How to build and finish a desk top / DIY Table top
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 24 ноя 2024
- In this video I go over how to build a top for a desk but the same process can be used for a table top!
How to install C Channel tutorial - • Do you NEED C Channel ...
C Channel and Rampa hardware from bidwellwood.com use the code "WALKER10" for 10% off
Gearheart Industry Branding Irons - www.gearhearti... use the code "WALKERBRAND10" for 10% off
Check out my website for Woodworking plans, Tools I use, Merch and MORE! - www.walkersww....
Tools and materials used in this video (affiliate links included)
Rockler glue applicator set - amzn.to/2Xb4Ai2
Ryobi Biscuit Cutter - amzn.to/2CJwQ24
Bessy Bar clamp kit - amzn.to/2pmfQfe
Glue Brush - amzn.to/371pPaE
Festool Rotex - amzn.to/2OdNX11
Mirka Deros - amzn.to/2QgL4iP
Woodpeckers Square - amzn.to/33JdPIY
Amana Tool 1/4" Upcut bit - amzn.to/2pd1eyu
Amana Tool Flattening Bit - amzn.to/33JRwmg
Starbond CA Glue - amzn.to/2q2t4y6
Rampa Inserts - www.rampa.com/...
Makita Track saw - amzn.to/3702Ixn
Makita Palm Router - amzn.to/2Qhk7M0
JessEm Stock Guides - amzn.to/2QgQbzB
Milescraft Push stick - amzn.to/371oVeg
Amana Tool Ripping blade - amzn.to/2NNn9Ge
Tape Measure - amzn.to/2CG4NAr
Wood Brand - www.gearheartindustry.com
FILMING EQUIPMENT
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera - amzn.to/2FOzlDV
TAKSTAR SGC-598 Shotgun mic - amzn.to/2WcKmnk
External Lavalier Microphone - amzn.to/2Tb4HaG
60-Inch Lightweight Tripod - amzn.to/2RIwtP8
Softbox Lighting - amzn.to/2sLM0yw
Compact Tripod - amzn.to/2SaSc1L
Blue Snowball voiceover mic - amzn.to/2S3teB1
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens - amzn.to/2sICPPJ
Shop lighting - amzn.to/2Wg6D3p
Other things I use on a regular basis! - kit.co/walkers...
Social media:
Instagram - / walkers_woodworks
Facebook - / walkersww
Twitter - / walkerswoodwrks
Instructables - www.instructab...
Website:
www.walkersww.com
Be sure to check out my website for other Projects, Blog posts, Plans and Tools I use! Walkersww.com
This was probably already asked, but what did you use for the legs? Same metal I imagine, but curious if they were just straight legs or "U" shaped. Great video!
I’d love to see how to do this with out all these fancy tools, I need to make a table top to replace my mdf one. And no idea how to put it together I got the wood glue some g clamps which I’ve realised are the wrong size and wood filler been trying to look for a how to
Hey I have a question, why did you us biscuits, I see some woodworkers use biscuits or dows, and others don't use them at all. So when do you need to use them?
Not having a workshop, it makes me very envious of all you guys that can just 'pop' into your shop and work away, I really likes what you done with the table top, it looked fantastic, hope you are keeping safe and well in this crazy world we are all in, very best regards from Australia.
I was like that too it took years to get to this point. I appreciate you watching and the support! Hopefully you can get a shop of your own in the future!
Not everyone can afford to convert a space meant for cars into a shop lol. I would recommend a 'Maker Space'. Near Charlotte, NC, they have a 21,000 maker space for $50 a month and you get access to a woodshop, welding shop, sowing shop, pottery studio, the list goes on and on.
I admit I was going to just view this video and quickly skip through it....but ended up staying and just watching the entire thing, good job!
Thanks so much!!
Sunset 4:44. You get a like for the excellent teaching and a comment for that gorgeous, gorgeous experience. I literally feel a richer man for seeing that sunset. Thank you!
