You have no idea how refreshing it is to watch a professional struggle and work through problems. Almost all the other woodworking channels out there make everything look so easy and seamless. So when I see Keith run into a problem that he has to fix or account for, it makes me feel like I can do that too. Hearing him say things like, "if you run into troubles with board alignment on a table top, just know you're not alone" is one of my favorite aspects of this channel. Well, that and the fact that his stuff is awesome. That, too.
Thanks for the comment, Ben. I definitely try to keep it as “real” as possible. I would love to keep in all the mistakes and struggles, but there just isn’t enough time, so I try to keep in the most relevant issues that I think will be helpful for people. When you’re making something for the first time, or as a one off, there are problems and issues that arise that you just don’t foresee sometimes. It’s much different than making the same thing over and over and over again where the only thing that changes is what time you eat lunch or how much coffee you drink that day 😂
Heard on the podcast that you’re stepping away from client work. I must say it will be missed from your channel. It differentiates you from the other creators. There’s something about the stakes of watching you build a piece for someone else that adds a level of suspense to your videos. I hope that doesn’t come across negatively. You’re one of the few woodworkers I watch consistently on the Tube and I’m always in awe of your attention to detail. I know the burnout is real trying to balance it all. Just hoping you keep that spirit alive during the transition! Best of luck man and hopefully you’re able to get some R&R over the holidays.
agree, i usually hate this stage for most of the internet woodworkers that get popular. as a consumer, it’s when the content starts to go downhill. obviously says nothing about the quality of work, etc, but before we know it there will be camper renovations, etc
I greatly appreciate your comment, Robbie. Your concern is absolutely one I have thought about, but I have a funny feeling commissions will come along that are too good to pass up and I will take on the challenges if they suit this channel. Client work definitely forces me to elevate my game and continue to improve as a furniture maker. Happy holidays to you as well and thanks for listening to the podcast!
@positronuprising Creating content is definitely a challenge and requires A LOT of behind the scenes work. I love most of it, but sometimes the stress of client build can really be overwhelming when trying to build, film and deliver the best product possible. I appreciate your comment!
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking nice channel, right to the point; what woodturning machines yoy use, arond 4 to 5 k ; Jet i am told is good, Robust maybe, even at 10 000, i see in your videos a green one, what brand is it
There are many many many woodworking channels and many I really like, but this one stands all the way out as my very favorite ❤. Keith, you’re awesome and so is your delightful wonderful supporting cast Lola and Jerry. It’s another beautiful design and build.
I love all the little touches you do to truly make it one of a kind. The leather and brass pins are a very nice touch. Accounting for bumpers or adding white oak veneers to the drawers etc. are all extra attention to details that makes it all pay off at the end. Love your style and projects. Happy holidays
Thank you very much, Gregg! As I mentioned, some of these decisions don't make the best business sense, but taking pride in what you do and going the extra mile isn't always about the money. I just love trying new things and producing the best work that I can.
I think what I enjoy most about your videos is that, in the selection of woodworkers I've subscribed to, you are fairly unique. Most of the woodworkers I watch present themselves in their videos as having planned and executed everything meticulously enough that very seldom does anything need to be changed or have adjustments made, and if adjustments do need to be made for a mistake, it comes off as a stressful, big deal. Whether all of that is accurate or not, I have no idea. I like seeing that in essentially every project, you are making smart, practical adjustments when things don't go quite right and always end up accomplishing a great final product with attention to detail. That is a great skill.
Thanks Alex! It's all real and that's how I try to keep it. Nothing ever goes to plan and I try to convey that as much as possible in my videos, as it makes it much more relatable. And from the feedback I get, showing mistakes and how to fix them is one of things people most want to see.
Great work Keith! The drawers came out really nice. Was listening to the podcast and was thinkin about the brass dowel depth challenges. I've come across similar things in the past and have tried a couple things. I've drilled a hole in a block of wood to a depth of how proud I want the dowel to be, started the dowel in the hole and hammered on the block with the dowel nestled in the hole. Once the block bottoms out the dowel can't be driven any farther than the depth of the hole in the block. I've also cut a hole a little larger than the dowel in a piece of veneer and put that around the dowel once its most of the way in the work piece, used a flat faced mallet to send it home and the mallet hits the veneer and prevents the dowel from going too far. Hope that helps, thanks for the great content
Thanks Ryan! I thought cutting all the pins the exact same length and drilling the holes the same depth would do the trick, but so many tiny variables come into play. For example, more glue in one than another will occupy more space and rounding over one pin more than the other may cause it too look recessed even though it was set at the same depth. The only real solution is to sand them flush 😂. I like that veneer, idea, though!
@21:47 Installation segment was super helpful. Floating vanities are trendy and there aren't many videos covering site prep. Walls are never plumb/leveled and the desk frame needs to be smaller than the measured dimensions, with gaps filled with fillet strips. The desk top was scribed with utility plywood. Nice coverage.
When I was taught to veneer I was told to always use a balance sheet on the flip side, even if it wouldn’t be visible. You can use something cheap if it won’t be seen. This prevents any cupping or twisting as the veneer glue dries as there is equal force acting on both sides of your work piece. This may take a little longer and use a little more material but it prevents the kind of problems you experienced. Another tip I was taught was to use thinner veneer, no more than 1/16” and smaller lippings to prevent problems with movement and shrinkage.
Personally, satin water-based varnishes look better on hand and always highlight the grain of the wood more. I always like a pretty grain to look.@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking
75 and retired I've done a ton of cabinetry furniture build over the years so when I say that your work looks awesome you know it is for real ohh and by the way you have a really cool helper you know the cool cat
And here I am once again shaking my head with awe after one of your videos. Love your attention to detail and the humor in your voiceover. Keep it up, this is great stuff you are building!
