Fyi, for future reference: instead of having to mess up your building with the spill over on your end grain from the black dye incident; you can use a bleaching agent (Lye, Bleach, and vinegar) all work on wood to help draw out the black dye from light woods. Then you can use a heat gun to dry the wood back out again. Just note, the darker the stain, the more these products wont help. Furthermore, clear nail polish helps too. If you cover the end cap of the intended location before you apply the resin then it won’t seep over, sand afterwards to remove the polish. Or you can simply apply a super thin coat of clear epoxy first and sand that before adding the black epoxy. That way the end grain soaks in the clear epoxy first before it tries to soak in the black dye. Either way. Multiple fixes and preps before you went and butchered it. Maybe you need a workshop think tank. Designs A+, tips and tricks B- 😂
I died of laughter when he mentioned the third group where you voluntarily tell them your mistakes because i do that too and they're like dude you can barely even notice it and then you're left feeling like why did i even mention that. almost spit out my water when you mentioned that part hahaha.
Yeah, get over it. You're far more than "an average woodworker". I've learned a lot from you, and I've been doing this - hobbyist, pro, then hobby again, then pro again (meaning, I'm getting for-real paid for the work) - for about 45 years off and on. I've got ~200 cabins, 1 house, dozens of refurbs, about 200 sets of bunk beds, and just in the last year or so, about 50 customer projects. So... hush up about beating yourself up. You're precise, you're patient, you're very attentive and instructive, etc. That's who you are to be teaching people. :)
I have spent my entire career in aerospace engineering. You clearly think like an engineer does. Slow, steady, methodical, never in a hurry. That is how great things are built. I bet when you were 10, you took apart something in your house to see how it worked, or to fix something that was broken. Every engineer shares this story.
I didn't do too much taking apart. But I always loved anything having to do with patterns and art. My mom thought I would grow up to be a "high end tile guy" when I was a little kid
Engineers and designers share a common methodological approach to solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions. While their specializations and ultimate goals may differ, the collaboration and integration of different perspectives are essential for creating products and systems that effectively meet user needs. When I was young, I used to think that one day I would invent something, and based on my knowledge, I associated that with engineering. Years later, I discovered design. The technical aspect of design takes into account numerous methodologies that depend on the intrinsic knowledge of how it will be manufactured. From assembly lines to part breakdowns, tools, drillings, router bits, etc. Regardless of the manufacturing method, whether industrial production or handmade, during the design phase the same tools are often used, such as SolidWorks and parametric design.
when you actually make stuff, the design is foremost, engineering is secondary, but considered. An old boss once said "we ain't building bridges". I was working as a set builder/prop maker at the time.
@@karizma8175 , Well, I don't produce furniture without a technical drawing. It's not a matter of inability; it's a matter of rigor. It's about having a complete piece of furniture in every aspect: design, 3D modeling and manufacturing, which allows anyone in their respective role to understand it or produce it. This also allows for better utilization of materials, time and money management within the established workflow listed step by step, and improved budgeting. This way, you minimize errors and safeguard material parts for potential corrections in all situations marked as critical during the construction phase. Then, you start doing the opposite and create your technical drawing through reverse engineering, considering how it's made, the final product, and deconstructing joints to verify the feasibility of your sketch idea.
I just love watching these videos. I have 0 tools and 0 intention of making anything, but it's like folllowing a mindfullness course. Pure relaxation and an empty mind. Thank you Chris.
I am the EXACT same way!! I love seeing the progression, and even the fixes! The simplicity of the final look hides just how complex the furniture truly is. And you most likely wouldn't realize it unless you were a high-end furniture maker yourself, or you watched this video :)
I've been a hobbyist woodworker for about 30 years and I've come to realize that the only REAL reason I do it is to come to terms with the radical acceptance necessary in a world that is never perfect. It forces me to slow down, accept, and see beauty - usually even more so when things go 'wrong'. I love how you always highlight that and lean into it. Also, you are not average. Not in any sense of the word. Accept it - I'm a therapist, I know these things. :)
I love the honesty and humility that you show. We always make mistakes like this. One of my favorite sayings about woodworking goes something like: "A master woodworker isn't perfect, but he's *really* good at hiding his mistakes." I try to be good at hiding my mistakes, just as you do.
I love that fact that you are brutally honest about your F ups. It's one of the many reasons I've watched all of your content. Your work is awesome regardless of some mistakes, that you find ingenious ways to fix. I'm one of those that would notice inconsistences, though you'd never hear me say it. In my mind it would be "Wow, cool fix." Keep up the good work, I truly do love your projects. Salute.
as a carpenter, watching that mistake inception , made my laugh to tears. I was tearing up hearing you say "I got it!" whilst I'm like "noooo don t do that" . Brilliant work mate, keep up the good work (y)
As a pro Artist, Watercolor, sculpting, ceramic… For the best look, weight is best at the bottom, also people look at art right to left. Your drawers were perfect where you ended up putting them. Amazing work.
heres a huge PRO tip for you, its not mine, i actually saw it from another youtube video, cant remember where though. Instead of buying and using black powder or dye, use CHARCOAL... I know right, mind blown, just buy some charcoal and sand it fine, filter the big chunks and voila, forget you ever stained your wood before, it has worked charms for me, hope this helps
Of all the big woodworking RUclipsrs, you are definitely in the top tier for design. One either has an elite eye for this kind of thing or he doesn't. You do. Maybe the best out there.
"The vast majority will never notice the fix, and the few that do will view it in a positive light, so it is good enough ...unless youre trying to sell it - then you're fucked." incredible quote, I love it
I guess it depends on the client. Cam from Blacktail Studios has a video where he shows the whole process of adding a small chunk of wood to the corner of a big table that he was building for a client. The end result was brilliant, in my opinion, and not even noticeable.
