How to make a basic table

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Steve Ramsey - Woodworking for Mere Mortals

Жыл бұрын

Taper jig and other FREE shop jig plans ► myshopjigs.com
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In this video, I'll demonstrate how to make a simple side table using solid lumber. These are classic table-making techniques and can be used for making any table.
Some of what you'll learn:
• Selecting lumber with interesting figure, even if it has knots or imperfections, to add character to the project.
• Assessing and preparing the boards for the tabletop.
• Gluing the boards together to create the tabletop and addressing any bowing.
• Tapering the table legs for added sophistication.
• Cutting out and assembling the apron pieces using pocket hole joinery.
• Using tabletop clips to accommodate wood expansion and contraction.
• Filling voids in the tabletop with a mixture of sanding dust and white glue.
• Sanding and finishing techniques, including using spray lacquer for a durable finish.
• Emphasizing the beauty of natural wood and the potential for wood to change color over time.
The video provides detailed insights into the woodworking process, focusing on creating a simple and elegant table. It also encourages you to embrace simplicity in woodworking design and showcases various techniques and tips throughout the project.
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#woodworking #woodworkingbasics

Пікірлер: 443

@ericpetitclerc5519 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mr Ramsey. Like hundreds of thousands here, I missed these videos... It is a form of therapy, do not ask how,,,

@pakde8002 Жыл бұрын

Yes it's as good as ASMR for taking a nap. That's a compliment by the way. Naps are very underated. I never took a nap even when I was little but after retiring overseas I learned it was pretty much mandatory. So when in Rome as they say zzzzz

@the_attic_woodworker Жыл бұрын

I really love the mood of your latest videos. They're calm, there's no rush and there's just the right amount of techniques involved. Kudos, Steve

@ghijkmnop Жыл бұрын

You have adopted an interesting, matter-of-fact style of presenting over the last few months, and I find it really refreshing.

@SteveRamsey Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@pakde8002 Жыл бұрын

I'm a new subscriber but I can also feel that. And it's appreciated 👍

@healthie Жыл бұрын

@@SteveRamsey I really like this approach. I'm often not looking for loads and loads of commentary, jokes, etc., from creators; I like the videos to be boiled down. Great video.

@SteveRamsey Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching this video! This videos shows traditional methods for making a basic table...you can use these same techniques for building a table of any size. If you'd like to download plans for my taper jig and other shop jigs, download them free at myshopjigs.com

@John.117 Жыл бұрын

Hope all is well Steve. Your voice over didn’t have the usual pep. Thanks for the video. Great to see this. Best to you and yours.

@wouterkuit3508 Жыл бұрын

@@John.117 I noticed that too. I hope you are well Steve.

@joshbrashear8956 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video! I know old school build videos aren't the thing anymore but I still love them! Also, I have been using deft spray lacquer for a while now and need to get a respirator. What filters do you use for the spray lacquer fumes? Haven't been able to find one that says it will specifically protect against spray lacquers.

@fletchro789 Жыл бұрын

@@John.117 I think he's going for a relaxed, unhurried narration style. 🤷‍♂️

@John.117 Жыл бұрын

@@fletchro789 me too - 🤷‍♂️

@ashokponnappan8914 Жыл бұрын

That moment when u flipped the table on to it's legs for the first time ❤️ Steve, while you are the "gateway drug" to woodworking for millions of people, the rest of us who keep coming back to your channel do it to listen to you! You were such a comforting voice during the first lockdown. Project videos or not, it's great to listen to you!

@wrongtool Жыл бұрын

Now that's a high-quality video - simple, to the point, welcoming and full of good advice. This is why you're among my favourite KZfaqrs

@CheveeDodd Жыл бұрын

I really like the character of that wood. You are the hero we all need picking through the box store shelves and taking away the "less desirable" choices. 🤪

@chashint1 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing this video. The KZfaq woodworking has certainly changed over the years and I am glad you are still here. Your work during the pandemic lockdown was better than sliced bread. I truly appreciate you.

@SteveRamsey Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Charles!

@pakde8002 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad I didn't discover this channel during the pandemic because I would have been tempted to go out and buy all the stuff I needed for a new shop. Instead I got into making wooden fishing lures, which was also great. But now I'm making a wooden boat so "everything in it's own time" as they say.

@dennishall9260 Жыл бұрын

Great seeing you back in the shop! I've saved many of your old videos and occasionally pull them back up for tips and projects. Again, glad to see you in the shop.

@dwintster 7 күн бұрын

I couldn't agree more, the goal of achieving simplicity is the among the first things you learn about in Industrial design. In illustration as well.

