Patron Version Video: Building a Craftsman Table
Added 2024-03-30 11:00:05 +0000 UTCFriends:
A few weeks ago, I made a video about half-lap joinery. I thought the video was too long and slow, but people seemed to enjoy the detail and careful pace as I cut each joint “live.” In our recent discussion thread about what videos I should do this year, many people asked for more projects, especially approachable ones.
This week, we’re putting all of that together. In today’s video, I start building a great little craftsman table. It’s a fantastic project—small and simple, but also attractive and useful. It’s a quick build for an experienced artisan and an excellent skill-builder for a beginner/intermediate woodworker. Just like that last video, we’re going slow, doing the work “live” and explaining as I work.
We’ve also divided the video into two parts. In Part One, I find the stock, cut out my components, and dimension all the parts of the table. In Part Two, I’ll cut the joints, shape the top and assemble the whole thing.
Please let me know how you like this style of build. I can do more of these if they’re useful.
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
Hi Rex! New woodworker here, yes please on the more thorough videos, I’ll take the problem solving on the fly and shared experience of avoiding previous problems you’ve experienced over a polished video any day! Feels like my locksmithing apprentice days. Thanks for sharing your crafts with the world.
Kirk C
2024-04-07 08:28:49 +0000 UTCI like the thorough video; when I was a beginner I had no idea how to get started on a project or sequence the steps. Even now that I have more experience I appreciate seeing how someone else carries out a build.
Margaret Kelly
2024-04-06 20:50:34 +0000 UTCThanks Rex for replying to this 7 yr old man. I'm starting an adventure into woodworking and jewellery making. To occupy my mind instead of sinking into deeper depression. Your videos help me a lot and this new format I think will be a huge hit. I certainly liked it, I watched it again today. Looking forward to part 2. Don't know if you realise, at times your pants at the back hangs down a bit caused by the microphone transmitter I suspect. We call it the Tradesmen back crack here in Ausralia. Hope you are over you bad cold, I had one recently that turned into pneumonia. Take care.
Peter R Schuck
2024-04-04 07:36:27 +0000 UTCThe criticism is all mine. I have ADD, so if I want to get through all of a PS video, I have to change the playback speed. Perhaps chatty was the wrong word. His descriptions are very detailed. Not being a beginning woodworker, I've often picked up on most of those details before he mentions them. No offense intended towards Mr. Sellers. He's an awesome teacher.
Michael Bennett
2024-04-03 23:36:23 +0000 UTCI don't see Paul Sellers getting criticism for being chatty so I don't see why you'd need to worry. He's way chattier. But, that's the kind of thing at least I like.
Sean McGown
2024-04-03 11:45:35 +0000 UTCMixing in long format videos for builds is great. Having the plans to go with them even better. Leave in the problems / mess-ups as they are proof that this is woodworking for humans!
Doug Cummings
2024-04-03 03:29:20 +0000 UTCI like the longer u-tubes. Reminds me of the good old days. Better content more detail as to what to do. Thanks every bit helps.
Dan Delie
2024-04-02 19:50:44 +0000 UTCNo problem. What mics and cameras do you use?
Bradley Barth
2024-04-02 12:33:37 +0000 UTCI'm glad you enjoy the mistakes. Lord knows I make enough.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:28:55 +0000 UTCA Morris chair is a big project, but probably worth all the effort. I'm glad you don't think I was too chatty. There were moments where I felt like I got rambly.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:28:36 +0000 UTCThat's very useful to know. Thank you!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:27:27 +0000 UTCYou're very welcome!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:27:12 +0000 UTCWell, there's never any shortage of mistakes to recover from!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:27:06 +0000 UTCThanks! I think that was one of the tricky things when starting out--realizing that there _is_ more than one way to accomplish something, and just because one is not doing it the same way as someone else doesn't mean it's wrong! Of course, in many cases it is when you're starting out, but...