This might sound really weird, but I'm in the middle of doing my first ever stage musical and one of my scene partners asks me fairly frequently why I care about something that she seemingly finds overly mundane or otherwise unimportant. I can now say that it's because I completely agree with the idea that the details are the design. Thank you for sharing that quote. I feel a lot better about what I'm doing and why.
When I got a kreg pocket hole jig for my workshop some 20 years ago I thought I won the lottery. It’s the single greatest thing that I have ever bought for the shop.
Chris, there is nothing boring about you, your work or the videos, that is why I return here for every video you put out. Thank you for the candid information, for the wise input and for being transparent in your efforts to design and complete each masterpiece. We all make mistakes, we just don't all 'fess up to them. Each perceived mistake is an opportunity for improv and improvement. - Thank you - Jack
You sell your self short - you are anything but an “average” woodworker. I love your creativity, your presentation and honesty. Look forward to the next one.
Honestly, re the imposter syndrome section, I think it's actually really valuable for tutorial purposes to be talking about where you mess up, because you know how to recover from that; other people are going to make big errors too, and learning how to correct that is pretty huge!
So ironic seeing this pop up today after a trip to my hardwood supplier and speaking with a master craftsman who showed me how he made a dining table using the same technique of pattern routing and joining different slabs. Beautiful work.
i actually really like seeing your mistakes, i honestly think it makes you more than an average woodworker :) both because of the old "what not to do" but also mistakes and narration like you give are useful to learning how this all works because we get to see your thought process, how the mistakes happen, and either how to correct them, or when, like with the live edge direction screw up, the mistake means just making a new part the right way. i like seeing how people learn from themselves, because i learn from people learning. it's more, visible and tangible if that makes sense, and i always feel like i learn more like that. seeing small fixes in the finished product, only because you know the fix is there, shows how it's done right and you give me a lot of ideas for making the things i want to make, even if i never sell them or want to start a business, because i simply enjoy concepting and saving things to make for myself in the future
I appreciate that. It's funny because 90% of the mistakes seem to be situations where you know what to do, and 99% of the time you do it right...it's just this time you didn't. Like cutting the shelf short. It's actually pretty rare that mistakes like the stained end grain come about...where, I literally didn't know I was making a mistake until the dust settled. I really like including those in the videos as notes to myself for the future. I figure if I edit an entire chunk of video about that...I'm (hopefully) more likely to think about it next time.
Dude, I could ramble for several lines of comment about all the awesome here, etc. I won't, and just say: Awesome build, awesome design, exceptional patch. Someone below pointed out what made me literally shout - a finish container that will preserve the product. I could use all the thousands of swear words I know and have invented in a totally positive way to express my joy at hearing that, but this is YT, and a family-oriented channel... and you love your family.
Chris, all your projects turn out great. Everyone has little oops now and again and the true mark of a professional is knowing how to fix them. the epoxy bleed would never get noticed by anyone but you. So the fact that you took the time to make it better just shows your high level work ethic and professional quality standards. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming.
Chris. Not boring at all. Lovely piece. I'd go as far as saying that it's one of my favourites that you've done. Maybe because you've used a bunch of techniques that "normal people" could do but bought them all together in a lovely end product. There's no part of that build I thought "omg. I could never do that in my small shop". Really great. I also laughed at the olive garden thing... Genius.
I can't agree more! What an incredible amount of time and energy that was put into editing this video. I am so impressed, and all to be able to explain all this to us. Thank you so much!!👍
It's funny hearing the thoughts of more experienced woodworkers as someone who has only done a couple of self-driven projects. Your strengths are that you think long and hard, you consider your options, and then you chose the ones that you think get you closest to the product you had in your head and on the page. At the end of the day, the way the cookie crumbles comes down to how you approach the problems, not how many times you had them. Keep on rolling along down the hills and when you reach the bottom you'll find yourself and your family surrounded by your failures, each one more polished pieces than the last. Learning is always valuable.
As I told your friend Shawn, I love you showing the honest mistakes and how you fixed them. It makes me less critical of myself when I make mistakes. So I guess you're a therapist. Keep on making. You're an inspiration.
Using the slabs in this way makes it easy to achieve what you are looking for aesthetically and you can double the yield of your most expensive components. Good on you, it is NEVER a waste of money to use the material that gives you the confidence to deliver on your design
IMHO the mistakes and how you decide to fix them is one of my favorite parts of your videos, it shows some vulnerability and we learn how to come up with creative solutions. win-win
Anything that pushes you out of your comfort zone is, for me, worth doing. Research and planning require patience, so I think you are right. I am a mechanical engineer and was the guy that had to travel all over the place to modify, repair and even used as a consultant. I think your table is beautiful, thank you 👍
I get it! Thanks for sharing the adventure. I think we share design ideology so every time I see a work of yours that I haven't previously seen, there is a voice in my head that says, "Exactly! Why wouldn't it be this way?" Keep on keeping on!
An average woodworker produces an average design, but a good woodworker produces a good design because the design process is directly related to one's abilities and understanding of the wood and the tools. You are not an average designer so, therefore, you are not an average woodworker. Thank you for a great video, and the candor to admit your mistakes and how to rectify them.
I had a shop teacher who once said “the sign of a great craftsman is that they can hide their mistakes and still build a great product”. I like to think I’m a great craftsman, as I make at least one mistake on every project. :). I love your thinking, and your approach to design and woodworking.
I personally love that you show your mistakes to humble yourself and all of us that we can make mistakes no matter how good we are but a true craftsman can always adapt to the mistakes.