@jscook54 Жыл бұрын

YES!! Less gate keeping in woodworking. Brilliant. Loving these videos again. Thank you Steve.

@ryanrank3070 Жыл бұрын

I'll admit that you and I have different opinions on some aspects, but I like your approach in that there's more than one right way to do a project as long as you're happy with the outcome. What I really enjoy about your videos is that you do things in a way that just about anyone can do it. No need for tens of thousands of dollars of tools. Thank you for your continued videos!

@SteveRamsey Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ryan!

@stiraf5257 Жыл бұрын

I'd call these boards birdseye pine/spruce! They look fantastic!

@peterfconley Жыл бұрын

“I don’t think I’m very good at achieving simplicity” is one of the best humble brags and I’ll definitely be using it in my next job interview 😂

@Brad_R_LiveFit Жыл бұрын

Yes!! I was so excited to see you had released another project video. I really enjoy them because you always end up sharing or demonstrating a nugget or two of forgotten or often overlooked advice. So, I always come away from your project videos just a little bit smarter or wiser in my woodworking. Today's nugget, though you didn't specifically describe it, was when you cut your leg blanks to size, you trimmed 1 end using your miter gauge before flipping the blank and pressing the newly squared end against your stop block and then cutting the blank to its final length. You mentioned cutting on the stop block so all legs would be the same length, but you didn't overtly mention squaring the first end to ensure you had a square surface pressing against your stop block. But, the devil is in the details, and by closely observing your techniques, I came away (as always) with more knowledge than I started with prior to viewing this video. I usually just trim to length without squaring the "foot" end, but I've had times where my legs weren't quite level and needed to go back and fix them with planes or sanding. I won't experience that anymore, though, because of you. Thanks again. I appreciate all the knowledge you share with us, your fan base.😁

@SteveRamsey Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Brad!

@obivandamme Жыл бұрын

Awesome timing. I searched KZfaq for a coffee table tutorial yesterday and I don't get what counts as DIY these days. Tools that cost a fortune, epoxy and sooo many techniques I don't understand why you need it for a basic table. And then today your video released :-) I do t have time to watch it right now, but in the first two minutes I can already tell, this is exactly what I was looking for. Can't wait to make a cup of tea this evening and relax on the sofa while watching this ☺️

@SteveRamsey Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Yes, making classic projects doesn't require anything expensive or unusual! 👍

@HeartPumper Жыл бұрын

What a beautiful project!!! Especially love that natural wood's "specked" texture 😍. I saw once something similar, with birch infested by some fungus. Georgius! Explaining the whole process, and showing up techniques to achieve wanted resuls, is a cherry on top!! Indeed acquiring perfection in simplicity is old masters mystery (NOT IMPLYING YOU'RE OLD BY ANY MEANS 🤣). Thank you so much 🙌👏

@jndq591 Жыл бұрын

You're like the Bob Ross of Wood working :)

@johannkorn1780 Жыл бұрын

as someone whos barely started out at woodworking I find your opinions about design and your approach to building furniture very reassuring and oftentimes I find that some of the pressure that the countless in depth and technically complex woodworking channels that frequently find their way onto my front page is being taken away a little by your videos. thank you!

@nathanmohr1027 5 ай бұрын

Love this guy! Thank you for making videos that appeal to noobies like me. Very approachable projects for us weekend warriors

@harryape9059 3 ай бұрын

Great video! Your videos are an essential part of my journey from Non-woodworker to someone that can function in a shop! That simple table has a bit of a Shaker flavor to it.

@wattsy1972 6 ай бұрын

Just starting my journey in woodworking and discovered your channel. Can't express enough how much you have helped me. Thanks so much. Cheers!

@stephenschmidt1524 Жыл бұрын

I know there is the feeling of "the project video is dead", but to me these videos really bring all of your technique and teaching videos together to show real world application.

@timcampbell4267 Жыл бұрын

I admire the fact you’ve kept it simple all these years. You still use movable tools and work from your garage, while other KZfaq makers have moved into huge shops with commercial machines that are worth more than my car. That’s why I always come here for projects and tips. Thank you for keeping it real!

@pteddie6965 Жыл бұрын

Hey, Steve. IMO, this is the best video you've done in a few years. This is a nice, little table and your explanations of the directions were right on and easy to follow. I've made several of your projects over the years and I'm gonna make a couple of tables following these directions. My granddaughter is confined to her bed and she is in need of new bedside tables since she has recently obtained a larger bed. FYI: When she a wee little gal, she slept three years in a bed that I built following a set of your plans. Thanks for this video. It reminded me of the 'old days'. Merry Christmas.

