I know I'm typically my worst critic as well, but honestly, I think the piece came out great! I respect the hell out of the fact that you wouldn't let it leave your shop without your final stamp of approval. That takes integrity. Either way, there is something to be said about learning from your "mistakes."
I agree with you completely! However I do feel that he is being way too hard on himself. It did turn out great and I am sure the client would have been thrilled with it. Yes a few changes could be made on the "next one" but overall great job! I am also picky on my projects but you have to be realistic that your client will not be as nick picky as you are
This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection ruclips.net/user/postUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.
The whole time I was watching this, I was thinking this is the most beautiful console table I've seen, then you go and call it a failure. Made me love it even more.
I appreciate the humility as well as the transparency. Other makers sometimes forget to address process and purpose altogether, so it's really nice when someone puts it front and center (and does it well).
At the risk of sounding sharper than I intend. I am very glad you ended the video how you did. I don't think saying "Fine furniture" is as subjective as some would like to make it. I know this has been an argument that has raged on for some time now. But if I (and most of the people, clients, family etc that I've encountered) was walking through a high-end furniture store (I often do, monthly for sure, if not weekly) and say a piece of furniture that was plywood, screwed, and nailed, with metal hardware, I could not, would not call that Fine. This is not to say I would not want in in my house, as mostly what I build is similar in the construction process, and I would also like to remind you, by far, bar none, you are my favourite woodworking content creator. You blow everyone away (in my subjective opinion) by a long shot. With that said, I actually LOVED this design, I wish it worked out. It's beautiful. Even more, I loved the video, and how it turned out, please keep sharing "failures" it was awesome content. And while my comment may seem nit-picky and generate some contention, I value accuracy in the community, something I think has been lost in recent years. By my metric what you guys are doing (content creators ) is more important than the high-end makers. You are keeping the craft alive, not only in the eyes of the would-be craftsmen but also the potential consumer. I hope this is received respectfully. Again, Chris, keep up the amazing work. It is an absolute shame that I am not supporting your channel, and I promise I will as soon as I recover from this new home.
Hey man...I think everything you said makes sense. I guess I would call what I make more "medium level pieces" I guess if I had to break it down by price for something like this, a media console. You'd have your cheap stuff that's a couple hundred bucks. Your medium stuff thats up to a few thousand bucks...and then fine furniture. That aside, I really appreciate the rest of what you said - and you'll be happy to know that this piece isn't going to waste. I'm planning to put out a video next month titled "redemption" where I'm going to turn this piece into a media console for my parents. I actually just finished building it today, and I'm pretty happy with the outcome!
I would call it more functional furniture, or real furniture, or just furniture. I mean I guess in the age of Ikea's owning the world perspective we would be tempted to call this mid-level, but I don't think that does you justice either, perhaps the problem is we have gotten lost altogether and I am fighting a battle that has long since been over lol Woodworkers do encounter problems and need to make changes to fix said problems, I cannot wait to see the video, and I bet your parents are going to be happy campers.
Right on, man! Thanks for the shoutout! The base (and the entire piece) looks awesome, too. Juggling custom work with making videos is a tough one, I can't imagine having kids and a full-time job, as well.
I would definitely not call this a failure. Fantastic job. Keep challenging yourself and learning. A quote from Tomas Edison when he was making the light bulb and failed 100 times before he got it right. "I did not fail 100 times to make a light bulb, I learned 100 times how not to make a light bulb"
As an academic designer, this is what I need to say: Your aesthetic design is subjectively great, and judging from the comment section almost universal. Don’t doubt the outcome of your design by yourself, let others judge it. The old Queen number “The show must go on” suggests the same thing; If you tell the audience things went to crap and tear it down yourself, people will notice, and not a moment before. Present it, take notice and then evaluate on the design! Self-improvement are meant for backstage frustrations.
Okay... Chris!!! A failure? This is, hands down, the coolest and most baller piece you've made so far. I literally search the Googles everyday for things like: "interesting furniture design... midcentury modern that's not derivative meatloaf... unique furniture designs..." and all I find are pages and pages of IKEA rejects, pinterest'y hair-pin leg barf, and splayed leg knock-offs. This piece is genuinely unique. I carefully watched this whole video three times, because I really wanted to try to zero in on exactly what you are talking about in all the places where you say, "This part was a mistake..." etc etc. and, I'm sorry Bud... no idea what you're talking about. I mean... I understand the words you say, and I see what you mean when you say them... but... do you really... honestly... even... kinda think that [INSERT MASTER ARTIST NAME] actually ever had even ONE of his/her pieces turn out as a simple slice of perfection heaven??? Shit no! If Michelangelo were alive and standing in Florence looking at David... he fucking knows that David's head is eeeeaassily 1/8 of an inch (sorry... 3.175 mm) larger than he meant for it to be, and the pubes? The pubes.... are ALL wrong! (I could have told you that.) I do get where you are coming from when you say that your RUclips content, and the life you are building for yourself there (conferences, maker fairs, comments like these). And I do have to say... I have a degree in film and video production, and have made my living in exactly what you do... and your videos ,starting with that video of that damn c-shaped glass-top coffee table with the open tuned-guitar, and the Wonder Years voice over that all got me all sucked into your channel, have done nothing but gotten better, and better, and better. The "let' take a walk" bit, and the slow in-push next to the DeWalt drill... top of your game sir! But as far as the whole "this was a failure, because..." bit... Nope. What happened was... You got your ass kicked! You are a perfectionist. This was a challenge for you. It took a long time. It was more about the design challenges and woodworking craft, and less about the 'Boom! on-to-the-next-one!' that is absolutely becoming what RUclips woodworking is moving towards. Don't be the boy that takes his ball and goes home, because shit got hard. I mean... keep doing what you're doing. But... failure...? That kind of a prick thing to say, considering that if THIS, work of bloody art, is your failure...? Get what I mean?