I've heard it said that one of the reasons in-person woodworking classes are more useful than watching videos is that through the process of the class there will be lots of mistakes made, and then everyone gets to learn from the teacher showing how to fix those mistakes. I think that means that as a RUclips woodworker, you need to make more than the usual number of mistakes to make up for not having live students, (Seriously, though, thank you for sharing the mistakes, and the mistakes-upon-mistakes, and the fixes.)
Dude I felt that double mistake in my SOUL… taking a measurement and confidently cutting that measurement, only to be an inch short is so relatable. Just did something similar to that the other day with some door stiles (styles?) Thanks for sharing the mistakes man, I appreciate seeing the imperfections and alterations that go into others’ projects!!!
This is the first video I've watched from you. I really like your willingness to talk about mistakes and what they mean. I've never had the income to allow for the use of a CNC for any of my woodworking, so I have some solutions that came from necessity. In the future, if you want to mary 2 pieces of wood together, stack the 2 on top of each other and cut the pattern out with a band saw. You end up with 2 mirrored surfaces, you can use for the same project or different ones, but you know they'll match up exactly when you're done. Happy wood working!
My guy... that end grain fix was phenomenal. The probability that you'd be able to find an even better match than that is next to nothing. Awesome job!
This isn't meant to be a direct accusation, but how many "live edge with epoxy" projects are YT makers going to put out? They're EVERYWHERE and getting rather tired TBH.
There are a lot...but that's like saying there are a lot of builds using just a board. When I use slabs, I think I do a good job of being creative and original with my designs. It' snot like I'm just dumping epoxy in a slab and slapping on some hairpin legs every month.
Yeah... It's some boring stuff. "We built a form. We got it this time,not gonna be any leaks. Oh no we have leak! Now watch me plane sand and sand and buff the epoxy for ten minutes of the video." Much rather see smaller non epoxy based projects. Four eyes does a better job than most, but after the "we're making epoxy slab videos deal with it" video I definitely started watching the channel significantly less. I watched this whole one though cause it was great!
Haha, 20 years from now these will all be in the thrift stores. Not yours, Chris….um everyone else’s. I like the quality of your videos. I’d rather see different furniture made, but I still like the videos.
Hi Chris, the playfulness between your beautiful wife Delores ( I hope I spelt her name right ) and you with the leaf blower proves that you LOVE your family and your also a great teacher, I personally have learnt quite a lot in doing my woodworking Thank You. Love your channel.
Imperfections and fixes make unique and beautiful pieces. I would call you a true designer and craftsman. Love you Keep repeating that you love your family and it’s nice to see Dolores and your videos.
It's tremendously reassuring to know that a professional with years of experience still makes the same measuring/cutting mistakes I make as a student. In my woodworking classes and during my internships in woodshops I've been surrounded by people who don't make these specific mistakes, or very rarely, and I've been feeling down as my final year nears its end because I felt like I didn't have "the brain" for the craft. Genuinely thought I was an idiot at times. I'm constantly cutting things too short and if I don't plan out every single step the whole project's a mess, same as you. Watching you f*ck up the exact same way I know I would has comforted me so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video.
This was wonderful. I’m an artist, I paint with oil. Everything I do is contained within your projects. I concentrate for hours at a time. It takes a lot of effort and plenty of mistakes along the way. The closest I come to woodworking if finishing touches on a wood panel or assembling a new easel. I love your videos because of your depth of attention and devotion to your craft/art.❤
This is an amazing piece of art in wood. On the question of pocket screws. I see it this way. If you said to a cabinet maker 200 years ago, I have a great new product called pockets screws. I think they would jump at the chance to use them. Fine furniture is not about what methods you use, its like a good recipe at a restaurant. Get the ingredients and add your design guidelines, spices , flavor and make something that is extraordinary. My mantra is work smarter not harder, and I love your honesty. One wood, if you can get some, that has so much character, is Jarrah from Australia.
Thanks for another great episode Chris. Your brutal honesty and humour are second to none. Good luck with the Secret Finish. Looking forward to seeing the end product.
I enjoy your videos… know nothing about woodworking, not interested in doing woodworking myself… by i find it soothing to listen to you… especially that it easy to understand your thoughts, what your doing… and explanation… i am watching the videos to relax after work
I so appreciate the willingness to fix the small details that bug you. Nicely done sir. Looking forward to the new finish...though Im still rocking some Simple Finish of yours but will be very curious to see the next generation of what you make. I get the nature of being particular about finishes which is why I tired yours in the first place. Im on the list, thanks for the work you're putting out there. Its encouraging, educational, and very cool work.
So, I am a new newcomer to your videos but I have to declare, "been there, done that"...as you succinctly deliver, mistakes happen and how you overcome them makes you a better craftsman. I'm a fan going forward!
Chris, you're not a fraud, that's your learning and doing process. I asked the question of Charles Neil about types of wood in the build and he told me the value of the piece increases using the same labor by using more interesting wood! I taught anger management and I was my best pupil. Finally realized the accidents in my work are my next steps in design. Like cutting the bottom of a precious wood heritage box I was making for a patron. Turned out better after I calmed myself and engaged brain. "Murphy Design!" The last thing about your "Fix!" Damn you're good!" Other people will see the finished piece through their eyes and I've had this many times. Thanks for discussing your process in creating.
I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for showing how you fix your screwups. I usually just get another piece of wood and start over, but I like your way much better. Thanks.
This, and almost every one of your videos are some of my favorites to watch and learn from. Your meticulously crafted designs are a joy to behold. Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely guilty of pointing out all my mistakes to the people who see them. They shouldn’t, but they do become my focal points. My favorite thing to say is - “that’s a rookie mistake, and I’ll never make that mistake again, ever.” I always try and fix them, but that stain bleed was an incredible solution.