I'm just getting back into woodworking after a nearly 20 year hiatus, and was at the sawmill yesterday looking at their wood. I build in quartersawn white oak quite a bit, and the sawyer informed me I would be pleasantly surprised at the prices. They were still higher than back in the day, but were dramatically lower than the rift white. We are in a very heavily timbered area so hardwood prices are cheaper to start with, but he rift was around $9.00 a board foot! I couldn't believe it was that high! Rift used to be used for internals of high-end furniture back when I had my custom furniture business because of it's stability, but I never got an order for an entire piece out of it. How times change! Another pricing related story: two years ago the sawmills were looking for veneer grade walnut to send to China. They were paying $1000.00 per tree, and a lot of the people in the area sold 5-10 trees and made a quick stack of cash! 20 years ago, white woods were all the rage, and clear hard maple prices were through the roof. You never know what will be "in" in woodworking 😊
Just found your channel been watching everything. I like how simple you keep it. It makes me, delusionally, think I could achieve similar results. It’s the way you have a process designed for every step of the way. Processes that have I’m sure evolved from decades of fine tuning and finding what works the absolute best. That being said, some of your opinions on how certain views of the grain in a board are the opposite of mine. Where you think the grain is too much, or just, maybe, I think it looks good 🤷🏼♂️. But that’s probably why I’m not a woodworker!
Thanks so much for the kind words! And we all have different tastes and preferences on grain and appearance...that's what's so great! If we all liked the same thing, that would be pretty boring. Cheers!
Keith, I thoroughly enjoy watching you work. Sharing your wins and your frustrations gives me the hope that I can do this too. On some other channels they always make it look so easy, with no problems. But you and Cam seem to share that same mindset of sharing the reality of building furniture. Thank you so much!
Thanks Johnny! I appreciate the comment. I definitely try to show the more real size of building custom furniture. Nothing every goes exactly as planned and there are always mistakes. Thanks for watching!
As the world’s worst amateur woodworker I sat gobsmacked at the amount of skill and talent you put on display in this video. Everything beautifully crisp and neat. Quite frankly, I was stunned. So I’ll just stick to making lamps and lampshades and replacing my mum’s back door in her garage. If I even think about doing clever stuff, I’ll stop myself and just watch one of your videos. Beautiful cat too.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking: ah ha! Well then I should send photographs of these. But be warned, when you see them you’re first reaction will be to throw in the towel and sell your workshop. 😊. In the meantime if you need a 62 year old apprentice I’ll pack a bag and fly over from Scotland😂. I nearly forgot, I made a kitchen table out of old scaffolding planks, joined together with glue and dowels. And a matching table lamp made from the scraps. It was all in place for Christmas dinner.
Dude - my literal words to my wife after watching this was: “Oh, Keith, you can’t make anything simple. Everything needs to be amazingly well done”. She said: “nice, he’s your kind of guy then”. 😊. She’s right, you’re such an inspiration to always keep pushing. Thanks again 😊
Another outstanding job Keith, your attention to detail is why your customers should be thrilled. p.s. The price for white oak here in northern CA is at $15 to $20 BF.
great video keith. to eliminate cupping in your veneer panel, next time only apply glue to the substrate. and if you can, veneer both sides of the plywood at the same time. this helps keep everything flat.
Nice work!… Just wanted to give you a heads up on the Bona Nordic Seal since I am a hardwood floor refinisher by trade…. It’s a sealer (primer) not a finish. Our process is one or two coats of sealer (Nordic may require 2 for evenness) then 2 coats of finish. Bona Mega-One or Traffic (satin, matte or Raw) is a compatible finish. These Nordic style floors have been quite popular the last few years.
Thanks for the info! Honestly, I read the bottle 10 times and I don’t remember seeing that it needed a topcoat 😂. In any event, I put two coats of a ceramic topcoat on top of it, so it should be plenty durable for the foreseeable future.
The word “Sealer” is synonymous in our trade as the first coat. It doesn’t surprise me that the instructions are slightly vague since they assume it will be used by a floor pro. Glad you did get it top coated though! Keep up the great content!
Great build Keith! Love the attention to detail in keeping the grain consistent across your surfaces. Honestly, at this point im so desensitized to lumber prices, I just grab what i need, hand my credit card to the guy behind the counter and close my eyes 😂
Every time I watch one of your videos you level something up and show a new skill I haven’t seen. It begs the question, is there anything you know you can’t build (within the woodworking realm) or haven’t been able to complete due to difficulty level?
I know here locally in TN there's a problem with people trespassing onto timber properties and felling white oaks primarily to feed the whiskey barrel market. They can't reuse the barrels so they need a constant supply of new oak, plus the demand for their product has gone through the roof.
Philip Morley utilizes this cool technique he calls the “rip and flip”. It only works with flat sawn material. You take rips towards the outer parts of the board. Then flips em and re glues into panels. You end up with really straight grain rift to quarter sawn material. Rift sawn white oak is very hard to come by around here. I started having Myron at irion ship my stock right to my house. Very flat and clear. And he’s about 2 dollars less than my local hardware dealer. So with shipping it’s basically the same price. Beautiful peace man.
Love your work, always my favorite projects. Overall delivery is just kick ass. I really don’t understand why you super-pros don’t have Fontline clamps. I have 6 of them and I’d have a hard time deciding to give up the Domino or these first. Plus I use them often as a typical bar clamp. I had a crazy waterfall miter with a floating box for a turntable console and they were MVPs of the build.
