
Funny you say that . I'm looking at the rage 3 or a cast iron one from Axminster. I like the idea of a heavy work shop one but also like the idea of having I can take with me. ..
It's only worth building if you have all the tools to do it with in the first place like the cutter you have so if you haven't got any of them tools it would be cheaper to buy the radiator
There are always ways around the tools that you may not have. Its like using a car to go and pick up the radiator cover from the store. That costs thousands.
+Average Joes Joinery well I wish you well fellow woodworker, I and I am sure the rest of your subscribers wish all the very best of luck.... Kind Regards
I guess we have also to build in the cost of the tools the Leccy & your time which might exceed the 70 sobs ! Great Work Well Done, have you produced a vid on that CNC Machine 🤔
Lol I was thinking the same thing. Hell I would be better off just buying the damn cover because I don’t have any of those tools. 😂 very professional turnout.
There's always various arguments for build or buy like those mentioned in these comments but one hidden expenses not discussed here if you buy the cover the cost of installation in both your personal time as they often arrive flat packed or the cost of paying somebody a rate to build and install it if you don't have the time or skills to do the job yourself. I think if you can make it yourself then go for it and enjoy the satisfaction of saying "I made that"
Hi Joe, I really enjoyed the video and think the build ir buy series will be a winner fir you. I am going to be taking on a new kitchen (just the cupboard doors and drawer fronts) I would like to see a bid or buy on that if you get chance? keep up the good work. Mick
But if you are building for yourself people often dont value their own time the same way as a business would. If you have limited funds to spend you would be better building one yourself.
Great Job Joe, very inspirational. Looking to do something similar soon. Looking to either purchase a biscuit joiner or a pocket screw jig, suggestions?
Thanks Steve! If you are choosing between the two then I would go for the pocket hole jig. It is much more versatile. Biscuit jointers are very useful but offer little in terms of strength
Thanks for a great video, really helpful. I bought a radiator cover online but didn’t came with fixing kit! So stuck with it. Any alternative fixing kit I can use? Many thanks!
Thanks Paul! I think thats the magic question haha Everyone is different when it comes to pricing. Joiners value their time differently so its hard to get an average figure. My ‘guess’ would be at least £70 for a small cover
Average Joe's Joinery ooh it's a blessing made myself 2 big benches radiator cover computer desk and bits and bobs been working with wood for around 2 years I love it
Good idea. Build or buy. One thing puzzles me. Your channel is a building channel, what happens to your video when the outcome is buy? I wish i could work with mdf, but unfortunately im allergic to the stuff.
+Jon Garnett Thanks Jon! I wouldnt label myself as skilled. Im just an Average Joe. I hope I can show that any body can make anything if they put their minds to it 😊
Excellent videos. Instructional, educational and entertaining !! .. My only question as being from Manchester and I note the Brummie accent?.. Are the videos available in English?... ; ).. (only kidding...) ...Subscribed.. :)
+mistral55 Haha thanks mate! Glad you found it helpful 😊 I dont think there is any form of English that Mancs will understand 😜 Thanks for subscribing mate. I hope you like what I create 👍
Im going to build a radiator cover like you but my radiator cover will be 1700mm x wide 700mm high and 150mm deep. How wide would you make the panels at the front? Cheers
while you showing your build, when you use a tool that the "average joe" might not have in there garage, make sure you also tell peopel and explain what the alternate methods are! cause those methods are going to be the ones that we need to know and are going to be using most of the time, its great to see you do it the convienant way , but we dont have that luxury :( other than that, awsome build very clean and organized! :D +Average Joe's Joinery
Thanks Brendan! Id hoped that stating in the video that my original plan was to just cut strips for the internal parts of the cover would give people an idea of how an Average Joe would go about it. There are lots of different options for cutting straight strips. Im hoping that my videos that I put out now are much better explained. This video was very early on when I started youtube haha
+mistral55 for what I do its great! Ive never used any other biscuit jointer so I dont have anything to compare against but I have no reason to biy a new one unless this one breaks. Ive had it for 3 years now and its definitely been worth it for me. It was the cheapest I could find anywhere
really good video I was wondering the same whether to buy or make. after your video I'm going to make. how do you find the sip biscuit jointed as I have been looking at this myself
nice one Joe. nice to see a plucky brit posting vids instead of the US & Canada hogging all the action? what about a build or buy bedside table. i know ikea, etc do very cheap ones but when you go up to proper wood it does get expensive. just a thought.