Chris is AMAZING! If you don't like everything this guy does it's a YOU problem. Delivery, presentation & details are all top notch. I'm a Fitness Trainer who wishes he had 1/5 of the skills you have with your craft.
First, the piece is lovely. I don't do commission work. I build things and if people want them I figure out a price and sell it. At one of the earlier woodworking shows one of the instructors said, "never point out mistakes, you are usually the only one that see them." Keep up the great work and design.
WHen you hit pause @11:58 I looked down at my keyboard thinking I did something, lol. Great video. When makers put out stuff that they may think isn't perfect or has mistakes it helps us all become better. Great job!
As a maker you will always see things at the end result that no one else will see. We tend to call these mistakes but in reality it is usually just something that did not meet our own expectations of the outcome. Another beautiful creation as well as a worthwhile content upload. Thank you for sharing your time and experience with us.
Reminds me of the quote- "Great art isn't finished, it's abandoned". I feel, at the end of every project, that I've taken this as far as I can but it isn't as good as I had hoped. Thanks for the honesty!
I know you say you failed in your video.... but let's say that's a technicality. The peice is still stunning, I love the doors and ideas for the handles/pulls on them. Being a beginner to this I love the projects and the content that you and so make people in this community are producing. Your message especially is one that I think needs to be heard by more and more people.
What a humble person you are ... WOW! learnt so much from your perspective and honesty ... You are one hell of a great person that should be proud of yourself. God Bless
Great work Chris. The greatest thing I've found about woodworking is that even in failure during a project every piece stands as a trophy or reminder for those mistakes. Which in that sense failure makes a beautiful piece of work that you should be proud of. Keep up the good work!
Wow! What a gorgeous piece! One day I hope my failures look this good! Is it just me but when I see there is a new FourEyes video I'm like "YES" but don't watch immdiately! I wait until I know I won't be disturbed, my a tea, maybe a Pop Tart or two and then sit down and watch! Love the videos Chris. Can't wait for the next one but no pressure :)
The only thing I get from this video is that if my failures look as good as yours I wouldn’t mind a little...Great work man. Failing is part of us and helps us grow and be better...It makes us humans...Keep up with the great things you doing...Thanks for the content...
Kudos to you for including your honest appraisal of your work but note that, whilst the design and final result had their flaws, you were receptive enough to see the valuable insights that the process offered - a true failure can only be achieved if the lessons are completely ignored. You have also shared these insights with us so that we can all benefit from your experiences and, hopefully, avoid heartache by taking heed. Your humility is quite humbling to witness so thank you for being candid 😀
When I went to joinery college 25 years ago, we weren't allowed to use one scrap of sand paper (or power tools for that matter). I used to curse the hours spent hand planing, sight stick /square checking, rejected joints and in general the redoing of work that had taken me hours to complete. Hell, we even had to plane off pencil marks! How I longed to just use power tools like I was using doing site carpentry during my day job... oh to use a belt sander or a bench saw. But 2 years of suffering paid off. You can't beat a hand planed finish for shine. Hand cutting and chiselling joints avoids all break outs and allows for some pretty complicated jointing techniques. However, I'm no Luddite, and use power tools all the time depending on the project and admire your drive for perfection. I just wanted to suggest that my Teachers may be correct in their insistence that perfection only comes when you master your hand skills and train your eye. They also started the first lesson by stating " You lot know F#&K all"... hard but fair though, hard but fair. Keep up the good work and the learning journey.
I think the project turned out great. I know, we are our worst critics at times. Thanks for building this piece. Mid-century furniture is still great looking, even today.
Chris I know you weren’t very happy with the piece and I understand that but I wanted you to know it’s a beautiful piece and honestly I think anyone would love to have it in their home. Thank you for continuing to share your journey in woodworking and beautiful designs. It continues to motivate and entertain me buddy. Thank you.
Speaking as architect and furniture lover...the legs alone make me love it. The drawer front concept is beautiful. I give it a pass, that is, an A, not a fail.
as a wood worker myself. I love your video! its so true that if there is something not quite right about the piece its hard to justify selling it to a client. definitely not a failure, so many lessons learned and to be honest it really did turn out beautiful. you are an amazing wood worker. I hope some day to have skills like you.
Absolutely love the combo of your narration, nylon guitar, clean visuals, and obviously beautiful woodwork. I've never supported a Patreon before, but I think you are going to be my first.
Love, love, love the angled "grabs." Daring choice (which really works) to feature that knot so well. One of my favorite pieces of yours. Thanks for giving me some joy and inspiration this evening!
This is the first video I have seen of yours, and I've never felt so calm and relaxed from a woodworking video. I could fall asleep to it. But honestly that cabinet is amazing. Love the wood choice and finish really makes it pop. Defiantly subscribing!