Thanks so much!
@@WalkersWoodworks No problem! I realized when I got this notification, though, that I complimented your teaching and the sunset, but not the gorgeous finish you got on there! I had to show my wife, especially the hint of quilting you got going on at 10:14. Gorgeous. I'm trying to convince her to agree to use our stimulus check and tax refund to get into a woodland mills bandsaw mill and a decent planer, so I can see that gorgeous stuff too. I try to make it through all my urban logging treasure trove in an efficient manner, but being a hatchet and scrub plane guy, my output is pretty slow. My best work is some pretty nice joint stools, a bunch of spoons and rustic stuff like that, but I've got a bunch of short cherry logs and some birch rounds sitting there drying out....She's getting there. Wish me luck. Sorry for the long story. RUclips quarantine cabin fever therapy I suppose....
Tell her I said that's a great investment haha.
Man, this was golden. Building a top for an office desk I need and was concerned about warping overtime. C-channels and alternating the grain is brilliant. Thank you, sir!
Thank you!
The difference between passable woodwork and excellent woodwork is patience.
@Mr Hansen this is the way
Or a lot invested in good tools.
@@jim9930 just being provocative? Or do you want to add real insight, and try for a constructive discussion.
And $4000 worth of woodwork tools
@@dauntingkitty it definitely doesn't hurt! Haha. High quality tools can make things much easier.
I don't know if someone else already mentioned this in the comments, but useful tip for new woodworkers: don't make your biscuit slots too close to the top side of your boards. After moisture sets in they will "telegraph" through the wood by making the surface uneven. You'll be able to see where they are, and the customer will too. Especially when you try a new type of wood and you don't know how it'll react it's best to make the slots closer to the bottom side of your boards.
Good tip. I always try to center them.
Дякую за пораду
Ang ganda.
I love that you don't edit out your mistakes.
Gotta keep it real!
I know nothing about building a table or wood shop work, but man that was beautifully explained. God bless you man
Thanks so much!
Hi Brandon...just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me to begin woodworking as a hobby. I find your videos to be very informative & easy to follow. Being a newbie I do have to say that I really appreciate the videos that you narrate as opposed to the ones that you don’t because I like to know exactly what you’re doing & what tools you’re using. Thanks for the inspiration.
That's awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing that with me. I also like voiced over videos. Most of mine I do have voice over. 👍
It is nice to see woodworkers who aren't lazily slathering everything in gallons of epoxy.
Great job on the table, and really good looking materials. The only thing i personally would change is the use of PU. Here in Sweden, and the North generally, finding old furniture with natural coloration changes, some cracks and patina from decades of use, is a mark of beauty. If you want to experiment, try waxing the ood and heatgun melt it, then polish it into the wood and see if you like it. A very organic and fully chemical free version.
Keep up the great crafting, and stay safe 👍
Love that you install channel on the underside to prevent bowing/warping over time. GREAT idea!
I wish I could remember where I first saw that trick but I use it all the time.
@@WalkersWoodworks I am new to woodworking. Thanks for sharing this info. I have a question, does bowing/warping occur all the time if a channel is not made? Does it occur on all woods? And to my understanding, the channel you made also doubled up as the place to place the C-panel am I right to say so? Thanks!
@@WalkersWoodworks The great idea should now be considered stolen!
Could you also just 2x4 or 1x2? Would it accomplish the same thing?
@@eechiihaojulian9307, it is not usual among furniture makers to anchor a table top to metal channel in order to keep it flat. It is normal to expect a piece of wood to keep its shape well enough, if it has been made from properly dried furniture quality stock. If the wood has been exposed for a time to conditions more humid than are normal indoors, for example stored under cover but outside, before being worked to its final shape, than you make expect some problems with stability.
