DIY Japanese / Oriental Side Tables Using 2x4s & 1x8s | Beginner Woodworking Project In this video, I take you through the process of building a pair of beautiful Japanese / oriental-inspired side tables using affordable materials like 2x4s and 1x8s. As an amateur woodworker, I’m always learning from past mistakes, and this project was no exception. I focused on improving my woodworking techniques, like precise cuts, clean joints, and achieving a smooth finish. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, this build is perfect for anyone wanting to tackle a more elegant design without needing advanced tools. These minimalist, zen-inspired side tables add a touch of oriental craftsmanship to any home, while still being achievable for woodworkers at all levels. What you’ll learn in this video: • How to build side tables with a Japanese / oriental design • Tips for using 2x4s and 1x8s for woodworking projects • Beginner-friendly woodworking techniques • Mistakes I’ve learned from and how to avoid them • Tips for getting a smooth finish on your DIY furniture Materials used: • 2x4s and 1x8s • Basic woodworking tools (saw, drill, clamps, etc.) • Wood finish for a clean, professional look If you enjoyed this build, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more DIY woodworking projects! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on my future projects! Feel free to use the Super Thanks feature or join my membership to support the channel. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment below and share this video if you found it helpful! Link to mic if you like it 👇🏽 amzn.to/4gbUp50 Links to support the channel Amazon Wish list 👇🏽 Hi! Take a look at this List I created on Amazon. www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/21MBCCIIBIRNX?ref_=wl_share Buy Me A Coffee👇🏽 buymeacoffee.com/thewoodjunki My website 👇🏽 www.thewoodjunki.co.uk RUclips Membership 👇🏽 Join this channel ruclips.net/channel/UCO0QwK2duezRczjt5syFEhwjoin Shinto Rasp www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001WHOIMG/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_55FKYVF18AS7G4CC183Q?linkCode=ml2&tag=thewoodjunki2-21 Shinwa rule 30 / 15cm amzn.to/486iAhG Shinwa mitre / tri square amzn.to/407E3om Shinwa callipers amzn.to/3YoWH9T DEWALT drill driver combo amzn.to/3Zcgk67 DEWALT table saw amzn.to/ Screws www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WDCYPTN/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_4ACWPE5Q5GBSV3AMZNBB?linkCode=ml2&tag=thewoodjunki2-21 Milescraft sand plane amzn.to/3XkWT8m Starrett hole punch amzn.to/3XAI7Mo Starrett square amzn.to/3ZeOLcg Forstner bit set amzn.to/3TmvCBk Maxxt sander amzn.to/4gkqNCr Tape measures amzn.to/4egNUfm Drill countersink bits amzn.to/4egOmu4 DEWALT bit holder / set amzn.to/47kdRsj Hard wax oil amzn.to/4ehLHk6 Titebond 2 glue amzn.to/3zmQQbs Thor hammer amzn.to/3XkwSq0 Pocket hole jig amzn.to/3TkQU2g Pocket hole screws amzn.to/3TppBUz T rule amzn.to/3Zchmiv Wood Glue Soudal www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006PHUOK8/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_9TZ5V0ZA641E7K07TQZ1?linkCode=ml2&tag=thewoodjunki2-21 30 bore grooving blade amzn.to/3BrUnWW 3m Cubitron Sandpaper amzn.to/3YnAclJ
Morning Billy. You enjoy Japanese furniture and tools, have look at Simple joint they learn in High School. The tools are very sharp. Just sit back relax and enjoy
When you started,it was pretty clear that I didn’t see what you were going for. The end product is wonderful. You really landed a specific concept which, in my limited experience and skill set is vital to embrace - practice, practice, practice. I’ve found that by attempting to do much more difficult joinery and finishes, I get better and better at the basics of measuring, marking, and cutting. Paul Sellers is an inspiration to me and uses the language of “sneaking up” on the line. Well done!
Thank you… I collect whisky never to drink 🤣 I’m starting to look at the Japanese whisky as I think it will go up massively in value.. also look at Welsh whisky 👌
I agree with you! Wood working is an addiction and it is all about the process! Great project! Great job by Shelley on the staining! The two tones really pop! From San Antonio Texas USA where yesterday might’ve been our last 90+ day. Ready for the cooler weather!
I forgot to ask have you tried doing the water pop method before your final sanding grit? I normally spray water on my project after 120 and then sand at 220 once it’s dry. I sometimes pop the grain after 220 and sand at 330 after. It comes out super smooth.
As a "long" subscriber/watcher of your channel I can tell ....... there's an improvement in your projects to be seen. A simple set of (side) tables but very effective and your "trademark" goes very well with the Japanese style. Btw ...... I'm from the Netherlands 😂🤣
Hi Billy, Good job there mate look amazing, just like your self making things in the workshop but more often repairing some thing or just tinkering, catch you soon take care
I have found that when finishing a project before staining spritz, the parts with water raise the grain & give another sand. That should eliminate having to sand through your stain.