Thanks for taking time to explain the differences between Rift sawn Vs. quarter along with a simple example. Now I can go into my local wood store and understand the terminology.
I came across that yellow tape earlier this year and it's been a literal game changer for me. Amazing stuff. For anyone interested, the tape I use is 3M's auto refinishing tape. It's basically yellow painter's tape with a high tack adhesive. Seriously, amazing tape. Not cheap, but very worth it.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworkingOh wow, I didn't even know frogtape made yellow tape! I'll grab a roll to see which I prefer. It's a bit cheaper than my 3m auto refinishing tape. Thanks, and beautiful work as always!
Great to see another video from you Keith. I like that you share all your success's aswel as the not so successful parts of your builds. You really are a true "Professional" at your craft. A real professional still makes mistakes, but has the experience and knowledge to overcome them! I hope you and your family have great Christmas, and I look forward to your projects you share next year.
Thanks so much! I appreciate the comment and the support. I definitely continue to learn from mistakes and hopefully people can relate and not make the same mistakes!
I really like the leather is the charging drawers. Nice touch. But i would have done the leather on inserts so they could be removed because, in my experience, those types of drawers tend to end up full of dust, lint, and crumbs im the corners that is difficult to clean out.
Beautiful! Thank you for this really well done video. All your content is so professional and instructive. And entertaining even! Truly inspiring. I have been kicking around some ideas for my office. now I'm re-thinking everything and might go with a hanging desk!!!
Great work as always Keith! You're living my dream job and are an inspiration to those of us who wish to make a living for ourselves with a craft we love.
Clean, nice work and your production is very professional! I use a good bit of various white oak types in my builds and buy from Hearne Hardwoods, Oxford, PA. They have a great online portal but if it's not too far to drive I'm certain you would enjoy seeing their facility.
@@plop31 Vous avez tort. Il n’y a AUCUN problème d’espace pour les jambes. Savez-vous que tous ces détails sont réglés et signés par le client avant le début du projet ?
That’s really lovely. I’m very intrigued by the outlet system in the drawer. In my business (pipe organs), we do a lot of leather work. I’m very fond of a glue sold by our supply company, that they call Felt and Leather Glue. It’s similar to PVC-E. It bonds really well, has decent work time, and is water soluble. Organ Supply Industries in Erie PA.
Thanks so much for the adhesive suggestion! I'm definitely going to look into that! I was unsure what would work best. And I love that your suggestion is water soluble. Thanks again!
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworkingIf they’re reluctant to sell to you as a non-industry member, let me know here, and we’ll figure out a way to get you some.
Wow! So beautiful. Any tips for getting a floating shelf in a deep alcove with an opening that is narrower than the back? Can’t bevel the sides because the bottom will be visible.
Depending how much narrower, what some guys do is use one of 3rd Hands and push the wall open at the front to allow you to slide the shelf it. Other option is cut a groove in the drywall and slide it in and then patch.
Thanks Rick! Definitely going to incorporate more leather in future projects...gotta put that other half of a hide to use! Happy Holidays to you as well!
my last white oak project all the lumber was case hardened. a real nuisance and causes a lot more waste as the wood moves immediately when being milled and broken down/sized to rough project dimensions. i should have gone back to the mill for a refund but I only figured it out after all the wood was milled.
As always hands down best woodworker on YT, long time watcher. Doing a 40" long, 18" deep, floating desk for light weight work. Do you think two of those counter top support brackets lagged into studs, without any additional support, would be sufficient?
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I think 2 of those brackets would work. I suggest getting the ones that attach to the sides of the studs, not the front like I used. originalgranitebracket.com/collections/desk-brackets/products/free-hanging-shelf-bracket?variant=36820197772
28:13 filler strip at the end: not that it was difficult, but would it be a little bit easier if you created a little flag in the middle on the front where you already had tape so that you could pinch the tape to hold it a little easier?
You can spray Bona Traffic finishes. Ignore the manufacturer, they’re just covering their ass. Spraying that finish looks incredible. Also, make sure to do at least 3 coats and prep before the final coat by buffing the shit out of it. Makes for a perfect finish
Great to see another cabinetmaker going the extra mile to produce a product that YOU are happy with putting putting out to a customer even though invariably the customer never seems to notice the extra time and detail.
Thank you very much! And yes, unless the client is well versed in cabinetry or furniture making, most of these things go unnoticed and unappreciated. That's why I love when clients watch my videos and they can see how much work goes into building a custom piece.
Hi Keith, really great video. Lobbing in a very late question, but I'm thinking of trying the leather drawer bottom like you did and was wondering (1) what substrate are you using (it looks like it might be a double layer of 1/2" ply?) and (2) if/how you finished the bottom (wondering if I should be finishing both sides with shellac or something before gluing the leather for moisture balance). Hope you see this (but totally understand if you don't)
I used 3/8" baltic Birch for the drawer bottoms. And you just need to shellac the bottom, not the side you are applying the leather to. I would do both as close together as you can to prevent any warpage.
I looked a long time on those expensive drawer outlets before I came up with a cost effective DIY version. I bought a regular inset outlet with USB-C and some plastic "drag chain" (The ones used for the cables on a CNC or 3D printer. Disclaimer: I am not a professional, so I am not sure if that is a viable solution for commission work.
You always make beautiful pieces with such amazing skill and detail that it makes me jealous. But Dude, you Always have to veneer both sides of any board!!! Great work. It's a beautiful piece.
I was happy to hear you recommend Timbercraft, they are located in my town. I’m looking at replacing the cabinet doors with drawers on our kitchen island and wanted to give them a try instead of making them myself.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I will! If you visit Timbercraft at some point, take a ride a few miles further north and stop in at Conway Hardwoods in Gaylordsville, they have a good selection of woods you might be interested in.