I'm about as novice as a novice can get, despite a long-time appreciation for woodwork. After some time looking into buying a new computer/writing desk I decided that a humble attempt at crafting my own would be the best route; given my budget, standards, and access to a few of the requisite tools.
MORE TO THE POINT I stumbled upon this video right away in my research.
I gotta say that it has given me plenty of inspiration and considerations! The editing was clean enough, information seems more than sound, and in all it was concise video. Thanks!
Thank you! Sorry about the glitching. Not sure why it did that.
This is perfect woodworking. Simple steps that are not overcomplicated and are completely effective and efficiently. Great work
Thank you!!
I used your video last year as a guide when building my desk. I used a butchers block so really only needed the sanding content and finishing content. Fast forward a year later and now building a kitchen table top with redwood!! Using your entire video now. It’s been great
Heck ya! That's awesome!
me and my son in law build a 12 countertop we used 2-8 framing lumber trimmed the edges for square. screwed together with pocket screws quick sanding and stain when we were finnish it looked very rough. But i am impressed how good it looks once installed.
I love how you built this without a planer/jointer; cause I don't have a planer or jointer and I was wondering how I was going to put something like this together for my office. I just have to get some more pipe clamps and a few Bessey parallel clamps and I'm good to go! Thanks for the video and inspiration.
S3S lumber. :)
I'm new to woodworking, mainly, making desktops for video editor workstations. There's something about working with your hands that really brings a satisfaction to life that's unexplainable. THanks for sharing! Great work by the way.
Thanks for watching!!
Awesome build! For anyone else that's going to build something like this for a computer desk though if you don't sink the C-Channel or Angle Iron you can use them for cable management as well.
True Story!
Derek Ries so you get the same function out of the c-channels by not sinking them?
Dain if you flip the C channel 180 degrees it should give sufficient rigidity to prevent warping, providing you have used biscuit joints as well mate, obviously sinking the strengthening channels looks neater though.
That Sunset At 4:15... Beautiful!!!
Thanks For The Sanding, Because I’m About To Level My First Computer Desk Top, Using Softwood.
I’m Excited To Complete This Project!!
Awesome! Good luck!
Man your voice and woodworking videos are so perfect way to end the day.(it's 12 am in india)
Thanks! Really appreciate you watching.
Where do I even find wood surfaced on 3 sides? Jointing is the hardest part, especially long boards.
How can something look so simple and yet so daunting and intimidating at the same time? Great project! This video earned a sub. :)
Thanks so much! Haha practice, practice.
who can "DIY" this table like you ????!!!!!! Incredible craftsmanship!! Amazing!!
Thanks so much!
Hey Brandon, I have probably watched this video 3 times since you published it, and I just finished building a simple maple plywood desk for my wife. I'm thinking of going back and putting a top like this on it later, and this video will be the one off of which I base the new top. Thanks for a quality video with clear instructions and no unnecessary ancillary commentary. (stuff like pointing out the awesome sunset is appreciated!)
Thanks a lot Michael that means alot. Really appreciate the support. Good luck on the build!
This is exactly what I needed for building my first desk, I’ve always liked carpentry, and want to further my craft.
This video was extremely helpful with achieving that goal.
Thank you sir.
So glad it helped! Thank you for watching!!!
I've been debating on a computer desk build. This is probably the way I'm going to go, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! Best of luck on the build.
Great work. How do you deal differential growth with tops that have horizon and vertical boards?
Those are what are called bread board ends. Basically you only permanently attach the center and just pin the rest so the top can expand and contract. There are some videos on how to do it.
This is very easy thank you for explaining this to me I was going to go to IKEA and use their slab but you showed me how easy this can be thank you once again
Thank you for watching!
Welll,Sir, you can't beat perfection and precision beyond this!! Speechless does it. Thanks for sharing!!!
Tools and skills I can only dream of. High quality craftsmanship!
Thanks for the video!