Obviously, you are a perfectionist, you love what you do and you're humble enough to see and admit your mistakes. in my beginer eyes, you did a really good job and the result is pretty amazing, and there's no failure as long as we learn. but as a perfectionnist myself i understand what you mean as i'm never fully satisfied with my designs. i have been very interested in designing and building furniture lately but not sure where to start. I've never done it before but I have an artistic spirit and I feel very inspired by this type of videos lately. so I'm looking for some tips to finally get started. Keep it up, you'll be the very first one i follow on youtube or anywhere...not even sure how it works.lol
I remember a time I was so self-critical of my work. I’m still picky. I’ve just learned, or at least I think I have, to be more appreciative of my work. A friend of mine who worked for The Metropolitan Museum of Art told me it was a custom of Chinese artist to intentionally include an imperfection in their work. I don’t recall the reason, but that thought has stuck with me with whatever I do. It’s funny to look at my work months later and am pleased to say. What I would have cited as perfect wasn’t at all. Still, I go for 100%. With that, I found your video very calming, and am very impressed with your work and design. Your work is excellent and I would imagine a true inspiration to other designers/furniture builders. Lastly, thank you for accompanying your video with soothing music. I can greatly do without head banging music that accompanies too many videos. Get my attention with content. Not with music that makes my ear drums bleed.
Beautiful piece as always Chris. I understand the not being super proud about the fit and finish but (at least to me) its often times the small imperfections that make pieces like this truly beautiful. It really makes them feel human to me, like they actually were hand made by a real life human. None of us are perfect. Details of the build aside, this video/content is one of, if not the, best one yet. I learned something about building, design, and planning. Along with some mentality of building and perfectionism. Your camera work and editing skills were stellar as always. I especially like the close-ups of the flush trimming and jointery cutting. Thanks for the awesome video!
I've heard that the Japanese have a custom of repairing a broken work of porcelain with gold. In doing so they're trying to show that in the most glaring imperfection there is beauty, and in the greatest beauty there is imperfection. I think they'd get what you're saying here.
Chris, it looks good and it does what it's meant to. That being said: ROUTING TIP! Don't try to take the whole width in one pass. Use your template to cut 1/2"-3/4" of an in deep, take off the template and make more shallow cuts until you're to thickness. You can always sand it later to get out any minor lines.
Really enjoyed the commentary and how you thought this was a failure. However, it made you realize something about yourself and what you want going forward, so it is really a success.
i was listening to the modern maker podcast today and Chris i think your being too hard on yourself it looks amazing. i know when you work on something that you can nit pick all the bad points but its still good work. if you thought it was only 92% finished you should of just gave the guy a 8% discount.. stay awesome :)
Failure is how to grow. It's awesome you recognize that, are hard on yourself and take pride in your work. It's a great characteristic to have if you want to be the best you can be. I thought this piece turned out great by the way! Cheers and thank you for all the great content!
Brilliant content. He who has never failed shall never grow. I guess the trick is knowing when to get back on the horse and when to take the bike. Weird analogy, but yeah. Kudos!
Best looking failure I have ever seen! Honestly I don't see where the failure is. Beautiful piece and excellent video! Oh and a learning experience is never a failure unless you don't do anything with the knowledge you gain from it.
Chris, I think you're a great woodworker with tons of talent. I respect the fact that you didn't let something you felt wasn't up to your standards leave the shop, but if I may speak freely with opinion, I'd buy this project in a heartbeat. It's beautiful! I know what you feel though... we are too hard on ourselves as creators... Personally, it would have been so cool if you mitered the edges of the edge banding to match the angles of some of the drawer handles. This is sick and between you and Shaun Boyd, I am going to make so many templates!!
Your insights into your own thought process at what wins and failures are, are great. Validating for the rest of us, or at least me who will spend so much time just staring at a project, caught by indecision or questions. This is a really lovely design regardless.
I would rather watch you make awesome stuff like this every 2 weeks than stsrt making lower end furniture. Your designs are fantastic and for me thats what sets your channel apart from the others. Modern fine future over modern 2x4 furniture (no offence to your pofcast mates) but you gotta support that family. Anyways great looking piece
Watching the video it's easy to say that you're being to hard on yourself. It turned out really nice. (As seen on my computer screen....) But, being someone who's built a few pieces myself, I totally get it, because I've been there, where other love it but you feel like you failed. That said, what most impressed me was/is your humility and integrity. Admitting your mistakes and faults in such a public way takes courage. It garners a lot of respect as well though, and you have mine. Cheers!
Completely agree with you regarding the amount of glue, regardless of whether your using veneered or solid wood. Cleaning and sanding squeeze out is no small job, especially on cabinets with multiple compartments.
I love the design. I very much appreciate hearing your 'issues' within the process but it's a great looking piece of work, never the less. Cheers for sharing.
From this perspective, your project turned out amazing ! Really enjoy the dialog of your thought process, adds a tremendous amount to your videos which are always very good. I am on a constant lookout for your videos. Thanks for posting
Love it Chris, I normally leave the longer videos until "I get time to watch them" but this one really hooked me! Great insight into the ups and downs at the end, interesting hearing you guys talk in through on the podcast too. Great video and great project, thank you!!
I do not see what you failed at. I think the result catches the eye and looks pleasing to the eye. Unless it wobbles or the drawers catch then it should be good to go. Seriously, were you perhaps just letting the perfectionist side of yourself get the better of you? Love the stuff that you do, keep the show going!
Seriously one of my favorite pieces I’ve seeing you build yet.... then again your next piece might have this same comment. I currently live in an Eichler and can imagine your art all around my house. Thanks for being an inspiration to fine wood working.
Chris, this was the first video of yours that I watched. As usual, I was in awe at the quality of the wood and tools available to US woodworkers! I'm sorry the piece didn't work out quite a well as you intended; you invested a lot of time and effort into the build. I was surprised at your comment that you were happy to prioritise content creation over quality output; I would say as a avid RUclips'er what I want to see if quality AND how you get there. Your being honest enough to share your failure is great, but I think you should priority quality over content creation. Just my opinion. :-)
I guess when it comes to "content creation" high end might need to take a back seat. For my purposes (I started selling my furniture and my local market is demanding a higher price point/ higher quality product) I'm having a hard time finding youtube videos that explain how to build a higher quality product. For example, techniques, proper material, etc. I appreciate you tackling a project like this for your audience.