Great idea. I built a chicken coop rather than buy one, i think the total cost was £50 including bits and hinges. Whereas purchasing a pretty but small one would be almost £300! Good to see you back doing videos! Sorry to hear you were unwell
Thanks, managed to pick up one but the grill was damaged...however now i see i can use mdf to create my own front...Brill
Thanks! Really glad you found this helpful 😊
looks great joe .i made two radiator covers for my home but used metal plates for joints on the back of the radiator cover.
+terry s Thanks Terry! Those metal plates work really well 👍 especially if you need to make them flat pack for easy transport.
Nice cost analysis Joe. Sometimes I build things even if there is no cost advantage just for the satisfaction of building it but it is really nice to see a cost advantage. I would like to see more video woodworkers do a cost and time to build their projects. Thanks for sharing.
No rush. good luck with the operation. look forward to seeing you back on here when you are better.
Loved this Joe. I am looking to build a very large radiator cover. But, I don't have any of the machinery that you have to get the job done. My favourite part was the biscuit cutter. Ive not done wood work before so this was really cute. I have no idea where to find people that have this type of stuff to get help......Best wishes
Thanks mate! I have a recent video showing a different way to make a radiator cover too. You can always use brackets to connect the pieces together too though. I find facebook is great for finding like minded people. I’m part of a few woodworking groups and it’s surprising how many people live nearby. Might be worth looking in to
I build my own covers for home. You did a great job on the one in your video. Well done.
Thanks mate! I hope people find it useful :)
Good idea on the build or buy concept. I enjoyed this one and look forward to more. Good luck with your operation next week.
Great idea for a series. Looking forward to it. Used mdf for the first time last week... Was amazed how the cut edges just soaked up the paint like a sponge.
I’ve always thought about building my own radiator covers but had doubts wether I could pull it off the way you just showed joe. After watching this video, I’m going to give it a shot. Great video mate 👍🏼👍🏼
Glad the video has helped inspire you mate! You’ll do great! ❤️
Nice job Joe. Would the cnc be able to do some of them more complex pattern rad covers that they sell in the big DIY stores .
Really nice build, Joe. The "build or buy" is a great idea.
Build or Buy! It's a fantastic idea!!! Very promising. Good luck!
Great video Joe! That was a good use of the x-carve. The finished cover looks great! Love the Build or Buy idea...looking forward to the next one!
Great job. You really "sweated the details" (as GM used to say) on that one. I have a few added suggestions. If building the cover to go under a window, it's a good goal to make the ledge of the top of the cover protrude a little from the curtains, to direct the air away from the glass and keep the heat inside; it's also good to fit some insulation board or foil behind the radiator if it's on an outside wall. Here in N. America, we have a lot of fin-tube radiators which usually come with tightly fit covers that are only open on the top and bottom to create a chimney effect, though some of them are quite ugly; any replacement cover should retain this design (even if it means adding an inner shell) to get the most heat from the radiator; making this convection chamber taller can actually increase the capacity of a given radiator. I'm helping a friend of mine convert an old cabinet to a cover for the radiator in his front hall (his wife is complaining about the steel one); some of the extra space in the cabinet will be useful as an airing cupboard for shoes and boots.
One other thing: If your radiator lacks a valve, you might want to make a convection-style cover (which can work with any radiator) and put a hinged damper over the top vents so you can block most of the heat when it's not needed. On the other hand, if you want to increase the percentage of heat radiated from a given radiator (all radiators heat by a combination of radiation and convection, though the former is more comfortable), a cover of dense materials like steel, iron or stone tiles will direct more heat to the people and objects in the room, rather than the air, though it will make any attempt to limit its output by blocking airflow less effective.