Would be good to know how much something like this cost
Also how heavy is the end product, want to make something like this to use as desktop for computer/workstation with right angle to wall instead of stands, but just wondering if the right angle to walls would be stronge enough to support
I love the look of maple with just a water-borne finish on it and the way you embedded the channels was awesome. Nice looking table top!
Thank you! Really appreciate it. I think it definitely kept the natural look.
I just tried the Scotchbrite technique and it is magical 😅 the desk’s surface came out super smooth! Thank you Walker!
Just yesterday I was designing a house with a dining room that won't be too small for my family… and contemplating that I need to learn how to build a dining table to suit. Do you have a vid of building the legs and underframe?
I have a "watch me work" style video of building a table.
Michael Alm has a video on using a table saw to make conical legs. Maybe you'd both be interested in that one
This was one of the many videos I watched before building a floating desk topped with 11.5' worth of butcher block. Now I'm just waiting for the top to cure after 3 coats of clear gloss polyurethane, and then I can start the cable management step. Thanks for the video, and I especially liked the voiceovers for all your steps.
Awesome!!
I like those clamps you had with the feet. That would help a lot at the shop I work at. I'm going to mention that to my boss. Great Job. :)
Very nice. I am planning to build a workbench top using recycled bowling alley. Your channel iron inserts look like a great solution since my top will only be 2 3/8” thick. Thanks for taking the time to make your video and sharing your process with other woodworkers.
Thank you for watching!
Im no joiner and wont be making a desktop anytime soon, but loved watching your video, cheers
Thanks so much!
I am planning on building me a hardwood desktop for my room,it will be 2'X9' and I found this video extremely helpful,thanks.
That's awesome! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. :)
Really enjoyed this.. I’ve watched tons of table tops video’s but pick more tips from this one than others! Thanks 🇬🇧
Thanks!!
I love videos where I learn things I haven't seen before. Well done sir.
If you want to avoid stress on your back when removing the clamps, place a scrap 4×4 under each end after the glue dries. It should give just enough room to get the pipe clamps off
Good idea! I'll have to do that next time.
Thats how our woods teacher had us do it back in highschool😅
Amazing work and craftsmanship while doing this project. I watch many video of these sort of work and everyone of them had their own power tools for every job. Truly remarkable...
4:17 that sunset!
Great looking table.
I love woodworking.
Well, I love the finished product.
Everything else about it I hate doing.
But I like watching others do it.
Hahaha well I'll continue to make videos for you to watch. Win win.
@@WalkersWoodworks 👍
Table turned out awesome! I love that signature touch at the end branding the table!
Thanks man!!
nice idea using the C channel. I've only done smaller glue-ups, but looking to making something larger soon. I'll probably employ some channel.
The sunset at 4:16 is incredible!
EXCELLENT video! Straightforward and did not feature a stupid cheesy music loop as others use.
Thanks! I also dislike using music lol.
Beautiful. I'm really inspired to make my own tables from this video.
Good! Thanks so much!
Awesome. I don't knw anything about wood working but I enjoy watching the video as its very much satisfying 😄
Well I'm glad! Appreciate it!
Nice tip on alternating the grain :)
thanks. Not that I would ever contemplate making such a large table top, but am curious on how that would be fitted to base/legs?
I always use the z clip style table top fasters.
@@WalkersWoodworks I just checked that out.. makes a lot of sense Bud, cheers !
That sander is the bomb!! I used it over the weekend, so love it!!
For sure!
Sorry about the glitching! It must have been in the upload process. Try to stick with me haha. Really appreciate all your support!
Thought it was time for a new phone...
Do you have a link or any info on the shop vac connection you have for you biscuit jointer
Hey, that’s ok. I think if you know it’s there, maybe mention it with a card at the beginning? It’s a tiny bit of a seizure risk.
I want to see a mortise and tenon wedge table, like a normal table top that has mortises running through all the boards and wedged at both ends, glueless tabletop?
if i dont want to buy a biscuit jointer or learn how to use one more so could i just use glue and pipe clamps?