Hey Chris, love your videos and love your designs. Brings alot of satisfaction and motivation to myself and others and i really appreciate the effort you put into helping the woodworking community with your videos. I have a suggestion for the way you cut the recesses in the drawer/door faces. I would have cut the initial angle to your line using the track saw, followed by a few cuts leading away from the edge of the face until you are able to get the blade back to 90 degrees. Id then cut the very edges with the track saw to prevent tear out on the edges in the following step. Finally use a plunge router set to the right depth with a large “levelling” bit, roughly 40mm in diameter (if you have one. A regular 19mm or so will do, but it would take longer and burn easier. You can get levelling bits from a supplier in the states called 12V tools) id router all the way up to a few mm away from your original cut starting and working back from the furthest corner so your router always has support. maybe set up an auxillery fence to the base of the router to protect the initial edge cut (front edge of finger groove). The little grooves left by the original cuts can be flawlessly cleaned up with a razor sharp chisel (look up or in invest in wetstones at carbatec if you havent already). Once all that is done a light sand to buff up the face of recess would go nicely Hopefully that makes sense. It sounds like a lot but using the plunge router properly would halve the time spent making all those repeated cuts on the table saw, setting up jigs and sanding/planing out the little grooves on each board. Its just a suggestion to try and help you save time. You do an incredible job regardless. Thanks again! Luke
I gave you the like on this video when I saw the zooming time lapse shot @14:30. great production value on these videos and damn am i envious of that furniture.
My name is Jerry And I am into wood work just as much as you are, I think you do a fantastic job specially on that on this table and you also do a good job explaining everything in detail, keep up the good work man, I have learned a good bit from you
i do not comment much (partially because my english sucks). But this time I could not leave the opportunity "hanging". I personally love this peace of furniture. like we say in the city Gent, in Belgium, (dialect) "Vrie schuune" or translated it is, for me, very beautiful. BTW thanks for de vid's, I learn a lot from them.
Despite you may called it a failure or whatever you wanna call it ; I find it interesting how take your time to make this project. Keep pressing on bro ! I myself like to crate things as well and as always no pressure!
Chris, your self-enlightenment and sharing it with us always makes your videos a positive experience. Your work is honest, well thought out and indicative of your mastery. Thank you... Just my thoughts.... Oh, and I think I would have liked it better if you would have done the same idea on the "handles" but each vertical and matching the drawer below. If I knew how to do Sketch-up I'd draw it out... Thanks Again...
Another awesome design/project - Thanks Chris! I (and many others) have found that using a larger diameter pattern bit is less terrifying. With a larger bit you can slow the speed a bit and there's less tendency to grab and throw the part/your hands. Another option is using a shorter pattern bit to route part of the depth and then come back for another pass using the recently routed surface as the new pattern for the guide bearing. Hopefully we will all keep "failing" and learning so as to keep getting better and smarter.
I know I'm typically my worst critic as well, but honestly, I think the piece came out great! I respect the hell out of the fact that you wouldn't let it leave your shop without your final stamp of approval. That takes integrity. Either way, there is something to be said about learning from your "mistakes."
I agree with you completely! However I do feel that he is being way too hard on himself. It did turn out great and I am sure the client would have been thrilled with it. Yes a few changes could be made on the "next one" but overall great job! I am also picky on my projects but you have to be realistic that your client will not be as nick picky as you are
@William I found this website online that will give you a ton of woodworking plans: WoodFix.xyz
Let me know what you think of it.
Genius
Boa noite mansa seu projeto pra mim
This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection ruclips.net/user/postUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.
The whole time I was watching this, I was thinking this is the most beautiful console table I've seen, then you go and call it a failure. Made me love it even more.
haha...thanks man. Love it for all it's flaws :)
Exactly,
I appreciate the humility as well as the transparency. Other makers sometimes forget to address process and purpose altogether, so it's really nice when someone puts it front and center (and does it well).
At the risk of sounding sharper than I intend. I am very glad you ended the video how you did. I don't think saying "Fine furniture" is as subjective as some would like to make it. I know this has been an argument that has raged on for some time now. But if I (and most of the people, clients, family etc that I've encountered) was walking through a high-end furniture store (I often do, monthly for sure, if not weekly) and say a piece of furniture that was plywood, screwed, and nailed, with metal hardware, I could not, would not call that Fine. This is not to say I would not want in in my house, as mostly what I build is similar in the construction process, and I would also like to remind you, by far, bar none, you are my favourite woodworking content creator. You blow everyone away (in my subjective opinion) by a long shot. With that said, I actually LOVED this design, I wish it worked out. It's beautiful. Even more, I loved the video, and how it turned out, please keep sharing "failures" it was awesome content. And while my comment may seem nit-picky and generate some contention, I value accuracy in the community, something I think has been lost in recent years. By my metric what you guys are doing (content creators ) is more important than the high-end makers. You are keeping the craft alive, not only in the eyes of the would-be craftsmen but also the potential consumer. I hope this is received respectfully. Again, Chris, keep up the amazing work. It is an absolute shame that I am not supporting your channel, and I promise I will as soon as I recover from this new home.