I know you say you’re just a hobbyist but you are a master- these are AMAZING!!! So beautiful! 👏 Along with Weber Woodshop and Steve Ramsey, I also follow WhosTheVoss bcuz he’s silly and funny but has good ideas. Also Steve Bell, Shara Woodshop Diaries (I was inspired by her garden arbor to make one), Barrovian Made (he’s also learning as he goes), Matthew Peech, DIYMontreal, and of course the master himself- Mr. Paul Sellers. But I started out with furniture repair and restoration and Transcend Furniture Gallery, Mayfield Restorations and Flipping Drawers helped me do things correctly. I love that Shelley wants to do her own thing in woodworking- my advice would be to start simple and practice, practice, practice! Almost everything starts with a box shape so that’s the best place to start. (I started with a wonky riser for my counter top spices😐) As for Stanley- he proves he’s one smart dog being by the fire on a cold day! 😆🐶💖 Awesome video, Billy- I love these! Definitely Asian inspired! 👍🌟
Thank you Dori ❤️ I’m far from master but I look to getting to it in years to come.. Weber woodshop is extraordinary that is pure talent and the guy just mesmerises me with his builds.. I’ll check out a few more that you have just mentioned I follow a few already I think 🤔 (I’m still trying to work RUclips out). Yes Shelley will be safe she’s got a few small projects lined up and Stanley just likes his comfort 🤣
Just started watching before heading down into my basement shop to keep cleaning. Shop is kind of torn apart and trying to fit tools in and get way too much crap my father had out. Sadly a damp payment is not kind to tools and 30 year old coffee cans full of every nail and screw he could find. Then ya tell me to get off my couch and get into my shop! lol the kick I needed! Vermont in the US here. Love the vids!
Belting pair of side tables. Just one bit of advice, if you stick your pencil and sharpener in the turnup on your hat, they are always with you. I used to spend ages looking for pencils, i have lugs like plug, so its nigh on impossible to put my pencil behind my ear 😂
Those look nice, so of course Shelley claimed them. You're going to run out of space for all the things she claims before long. Here's a tip: The pocket hole screws may be okay for these small table tops. However, you will want to consider using Z or Figure 8 table top fasteners for larger or any future projects. If the top can't move freely it will cause gaps in the joints of the base. Fasteners allow for expansion and contraction of the top due to temp and humidity changes without stressing the base joinery.
gotta give you credit not to bad for a DIYer I have gone back in time I try not to use any electric tools I Kinda gave them up when I retired from being a carpenter and cabinet maker. where are you from in the UK
I am very impressed with your progress . Give yourself a break. You have talent my new friend. Tip for free Great hardwood look in the for sale and for free advertisements piano free must remove. I reclaim the wood and sell the metal to recycle sadly the ivory I can't do anything with . They are not going to the landfill this way . Which is happening more and more these days.
By the way, I’m looking for the Weber RUclipsr you mentioned- any chance you can post a link or the name of the channel? I get a guy who specializes in making coffee when I search for it. 🤓
DIY Japanese / Oriental Side Tables Using 2x4s & 1x8s | Beginner Woodworking Project
In this video, I take you through the process of building a pair of beautiful Japanese / oriental-inspired side tables using affordable materials like 2x4s and 1x8s. As an amateur woodworker, I’m always learning from past mistakes, and this project was no exception. I focused on improving my woodworking techniques, like precise cuts, clean joints, and achieving a smooth finish.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, this build is perfect for anyone wanting to tackle a more elegant design without needing advanced tools. These minimalist, zen-inspired side tables add a touch of oriental craftsmanship to any home, while still being achievable for woodworkers at all levels.
What you’ll learn in this video:
• How to build side tables with a Japanese / oriental design
• Tips for using 2x4s and 1x8s for woodworking projects
• Beginner-friendly woodworking techniques
• Mistakes I’ve learned from and how to avoid them
• Tips for getting a smooth finish on your DIY furniture
Materials used:
• 2x4s and 1x8s
• Basic woodworking tools (saw, drill, clamps, etc.)
• Wood finish for a clean, professional look
If you enjoyed this build, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more DIY woodworking projects!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on my future projects! Feel free to use the Super Thanks feature or join my membership to support the channel. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment below and share this video if you found it helpful!