Kenneth Carlile
2024-04-02 12:16:41 +0000 UTCI regret that I cannot get the piece into my shop. It's in daily use in my friend's house. But I could have discussed the details more by way of an introudction.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:07:21 +0000 UTCThank you. We're on it.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:06:14 +0000 UTCIt's true that build videos don't perform well on YouTube. This is an extra big problem because they take WAY more effort to produce. When you put weeks of work into a video and it flops, that a real disincentive to do more. But I do like to make things and I know many people want to see the builds, so I'm going to work to do more.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:06:02 +0000 UTCOh, I don't watch shorts either. It's not weird. I think it's generational.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:02:08 +0000 UTCThat's a good point and one I hadn't thought of.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 12:00:44 +0000 UTCExcellent. We'll keep it up.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:59:53 +0000 UTCStop it! Richard is a hero of mine. Maybe my favorite woodworker. A comparison to him makes me blush.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:59:42 +0000 UTCExcellent. I'm very glad I was able to help with that challenging skill. We all struggle with it.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:59:15 +0000 UTCWe just go some new wireless lav mics and they're a bit of a disappointment. There were a few crackles in this video. We'll keep working on it.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:58:43 +0000 UTCI will. You can bet on it.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:58:00 +0000 UTCIt's good to remember that we might have different techniques and both still get good results. I bet your technique is very strong.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:57:51 +0000 UTCStream of consciousness. That's a very good way to put it. You're right. That's what's happening.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:56:43 +0000 UTCI'm very glad you think so. We'll do more like this.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:56:09 +0000 UTCExcellent. I had a good feeling about this one, so it's good to know it's helping. We'll keep it up.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:55:30 +0000 UTCYou got it! I'll keep breaking it down and keeping it simple. Thanks for the clear feedback!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:53:21 +0000 UTCAnd likewise, I appreciate you for making my work possible. I'll try hard to keep delivering this level of detail.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:51:05 +0000 UTCExcellent. I'll keep it up.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:49:23 +0000 UTC"Over-explaining" is a fascinating way to put it. I guess that teachers have to always over-explain a little.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:49:13 +0000 UTCAll good tips and well stated.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:47:59 +0000 UTCExcellent. I'll keep it up.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:47:21 +0000 UTCI can't say it's super easy for me either. I make a lot of noises getting up and down. We cut those out. Sitting seems like a fine alternative. I sit often when I work.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:46:57 +0000 UTCAs you can see from the later part of the video, I'm also a big fan of the file!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:45:52 +0000 UTCFrom a pure looks standpoint, Stickley furniture is my favorite. I don't think my wife likes it as much as I do, but I love it. Frankly, I think we're due for a Craftsman revival. Its just the thing to take over for live-edge, which is cool but has overstayed its welcome.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:45:25 +0000 UTCWe're on it!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:40:58 +0000 UTCWe're on it. Thank you for your positive feedback.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:40:51 +0000 UTCOutstanding! Just what I was hoping to hear. Thank you.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:40:33 +0000 UTCYour so welcome! If I can help with the sharpening thing, let me know.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:40:18 +0000 UTCIt's all possible. Probably not a kitchen island because my kitchen is really small, but I take your point. I'll stick with this format and we'll see where it goes!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:39:46 +0000 UTCExcellent. We're on it.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:36:41 +0000 UTCAgreed. That's an excellent way to do it. In this case, I'm using 4/4 wood and 2 pieces of that is exactly the width of my plane blade. I find the "book" method a little tricky when the widths are the same size as the blade. I'm sure others find it easier.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:36:29 +0000 UTCThat whole thing with Paul was a massive drag. We're all thinking about him. I'm glad you like this format. I'll stay with it.
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:32:10 +0000 UTCIronically, longer video means longer edit, but we're going to do whatever it takes to deliver the goods!
Rex Krueger
2024-04-02 11:28:01 +0000 UTCFrom what I can figure, those creators also get the tools for free and/or are paid to promote the tool or whatever... They are also geared more towards the power tool crowd. Most handtool woodworking creators don't generate enough thru traffic for the big companies to make the deal worthwhile for them. Smaller companies, like Taytools, Reed Planes, and of course, Compass Rose just don't have the ad budget to do big sponsorship campaigns. They cultivate relationships with creators, hoping to get name drops or spotlights on tools during a build. And if the creator is lucky, they might get an unexpected package in the mail.
Michael Bennett
2024-04-02 03:02:35 +0000 UTCLove the longer format. I especially enjoy the screw ups, and recovery. You show us that mistakes are ok, and not the end of the world. Thanks.
Bruce McDonald
2024-04-02 01:33:00 +0000 UTCI liked the pace of this video. It showed enough without being overly chatty like Paul Sellers tends to get. I also like how you showed your screw-up, used the bandsaw, and said it's perfectly OK to do both. I have a big stack of true 1/4-sawn white oak offcuts and want to make a Morris chair. While I don't have enough for that, I do have plenty for a side table to go with it. A voice in my head keeps saying, "If you build it, the chair will come".
Michael Bennett
2024-04-01 21:52:29 +0000 UTCI tend to agree with you here - sort of a furniture forensics introduction. Norm Abram (NYWS) often did this, which is one of the things that drew me to the show.
Brian Taylor
2024-04-01 12:40:59 +0000 UTCI really enjoyed this video as it is easier to follow what you are doing and I prefer this method of teaching
Carlos Alvarado
2024-03-31 22:34:15 +0000 UTCI really like the long detailed video. Thanks, Rex.