Hey man...I think everything you said makes sense. I guess I would call what I make more "medium level pieces" I guess if I had to break it down by price for something like this, a media console. You'd have your cheap stuff that's a couple hundred bucks. Your medium stuff thats up to a few thousand bucks...and then fine furniture. That aside, I really appreciate the rest of what you said - and you'll be happy to know that this piece isn't going to waste. I'm planning to put out a video next month titled "redemption" where I'm going to turn this piece into a media console for my parents. I actually just finished building it today, and I'm pretty happy with the outcome!
I would call it more functional furniture, or real furniture, or just furniture. I mean I guess in the age of Ikea's owning the world perspective we would be tempted to call this mid-level, but I don't think that does you justice either, perhaps the problem is we have gotten lost altogether and I am fighting a battle that has long since been over lol
Woodworkers do encounter problems and need to make changes to fix said problems, I cannot wait to see the video, and I bet your parents are going to be happy campers.
Right on, man! Thanks for the shoutout! The base (and the entire piece) looks awesome, too. Juggling custom work with making videos is a tough one, I can't imagine having kids and a full-time job, as well.
I would definitely not call this a failure. Fantastic job. Keep challenging yourself and learning. A quote from Tomas Edison when he was making the light bulb and failed 100 times before he got it right. "I did not fail 100 times to make a light bulb, I learned 100 times how not to make a light bulb"
My wife and I believe that you have the most beautiful woodworking videos on the tube. Well done Sir!
As an academic designer, this is what I need to say:
Your aesthetic design is subjectively great, and judging from the comment section almost universal. Don’t doubt the outcome of your design by yourself, let others judge it. The old Queen number “The show must go on” suggests the same thing; If you tell the audience things went to crap and tear it down yourself, people will notice, and not a moment before. Present it, take notice and then evaluate on the design! Self-improvement are meant for backstage frustrations.
i'm not a fan of this style of furniture, but your videos mix woodworking, humour and something like meditation. always waiting for them.
Glad you're enjoying it all :)
Okay... Chris!!! A failure? This is, hands down, the coolest and most baller piece you've made so far. I literally search the Googles everyday for things like: "interesting furniture design... midcentury modern that's not derivative meatloaf... unique furniture designs..." and all I find are pages and pages of IKEA rejects, pinterest'y hair-pin leg barf, and splayed leg knock-offs. This piece is genuinely unique. I carefully watched this whole video three times, because I really wanted to try to zero in on exactly what you are talking about in all the places where you say, "This part was a mistake..." etc etc. and, I'm sorry Bud... no idea what you're talking about. I mean... I understand the words you say, and I see what you mean when you say them... but... do you really... honestly... even... kinda think that [INSERT MASTER ARTIST NAME] actually ever had even ONE of his/her pieces turn out as a simple slice of perfection heaven??? Shit no! If Michelangelo were alive and standing in Florence looking at David... he fucking knows that David's head is eeeeaassily 1/8 of an inch (sorry... 3.175 mm) larger than he meant for it to be, and the pubes? The pubes.... are ALL wrong! (I could have told you that.)
I do get where you are coming from when you say that your RUclips content, and the life you are building for yourself there (conferences, maker fairs, comments like these). And I do have to say... I have a degree in film and video production, and have made my living in exactly what you do... and your videos ,starting with that video of that damn c-shaped glass-top coffee table with the open tuned-guitar, and the Wonder Years voice over that all got me all sucked into your channel, have done nothing but gotten better, and better, and better. The "let' take a walk" bit, and the slow in-push next to the DeWalt drill... top of your game sir!
But as far as the whole "this was a failure, because..." bit... Nope. What happened was... You got your ass kicked! You are a perfectionist. This was a challenge for you. It took a long time. It was more about the design challenges and woodworking craft, and less about the 'Boom! on-to-the-next-one!' that is absolutely becoming what RUclips woodworking is moving towards. Don't be the boy that takes his ball and goes home, because shit got hard. I mean... keep doing what you're doing. But... failure...? That kind of a prick thing to say, considering that if THIS, work of bloody art, is your failure...? Get what I mean?
Chris, thank you for your perspective on woodworking. I know this community is better for it. Thank you
Thanks man.
Every day is a school day. Your learning experiences give us mere mortals hope.
Don't be too hard on yourself, that looks dope Chris. I'd be proud to rock that in my home.
Chris is AMAZING! If you don't like everything this guy does it's a YOU problem. Delivery, presentation & details are all top notch. I'm a Fitness Trainer who wishes he had 1/5 of the skills you have with your craft.
You're too kind Ismael...appreciate it :)
First, the piece is lovely. I don't do commission work. I build things and if people want them I figure out a price and sell it. At one of the earlier woodworking shows one of the instructors said, "never point out mistakes, you are usually the only one that see them." Keep up the great work and design.
WHen you hit pause @11:58 I looked down at my keyboard thinking I did something, lol. Great video. When makers put out stuff that they may think isn't perfect or has mistakes it helps us all become better. Great job!
As a maker you will always see things at the end result that no one else will see. We tend to call these mistakes but in reality it is usually just something that did not meet our own expectations of the outcome. Another beautiful creation as well as a worthwhile content upload. Thank you for sharing your time and experience with us.
Reminds me of the quote- "Great art isn't finished, it's abandoned". I feel, at the end of every project, that I've taken this as far as I can but it isn't as good as I had hoped. Thanks for the honesty!
I like it...I think for me, more accurately, it isn't finished, but rather replaced by the next thing that catches my interest.
I like how you show your mistakes and how to correct them, not many people on RUclips do that. Great video by the way!
I know you say you failed in your video.... but let's say that's a technicality. The peice is still stunning, I love the doors and ideas for the handles/pulls on them. Being a beginner to this I love the projects and the content that you and so make people in this community are producing. Your message especially is one that I think needs to be heard by more and more people.