Great info! Thanks mate! Here in the UK the majority of our radiators have valves and operate off a central thermostat controlled system. Allowing cold air in from the bottom and out from the top tends to be the most popular option. Both for aesthetics and heat transfer. Some covers are designed to be roved easily too so clothes can be dried on them directly. Id like to make a cover that folds open at the front so clothes can be hung inside too
nice build Joe, and good idea with the Build or Buy......im often walking around the shops thinking 'i could make that' LOL
***** fingers crossed mate
Nice to put costs as well but no mention of tools used, skils and time. I think the 70 pounds is worth every penny!
Well made Joe, and yes, it's great that you do the comparison btw Build vs. Buy. Thank yo.
This looks great! I am going to try to build my own radiator cover, The problem is not every one has a biscuit and a cnc machines,
Good job, Joe. You cannot buy the level of satisfaction that comes from making something yourself. :-)
I also like the Build of Buy idea and look forward to seeing more from you.
Hi Joe hope your op goes well next week.Great video.One small problem I have is what if you have a proper customer labour time and costs would be a factor?Time is money as they say.Even so I think your concept is if you just build for yourself and you turned out a professional job.👍🏻
Love it! That's a gorgeous radiator cover. Well done.
All these biscuits are making me hungry!
Dunked in glue 👌😂
Joe, you did a great job on the radiator cover. Enjoyed the video.
Very nice work, I liked the way that turned out. Obviously, it's always more work to make something but the satisfaction that you get is priceless!
Love it Joe! glad you're feeling a bit better, sorry I couldn't get across to other day.
You could really go to town on it with the X-carve though.
And Olly is right, you can't buy satisfaction even if it costs more money to make it!
Definetely! There are a lot of cheap things out there, both in terms of quality, but also good stuff thats inexpensive because it's a factory run of 10,000 at a time.
but why pay £5, when you can build it yourself for £50! ;-)
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH THE BEST OF HEALTH AND WEALTH JOE
Nice finish Joe. Hope you are feeling better now. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Jerry! Im doing ok thanks :)
Well done, Joe! It turned out beautiful! Nothing beats doing it yourself!
nice and simple no beeding lovely job bren
Build or buy is a great idea. It's one of those ideas that you think why has no one done this before. Great build. Using the X Carve helps save time and shows different techniques to get results. Hope your back to full health. Can't wait for the next video. I'm always saying I can build stuff for less than cost.
Cheap to buy yeah, on few occasions and mainly from China. As I'm a spark I thought I'd build my own fuse board set up for my camper van. Turned out I could buy one from go outdoors for less than the materials, some of which I already had andthe others i got dicount at wholesalers.
excellent; thanks Joe.
Thanks Richard! :)
thanks jo. out of curiosity have you ever tried fitting door lining and hanging doors? looked really easy before I started today at college, cutting splices and remembering the method.
Great Video Joe. I like the Build or Buy video idea
Thanks Andy! I hope I can revisit it soon 😊
Good video, nice and simple instructions. Hope to see more from you soon mate.
Thanks Terry! Really glad you liked it 😊 one of my latest uploads was making radiator cover for my bedroom actually haha I hope you enjoy my other content too
Very cool Joe. The radiator cover looks awesome
I bought the kreg jig looking forward to using it great job by the way
Thanks Martin! The Kreg Jig is a great bit of kit 👌
Thanks for the great video, Joe! The radiator cover turned out really nice. I'm looking forward to more of your Build or Buy videos.
Good video and thanks for sharing.
But, on the pricing list you forgot to add the cost of:
Router,
Biscuit joitner,
Table saw,
CNC machine,
Mitre saw
Glue,
Dowels,
Paint brush,
etc.. :D
Then forecast how many rad covers you'd need to create before you break even? :)
Trouble is, all of those tools arent needed. You also dont factor in costs of tools when pricing up a job. They are an investment.
Looks great, nice video. I have found that sometimes you can buy it cheaper than you can make it. You just have to make sure of the quality.
nice make. have to ask I'm looking at the evolution table saw at the moment. .. what do you think of it now you have had it a while?