@pazmaniaoh6341 Жыл бұрын

Great build! It is constantly encouraging that you are doing what you love without needing to have a million dollar shop.

@MichaelCampbell01 Жыл бұрын

Amen to the gatekeeping comment. Of late I've become quite enamored with dowels, too. The available jigs are good, inexpensive, as are the materials. And pretty strong too.

@Bill_CBR Жыл бұрын

I remember when Laney Shaughnessy and his fellow woodworkers got together to get you that saw. It's been a good one for you, even though it's older now. Nice video Steve, thanks for sharing.

@chuckmuckamuck8001 Жыл бұрын

"Woodworking isn't a sport so there is no cheating", thank you!

@negotiableaffections Жыл бұрын

One of the most enjoyable half-hours I've spent recently. This video is a perfect example of your own advice - 'simplicity'. Nice one, Steve.

@ministerlane Жыл бұрын

I subscribe to so many woodworking channels now - HOWEVER - it all started with you Steve Ramsey. After doing your courses, gaining confidence, and adding your suggested tools, I consider myself a woodworker. The thing I LOVE about you is that you're still doing it with the basic tools you recommend. It's so hard to get excited about a project when a KZfaqr has $$$$$ worth of tools i'll never have access to. You remind us that great and elegant projects can be done with the most basic of tools. Never stop. This was insanely good.

@solomon4332 Жыл бұрын

I've missed these. Thank you Steve!

@MCsCreations Жыл бұрын

Really beautiful work, Steve! 😃 It's great to see another project from you! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

@unicyclopsgallant7698 Жыл бұрын

I really like the simplicity of the tapering jig. I'm in the middle of a desk build and was wondering how to do the legs. Now I don't have to wonder. Thanks! The table looks great.

@angiesue5722 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, this video was very helpful for a self-taught woodworker. I’ll need to watch again in order to understand the jig you’ve created and how to use it, but for someone like me who cannot take table saw lessons (I would have thought my only option was to use a serpentine saw to taper table legs, which would have required the hand plane and lots of sanding to perfection), the info you’ve provided really is amazing.

@sonnyaluzzo4788 Жыл бұрын

This video is exactly why you are my favorite KZfaq woodworker. I, like you, don't have a huge shop with sophisticated machinery. I like simple designs too. Thanks.

@LarryBloom Жыл бұрын

Steve, there are so many things about you and your style that are very endearing! The wedge for your table saw foot is one example...no fancy $3K gleaming beast! And living on the gulf coast of central Florida,, November is the beginning of lovely weather and I, too, just LOVE taking whatever I am working on out in front of the garage to work. I have the rather excellent DeWalt 7491RS that rolls outside, and then rather than wheeled stands, I have several light but strong tables I take out and then carry the router table or planer or etc. A cart with cyclone dust collection rolls out, too. There are a lot of KZfaqrs with a lot fancier shops...but yours I can relate to AND you seem to enjoy things the same way as many of us!

@michaelclark2458 Жыл бұрын

You make woodworking approachable. We appreciate your builds Steve. Thank you for your content.

@70redcutlass Жыл бұрын

Steve what a great looking table. Love how you show all the details but best of all what you can do with simple pine boards from the box stores. Thanks

@claudelussier8783 5 ай бұрын

Good morning Steve! I used your idea to built a customized plants table to install beside my window in my dining room. I really enjoyed to do it and as you said, with this basic table you can customized the table you need. Continue you’re great job. Thanks

@franceshawe9572 Жыл бұрын

Hi Steve. I enjoy your videos and straight forward presentation. Your comment on horizontal surfaces brought to mind John Heinz and his quest to minimize them in his shop.

@vaelenorg Жыл бұрын

As someone who is just starting out, this sort of simple project with detailed instructions on each step is really, really helpful. So many of the KZfaq videos on woodworking are overly complicated.

@DomingoFreire Жыл бұрын

Thank you a lot for this video Steve. You are a really good example teaching and explaining all your woodworking projects.

@drewwellington9337 Жыл бұрын

Steve this new style of video from you is great! I love the walkthrough, the explanation of why you're doing things the way you are, etc... Since I got into woodworking in 2016 you've been a mainstay channel for me and I really, really appreciate all the great content you put out.

@cbalan777 Жыл бұрын

This table turned out really nice. Eventually I'm going to get around to building something like this. I haven't had a table in years.