Growing up in a small family but profitable wood shop I grew to dislike a few types of wood, Oak, Cherry and Pine, mostly for different reasons. Personally much bigger fan of Maples, Ash, Mahogany and Walnut
Rift white oak is by far my favorite wood to make things. It's fairly abundant in the upper midwest but, of course, very expensive. About the same or more than black walnut. Red oak is half the price but not as nice.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
You have no idea how refreshing it is to watch a professional struggle and work through problems. Almost all the other woodworking channels out there make everything look so easy and seamless. So when I see Keith run into a problem that he has to fix or account for, it makes me feel like I can do that too. Hearing him say things like, "if you run into troubles with board alignment on a table top, just know you're not alone" is one of my favorite aspects of this channel. Well, that and the fact that his stuff is awesome. That, too.
Thanks for the comment, Ben. I definitely try to keep it as “real” as possible. I would love to keep in all the mistakes and struggles, but there just isn’t enough time, so I try to keep in the most relevant issues that I think will be helpful for people. When you’re making something for the first time, or as a one off, there are problems and issues that arise that you just don’t foresee sometimes. It’s much different than making the same thing over and over and over again where the only thing that changes is what time you eat lunch or how much coffee you drink that day 😂
Heard on the podcast that you’re stepping away from client work. I must say it will be missed from your channel. It differentiates you from the other creators. There’s something about the stakes of watching you build a piece for someone else that adds a level of suspense to your videos. I hope that doesn’t come across negatively. You’re one of the few woodworkers I watch consistently on the Tube and I’m always in awe of your attention to detail. I know the burnout is real trying to balance it all. Just hoping you keep that spirit alive during the transition! Best of luck man and hopefully you’re able to get some R&R over the holidays.
agree, i usually hate this stage for most of the internet woodworkers that get popular. as a consumer, it’s when the content starts to go downhill. obviously says nothing about the quality of work, etc, but before we know it there will be camper renovations, etc
I greatly appreciate your comment, Robbie. Your concern is absolutely one I have thought about, but I have a funny feeling commissions will come along that are too good to pass up and I will take on the challenges if they suit this channel. Client work definitely forces me to elevate my game and continue to improve as a furniture maker. Happy holidays to you as well and thanks for listening to the podcast!
@positronuprising Creating content is definitely a challenge and requires A LOT of behind the scenes work. I love most of it, but sometimes the stress of client build can really be overwhelming when trying to build, film and deliver the best product possible. I appreciate your comment!
@@positronuprisingVery true...I skip right past airstream, kitchen reno, and other content that starts to veer off.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking nice channel, right to the point; what woodturning machines yoy use, arond 4 to 5 k ; Jet i am told is good, Robust maybe, even at 10 000, i see in your videos a green one, what brand is it
There are many many many woodworking channels and many I really like, but this one stands all the way out as my very favorite ❤. Keith, you’re awesome and so is your delightful wonderful supporting cast Lola and Jerry. It’s another beautiful design and build.
Wow, thank you! That is beyond kind and I greatly appreciate it. It makes all the hardwork of filming and editing totally worth it! 🙏🙌
I agree, Jerry is my favorite woodworking youtuber.
I love all the little touches you do to truly make it one of a kind. The leather and brass pins are a very nice touch. Accounting for bumpers or adding white oak veneers to the drawers etc. are all extra attention to details that makes it all pay off at the end. Love your style and projects. Happy holidays
Thank you very much, Gregg! As I mentioned, some of these decisions don't make the best business sense, but taking pride in what you do and going the extra mile isn't always about the money. I just love trying new things and producing the best work that I can.
The details you put in those otherwise "simple" projects really makes it next level and very special. Like the brass pins and the leather.. very nice!
Thank you very much! I try to make it interesting for myself 😜
Why not have drawers on the left side?
@@leonpseClient didn’t want them
I think what I enjoy most about your videos is that, in the selection of woodworkers I've subscribed to, you are fairly unique. Most of the woodworkers I watch present themselves in their videos as having planned and executed everything meticulously enough that very seldom does anything need to be changed or have adjustments made, and if adjustments do need to be made for a mistake, it comes off as a stressful, big deal. Whether all of that is accurate or not, I have no idea. I like seeing that in essentially every project, you are making smart, practical adjustments when things don't go quite right and always end up accomplishing a great final product with attention to detail. That is a great skill.
Thanks Alex! It's all real and that's how I try to keep it. Nothing ever goes to plan and I try to convey that as much as possible in my videos, as it makes it much more relatable. And from the feedback I get, showing mistakes and how to fix them is one of things people most want to see.
Great work Keith! The drawers came out really nice. Was listening to the podcast and was thinkin about the brass dowel depth challenges. I've come across similar things in the past and have tried a couple things. I've drilled a hole in a block of wood to a depth of how proud I want the dowel to be, started the dowel in the hole and hammered on the block with the dowel nestled in the hole. Once the block bottoms out the dowel can't be driven any farther than the depth of the hole in the block. I've also cut a hole a little larger than the dowel in a piece of veneer and put that around the dowel once its most of the way in the work piece, used a flat faced mallet to send it home and the mallet hits the veneer and prevents the dowel from going too far. Hope that helps, thanks for the great content
Thanks Ryan! I thought cutting all the pins the exact same length and drilling the holes the same depth would do the trick, but so many tiny variables come into play. For example, more glue in one than another will occupy more space and rounding over one pin more than the other may cause it too look recessed even though it was set at the same depth. The only real solution is to sand them flush 😂. I like that veneer, idea, though!