...oh and another thing. I concur that your plans are the best out there. As an owner of several plans and builder of the piece for which those plans were developed, I can say that they are the best ones I have ever used. No cap. ;)
I'm restoring an antique Japanese Tansu chest... and have come across several patches by its maker to cover wood knots. He shaved wood from the bottom (underneath case) into paper thin pieces of "veneer" (but literally tissue-paper-thin), and covered every knot, aligning grain as best as they could. I couldn't even SEE these patches - none of them - until I began the project by cleaning the grime off of it with a damp cloth. The patches were so fragile, they just slid off (likely hide glue just dissolved once I got the surface wet). Watching you patch the wood where the epoxy stained into the adjoining piece - I can't help but wonder if a very very thin veneer-like repair would also have worked? Only curious - and thinking out loud. The patches on my tansu have lasted since about 1930. With today's tech - they probably would have remained, and without me even knowing they were there (still). Just food for thought.
I have enjoyed all of your videos. And I love your mindset. For your viewers that feel you need to explain why you do anything. They need to get over it if you're doing. What you see in your head and it makes you happy. That's it
I don't know if anyone has said this, but I kinda wish you had like a big spinning pedestal, or 360 camera track, so we could basically get a full 360 spin of final pieces. I feel like the final finished shots always go by so quickly, and that something like a 360 spin (or a slow spin around + a couple fast spins?) would extend that satisfying reveal, instead of me pausing, and rewinding 10 seconds to check something.
Ahhhh, this was sooo good! I know I've made a similar comment on a previous video of yours, but you're such a standout creator! I'm not even a woodworker, just a woman who stumbled upon one of your videos when searching for I don't even remember what, and I watched it start to finish and subscribed. I LOVE everything about your channel. You have so much going on: your craftsmanship, which is really interesting and relaxing to watch; your sense of humour (whodathunkit, furniture-making with lots of laughs along the way?!), your videography; and, of course, your design aesthetic. Sublime stuff. If I didn't already have a gazillion things on my list that I want to learn before I die, I'd be looking out for a woodworking workshop to rent! Thank you for the good vibes you put out into the world x
Absolutely beautiful work Chris it looks amazing. And thanks for sharing your mistakes and how you fix them as a new woodworker I truly appreciate this.
Loved the 3 "details". As a previous design technology teacher, one of the most important skills a teacher needed was being able to fix student mistakes! 😃
I always loved your designs. But they have always hated how long the videos were however I still revisit all of those types every now and again. Great tips overall. Awesome design. This is suited for a longer video, others weren’t. And ty for sharing with this as now my mind is spinning on how I can make a personal project of mine that I couldn’t quite figure out due to cost. Pretty awesome. Ty
Thanks Chris, for me this is a more accessible project for my skill level, so I feel it's a greater practical service than your other videos, where it's just awe and enjoyment :)
I think I started woodworking at the same age as you, Chris, but I’m a lot older than you, so 30+ years all told. I’m already a subscriber to your channel (and a few other woodworking channels), but this is the single best woodworking video I have ever seen, not because of the featured piece, but because of your awesome walkthrough of your process of design, making, and especially error corrections. Outstanding, couldn’t disagree with a single thing you said.
An engineer or an artist. No one is both and some people are neither. You sir, are an engineer. And thats why you have so many files and can't wing it. Your work is beautiful.
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed.
▸ Woodworking Plans - www.foureyesfurniture.com/plans
▸ Brass Chunky Mechanical Pencils are BACK! qwerktools.com/
▸ SECRET FINISH - foureyesfurniture.lpages.co/finishing-oil-waitlist/
Fyi, for future reference: instead of having to mess up your building with the spill over on your end grain from the black dye incident; you can use a bleaching agent (Lye, Bleach, and vinegar) all work on wood to help draw out the black dye from light woods. Then you can use a heat gun to dry the wood back out again. Just note, the darker the stain, the more these products wont help. Furthermore, clear nail polish helps too. If you cover the end cap of the intended location before you apply the resin then it won’t seep over, sand afterwards to remove the polish. Or you can simply apply a super thin coat of clear epoxy first and sand that before adding the black epoxy. That way the end grain soaks in the clear epoxy first before it tries to soak in the black dye. Either way. Multiple fixes and preps before you went and butchered it. Maybe you need a workshop think tank. Designs A+, tips and tricks B- 😂
secret finish link appears to be broken 🙁
Always enjoy watching the builds. I have learned so much.
Maybe somebody asked you already but I missed it....what software for 3D/sketches are you using?
@@Kris-82 I'm 99% sure Chris uses sketchup (probably not the free version). He has a tutorial video a year or two old showing how he uses sketchup.
I died of laughter when he mentioned the third group where you voluntarily tell them your mistakes because i do that too and they're like dude you can barely even notice it and then you're left feeling like why did i even mention that. almost spit out my water when you mentioned that part hahaha.
"The curse of the woodworker" right there!
In my design classes, I was told, "Just because you can add something, doesn't mean you should. Simplicity is an elegance all its own."
Good tip
"Reduced by Rick Ruban".... a professional code to live by
I feel like 80% or better of woodworking is figuring out how to coverup your mistakes in a way that looks intentional. Love the problem solving!!
Indeed it is
Yeah, get over it. You're far more than "an average woodworker". I've learned a lot from you, and I've been doing this - hobbyist, pro, then hobby again, then pro again (meaning, I'm getting for-real paid for the work) - for about 45 years off and on. I've got ~200 cabins, 1 house, dozens of refurbs, about 200 sets of bunk beds, and just in the last year or so, about 50 customer projects. So... hush up about beating yourself up. You're precise, you're patient, you're very attentive and instructive, etc. That's who you are to be teaching people. :)
I have spent my entire career in aerospace engineering. You clearly think like an engineer does. Slow, steady, methodical, never in a hurry. That is how great things are built. I bet when you were 10, you took apart something in your house to see how it worked, or to fix something that was broken. Every engineer shares this story.