I’ve been using Rockler’s glue bottle roller for years. Love it.
I would love to build this masterpiece, however, missing several tools. Need this as a desk for my sewing machine and work from home set up. Would be great to go from one side to the other seamlessly. Will have to invest in two more tools. Thank you for the great video!
Mr Hansen, Yes!!! Didn’t think you would catch that. Lol
Mr Hansen here is a virtual hug!
I don’t think you’d need a biscuit joiner, You could use dowels and glue, or pocket holes and glue. But that’s my opinion 🤷🏻♂️
I would also suggest 2x4s especially if you’re building a smaller table
Mr Hansen, you must have been inhaling that glue. Lol
Thank you I’m building a desk for my wife’s master program for nursing I’ve never been able to get a good finish coat over my stain I will try thin coats and sand after each with 220 thanks again
Yea it helps a ton. Thanks for watching!
Fantastic. Simple. Elegant. I also learned a lot. Thank you!
Thanks for watching! Glad it helped.
literally thank you. i have been looking for something like this for so long
Glad you liked it!
This is top notch! I really love your youtube channel. You get straight to the point but explain everything you are doing. That maple top is 🔥
Thanks Greg! Really glad you're enjoying it!
This is the first video of yours ive seen and i say i like your work man. You seem real and relatable. Keep up the good work.
I really appreciate that!
Wow! I currently go to a vocational high school and in the construction class, wonder if my teacher would let me build this after I become more advanced
That would be great!
You got a thumbs up from me. Man the workmen’s ships was great to watch. Loved the video.
Thanks
Thank you!!
Awesome build! Would have loved to see what type of legs were used on the finished product.
This one actually sits on cabinet bases lol.
from experience, i'll say this: it helps to know real well which is the top before putting in bisquits, dowels, etc, just in case you aren't exactly in the middle
edit: great video! i should have said that originally
1:40 It's funny how you give reason for your Ryobi. Ignore the haters and keep shinning bright!
That maple even looked heavy watching this video. Awesome work.
Thank you! Haha it was definitely heavy.
Perfect video: straight to the point, good pace. You can see a professional at work and it is inspiring. Thank you so much.
Great job. That's amazing. A marvelous quality piece of art.
Thank you!
Nice use of the c channel. Thanks for that idea. Nice sunset at 4:15.
Thank you! Be sure to check out bidwellwood.com and use my code walker10 if you need any channel. 👍
Subbed. This was gorgeous, would love to have a top like that one day. So much space! Really love your attention to detail and nice calming style.
Thanks! Really appreciate that.
Awesome desk and beautiful sunset at @4:18 mark.
Thank you!!
I've got those JessEm hold downs on my table saw too. Love them.
They are amazing!
At 9.50 there's a small gap between the boards. Is this unavoidable to some degree on a big glue up? And if so, do you have any recommendations for addressing it? I'm assuming mixing saw dust with wood glue, but I'm wondering if there's a better way.
Sawdust and wood glue is my go to.
hey man that sunset looks great and so does that clear coat! nice table, workshop looking good!
Haha thanks man! Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.
Nice when you have all the tools . I have a harbor freight router , and work off the floor, and a couple saw horses.
Don't Forget to check out the woodworking plans I have available! - gumroad.com/walkerswoodworks
Beautiful piece man! I'm interested in your vac hose that you used for the sander and the plunge router. It looks so flexible. Is that an aftermarket or a stock hose that comes with the vac like when you purchase a Ridgid shop vac for example?
Beautiful sunset!
This is a far cry from the desk I built out of 2x6s and a Kreg jig. But, now I have the bug and a lot more tools. Still need a ton more clamps though...
Woodworkers can never have to many clamps!
I have problems with no clamps, no nointer or planer either, got a few old hand tools but that's it
Put a block under the ends when taking off the lower clamps, loosen them and slide them out. Your spouse will love not hearing about your bad back in years to come. Nice clean top and well done.