I know it's my stress teasing, but it's really beautifully made, so beautiful that a tear rolls down :)
Awww! Thanks very much 🙏🏻
@21:47 Installation segment was super helpful. Floating vanities are trendy and there aren't many videos covering site prep. Walls are never plumb/leveled and the desk frame needs to be smaller than the measured dimensions, with gaps filled with fillet strips. The desk top was scribed with utility plywood. Nice coverage.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Installs are always a headache 😂
When I was taught to veneer I was told to always use a balance sheet on the flip side, even if it wouldn’t be visible. You can use something cheap if it won’t be seen. This prevents any cupping or twisting as the veneer glue dries as there is equal force acting on both sides of your work piece. This may take a little longer and use a little more material but it prevents the kind of problems you experienced. Another tip I was taught was to use thinner veneer, no more than 1/16” and smaller lippings to prevent problems with movement and shrinkage.
💯👍🏻
Another great video Keith! I like how you don’t hide your mistakes and show how to fix them. I learn new things every time I watch your channel!
Thanks Jason! So glad these videos are helpful...that's very humbling. 🙏
I love that varnish on the surface. The grain of the wood stands out much more and looks beautiful.
I was definitely impressed. I just wish it could be sprayed!
Personally, satin water-based varnishes look better on hand and always highlight the grain of the wood more.
I always like a pretty grain to look.@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking
@@Charlee_and_Pipo yes, sometimes...but not on walnut! 😜
75 and retired I've done a ton of cabinetry furniture build over the years so when I say that your work looks awesome you know it is for real ohh and by the way you have a really cool helper you know the cool cat
Thanks so much for the comment and the kind words! Jerry appreciates it as well! 😁😺
And here I am once again shaking my head with awe after one of your videos. Love your attention to detail and the humor in your voiceover. Keep it up, this is great stuff you are building!
Wow, thank you! I super appreciate the kind words. And thanks for watching 🙏👊
Excellent tutorial - thanks Keith! Great workmanship....
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words 🙏👍
I'm just getting back into woodworking after a nearly 20 year hiatus, and was at the sawmill yesterday looking at their wood. I build in quartersawn white oak quite a bit, and the sawyer informed me I would be pleasantly surprised at the prices. They were still higher than back in the day, but were dramatically lower than the rift white. We are in a very heavily timbered area so hardwood prices are cheaper to start with, but he rift was around $9.00 a board foot! I couldn't believe it was that high! Rift used to be used for internals of high-end furniture back when I had my custom furniture business because of it's stability, but I never got an order for an entire piece out of it. How times change! Another pricing related story: two years ago the sawmills were looking for veneer grade walnut to send to China. They were paying $1000.00 per tree, and a lot of the people in the area sold 5-10 trees and made a quick stack of cash! 20 years ago, white woods were all the rage, and clear hard maple prices were through the roof. You never know what will be "in" in woodworking 😊
Yeah, like clothes, different woods come in and out of style over the years as trends change. It's a lot to keep up with 😂
Just found your channel been watching everything. I like how simple you keep it. It makes me, delusionally, think I could achieve similar results. It’s the way you have a process designed for every step of the way. Processes that have I’m sure evolved from decades of fine tuning and finding what works the absolute best.
That being said, some of your opinions on how certain views of the grain in a board are the opposite of mine. Where you think the grain is too much, or just, maybe, I think it looks good 🤷🏼♂️. But that’s probably why I’m not a woodworker!
Thanks so much for the kind words! And we all have different tastes and preferences on grain and appearance...that's what's so great! If we all liked the same thing, that would be pretty boring. Cheers!
Incredible attention to detail
Thanks very much! 🙌🏻
Beautiful cats above the stratosphere craftsmanship great to watch and easy to listen to and enjoy commentary thank you so much.
Much appreciated! Thanks so much! 😺😺
Excellent work as always. I love that you leave in the "mistakes." You should really put out a Lola and Jerry calendar. Keep the talent happy!
Thank you very much! Hmmm...the shopcat calendar...I like it!
Keith, I thoroughly enjoy watching you work. Sharing your wins and your frustrations gives me the hope that I can do this too. On some other channels they always make it look so easy, with no problems. But you and Cam seem to share that same mindset of sharing the reality of building furniture. Thank you so much!
Thanks Johnny! I appreciate the comment. I definitely try to show the more real size of building custom furniture. Nothing every goes exactly as planned and there are always mistakes. Thanks for watching!
Outstanding. Finishing a white oak project myself and this gives me great motivation to get back out there and get it done! Thanks for sharing.
Oh awesome! I often need a kick in the pants to get motivated, too. You're not alone!
Funny...I'm also doing a white oak project & had a similar thought.
I could really feel the stress of this job. You’re an absolute craftsman, bravo!
Thanks man! Definitely hit some speed bumps on this one 😂
so many insights. thanks for the video. im a home builder and some of the methods shown here will help in future renovations for me.
Oh that’s awesome. Thanks so much for the feedback 👍🏻
As the world’s worst amateur woodworker I sat gobsmacked at the amount of skill and talent you put on display in this video. Everything beautifully crisp and neat. Quite frankly, I was stunned. So I’ll just stick to making lamps and lampshades and replacing my mum’s back door in her garage. If I even think about doing clever stuff, I’ll stop myself and just watch one of your videos. Beautiful cat too.
Thanks so much! And we all start somewhee...I've never made a lamp or lampshade before...that sounds pretty cool!