I didn't do too much taking apart. But I always loved anything having to do with patterns and art. My mom thought I would grow up to be a "high end tile guy" when I was a little kid
My dad: Grandma's treasured watch
Engineers and designers share a common methodological approach to solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions. While their specializations and ultimate goals may differ, the collaboration and integration of different perspectives are essential for creating products and systems that effectively meet user needs. When I was young, I used to think that one day I would invent something, and based on my knowledge, I associated that with engineering. Years later, I discovered design. The technical aspect of design takes into account numerous methodologies that depend on the intrinsic knowledge of how it will be manufactured. From assembly lines to part breakdowns, tools, drillings, router bits, etc. Regardless of the manufacturing method, whether industrial production or handmade, during the design phase the same tools are often used, such as SolidWorks and parametric design.
when you actually make stuff, the design is foremost, engineering is secondary, but considered. An old boss once said "we ain't building bridges". I was working as a set builder/prop maker at the time.
@@karizma8175 , Well, I don't produce furniture without a technical drawing. It's not a matter of inability; it's a matter of rigor. It's about having a complete piece of furniture in every aspect: design, 3D modeling and manufacturing, which allows anyone in their respective role to understand it or produce it. This also allows for better utilization of materials, time and money management within the established workflow listed step by step, and improved budgeting. This way, you minimize errors and safeguard material parts for potential corrections in all situations marked as critical during the construction phase. Then, you start doing the opposite and create your technical drawing through reverse engineering, considering how it's made, the final product, and deconstructing joints to verify the feasibility of your sketch idea.
"you can always unsubscribe... it's legal in all 50 states"
and with that joke, you have earned my subscription.
I have to say...that one went over many people's heads.
And I'm glad.
I just love watching these videos. I have 0 tools and 0 intention of making anything, but it's like folllowing a mindfullness course. Pure relaxation and an empty mind. Thank you Chris.
OMG! Mindfulness is exactly the right concept to describe my experience watching Chris's videos
These videos and steel forging videos are my meditative videos.
yeah lol. i am not building anthing and yet here i am
I am the EXACT same way!! I love seeing the progression, and even the fixes! The simplicity of the final look hides just how complex the furniture truly is. And you most likely wouldn't realize it unless you were a high-end furniture maker yourself, or you watched this video :)
Thank you, Mr Eyes. You make my life less onerous.
I've been a hobbyist woodworker for about 30 years and I've come to realize that the only REAL reason I do it is to come to terms with the radical acceptance necessary in a world that is never perfect. It forces me to slow down, accept, and see beauty - usually even more so when things go 'wrong'. I love how you always highlight that and lean into it. Also, you are not average. Not in any sense of the word. Accept it - I'm a therapist, I know these things. :)
If you know these thing please tells what is wrong with Adam Shit and his friend Mr Fang Fang ? Pls the floors is yours !
I love the honesty and humility that you show. We always make mistakes like this. One of my favorite sayings about woodworking goes something like: "A master woodworker isn't perfect, but he's *really* good at hiding his mistakes."
I try to be good at hiding my mistakes, just as you do.
I love that fact that you are brutally honest about your F ups. It's one of the many reasons I've watched all of your content. Your work is awesome regardless of some mistakes, that you find ingenious ways to fix. I'm one of those that would notice inconsistences, though you'd never hear me say it. In my mind it would be "Wow, cool fix." Keep up the good work, I truly do love your projects.
Salute.
I appreciate that!
as a carpenter, watching that mistake inception , made my laugh to tears. I was tearing up hearing you say "I got it!" whilst I'm like "noooo don t do that" . Brilliant work mate, keep up the good work (y)
As a pro Artist, Watercolor, sculpting, ceramic… For the best look, weight is best at the bottom, also people look at art right to left. Your drawers were perfect where you ended up putting them. Amazing work.
heres a huge PRO tip for you, its not mine, i actually saw it from another youtube video, cant remember where though. Instead of buying and using black powder or dye, use CHARCOAL... I know right, mind blown, just buy some charcoal and sand it fine, filter the big chunks and voila, forget you ever stained your wood before, it has worked charms for me, hope this helps
Of all the big woodworking RUclipsrs, you are definitely in the top tier for design. One either has an elite eye for this kind of thing or he doesn't. You do. Maybe the best out there.
"The vast majority will never notice the fix, and the few that do will view it in a positive light, so it is good enough
...unless youre trying to sell it - then you're fucked."
incredible quote, I love it
And unless they are my nitpicking perfectionist aunt. But she’ll probably never see this piece of furniture. 😂
I guess it depends on the client. Cam from Blacktail Studios has a video where he shows the whole process of adding a small chunk of wood to the corner of a big table that he was building for a client. The end result was brilliant, in my opinion, and not even noticeable.
This might sound really weird, but I'm in the middle of doing my first ever stage musical and one of my scene partners asks me fairly frequently why I care about something that she seemingly finds overly mundane or otherwise unimportant. I can now say that it's because I completely agree with the idea that the details are the design. Thank you for sharing that quote. I feel a lot better about what I'm doing and why.
not only do you make beautiful furniture, you also make beautiful videos. thank you for your work
When I got a kreg pocket hole jig for my workshop some 20 years ago I thought I won the lottery. It’s the single greatest thing that I have ever bought for the shop.
They should hire you for a testimonial :)
How you fix and recover from the screw-ups is 90% of why I watch your videos. The other 10% is that you are an excellent woodworker and narrator.
Chris, there is nothing boring about you, your work or the videos, that is why I return here for every video you put out. Thank you for the candid information, for the wise input and for being transparent in your efforts to design and complete each masterpiece. We all make mistakes, we just don't all 'fess up to them. Each perceived mistake is an opportunity for improv and improvement. - Thank you - Jack
You sell your self short - you are anything but an “average” woodworker. I love your creativity, your presentation and honesty. Look forward to the next one.