Thank you
Wish I would have seen this a few weeks ago. But as you say "live and learn"
Time to make another! Haha
quick tip, yes the quarter inch bit will accommodate some inaccuracies in making the channel for the c channel but if you want, after enstablishing where to put the straight edge for the first channel, just put the c channel itself up against the straigh edge and use that as the new fence for the second pass of the router to have the perfect width
First time I've heard that tip to combat wood grain raise. Will have to keep my eyes on you :)
I like the C Channel idea. Good way to add some strength and legs too.
True!
4:14 That sunset tho!! O.o
Right? Haha
Hi DIY fan here in the philippines. Love watching your videos. Interested and wanted to learn that skills.
Thanks for watching!
@@WalkersWoodworks your most welcome ...i love woodworks really for my tiny house..
I just wish you could do a video like this without as many of the fancy tools for us who don't have all of the power tools to get a tutorial. More for beginners and weekend duffers. Great video though.
Wow.. So awesome to see real craftsman.
Creating a small corner desk soon, this will be my first time ever doing a woodwork project. Was wondering is there an alternative to the C channel for future warps and stability?
Desk is going to be 43 x 24
If you're planning on doing an apron then you can use table top fasteners to secure it and that will definitely help.
Very nice top. I didnt know about the water before you put on Poly. My tops come out and have a bit of a tough end to it, not much but a bit. I guess adding water before doing sanding would help with this. Nice work. I learned something today. Thanks...
That's great! Thanks for watching!
Looks awesome! I'm still very much a newbie, so hoping you can help me with two pieces not shown. On the underside, when you sanded between the coats of poly, what grit did you use? On the top side, what strength of scotch-brite did you use between?
Thanks! I used the same scotch Brite to sand the bottom as I used on top. I think it's just labeled as a fine sanding pad from 3M. But you can also use like 400 grit sand paper. Works the same.
Almost exactly my process to build small countertops (no steel channels needed). I usually use maple or poplar and top them with 1/4" glass cut to size. Nice job.
(BTW... I have that exact same Mikita track saw... love it.)
Outstanding video! I've got an 18" oak that had to come down a few years ago. A friend has a sawmill so we slabbed it out to 1.5"x 10' planks that have been stacked and stickered. All I needed was ideas of what to make with them. Once I've made dimensional lumber from them do you think they would be too thin (maybe 1") to do something like your desktop?
No not at all. But I would do an apron with the base for something that thin and use table top fasteners to secure it.
Stickered?
@@CoolBreeze640 Late to the party, but it just means that you use spacers or "stickers" between every board when stacking to dry. It allows air to circulate around every board rather than locking in moisture if boards are stacked right on top of each other. This also helps the boards dry more evenly and prevents massive cups, warps, twists, etc. due to differential drying.
@@tbroekemeier
Thanks!
I'm a plumber/ gasfitter in Boston and really cannot watch these videos enough.
Hey man you've inspired me to make one of these myself. Having the C channels made up, would 3mm steel be suitable or would you use 6mm?
Cheers brother.
I use 1/8" thick.
3 mm bud.
Walkers Woodworks Love this table top! I’m new to woodworking, especially to using C channel. I’m finding some places online, but not sure how to get them with holes in them. Is there something I’m missing on how to order or find lives similar to yours? My desktop that I’m building is 28” wide btw. Thanks for any info.
I just picked up a old 1940's oak 6 drawer desk at auction with a crack all the way through the top, for $1. I have been looking for ways to repair the top. I really like that C channel trick. I may have to try that...
Absolutely gorgeous. How much does a table top like that go for?
Thanks! It just depends on the size and material really.
@@WalkersWoodworks you know the size and the material. So how much?
Great work. My weakness is tabletop glue ups and I need to do more. This is a great way to do them. I’ll be doing this next time.
Awesome! Glad it helped!