Funny you say that . I'm looking at the rage 3 or a cast iron one from Axminster. I like the idea of a heavy work shop one but also like the idea of having I can take with me. ..
Good job all round!Good idea,good video and editing skills, good dialog and vocals.10/10
VERY nicely done video in all aspects. One of the best I've seen. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Thank you! Really glad you found it helpful :)
It's only worth building if you have all the tools to do it with in the first place like the cutter you have so if you haven't got any of them tools it would be cheaper to buy the radiator
There are always ways around the tools that you may not have. Its like using a car to go and pick up the radiator cover from the store. That costs thousands.
Nice work, very professional looking!
Great looking build Joe, sorry to hear you have had some health problems. Good to see you up and about.
+Average Joes Joinery well I wish you well fellow woodworker, I and I am sure the rest of your subscribers wish all the very best of luck.... Kind Regards
Nicely done, Joe. Great video also
thanks for the quick reply. I thought I would ask as you have many of the same tools as me. thanks again
I guess we have also to build in the cost of the tools the Leccy & your time which might exceed the 70 sobs ! Great Work Well Done, have you produced a vid on that CNC Machine 🤔
Thanks mate! I have an initial first impressions video about the cnc here: ua-cam.com/video/Ad2VAe0pFsU/v-deo.html
Lol I was thinking the same thing. Hell I would be better off just buying the damn cover because I don’t have any of those tools. 😂 very professional turnout.
There are always alternative methods to make this with a lot less tools.
There's always various arguments for build or buy like those mentioned in these comments but one hidden expenses not discussed here if you buy the cover the cost of installation in both your personal time as they often arrive flat packed or the cost of paying somebody a rate to build and install it if you don't have the time or skills to do the job yourself. I think if you can make it yourself then go for it and enjoy the satisfaction of saying "I made that"
Great video! I loved the detail on your thought process and your explanation for the choices that you made. Great work!
good job joe. always great videos. good to see you back. hope all is well
fingers crossed for you. nneed more.
Hi Joe, I really enjoyed the video and think the build ir buy series will be a winner fir you. I am going to be taking on a new kitchen (just the cupboard doors and drawer fronts) I would like to see a bid or buy on that if you get chance?
keep up the good work.
Mick
Hi Joe. glad you're back on the airwaves! Good video about build or buy. Looking forward to more videos! 🔨🔨🔨
When you factor in the labour costs and the cnc running costs it surely works out the same if not more. Nice build though.
But if you are building for yourself people often dont value their own time the same way as a business would. If you have limited funds to spend you would be better building one yourself.
Average Joe's Joinery I understand. People often ask me to make them and when I give them a price they seemed to be shocked.
Great result sir.
Thanks mate!
Hi Joe, can you make two for my large radiators ? I am based in Manchester 🙂
Nice looking cover, Joe! Interesting to see the cost comparison at the beginning.
Fantastic mate
Thanks Sam!
Looks great Joe. Great to have the CNC for the cut out work :)
Smashed it Joe!
+Chris Powell Thanks Chris! 😊
Great Job Joe, very inspirational. Looking to do something similar soon. Looking to either purchase a biscuit joiner or a pocket screw jig, suggestions?
Thanks Steve! If you are choosing between the two then I would go for the pocket hole jig. It is much more versatile. Biscuit jointers are very useful but offer little in terms of strength
great new video Joe, glad to see you back too.
Thanks for a great video, really helpful. I bought a radiator cover online but didn’t came with fixing kit! So stuck with it. Any alternative fixing kit I can use? Many thanks!
Amazon is typically your best bet but I’d recommend contacting the manufacturer of the radiator cover and ask for some replacement fittings first
Spot on Joe - look forward to BoB
great build Joe. Really like the build or buy concept. Will look forward to future videos. Thanks again for your video
Cool seeing the breakdown and build thanks for sharing
Nice work and video Joe.
Great vid. How much would a joiner charge for something like that?