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking: ah ha! Well then I should send photographs of these. But be warned, when you see them you’re first reaction will be to throw in the towel and sell your workshop. 😊. In the meantime if you need a 62 year old apprentice I’ll pack a bag and fly over from Scotland😂. I nearly forgot, I made a kitchen table out of old scaffolding planks, joined together with glue and dowels. And a matching table lamp made from the scraps. It was all in place for Christmas dinner.
The attention to detail, the thoughtful planning combined with problem solving on the fly, the sense of humor. Just wonderful. Thanks for this : )
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the kind words 🙏
That's beautiful Keith. And incidentally covers a number of techniques I will need in an upcoming project, so very serendipitous
Well, how about that?! Perfect timing. Good luck with your project!
Dude - my literal words to my wife after watching this was: “Oh, Keith, you can’t make anything simple. Everything needs to be amazingly well done”. She said: “nice, he’s your kind of guy then”. 😊. She’s right, you’re such an inspiration to always keep pushing. Thanks again 😊
Haha. Thanks Fantin! That is greatly appreciated. You are one heck of a furniture maker yourself! Now make some YT videos! 😜👊
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking that means a lot coming from you :). I’m working on the videos 😊👊🏻.
Beautiful craftsmanship. I love the way this desk looks and functions. Keep up the wonderful work Keith.
Thanks so much, will do!
Wow. So impressed with the attention to detail.
Thanks Mark! I appreciate that 👍🏻
Another outstanding job Keith, your attention to detail is why your customers should be thrilled. p.s. The price for white oak here in northern CA is at $15 to $20 BF.
Thanks very much! And holy moly...$15 to $20BF?!?! I just started have heart palpitations 😂
ive just restored my dads 50+ year old white oak desk. looks amazing now. would cost a fortune to build it now.
Oh nice! It’s definitely satisfying to restore a well built and high quality piece of furniture. Well done! 👏🏻
great video keith. to eliminate cupping in your veneer panel, next time only apply glue to the substrate. and if you can, veneer both sides of the plywood at the same time. this helps keep everything flat.
👍👍
What a beauty
By the way that handle positioning jig is such a handy tool to have
Nice work!… Just wanted to give you a heads up on the Bona Nordic Seal since I am a hardwood floor refinisher by trade…. It’s a sealer (primer) not a finish. Our process is one or two coats of sealer (Nordic may require 2 for evenness) then 2 coats of finish. Bona Mega-One or Traffic (satin, matte or Raw) is a compatible finish. These Nordic style floors have been quite popular the last few years.
Thanks for the info! Honestly, I read the bottle 10 times and I don’t remember seeing that it needed a topcoat 😂. In any event, I put two coats of a ceramic topcoat on top of it, so it should be plenty durable for the foreseeable future.
The word “Sealer” is synonymous in our trade as the first coat. It doesn’t surprise me that the instructions are slightly vague since they assume it will be used by a floor pro. Glad you did get it top coated though! Keep up the great content!
Great build Keith! Love the attention to detail in keeping the grain consistent across your surfaces. Honestly, at this point im so desensitized to lumber prices, I just grab what i need, hand my credit card to the guy behind the counter and close my eyes 😂
Thanks Zac! And yeah, lumber is so far out of whack that there's no getting around paying exorbitant prices sometimes 🤑
Every time I watch one of your videos you level something up and show a new skill I haven’t seen. It begs the question, is there anything you know you can’t build (within the woodworking realm) or haven’t been able to complete due to difficulty level?
Thank you so much! I have never done intricate inlay with veneer...definitely want to try that. Maybe some power carving, too!
I spray Bona natural seal and bona varnish and never have bubbles. It work like any other coating.
Good to know...too bad I'll never use it again 😜
I know here locally in TN there's a problem with people trespassing onto timber properties and felling white oaks primarily to feed the whiskey barrel market. They can't reuse the barrels so they need a constant supply of new oak, plus the demand for their product has gone through the roof.
Wild! If people wouldn't start drinking seltzer instead of bourbon, we wouldn't have this problem 😂
Keith, you truly are a craftsman!! Always look forward to seeing your work!!
Thanks Robert! I appreciate the support. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Philip Morley utilizes this cool technique he calls the “rip and flip”. It only works with flat sawn material. You take rips towards the outer parts of the board. Then flips em and re glues into panels. You end up with really straight grain rift to quarter sawn material. Rift sawn white oak is very hard to come by around here. I started having Myron at irion ship my stock right to my house. Very flat and clear. And he’s about 2 dollars less than my local hardware dealer. So with shipping it’s basically the same price. Beautiful peace man.
Yep! I’m well aware of the technique. Thanks! 🙌🏻
Hitting my two favorite lumberyards in the same video. Love it!
Haha. Nice! 🤙🏻😎
Love your work, always my favorite projects. Overall delivery is just kick ass. I really don’t understand why you super-pros don’t have Fontline clamps. I have 6 of them and I’d have a hard time deciding to give up the Domino or these first. Plus I use them often as a typical bar clamp. I had a crazy waterfall miter with a floating box for a turntable console and they were MVPs of the build.
Well, those clamps are quite big and bulky, but they definitely look pretty stout. What's the price tag?
Thanks Keith! Great build and great video. I liked the leather in the drawer bottoms. The power supply is really cool.
Thanks David! Definitely going to incorporate that leather into more projects!
Thanks for taking time to explain the differences between Rift sawn Vs. quarter along with a simple example. Now I can go into my local wood store and understand the terminology.
Glad to help! And thanks for the feedback 👍
I came across that yellow tape earlier this year and it's been a literal game changer for me. Amazing stuff. For anyone interested, the tape I use is 3M's auto refinishing tape. It's basically yellow painter's tape with a high tack adhesive. Seriously, amazing tape. Not cheap, but very worth it.