I appreciate that...but we'll have to agree to disagree :P
Honestly, re the imposter syndrome section, I think it's actually really valuable for tutorial purposes to be talking about where you mess up, because you know how to recover from that; other people are going to make big errors too, and learning how to correct that is pretty huge!
So ironic seeing this pop up today after a trip to my hardwood supplier and speaking with a master craftsman who showed me how he made a dining table using the same technique of pattern routing and joining different slabs. Beautiful work.
i actually really like seeing your mistakes, i honestly think it makes you more than an average woodworker :)
both because of the old "what not to do" but also mistakes and narration like you give are useful to learning how this all works because we get to see your thought process, how the mistakes happen, and either how to correct them, or when, like with the live edge direction screw up, the mistake means just making a new part the right way. i like seeing how people learn from themselves, because i learn from people learning. it's more, visible and tangible if that makes sense, and i always feel like i learn more like that. seeing small fixes in the finished product, only because you know the fix is there, shows how it's done right and you give me a lot of ideas for making the things i want to make, even if i never sell them or want to start a business, because i simply enjoy concepting and saving things to make for myself in the future
I appreciate that. It's funny because 90% of the mistakes seem to be situations where you know what to do, and 99% of the time you do it right...it's just this time you didn't. Like cutting the shelf short. It's actually pretty rare that mistakes like the stained end grain come about...where, I literally didn't know I was making a mistake until the dust settled. I really like including those in the videos as notes to myself for the future. I figure if I edit an entire chunk of video about that...I'm (hopefully) more likely to think about it next time.
Dude, I could ramble for several lines of comment about all the awesome here, etc. I won't, and just say: Awesome build, awesome design, exceptional patch.
Someone below pointed out what made me literally shout - a finish container that will preserve the product. I could use all the thousands of swear words I know and have invented in a totally positive way to express my joy at hearing that, but this is YT, and a family-oriented channel... and you love your family.
Well presented. Like a real good talk in front of a crowd. Like a TED talk.
Meant as a compliment.
Thanks...I'll take it as such
To me, if it is wood it can't be boring. I love this 'boring' design. Simplicity brings out your craftmanship. Good luck with your "secret sauce."
Chris, all your projects turn out great. Everyone has little oops now and again and the true mark of a professional is knowing how to fix them. the epoxy bleed would never get noticed by anyone but you. So the fact that you took the time to make it better just shows your high level work ethic and professional quality standards. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming.
Chris. Not boring at all. Lovely piece. I'd go as far as saying that it's one of my favourites that you've done. Maybe because you've used a bunch of techniques that "normal people" could do but bought them all together in a lovely end product. There's no part of that build I thought "omg. I could never do that in my small shop". Really great. I also laughed at the olive garden thing... Genius.
The graphics/images in this video are spot on and add a lot to the final product
I can't agree more! What an incredible amount of time and energy that was put into editing this video. I am so impressed, and all to be able to explain all this to us. Thank you so much!!👍
It's funny hearing the thoughts of more experienced woodworkers as someone who has only done a couple of self-driven projects. Your strengths are that you think long and hard, you consider your options, and then you chose the ones that you think get you closest to the product you had in your head and on the page. At the end of the day, the way the cookie crumbles comes down to how you approach the problems, not how many times you had them. Keep on rolling along down the hills and when you reach the bottom you'll find yourself and your family surrounded by your failures, each one more polished pieces than the last. Learning is always valuable.
I think your designs & craftsmanship are excellent. I watch all your videos start to finish. To hell with the critics...
As I told your friend Shawn, I love you showing the honest mistakes and how you fixed them. It makes me less critical of myself when I make mistakes. So I guess you're a therapist. Keep on making. You're an inspiration.
Your videos are great, but I think the best thing is how you expose your mistakes and the way you solve them. Thank you!
Using the slabs in this way makes it easy to achieve what you are looking for aesthetically and you can double the yield of your most expensive components. Good on you, it is NEVER a waste of money to use the material that gives you the confidence to deliver on your design
IMHO the mistakes and how you decide to fix them is one of my favorite parts of your videos, it shows some vulnerability and we learn how to come up with creative solutions. win-win
Anything that pushes you out of your comfort zone is, for me, worth doing. Research and planning require patience, so I think you are right. I am a mechanical engineer and was the guy that had to travel all over the place to modify, repair and even used as a consultant. I think your table is beautiful, thank you 👍
I get it! Thanks for sharing the adventure. I think we share design ideology so every time I see a work of yours that I haven't previously seen, there is a voice in my head that says, "Exactly! Why wouldn't it be this way?" Keep on keeping on!
Your “fixes” were super cool - It’s good that you show your mistakes because EVERYBODY makes them…it’s how you deal with them is the key!
An average woodworker produces an average design, but a good woodworker produces a good design because the design process is directly related to one's abilities and understanding of the wood and the tools. You are not an average designer so, therefore, you are not an average woodworker. Thank you for a great video, and the candor to admit your mistakes and how to rectify them.
I do like the thought that experience is not making less mistakes but getting better at fixing them.
You really FORKed up that piece!
good one :)
I had a shop teacher who once said “the sign of a great craftsman is that they can hide their mistakes and still build a great product”. I like to think I’m a great craftsman, as I make at least one mistake on every project. :). I love your thinking, and your approach to design and woodworking.
Oh my God, the " hand stuff under the plaid table cloth" had me dying.
I personally love that you show your mistakes to humble yourself and all of us that we can make mistakes no matter how good we are but a true craftsman can always adapt to the mistakes.
Beautiful piece of furniture! Simple clean lines with awesome details. Thanks for the video...