Matthew Joseph Kennedy
2024-03-31 20:40:50 +0000 UTCI like the two-part series - particularly because it gives you the time to teach us how to recover from mistakes!
Christopher Moore
2024-03-31 20:35:12 +0000 UTCI think you should have started by showing the craftsman table that you were going to copy and measuring all the dimensions. You could have also described what type of joinery was involved in the table. As you were planing the wood, and gluing up the top I didn't have a clear idea of how big the finished table was going to be. Also you could have spoken about the uses for the finished table and the stresses on it.
Madeleine Yeh
2024-03-31 20:23:20 +0000 UTCDefinitely a fan of the longer format! Keep it up.
Dave Badolato
2024-03-31 14:33:21 +0000 UTCRecently watched a video saying no one watches build videos. Apparently creators find them build videos receive fewer views than tool reviews and other content. I thought was the New Yankee Workshop and The Woodwright Shop did well for year; clearly someone is watching. Seems like if a creator is only looking for view counts, do tool reviews and work safely videos. However so money seemed to have started with the same idea, showing others how to build things. That is how I found Rex and Paul Sellers, I needed a good Spokeshave but did not want to buy one! I liked Rex’s better and use it regularly.
Chris St. Cyr
2024-03-31 12:26:46 +0000 UTCWell done. Do more. I prefer longer videos with detailed content. If you make a one hour video or 3 or 4 30 min. videos for one project, I will watch them back-to-back. I don't watch shorts, I guess I'm just weird that way.
DALE PATTON
2024-03-31 04:42:59 +0000 UTCI like the longer format. It will be easier to reference when making the piece.
Richard Nelesen
2024-03-31 03:37:13 +0000 UTCGreat video, I liked the longer form format
Michael Falbo
2024-03-31 02:57:01 +0000 UTCGood teaching method. Kind of like a Maguire vid.
Michael Ross
2024-03-31 02:14:01 +0000 UTCLove this style of video! I also really appreciated the quick lesson on getting a board square as that's something I have trouble with, I'll try this method now!
David Bumpus
2024-03-31 02:08:05 +0000 UTCNice detail. Nothing wrong with a long video now and then. We subscribe to you as we enjoy your content, enjoy what you provide to us and enjoy how you present your insights to us. Also, what recording and audio equipment do you use.
Bradley Barth
2024-03-31 02:01:36 +0000 UTCThis is a great video! Please make more!
Bob Kauten
2024-03-31 01:56:01 +0000 UTCBill, this is why I keep a couple of very low stools (~18" tall?) in my shop. I never kneel when I'm ripping, and I do a lot of ripping in the vise. Sitting down works really well for me.
Kenneth Carlile
2024-03-31 01:26:43 +0000 UTCGreat video! You forgot one other purpose for chamfers: they separate us from the animals. ;-) I really enjoyed the video style, although I have to admit that I was spending a lot of the time comparing your techniques to mine. I'm going to take that as a good sign!
Kenneth Carlile
2024-03-31 01:23:51 +0000 UTCThe stream of conscious approach throws out at lot of detail. I probably never need a table like that but I sure will use those techniques. Some I’ve heard several times but repetition cements them into your knowledge base.
Richard C von Brecht
2024-03-31 01:22:54 +0000 UTCThis was an excellent video :^)
Thomas Hverring
2024-03-31 00:59:07 +0000 UTCI really love this. Something I can really do. Similar to a hall entryway bench I made a while ago. If I'd known half of the tips you showed here, it'd been a lot better looking. Thumbs up.
Sean McGown
2024-03-30 23:16:08 +0000 UTCThank you Rex for the video. I like this format and if it helps with the editing time, that works even better. Looking forward to part two. Have a great weekend.
Matt Evans-Koch
2024-03-30 21:48:48 +0000 UTCYour new format is a definite improvement. It has more time spent on why you doing it this way and the disadvantage of doing some other way. You understand that I don´t even know what the questions are so you answer for me. It is good. Take your time. Get down to my level.
Louis Lampe
2024-03-30 21:24:38 +0000 UTCI like this format Rex and appreciate you.
Marco P. Lascari
2024-03-30 20:10:20 +0000 UTCGreat video, Rex! I absolutely loved this format style much better. It's much more helpful this way. Thanks.
Jennessa Lynam
2024-03-30 19:16:04 +0000 UTCThis makes me think of a video game streamer I watch who sometimes does a series where he's over explaining what he's doing in the game, and it's super helpful. Digging the longer format stuff!