@theskyehiker Жыл бұрын

That is one elegant table. I’m with you on leaving wood natural, especially when it has such visual interest as in this case. Thanks for this detailed video.

@philsharp758 Жыл бұрын

Good to see you back. It is ever helpful to see techniques, even as a refesher. I am currently working on a top-bar beehive. Alll the best.

@philsharp758 Жыл бұрын

Dear Steve, just used my table saw for the first time today. I had reviewed your videos. Safety equipment, practice the cut, hand and body positions. Went really well. But the ease with which it cuts demands respect. and I can see why complacency leads to accidents. I am using Western Cedar, which was edge jointed by your method, (with some manual planing) to get the correct width boards. Thanks for all the advice.

@TuanBui-yp7oz 4 ай бұрын

I think you nailed it s as far as simplicity in your design. It looks awesome. Less is more! Love the knot markings. The legs in your design are really great. Love that slim look.

@RicardoLuna Жыл бұрын

This is beautiful. This is exactly the spirit of woodworking.

@bernieluciow8085 Жыл бұрын

I like the way you don’t edit out your mistakes but bring them to attention and then talk about how to remedy them. Too many videos make it look like there’s never an error made.

@carlosv2156 Жыл бұрын

Excellent videos, thank you so much! I'm a beginner woodworker and I loved both your bar stool video and the table making video! Lots of new tools on my wish list 😂

@Finewoodworkingofsc194 Жыл бұрын

Great video, Steve. I guess I'm an old timer because I remember when you received that "old" table saw. I started watching your videos when you would post on LumberJocks. Great seeing that you still make projects.

@oliverioyg Жыл бұрын

So many reasons to thank you. Thanks for the simplicity of the projects. Thanks for the honesty of the titles. Thank you for not falling for the trends and staying genuine. Thanks for staying away from epoxy resin. Thank you for so many years dedicated to sharing. Thank you for not deceiving us by saying that you sold the table for 2000 dollars. We know: we are here because we are still mere mortals.

@cowboymetalandwood4965 Ай бұрын

I don't like epoxy either. But I'm curious why do you not like it.

@JoshWrightWoodworking Жыл бұрын

I really like the wood you chose, all those tiny knots look awesome

@detroitdiy Жыл бұрын

Great tutorial Steve, I liked the detail you provided. Feel like after watching anyone could follow along and build this table.

@geraldoutdoors245 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with 50 clamps on a single piece of work. Great videos. Keep up the great work.

@johnwhitley2898 Жыл бұрын

Can't say anything more than your musings: Simple and Elegant! Beautiful table with character. Yes! Great video style. I watched before going to work.... very calm! Your tapering jig didn't "click" until this video and it seriously clicked! Got to build it now!

@swiebe2200 Жыл бұрын

Love your project videos in general, and love your latest “minimalist” projects even more… amazing. Thank you for sharing!!

@sobeforlife Жыл бұрын

Liking these longer form videos. You do a great job of showing what's reasonable in a small shop and for beginners. The bow in the table top is a perfect example. I have had bows in my glue ups before that I have also wrenched into submission, but come away from them thinking "Well, that's because I'm not very good at this." Or "Well, that's because I don't have the *right* tools." Your explanation and attitude shows that it can still be a good quality piece of furniture or other craft, and gives people like me permission to be proud of the work. Really appreciate this video - this is the kind of stuff I really enjoy making that I have put aside for "smaller" projects that are "better suited" to my shop. Thanks for motivating me to go back to what I enjoy.

@homeier1 Жыл бұрын

Very nice table. The wood selection took this piece to the next level. Thank you for sharing it with us!

@woodnikk Жыл бұрын

Simple and elegant !

@beardedbladeworkshop4926 Жыл бұрын

I built my first table this way with the pocket screws and the sliding bits for wood movement. I was pretty happy when we had to move, I was able to disassemble the whole table easily and put it back together again.

@billparrish4385 8 ай бұрын

Great project, as always! And it has several ideas I plan on using this weekend. On the topic of cauls and cutting one to achieve that bow shape, one thing that's worked for me is to use those offcuts that have too much bow or twist in them. Slap on some packing tape to keep them from sticking to the glue, and they're ready-made cauls, springy enough to flatten that next panel glue-up!

@sapelesteve Жыл бұрын

Nicely done Steve! I agree with you about keeping things simple when building projects like that. 👍👍

@royothebuzz Жыл бұрын

Great result. I gain something everytime I watch your videos. Regards from UK.

@billparrish4385 8 ай бұрын

Wow Steve, that grain really popped at the end there, after some lacquer! Glad those other 'HD pickers' left those spotted boards there for you to find!