I’m 70 years old this year. Perfection: All we can do is approach perfection. Enjoy your your hiccups. Your on your way! Outstanding workmanship. Bob
Thanks Bob...appreciate it :)
What a humble person you are ... WOW! learnt so much from your perspective and honesty ... You are one hell of a great person that should be proud of yourself. God Bless
Great work Chris. The greatest thing I've found about woodworking is that even in failure during a project every piece stands as a trophy or reminder for those mistakes. Which in that sense failure makes a beautiful piece of work that you should be proud of. Keep up the good work!
good point Bryce
I love how much public radio you obviously listen to. You really bring out your inner Sarah Koenig in your narration. The piece is lovely.
Haha...thanks. PS. "I actually use mail chimp!" - "You Do?!"
Oh season 1. I miss you.
I love the legs and the chamfer on the doors for the handles! you have been an inspiration to my furniture building and I just wanted to say thanks.
Wow! What a gorgeous piece! One day I hope my failures look this good! Is it just me but when I see there is a new FourEyes video I'm like "YES" but don't watch immdiately! I wait until I know I won't be disturbed, my a tea, maybe a Pop Tart or two and then sit down and watch! Love the videos Chris. Can't wait for the next one but no pressure :)
The only thing I get from this video is that if my failures look as good as yours I wouldn’t mind a little...Great work man. Failing is part of us and helps us grow and be better...It makes us humans...Keep up with the great things you doing...Thanks for the content...
Kudos to you for including your honest appraisal of your work but note that, whilst the design and final result had their flaws, you were receptive enough to see the valuable insights that the process offered - a true failure can only be achieved if the lessons are completely ignored. You have also shared these insights with us so that we can all benefit from your experiences and, hopefully, avoid heartache by taking heed. Your humility is quite humbling to witness so thank you for being candid 😀
When I went to joinery college 25 years ago, we weren't allowed to use one scrap of sand paper (or power tools for that matter). I used to curse the hours spent hand planing, sight stick /square checking, rejected joints and in general the redoing of work that had taken me hours to complete. Hell, we even had to plane off pencil marks! How I longed to just use power tools like I was using doing site carpentry during my day job... oh to use a belt sander or a bench saw. But 2 years of suffering paid off. You can't beat a hand planed finish for shine. Hand cutting and chiselling joints avoids all break outs and allows for some pretty complicated jointing techniques. However, I'm no Luddite, and use power tools all the time depending on the project and admire your drive for perfection. I just wanted to suggest that my Teachers may be correct in their insistence that perfection only comes when you master your hand skills and train your eye. They also started the first lesson by stating " You lot know F#&K all"... hard but fair though, hard but fair.
Keep up the good work and the learning journey.
I think the project turned out great. I know, we are our worst critics at times. Thanks for building this piece. Mid-century furniture is still great looking, even today.
Chris I know you weren’t very happy with the piece and I understand that but I wanted you to know it’s a beautiful piece and honestly I think anyone would love to have it in their home. Thank you for continuing to share your journey in woodworking and beautiful designs. It continues to motivate and entertain me buddy. Thank you.
Speaking as architect and furniture lover...the legs alone make me love it. The drawer front concept is beautiful. I give it a pass, that is, an A, not a fail.
as a wood worker myself. I love your video! its so true that if there is something not quite right about the piece its hard to justify selling it to a client. definitely not a failure, so many lessons learned and to be honest it really did turn out beautiful. you are an amazing wood worker. I hope some day to have skills like you.
Absolutely love the combo of your narration, nylon guitar, clean visuals, and obviously beautiful woodwork. I've never supported a Patreon before, but I think you are going to be my first.
Good work as always! Regards from Poland!
Love, love, love the angled "grabs." Daring choice (which really works) to feature that knot so well. One of my favorite pieces of yours. Thanks for giving me some joy and inspiration this evening!
This is the first video I have seen of yours, and I've never felt so calm and relaxed from a woodworking video. I could fall asleep to it. But honestly that cabinet is amazing. Love the wood choice and finish really makes it pop. Defiantly subscribing!
Obviously, you are a perfectionist, you love what you do and you're humble enough to see and admit your mistakes. in my beginer eyes, you did a really good job and the result is pretty amazing, and there's no failure as long as we learn. but as a perfectionnist myself i understand what you mean as i'm never fully satisfied with my designs. i have been very interested in designing and building furniture lately but not sure where to start. I've never done it before but I have an artistic spirit and I feel very inspired by this type of videos lately. so I'm looking for some tips to finally get started. Keep it up, you'll be the very first one i follow on youtube or anywhere...not even sure how it works.lol
I remember a time I was so self-critical of my work. I’m still picky. I’ve just learned, or at least I think I have, to be more appreciative of my work. A friend of mine who worked for The Metropolitan Museum of Art told me it was a custom of Chinese artist to intentionally include an imperfection in their work. I don’t recall the reason, but that thought has stuck with me with whatever I do. It’s funny to look at my work months later and am pleased to say. What I would have cited as perfect wasn’t at all. Still, I go for 100%. With that, I found your video very calming, and am very impressed with your work and design. Your work is excellent and I would imagine a true inspiration to other designers/furniture builders. Lastly, thank you for accompanying your video with soothing music. I can greatly do without head banging music that accompanies too many videos. Get my attention with content. Not with music that makes my ear drums bleed.
Gorgeous work as always Chris. As far as calling it a "failure"... You learned something from making it, therefore I'd call it a success!