Link to mic if you like it 👇🏽
amzn.to/4gbUp50
Links to support the channel
Amazon Wish list 👇🏽
Hi! Take a look at this List I created on Amazon. www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/21MBCCIIBIRNX?ref_=wl_share
Buy Me A Coffee👇🏽
buymeacoffee.com/thewoodjunki
My website 👇🏽
www.thewoodjunki.co.uk
RUclips Membership 👇🏽
Join this channel
ruclips.net/channel/UCO0QwK2duezRczjt5syFEhwjoin
Shinto Rasp www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001WHOIMG/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_55FKYVF18AS7G4CC183Q?linkCode=ml2&tag=thewoodjunki2-21
Shinwa rule 30 / 15cm amzn.to/486iAhG
Shinwa mitre / tri square amzn.to/407E3om
Shinwa callipers amzn.to/3YoWH9T
DEWALT drill driver combo amzn.to/3Zcgk67
DEWALT table saw amzn.to/
Screws www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WDCYPTN/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_4ACWPE5Q5GBSV3AMZNBB?linkCode=ml2&tag=thewoodjunki2-21
Milescraft sand plane amzn.to/3XkWT8m
Starrett hole punch amzn.to/3XAI7Mo
Starrett square amzn.to/3ZeOLcg
Forstner bit set amzn.to/3TmvCBk
Maxxt sander amzn.to/4gkqNCr
Tape measures amzn.to/4egNUfm
Drill countersink bits amzn.to/4egOmu4
DEWALT bit holder / set amzn.to/47kdRsj
Hard wax oil amzn.to/4ehLHk6
Titebond 2 glue amzn.to/3zmQQbs
Thor hammer amzn.to/3XkwSq0
Pocket hole jig amzn.to/3TkQU2g
Pocket hole screws amzn.to/3TppBUz
T rule amzn.to/3Zchmiv
Wood Glue Soudal www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006PHUOK8/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_9TZ5V0ZA641E7K07TQZ1?linkCode=ml2&tag=thewoodjunki2-21
30 bore grooving blade amzn.to/3BrUnWW
3m Cubitron Sandpaper amzn.to/3YnAclJ
Morning Billy. You enjoy Japanese furniture and tools, have look at Simple joint they learn in High School. The tools are very sharp. Just sit back relax and enjoy
I’ll have a look fella … cheers 👌
When you started,it was pretty clear that I didn’t see what you were going for. The end product is wonderful. You really landed a specific concept which, in my limited experience and skill set is vital to embrace - practice, practice, practice. I’ve found that by attempting to do much more difficult joinery and finishes, I get better and better at the basics of measuring, marking, and cutting. Paul Sellers is an inspiration to me and uses the language of “sneaking up” on the line. Well done!
Thank you and definitely watch Weber, one of the best in my opinion 👌
Thank you for watching my videos…
You just said everything very well.
Thank you 👌
Lovely pair of tables and a fantastic choice in whiskey 😂
Thank you… I collect whisky never to drink 🤣 I’m starting to look at the Japanese whisky as I think it will go up massively in value..
also look at Welsh whisky 👌
These tables are amazing! Simple yet elegant.
Thank you 👌
good to see you enjoying it mate! woodworking is good for the soul.
Cheers fella .. yes I really enjoy it and RUclips makes things even more enjoyable
Yep, you nailed it.
Thank you 👌
These tables are absolutely stunning. I love them. Great job. Gosh you are coming along in leaps and bounds fair play to ya.
Thank you ❤️
Love them they look amazing
Thank you 👌
Great job and video looking great Good contrast of colors Keep building Cheers
Cheers Larry 👌
I agree with you! Wood working is an addiction and it is all about the process!
Great project! Great job by Shelley on the staining! The two tones really pop!
From San Antonio Texas USA where yesterday might’ve been our last 90+ day. Ready for the cooler weather!
Enjoy the warm weather 😭 yes it’s a process definitely and that’s how I’m now looking at it.. a seriously good addiction to have 👌
I forgot to ask have you tried doing the water pop method before your final sanding grit? I normally spray water on my project after 120 and then sand at 220 once it’s dry. I sometimes pop the grain after 220 and sand at 330 after. It comes out super smooth.
@@davidmata5080 it’s something I totally overlooked if I’m honest but I’ll definitely do that 👌
As a "long" subscriber/watcher of your channel I can tell ....... there's an improvement in your projects to be seen.
A simple set of (side) tables but very effective and your "trademark" goes very well with the Japanese style.
Btw ...... I'm from the Netherlands 😂🤣
Thank you.. im trying to get better it will take time but I’ll get there..
Welcome Netherlands 🤣 🇳🇱
Hi Billy, Good job there mate look amazing, just like your self making things in the workshop but more often repairing some thing or just tinkering, catch you soon take care
Cheers fella… keep at it 👌
I have found that when finishing a project before staining spritz, the parts with water raise the grain & give another sand. That should eliminate having to sand through your stain.