Kaleb Smart
2024-03-30 17:32:58 +0000 UTCGreat video...I always pick up a woodworking tip or two when you go into detail on a project! A couple tips of my own; when you glue up a wide piece of stock consider "opposing" the grain. Looking at the end of the board the grain lines will either rise to the left or the right and if you glue them with a parallel raise and they want to cup they will do so in the same direction, amplifying the cup. Flip one piece end for end and now the grains meet in a chevron, their possible cups will oppose each other, the joined piece will tend to stay flatter. Second, when planing an edge straight or a face flat the sole of the plane will bridge over the low spot or rock on the high spot, If you angle the plane you effectively shorten the sole, allowing you to focus the cut on the high ends or high middle. As you approach flatness you straighten the plane, lengthening the sole until you are cutting straight and flat;)
John Griswold
2024-03-30 16:00:20 +0000 UTCI use this method all the time. Works great.
Kirk von der Heydt
2024-03-30 15:12:16 +0000 UTCNot only are we back to furniture building, BUT we also get slower more detailed video. I LOVE this format. I think it will be super helpful for newer wood workers or those that want to venture into more hand tool work. Great job and looking forward to next week.
Kirk von der Heydt
2024-03-30 15:11:10 +0000 UTCYeah kneeling is a no go for those of us of Eisenhower vintage. Nice project. Thanks.
Bill Rhodes
2024-03-30 14:59:01 +0000 UTCGreat video rex. Nice tip on removing the aris. Paul sellers had a recent video for removing the aris with a file if people haven't seen that. Looking forward to how you finish the top and joints.
Dave West
2024-03-30 14:44:55 +0000 UTCYes, more please...this format is more informative because often little details are shown that you might gloss over in a shorter more edited version. Also, more craftsman projects please. I'm only a hobbyist but my wife and I many years ago discovered Stickley furniture in a high end store and both of us immediately agreed that this is our style. It was one of the very few times in our marriage when we instantly agreed on anything!
Dick Wright
2024-03-30 14:18:07 +0000 UTCI can’t wait for part 2!
John Pankow
2024-03-30 13:46:31 +0000 UTCLove the format. More of this format would be great.
Marc Barash
2024-03-30 13:27:03 +0000 UTCJust the thing for me: enough details and insights to boost my skills. Pretty close to a workshop experience. Two thumbs up Rex!
Dean Wight
2024-03-30 13:20:30 +0000 UTCExcellent decision. I’m a new handtool woodworker working on my small bench i my second bedroom. I look to you as the teacher/mentor I don’t have so videos with thorough explanations are very helpful. I haven’t started any projects yet because I’m still learning how to get my tools sharp enough. Thanks for ALL your videos, short our long!
Richard Copeland
2024-03-30 13:11:51 +0000 UTCI thought this was great. You've done great videos on making a bench of various kinds, tools like the mallet (Mjolnir!) and others, videos on sharpening, and now some small craftsman pieces, that's wonderful. A couple more like this maybe, and who knows, maybe some days a big piece like a bed or dinner table, or maybe something big and comparatively complicated, like a kitchen island. :D
Bill Staffen
2024-03-30 13:04:14 +0000 UTCThis is great. Looking forward to part two.
Peter Svedman
2024-03-30 12:29:55 +0000 UTCRE: joining the top. One trick I have used when edge joining pieces is to fold the adjacent pieces like a book so that the top surfaces are together and clamp them together in the vice for planing the edge. That way you dont have to worry about getting the joint perfectly square. Any slight deviation from 90° will cancel out and you will get a perfect joint.
Fred Gosbee
2024-03-30 11:53:21 +0000 UTCI often find short videos of anyone I watch also leaves me wanting more detailed explanations and visual details. I'm more of a visual learner than say reading a book and trying to grasp what the presenter is getting at. I was watching an explanation of doing stop rebates and when doing a chisel shock inline l8ne with the grain, the person hit slightly too hard and the grain line split right through the whole board. Oops. As it was just an example training piece. But what if it was for a cliemys piece. I expect that it would be an unnecessary glue and clamp procedure in the real world. I like your longer videos and am really ok, if it's 2 or more parts. The more real demonstrations the better. I find Paul Sellers video mainly great but sometimes a bit short. I was sad to hear he was assaulted very recently whilst out riding his bike. He has a few bruises but also 3 fracture non displaced ribs. He's going to be out for most likely several months. Quite a few people came to his aid which was good to hear. I'm 70, he's 76 but in better shape than I am. Hope all goes well for him. And glad you are feeling better. I liked the log splitting that was so far very interesting seeing the breakdown of a round tree turning into straight sections for a chair.
Peter R Schuck
2024-03-30 11:15:14 +0000 UTC