Thanks Paul! I think thats the magic question haha Everyone is different when it comes to pricing. Joiners value their time differently so its hard to get an average figure. My ‘guess’ would be at least £70 for a small cover
I build everything myself since I work in a wood yard were allowed the scrap wood realy enjoy doing so
+rhyudouh tat I bet thats great being able to have access to all the scrap 👌
Average Joe's Joinery ooh it's a blessing made myself 2 big benches radiator cover computer desk and bits and bobs been working with wood for around 2 years I love it
Sounds great mate! Glad you enjoy it! I love being able to make stuff. Its a really escape :)
Great job Joe i like the idea about Build or Buy another one of yore great videos plenty of details.
Good idea. Build or buy. One thing puzzles me. Your channel is a building channel, what happens to your video when the outcome is buy?
I wish i could work with mdf, but unfortunately im allergic to the stuff.
Great vid. enjoyed
Thanks mate! 😊
nice simple build, thanks!
Great video you are a skilled carpenter
+Jon Garnett Thanks Jon! I wouldnt label myself as skilled. Im just an Average Joe. I hope I can show that any body can make anything if they put their minds to it 😊
Great project again!
Nice job joe .
Nice carpentry, i would have just done it the lazy way with pocket holes
Haha Thanks mate! Pocket holes will work great too! :)
Excellent videos. Instructional, educational and entertaining !! .. My only question as being from Manchester and I note the Brummie accent?..
Are the videos available in English?... ; ).. (only kidding...) ...Subscribed.. :)
+mistral55 Haha thanks mate! Glad you found it helpful 😊 I dont think there is any form of English that Mancs will understand 😜 Thanks for subscribing mate. I hope you like what I create 👍
Id've bought one myself. Perhaps more than one. Maybe a dozen. Or had them.made for me, in my workshop.
Im going to build a radiator cover like you but my radiator cover will be 1700mm x wide 700mm high and 150mm deep. How wide would you make the panels at the front? Cheers
boss that mate, got a bespoke project which is going to be a bit of a challenge to say the least.
bedroom is almost finished (renovation) but the window ledge gap to the top of the rad is 8mm so buying is not an option lol
Thanks mate :)
This serie will be awesome =) Looking forward to watch it =) The cover looks perfect =) Great work =) Thanks for haring =)
Well done.
while you showing your build, when you use a tool that the "average joe" might not have in there garage, make sure you also tell peopel and explain what the alternate methods are! cause those methods are going to be the ones that we need to know and are going to be using most of the time, its great to see you do it the convienant way , but we dont have that luxury :(
other than that, awsome build very clean and organized! :D +Average Joe's Joinery
Thanks Brendan! Id hoped that stating in the video that my original plan was to just cut strips for the internal parts of the cover would give people an idea of how an Average Joe would go about it. There are lots of different options for cutting straight strips.
Im hoping that my videos that I put out now are much better explained. This video was very early on when I started youtube haha
if you do not have the euipment or the actual expertise then no its better to buy... but I totally admire your talent.
Great video!
Hi joe great video! We're about in wolvo do you live?? I live in Lichfield
Out of curiousity?.. How do you rate the SIP Biscuit Jointer?...
+mistral55 for what I do its great! Ive never used any other biscuit jointer so I dont have anything to compare against but I have no reason to biy a new one unless this one breaks. Ive had it for 3 years now and its definitely been worth it for me. It was the cheapest I could find anywhere
Cheers.. thx for the insight...;)
good job buddy
Thanks mate! 😊
What material was the manufactured cover?
really good video I was wondering the same whether to buy or make. after your video I'm going to make. how do you find the sip biscuit jointed as I have
been looking at this myself
5*****
Well done what's the machine name the one at the end please
Nice job buddy
Good job mate
Sealing the MDF in the living room. Brave, very brave or you haven't got a partner. Good built man :-)
lol Thanks Robert! I sealed it in the conservatory haha I still live with my parents so I have to do a lot of persuading lmao
looks nice!
good job joe
Crackin video Joe keep it up I'm a Wachin yo
nice one Joe. nice to see a plucky brit posting vids instead of the US & Canada hogging all the action? what about a build or buy bedside table. i know ikea, etc do very cheap ones but when you go up to proper wood it does get expensive. just a thought.
Yea. What Steve Carmichael said.