Good call Robert. Thanks :)
Chris Salomone P.S. Thanks for pronouncing my last name correctly. 😉
Hey that thing you called a failure is just amazing. I love it
The design is great, but thank you for pointing out the issues it has. That makes the whole video a lot more instructive.
Beautiful piece as always Chris. I understand the not being super proud about the fit and finish but (at least to me) its often times the small imperfections that make pieces like this truly beautiful. It really makes them feel human to me, like they actually were hand made by a real life human. None of us are perfect. Details of the build aside, this video/content is one of, if not the, best one yet. I learned something about building, design, and planning. Along with some mentality of building and perfectionism. Your camera work and editing skills were stellar as always. I especially like the close-ups of the flush trimming and jointery cutting. Thanks for the awesome video!
Thanks Corey....appreciate it! I think what we're figuring out is that I'm a better video maker than furniture maker :)
and I'm ok with that!
I've heard that the Japanese have a custom of repairing a broken work of porcelain with gold. In doing so they're trying to show that in the most glaring imperfection there is beauty, and in the greatest beauty there is imperfection. I think they'd get what you're saying here.
Chris, it looks good and it does what it's meant to. That being said: ROUTING TIP! Don't try to take the whole width in one pass. Use your template to cut 1/2"-3/4" of an in deep, take off the template and make more shallow cuts until you're to thickness. You can always sand it later to get out any minor lines.
Really enjoyed the commentary and how you thought this was a failure. However, it made you realize something about yourself and what you want going forward, so it is really a success.
Yer videos are so well edited that I feel I should be paying for watchin 'em. That piece came out beautifully, well done!
i was listening to the modern maker podcast today and Chris i think your being too hard on yourself it looks amazing. i know when you work on something that you can nit pick all the bad points but its still good work. if you thought it was only 92% finished you should of just gave the guy a 8% discount.. stay awesome :)
Failure is how to grow. It's awesome you recognize that, are hard on yourself and take pride in your work. It's a great characteristic to have if you want to be the best you can be. I thought this piece turned out great by the way! Cheers and thank you for all the great content!
Brilliant content. He who has never failed shall never grow. I guess the trick is knowing when to get back on the horse and when to take the bike. Weird analogy, but yeah. Kudos!
haha...I hear ya Paul. I'm definitely a better designer/builder for it
I second the Shaun Boyd videos, I just found his channel a few weeks ago. That guy does some cool stuff!
Best looking failure I have ever seen! Honestly I don't see where the failure is. Beautiful piece and excellent video!
Oh and a learning experience is never a failure unless you don't do anything with the knowledge you gain from it.
As woodworkers we often make mistakes. The difference between an amateur and a professional is how well the mistake is fixed.
Chris this has to be my favourite build, those cut outs on the drawer fronts are so cool and the legs are awesome. Well done man.
I think you're too hard on yourself. You always do GREAT work. Relax and enjoy it like we do watching your videos.
Chris, I think you're a great woodworker with tons of talent. I respect the fact that you didn't let something you felt wasn't up to your standards leave the shop, but if I may speak freely with opinion, I'd buy this project in a heartbeat. It's beautiful! I know what you feel though... we are too hard on ourselves as creators... Personally, it would have been so cool if you mitered the edges of the edge banding to match the angles of some of the drawer handles. This is sick and between you and Shaun Boyd, I am going to make so many templates!!
Just love your voice . Love to have that media centre in my home ,just beautiful in the eye of the beholder. Me
Your insights into your own thought process at what wins and failures are, are great. Validating for the rest of us, or at least me who will spend so much time just staring at a project, caught by indecision or questions. This is a really lovely design regardless.
I would rather watch you make awesome stuff like this every 2 weeks than stsrt making lower end furniture. Your designs are fantastic and for me thats what sets your channel apart from the others. Modern fine future over modern 2x4 furniture (no offence to your pofcast mates) but you gotta support that family. Anyways great looking piece
Watching the video it's easy to say that you're being to hard on yourself. It turned out really nice. (As seen on my computer screen....) But, being someone who's built a few pieces myself, I totally get it, because I've been there, where other love it but you feel like you failed.
That said, what most impressed me was/is your humility and integrity. Admitting your mistakes and faults in such a public way takes courage. It garners a lot of respect as well though, and you have mine. Cheers!
Awesome job, Great looking family, I'm sure you already know you're truly Blessed
Failure can be success from different point of view. For me you have absolutely succeed.
Completely agree with you regarding the amount of glue, regardless of whether your using veneered or solid wood. Cleaning and sanding squeeze out is no small job, especially on cabinets with multiple compartments.
ufff...yes. Inside glue is the worst :)
I love the design. I very much appreciate hearing your 'issues' within the process but it's a great looking piece of work, never the less. Cheers for sharing.
So modern yet old style 👌
From this perspective, your project turned out amazing ! Really enjoy the dialog of your thought process, adds a tremendous amount to your videos which are always very good. I am on a constant lookout for your videos. Thanks for posting
Thanks man....on my end it's really pessimistic, on the viewer end it's very optimistic. The truth is probably right there in the center :)
Love it Chris, I normally leave the longer videos until "I get time to watch them" but this one really hooked me! Great insight into the ups and downs at the end, interesting hearing you guys talk in through on the podcast too. Great video and great project, thank you!!