I've heard it said that one of the reasons in-person woodworking classes are more useful than watching videos is that through the process of the class there will be lots of mistakes made, and then everyone gets to learn from the teacher showing how to fix those mistakes.
I think that means that as a RUclips woodworker, you need to make more than the usual number of mistakes to make up for not having live students,
(Seriously, though, thank you for sharing the mistakes, and the mistakes-upon-mistakes, and the fixes.)
Dude I felt that double mistake in my SOUL… taking a measurement and confidently cutting that measurement, only to be an inch short is so relatable. Just did something similar to that the other day with some door stiles (styles?)
Thanks for sharing the mistakes man, I appreciate seeing the imperfections and alterations that go into others’ projects!!!
ALWAYS Chisel Away from yourself. That’s MY tip to everyone (ask me how I know)
How do you know?
Seen some fairly scary near misses with people chiseling towards themselves. I've also heard some pretty horrifying stories too.
This is the first video I've watched from you. I really like your willingness to talk about mistakes and what they mean. I've never had the income to allow for the use of a CNC for any of my woodworking, so I have some solutions that came from necessity. In the future, if you want to mary 2 pieces of wood together, stack the 2 on top of each other and cut the pattern out with a band saw. You end up with 2 mirrored surfaces, you can use for the same project or different ones, but you know they'll match up exactly when you're done. Happy wood working!
I’m gonna give you a list of alternative ways to start a sentence than “ok” one of these days 😢.
I've also got "so" and "alright" in my back pocket.
My guy... that end grain fix was phenomenal. The probability that you'd be able to find an even better match than that is next to nothing. Awesome job!
This isn't meant to be a direct accusation, but how many "live edge with epoxy" projects are YT makers going to put out? They're EVERYWHERE and getting rather tired TBH.
There are a lot...but that's like saying there are a lot of builds using just a board.
When I use slabs, I think I do a good job of being creative and original with my designs. It' snot like I'm just dumping epoxy in a slab and slapping on some hairpin legs every month.
Yeah... It's some boring stuff. "We built a form. We got it this time,not gonna be any leaks. Oh no we have leak! Now watch me plane sand and sand and buff the epoxy for ten minutes of the video." Much rather see smaller non epoxy based projects. Four eyes does a better job than most, but after the "we're making epoxy slab videos deal with it" video I definitely started watching the channel significantly less. I watched this whole one though cause it was great!
I don’t really care about the product I like this channel’s video format, and the pieces look cool.
I'm not bored with them. It's subjective but, if you don't like them, then move on somewhere else.
Haha, 20 years from now these will all be in the thrift stores. Not yours, Chris….um everyone else’s. I like the quality of your videos. I’d rather see different furniture made, but I still like the videos.
I’ve been building Homes and things to go in them for 43 years and you do an awesome job my friend keep it up
I love how you explain your idea as you create a piece of functional art, it really brings it to life. Thank you.
Hi Chris, the playfulness between your beautiful wife Delores ( I hope I spelt her name right ) and you with the leaf blower proves that you LOVE your family and your also a great teacher, I personally have learnt quite a lot in doing my woodworking Thank You. Love your channel.
Dolores...and I do love them...and I appreciate the kind words :)
Your videos are always both visually and intellectually interesting. I really appreciate that you take the time to share your processes!
Imperfections and fixes make unique and beautiful pieces. I would call you a true designer and craftsman.
Love you Keep repeating that you love your family and it’s nice to see Dolores and your videos.
Love how you kept it real and admitted the mistakes made along the way and most importantly how you fixed them. Truly inspirational
What I love about this is showing mistakes and solutions. We all make mistakes and need our brains full of solutions!
That fix was almost flawless, I'm amazed!
It's tremendously reassuring to know that a professional with years of experience still makes the same measuring/cutting mistakes I make as a student. In my woodworking classes and during my internships in woodshops I've been surrounded by people who don't make these specific mistakes, or very rarely, and I've been feeling down as my final year nears its end because I felt like I didn't have "the brain" for the craft. Genuinely thought I was an idiot at times. I'm constantly cutting things too short and if I don't plan out every single step the whole project's a mess, same as you. Watching you f*ck up the exact same way I know I would has comforted me so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video.
This was wonderful. I’m an artist, I paint with oil. Everything I do is contained within your projects. I concentrate for hours at a time. It takes a lot of effort and plenty of mistakes along the way. The closest I come to woodworking if finishing touches on a wood panel or assembling a new easel. I love your videos because of your depth of attention and devotion to your craft/art.❤
This is an amazing piece of art in wood. On the question of pocket screws. I see it this way. If you said to a cabinet maker 200 years ago, I have a great new product called pockets screws. I think they would jump at the chance to use them. Fine furniture is not about what methods you use, its like a good recipe at a restaurant. Get the ingredients and add your design guidelines, spices , flavor and make something that is extraordinary. My mantra is work smarter not harder, and I love your honesty. One wood, if you can get some, that has so much character, is Jarrah from Australia.
Thanks for another great episode Chris. Your brutal honesty and humour are second to none. Good luck with the Secret Finish. Looking forward to seeing the end product.
I enjoy your videos… know nothing about woodworking, not interested in doing woodworking myself… by i find it soothing to listen to you… especially that it easy to understand your thoughts, what your doing… and explanation… i am watching the videos to relax after work
That endgrain fix was beautiful.
ngl that one is probably your best piece in a while. I like how subtle it is and I love the flow.
I so appreciate the willingness to fix the small details that bug you. Nicely done sir. Looking forward to the new finish...though Im still rocking some Simple Finish of yours but will be very curious to see the next generation of what you make. I get the nature of being particular about finishes which is why I tired yours in the first place. Im on the list, thanks for the work you're putting out there. Its encouraging, educational, and very cool work.