Thanks for the info! This is just yellow Frog tape from Home Depot and it actually sticks better than the green or blue tape.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworkingOh wow, I didn't even know frogtape made yellow tape! I'll grab a roll to see which I prefer. It's a bit cheaper than my 3m auto refinishing tape. Thanks, and beautiful work as always!
Great to see another video from you Keith. I like that you share all your success's aswel as the not so successful parts of your builds. You really are a true "Professional" at your craft. A real professional still makes mistakes, but has the experience and knowledge to overcome them! I hope you and your family have great Christmas, and I look forward to your projects you share next year.
Thanks so much! I appreciate the comment and the support. I definitely continue to learn from mistakes and hopefully people can relate and not make the same mistakes!
Your professionalism, skills, relentless pursuit of perfection are all so impressive. Way to go, love your work and your channel!
Thank you so much 😀! That's so kind of you, Peggy!
You are a joy to watch… a true artist
Thank you very much!
Your builds are beautiful and well made, truly an inspiration to an aspiring backyard woodworker
Awesome, thank you!
Simple, clean, and subtle -- so much work in the little details. Nice job, Keith!
Thank you kindly!
The brass pins are nice detail. Your attention to detail is exceptional.
Thank you very much! I appreciate it 🙏
Keith this was one of your best builds and videos yet! Love the desk, and how you pointed out the fine details. Great job on the voice over! Cheers!
Wow! Thanks Josh! I super appreciate that. Guess I have my work cut out for my on the next video 😜
Always a professional job. Very impressive. I hope to be this competent one day soon
Thanks very much! I’m only sporadically competent 😜
Your videos are my absolute favorite! You teach so well and give out so much knowledge and ideas and solutions, thank you!!! I hope this never ends
Thanks as always!! You rock! 🙌
Keith, this came out exceptionally beautiful. A real masterpiece in simple elegance letting the wood be the star!
Too kind ! Thanks very much 🙏🙌
I really like the leather is the charging drawers. Nice touch. But i would have done the leather on inserts so they could be removed because, in my experience, those types of drawers tend to end up full of dust, lint, and crumbs im the corners that is difficult to clean out.
Remove the screws and the panel slides right out if it ever needs to be replaced.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Oh, that's neat. I didn't realize it was that simple. Great design.
POSITIVE ENERGY KEITH! 🤗
Love your videos!
Great desk!
Thanks man! Client was very happy.
Beautiful! Thank you for this really well done video. All your content is so professional and instructive. And entertaining even! Truly inspiring. I have been kicking around some ideas for my office. now I'm re-thinking everything and might go with a hanging desk!!!
Wow, thank you! So glad my content is helpful. And best of luck with your floating desk 👍 🙌
Came out perfect. You're highly skilled and funny!
Thanks Mark! Jerry writes all my jokes 😹
So much detail, so much love, beautiful work!
Thank you so much!
Great work as always Keith! You're living my dream job and are an inspiration to those of us who wish to make a living for ourselves with a craft we love.
Thanks Caleb! That's very kind of you. I'm definitely grateful for my current situation.
I've got a Russian blue too. He peed on rugs and furniture. Hope yours is less leaky. I love the information in the video too!
They are actually Chartreaux 😺. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Nice job, excellent workmanship.
Thank you! Cheers!
What a wonderful video and build! Great process
Thank you very much! Cheers! 👍
Clean, nice work and your production is very professional! I use a good bit of various white oak types in my builds and buy from Hearne Hardwoods, Oxford, PA. They have a great online portal but if it's not too far to drive I'm certain you would enjoy seeing their facility.
Yeah, Hearne is great, but they are 2.5 hours away.
Good to see you back with a very pleasant project KJ.
Thank you sir! Got another one on the way!
Always appreciate a new video from you
Thanks man! I greatly appreciate the support 👊🏻
Awesome build, Keith! Love the sleek design of the desk, all the attention you put into the grain direction paid off big time: it looks sweeeeeet!!
Thanks a bunch! I greatly appreciate it 👊
Keith, I totally appreciate your attention to the finer details. Incredible craftmanship that the bourbon swilling guy in the PNW doesn't share.
Ha! Thanks Jim.
Superbe.
J adore le travail et le rendu .
Magnifique bureau avec une belle vue par la fenêtre.
Félicitations.
🙏🙌😎 Merci!!
@@plop31 Vous avez tort. Il n’y a AUCUN problème d’espace pour les jambes. Savez-vous que tous ces détails sont réglés et signés par le client avant le début du projet ?
Wonderful job. Demand for white oak is so high it is driving prices to the extreme.
Thanks Winston! If people would stop drinking, demand wouldn't be so high 😂
That’s really lovely. I’m very intrigued by the outlet system in the drawer. In my business (pipe organs), we do a lot of leather work. I’m very fond of a glue sold by our supply company, that they call Felt and Leather Glue. It’s similar to PVC-E. It bonds really well, has decent work time, and is water soluble. Organ Supply Industries in Erie PA.
Thanks so much for the adhesive suggestion! I'm definitely going to look into that! I was unsure what would work best. And I love that your suggestion is water soluble. Thanks again!
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworkingIf they’re reluctant to sell to you as a non-industry member, let me know here, and we’ll figure out a way to get you some.
@@Hvn1957 Thanks! I checked out the website and looks like it should be no problem to place an order.
Wow! So beautiful. Any tips for getting a floating shelf in a deep alcove with an opening that is narrower than the back? Can’t bevel the sides because the bottom will be visible.
Depending how much narrower, what some guys do is use one of 3rd Hands and push the wall open at the front to allow you to slide the shelf it. Other option is cut a groove in the drywall and slide it in and then patch.