I do not see what you failed at. I think the result catches the eye and looks pleasing to the eye. Unless it wobbles or the drawers catch then it should be good to go. Seriously, were you perhaps just letting the perfectionist side of yourself get the better of you? Love the stuff that you do, keep the show going!
no matter how many flaws are there, I totally love the designs you come up with. You are amazing at what you do
Thanks Harpreet
I think it was a success. Content is KING! 👍
I'd be proud to show that off. I really like it
Seriously one of my favorite pieces I’ve seeing you build yet.... then again your next piece might have this same comment. I currently live in an Eichler and can imagine your art all around my house. Thanks for being an inspiration to fine wood working.
Chris, this was the first video of yours that I watched. As usual, I was in awe at the quality of the wood and tools available to US woodworkers! I'm sorry the piece didn't work out quite a well as you intended; you invested a lot of time and effort into the build. I was surprised at your comment that you were happy to prioritise content creation over quality output; I would say as a avid RUclips'er what I want to see if quality AND how you get there. Your being honest enough to share your failure is great, but I think you should priority quality over content creation. Just my opinion. :-)
I love the modern design. I learned a lot and the reasons why you thought it was a failure also taught me a lot, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Joshh. Appreciate it
Jesus Christ man this table looks magnificent. I wish is was half as talented as you.
It looked cool. But it didn’t function well.
This is actually my favorite build. I understand your concerns, but really love the design.
This is the best looking failure piece I've ever seen!!
Crazy editing skills. Both shop and SketchUp takes are just... Wow.
Thanks man :)
I guess when it comes to "content creation" high end might need to take a back seat. For my purposes (I started selling my furniture and my local market is demanding a higher price point/ higher quality product) I'm having a hard time finding youtube videos that explain how to build a higher quality product. For example, techniques, proper material, etc. I appreciate you tackling a project like this for your audience.
Like . the reflection at the end and the great video and breakdown. 10/10
I love the drawer pull design.
Este es el mejor diseño de consola que he visto. Los acabados son hermosos.
Felicidades y gracias por compartir tu hermoso trabajo.
This piece is outstanding .... wow no failure mannnn
Even though you're not entirely happy with the piece, it's beautiful, and probably my favourite
Hey Chris, love your videos and love your designs.
Brings alot of satisfaction and motivation to myself and others and i really appreciate the effort you put into helping the woodworking community with your videos.
I have a suggestion for the way you cut the recesses in the drawer/door faces. I would have cut the initial angle to your line using the track saw, followed by a few cuts leading away from the edge of the face until you are able to get the blade back to 90 degrees. Id then cut the very edges with the track saw to prevent tear out on the edges in the following step. Finally use a plunge router set to the right depth with a large “levelling” bit, roughly 40mm in diameter (if you have one. A regular 19mm or so will do, but it would take longer and burn easier. You can get levelling bits from a supplier in the states called 12V tools) id router all the way up to a few mm away from your original cut starting and working back from the furthest corner so your router always has support. maybe set up an auxillery fence to the base of the router to protect the initial edge cut (front edge of finger groove). The little grooves left by the original cuts can be flawlessly cleaned up with a razor sharp chisel (look up or in invest in wetstones at carbatec if you havent already).
Once all that is done a light sand to buff up the face of recess would go nicely
Hopefully that makes sense. It sounds like a lot but using the plunge router properly would halve the time spent making all those repeated cuts on the table saw, setting up jigs and sanding/planing out the little grooves on each board. Its just a suggestion to try and help you save time. You do an incredible job regardless. Thanks again!
Luke
I gave you the like on this video when I saw the zooming time lapse shot @14:30. great production value on these videos and damn am i envious of that furniture.
My name is Jerry And I am into wood work just as much as you are, I think you do a fantastic job specially on that on this table and you also do a good job explaining everything in detail, keep up the good work man, I have learned a good bit from you
Thanks Jerry...appreciate it :)
i do not comment much (partially because my english sucks). But this time I could not leave the opportunity "hanging". I personally love this peace of furniture. like we say in the city Gent, in Belgium, (dialect) "Vrie schuune" or translated it is, for me, very beautiful. BTW thanks for de vid's, I learn a lot from them.
Thank you...appreciate it. And your English was completely understandable :)
Chris i think it looks magnificent don't be so hard on yourself keep up the gr8 work
My favorite build so far
I really enjoy your commentary Mr Chris. Nice work and humbling end. Thx
...I'd definitely pay for it. A success in my eyes. Subscribed.
Absolutely freaking beautiful
Despite you may called it a failure or whatever you wanna call it ; I find it interesting how take your time to make this project. Keep pressing on bro ! I myself like to crate things as well and as always no pressure!
AMAZING transition when you talked about templates
What a beautiful Table! Good job! love the stand! So unique!
Chris, your self-enlightenment and sharing it with us always makes your videos a positive experience. Your work is honest, well thought out and indicative of your mastery. Thank you... Just my thoughts.... Oh, and I think I would have liked it better if you would have done the same idea on the "handles" but each vertical and matching the drawer below. If I knew how to do Sketch-up I'd draw it out... Thanks Again...
Simply amazing! I watched your video and became a fan!
Sometimes you don’t have the right words to describe the the creativity of the hands and mind
Bravo great lovely amazing work ✅👍😍💪
Another awesome design/project - Thanks Chris! I (and many others) have found that using a larger diameter pattern bit is less terrifying. With a larger bit you can slow the speed a bit and there's less tendency to grab and throw the part/your hands. Another option is using a shorter pattern bit to route part of the depth and then come back for another pass using the recently routed surface as the new pattern for the guide bearing. Hopefully we will all keep "failing" and learning so as to keep getting better and smarter.
Thanks for the tips Jeff...I'll keep playing with it for next time.
I think it is a beautiful piece. If I could fail that good every time then I would feel really good about myself. Love you, man.
haha...thanks Darin. Love you too :)