So, I am a new newcomer to your videos but I have to declare, "been there, done that"...as you succinctly deliver, mistakes happen and how you overcome them makes you a better craftsman. I'm a fan going forward!
Appreciate it...and couldn't agree more
Chris, you're not a fraud, that's your learning and doing process. I asked the question of Charles Neil about types of wood in the build and he told me the value of the piece increases using the same labor by using more interesting wood! I taught anger management and I was my best pupil. Finally realized the accidents in my work are my next steps in design. Like cutting the bottom of a precious wood heritage box I was making for a patron. Turned out better after I calmed myself and engaged brain. "Murphy Design!" The last thing about your "Fix!" Damn you're good!" Other people will see the finished piece through their eyes and I've had this many times. Thanks for discussing your process in creating.
Your philosophy on asking for subscribers is nothing short of genius! I completely agree with this point and definitely got my 2 thumbs up my friend.
I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for showing how you fix your screwups. I usually just get another piece of wood and start over, but I like your way much better. Thanks.
Secret finish… pumped to hear more about it!
This, and almost every one of your videos are some of my favorites to watch and learn from. Your meticulously crafted designs are a joy to behold. Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely guilty of pointing out all my mistakes to the people who see them. They shouldn’t, but they do become my focal points. My favorite thing to say is - “that’s a rookie mistake, and I’ll never make that mistake again, ever.” I always try and fix them, but that stain bleed was an incredible solution.
...oh and another thing. I concur that your plans are the best out there. As an owner of several plans and builder of the piece for which those plans were developed, I can say that they are the best ones I have ever used. No cap. ;)
I'm restoring an antique Japanese Tansu chest... and have come across several patches by its maker to cover wood knots. He shaved wood from the bottom (underneath case) into paper thin pieces of "veneer" (but literally tissue-paper-thin), and covered every knot, aligning grain as best as they could. I couldn't even SEE these patches - none of them - until I began the project by cleaning the grime off of it with a damp cloth. The patches were so fragile, they just slid off (likely hide glue just dissolved once I got the surface wet). Watching you patch the wood where the epoxy stained into the adjoining piece - I can't help but wonder if a very very thin veneer-like repair would also have worked? Only curious - and thinking out loud. The patches on my tansu have lasted since about 1930. With today's tech - they probably would have remained, and without me even knowing they were there (still). Just food for thought.
Thank you for showing solutions to mistakes. seeing workarounds is extremely important for learning
I have enjoyed all of your videos. And I love your mindset.
For your viewers that feel you need to explain why you do anything. They need to get over it if you're doing. What you see in your head and it makes you happy. That's it
Wow, I’ve been in the Wood rookie business for 27 years and your design philosophy or spot on
And how beautiful it is! Thank you for sharing your work with us all.
The humor and edit on this one was soo good! I love your sense of humor
What I love is all these people revitalize furniture craft!! Many channels. Many makers
I don't know if anyone has said this, but I kinda wish you had like a big spinning pedestal, or 360 camera track, so we could basically get a full 360 spin of final pieces. I feel like the final finished shots always go by so quickly, and that something like a 360 spin (or a slow spin around + a couple fast spins?) would extend that satisfying reveal, instead of me pausing, and rewinding 10 seconds to check something.
I haven't gotten around to watching this video yet but every time it pops up on my feed it has a different title.
Ahhhh, this was sooo good! I know I've made a similar comment on a previous video of yours, but you're such a standout creator! I'm not even a woodworker, just a woman who stumbled upon one of your videos when searching for I don't even remember what, and I watched it start to finish and subscribed. I LOVE everything about your channel. You have so much going on: your craftsmanship, which is really interesting and relaxing to watch; your sense of humour (whodathunkit, furniture-making with lots of laughs along the way?!), your videography; and, of course, your design aesthetic. Sublime stuff. If I didn't already have a gazillion things on my list that I want to learn before I die, I'd be looking out for a woodworking workshop to rent! Thank you for the good vibes you put out into the world x
I love the understated drawer pulls, this whole piece was great.
Absolutely beautiful work Chris it looks amazing. And thanks for sharing your mistakes and how you fix them as a new woodworker I truly appreciate this.
You are absolutely above average at creative design. This is another example. Great idea and execution.
Loved the 3 "details". As a previous design technology teacher, one of the most important skills a teacher needed was being able to fix student mistakes! 😃
Beautiful piece. Great fixes. Measure twice and cut once.
Man, I’m frustrated that we’re live in different countries. I watch your videos and wanna learn from you. Masterpieces one by one. Bravo 👏
I always loved your designs. But they have always hated how long the videos were however I still revisit all of those types every now and again. Great tips overall. Awesome design. This is suited for a longer video, others weren’t. And ty for sharing with this as now my mind is spinning on how I can make a personal project of mine that I couldn’t quite figure out due to cost. Pretty awesome. Ty
Thanks Chris, for me this is a more accessible project for my skill level, so I feel it's a greater practical service than your other videos, where it's just awe and enjoyment :)
I think I started woodworking at the same age as you, Chris, but I’m a lot older than you, so 30+ years all told. I’m already a subscriber to your channel (and a few other woodworking channels), but this is the single best woodworking video I have ever seen, not because of the featured piece, but because of your awesome walkthrough of your process of design, making, and especially error corrections. Outstanding, couldn’t disagree with a single thing you said.
Wow...thank you. Really appreciate that.
I was 28 or 29 when I first got interested...and I'm 43 now...so that puts you at 58+ years old?
That's a beautiful secret finish on a beautiful piece.
Awesome! I just did something similar with a bedside table.
An engineer or an artist. No one is both and some people are neither.
You sir, are an engineer. And thats why you have so many files and can't wing it. Your work is beautiful.
I like the look of this one. Simple but elegant.