I feel you on those prices, $12-14 is pretty average in my area near Orlando for just 8/4 plain sawn white oak.
oh wow! For plain sawn...that's crazy. Time to start hoarding!
Great job 😊 good choice on the leather
Thank you! Cheers!
Again a very stylish piece of furniture! I like your videos very much. Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Love it! Great idea about putting leather in the drawers. Happy Holidays to you and your Shop Cats!!
Thanks Rick! Definitely going to incorporate more leather in future projects...gotta put that other half of a hide to use! Happy Holidays to you as well!
Man, I really love the straight forward style of that, very sleek 👌👌
Thanks Dave! Sometimes minimal is best 😉😎
I had the same issue with a highly figured 1/8” “veneer” on a 3/8” maple board. Cupped like a Pringle!
😂 I knew it would happen...but I thought I could dodge an oncoming train. Who do I think I am?!?! 😂
Very nice work,Cheers from Toronto Canada!!
Thank you! Cheers to you!
Someone is going to have fun painting that desk off-white in about 4 years after they sell the house :^)
I’ll send them your name.
my last white oak project all the lumber was case hardened. a real nuisance and causes a lot more waste as the wood moves immediately when being milled and broken down/sized to rough project dimensions. i should have gone back to the mill for a refund but I only figured it out after all the wood was milled.
Yikes. Yeah, improper kiln drying can be a real problem.
As always hands down best woodworker on YT, long time watcher. Doing a 40" long, 18" deep, floating desk for light weight work. Do you think two of those counter top support brackets lagged into studs, without any additional support, would be sufficient?
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I think 2 of those brackets would work. I suggest getting the ones that attach to the sides of the studs, not the front like I used. originalgranitebracket.com/collections/desk-brackets/products/free-hanging-shelf-bracket?variant=36820197772
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Many Many thanks. Please continue the top notch work for our viewing pleasure!
28:13 filler strip at the end: not that it was difficult, but would it be a little bit easier if you created a little flag in the middle on the front where you already had tape so that you could pinch the tape to hold it a little easier?
Sure. Whatever works! There always more than one way.
You can spray Bona Traffic finishes. Ignore the manufacturer, they’re just covering their ass. Spraying that finish looks incredible.
Also, make sure to do at least 3 coats and prep before the final coat by buffing the shit out of it. Makes for a perfect finish
Thanks!
Great to see another cabinetmaker going the extra mile to produce a product that YOU are happy with putting putting out to a customer even though invariably the customer never seems to notice the extra time and detail.
Thank you very much! And yes, unless the client is well versed in cabinetry or furniture making, most of these things go unnoticed and unappreciated. That's why I love when clients watch my videos and they can see how much work goes into building a custom piece.
Hi Keith, really great video. Lobbing in a very late question, but I'm thinking of trying the leather drawer bottom like you did and was wondering (1) what substrate are you using (it looks like it might be a double layer of 1/2" ply?) and (2) if/how you finished the bottom (wondering if I should be finishing both sides with shellac or something before gluing the leather for moisture balance). Hope you see this (but totally understand if you don't)
I used 3/8" baltic Birch for the drawer bottoms. And you just need to shellac the bottom, not the side you are applying the leather to. I would do both as close together as you can to prevent any warpage.
I looked a long time on those expensive drawer outlets before I came up with a cost effective DIY version. I bought a regular inset outlet with USB-C and some plastic "drag chain" (The ones used for the cables on a CNC or 3D printer.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional, so I am not sure if that is a viable solution for commission work.
Sounds like a viable solution. Is it to code? I have no idea, but don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone 😜
You always make beautiful pieces with such amazing skill and detail that it makes me jealous. But Dude, you Always have to veneer both sides of any board!!! Great work. It's a beautiful piece.
Thanks!
I was happy to hear you recommend Timbercraft, they are located in my town. I’m looking at replacing the cabinet doors with drawers on our kitchen island and wanted to give them a try instead of making them myself.
Oh fantastic! They are great people. Definitely mention my name 👍🏻
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I will! If you visit Timbercraft at some point, take a ride a few miles further north and stop in at Conway Hardwoods in Gaylordsville, they have a good selection of woods you might be interested in.
Awesome work, thanks for walking thru every detail
You bet, thanks for watching!
You are doing a beautiful job.
Thank you! Cheers!
All the more reason I'm so excited about building my own kiln and getting a sawmill.
Nice!! Good luck 👍🏻
Love watching you work KJ. Fantastic work! 😎👊
Thank you sir! Cheers!
Beautiful work K.J. love the look of white oak!! Quick question what brand of yellow painters tape do you use? Thanks, Have a great week !!!
Thanks! It’s Frog Tape from Home Depot
That is impeccably well done!
Thanks Nathan! Much appreciated, my man!
Growing up in a small family but profitable wood shop I grew to dislike a few types of wood, Oak, Cherry and Pine, mostly for different reasons. Personally much bigger fan of Maples, Ash, Mahogany and Walnut
👍🏻👍🏻
Rift white oak is by far my favorite wood to make things. It's fairly abundant in the upper midwest but, of course, very expensive. About the same or more than black walnut. Red oak is half the price but not as nice.
Yeah, red oak just doesn't do it for me. Unless it's stained black 😜
Hi, absolutely beautiful work. What a display of True Craftsmanship and attention to detail.
May I ask what a project like that would cost?
Thanks so much! Sorry, but I don't give out prices in YT comments as every project has extenuating factors that play a key role in pricing.
Hi,
Ok understood.
How could we talk offline?
Love what u did there.