Yes I totally forgot to spray first.. good shout 👌
Beautiful!🤩
Thank you 👌
Great video Billy, love how you explain the process and how to make it.
Thank you, it’s tough trying to explain things so I’m glad it’s coming across ok 👌
Great!
Thank you 👌
I know you say you’re just a hobbyist but you are a master- these are AMAZING!!! So beautiful! 👏
Along with Weber Woodshop and Steve Ramsey, I also follow WhosTheVoss bcuz he’s silly and funny but has good ideas. Also Steve Bell, Shara Woodshop Diaries (I was inspired by her garden arbor to make one), Barrovian Made (he’s also learning as he goes), Matthew Peech, DIYMontreal, and of course the master himself- Mr. Paul Sellers.
But I started out with furniture repair and restoration and Transcend Furniture Gallery, Mayfield Restorations and Flipping Drawers helped me do things correctly.
I love that Shelley wants to do her own thing in woodworking- my advice would be to start simple and practice, practice, practice! Almost everything starts with a box shape so that’s the best place to start. (I started with a wonky riser for my counter top spices😐)
As for Stanley- he proves he’s one smart dog being by the fire on a cold day! 😆🐶💖 Awesome video, Billy- I love these! Definitely Asian inspired! 👍🌟
Thank you Dori ❤️ I’m far from master but I look to getting to it in years to come..
Weber woodshop is extraordinary that is pure talent and the guy just mesmerises me with his builds.. I’ll check out a few more that you have just mentioned I follow a few already I think 🤔 (I’m still trying to work RUclips out).
Yes Shelley will be safe she’s got a few small projects lined up and Stanley just likes his comfort 🤣
They look amazing Billy,I love the Japanese theme
Thank you 👌
Just started watching before heading down into my basement shop to keep cleaning. Shop is kind of torn apart and trying to fit tools in and get way too much crap my father had out. Sadly a damp payment is not kind to tools and 30 year old coffee cans full of every nail and screw he could find. Then ya tell me to get off my couch and get into my shop! lol the kick I needed! Vermont in the US here. Love the vids!
Glad I can help 🤣 welcome 👌
Belting pair of side tables. Just one bit of advice, if you stick your pencil and sharpener in the turnup on your hat, they are always with you. I used to spend ages looking for pencils, i have lugs like plug, so its nigh on impossible to put my pencil behind my ear 😂
Do you know that is a fantastic bit of advice.. I’m the same can’t put a pencil behind my ears 🤣 I’m gonna do that definitely 👍
Very nice mate I like them I use a lot ov recycled wood i fined or free on Facebook enyhaw just the right amount of time the video belting man👍
Cheers fella 👌
I love'em
I live in Eat Texas, USA
Love your video.
They come out really nice.. a few improvements could of been done but overall I’m super happy with them 👌
Love your vids bud, just be careful of them baggy sleeves on the table saw mate.
Definitely 👍 I’ll sort it out
Those look nice, so of course Shelley claimed them. You're going to run out of space for all the things she claims before long.
Here's a tip: The pocket hole screws may be okay for these small table tops. However, you will want to consider using Z or Figure 8 table top fasteners for larger or any future projects. If the top can't move freely it will cause gaps in the joints of the base. Fasteners allow for expansion and contraction of the top due to temp and humidity changes without stressing the base joinery.
I’ll get some of those definitely.. and try them. Thanks fella super appreciated 👌
Near cardiff, Billy. What's your shop called on etsy?
Etsy shop is called “the wood junki” although everything I now make is being added over the next week.
Welcome 👌
Look really
Good.
What is your Web site
The website is www.thewoodjunki.co.uk
Not everything is on yet but will be by the end of this week 👌
gotta give you credit not to bad for a DIYer I have gone back in time I try not to use any electric tools I Kinda gave them up when I retired from being a carpenter and cabinet maker. where are you from in the UK
Thank you.. I have a big learning journey in front of me but I’ll keep at it.. I’m in Derbyshire but originally from Manchester
@@thewoodjunki thought I knew that accent
I am very impressed with your progress . Give yourself a break. You have talent my new friend. Tip for free Great hardwood look in the for sale and for free advertisements piano free must remove. I reclaim the wood and sell the metal to recycle sadly the ivory I can't do anything with . They are not going to the landfill this way . Which is happening more and more these days.
Yes sometimes I get old antique furniture and use the wood for various things, cool way to save it from landfill..
thank you for the kind comments 👌
By the way, I’m looking for the Weber RUclipsr you mentioned- any chance you can post a link or the name of the channel? I get a guy who specializes in making coffee when I search for it. 🤓
youtube.com/@weberwoodshop?si=pITCksTzsiKIiYvG
This is the link to his RUclips
@@thewoodjunki thank you!