@MaxCJ Жыл бұрын

Long form project videos on YT are dead...until Steve Ramsey works his magic yet again. Super enjoyable watch!

@MrMarkpeggy Жыл бұрын

Well bless your heart Steve, It's good to see you back in the shop. I love the style of your videos.

@fritterVII Жыл бұрын

This is a great video! I love capturing the chill, relaxing feel of being in the shop and just building something for the hell of it.

@fritterVII Жыл бұрын

(Or at least, how I remember it feeling afterwards, when I'm not actually in the shop cursing and digging around for the part I need.)

@edm00se Жыл бұрын

It's good to see a build video again. Nice work on the table, that character came through nicely.

@woodworkingandepoxy643 Жыл бұрын

Something that helps a lot for the middle of a table top like this is steel tubing. Drill several holes so you can do different lengths and widths and then tighten down at the ends as close as possible to the wood

@AndyBadalamenti Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Steve! There are a load of lessons just watching this video. Nice work.

@philippecollas917 Жыл бұрын

Thanks a million for that video Steve, and for all the others. Didactic, enjoyable and therapeutic. On a few occasions I’ve taken my tablet to my garage shop and duplicated your projects. You’re a terrific mentor. Keep it up!

@marc0387 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve! Your channel has been a real gift to me. Appreciate you and all you do to make this hobby of ours safe and approachable. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

@NomenNescio99 Жыл бұрын

"This is a crisp November morning so I thought I would work out on the driveway" A phrase rarely used here in Sweden, let me first clear out all the snow in my driveway and I'll get right back.

@mbt841 Ай бұрын

I like the looks of all the small knots on that pine also. I'll have to keep an eye out for something similar at the big box stores going forward.

@Assorted12 Жыл бұрын

Love these kinds of videos from you. I really enjoy when makers do simple yet beautiful projects like this. I hope you are able to do more.

@wadeargo6100 Жыл бұрын

Another great video Steve. This new ‘style’ feels like you’ve found a way to reinvent the wheel when it comes to YT woodworking channels. I loved the simple yet effective tapering jig. I also love you shimming up your old table saw. It is so refreshing to see a woodworker simply working with ‘old’ but still functional tools rather producing an endless stream of content focused on all the latest must have tools. While many others are focused on the business of social media woodworking, you have become the contrarian who does it simply for the enjoyment of it and we are all the better for it. Thank you Steve!

@puwazatza Жыл бұрын

I'm still in the middle of your video but I love this unusually calm and relaxed pace on this particular video. I feel like watching one of those Asian woodworking videos.

@royboggs3849 Жыл бұрын

Great video Steve! Love the table, & u did a fine job - both in making the table AND shooting & editing the vid! 👍👍👏👏👌👌✔️✔️ Bravo Steve!

@DarylBambic Жыл бұрын

Yea! A long-awaited project video from you. I learned a lot of what I currently know from you and your online courses. Thanks Steve!

@davidlay6222 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve for getting back to woodworking projects I always enjoy the simplicity of your projects and it inspires me to get out into the shop and make something

@dougs5406 Жыл бұрын

These type of videos are what got me into woodworking. Learning most of it from you. You are very appreciated Steve

@lauraboyles8310 Жыл бұрын

Love to see you making videos again! You got me into woodworking! Completed one of your courses! Your videos are perfect!

@sflagg0817 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing and a big thanks for sharing your very extensive knowledge for people to learn the art of woodworking

@IMDunn-oy9cd Жыл бұрын

Steve - I've been using Zinsser's amber shellac on my pine projects and I've really been pleased with the results. It adds a bit of color without having to worry about blotchiness - and being shellac, it's super easy to apply.

@rjshrader Жыл бұрын

Steve - thank you for putting out a build video. I know analytics tell another story - but I still like watching them. Much appreciated Sir.

@ega9831 Жыл бұрын

Nice table. Quick and pretty straight forward without the need of some fancy tools. Just be mindful of the blade as you lean forward to reach out for your wood on the table saw.

@cady.moriarty Жыл бұрын

I am absolutely in love with the wood you found for this project. Another great video, Steve, thanks for keeping it sophisticated and simple!

@bettynuovo2495 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for getting back to doing some builds. These videos are your best "product". Maybe the analytics tell you something else but I bet your biggest fans live these the most!

@keithkolbo2735 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate your project videos. I learn a lot from you approaches. I started by building your projects and then grew by combining the skills. Thank you so much.

@glenngoodwin3899 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the videos that you provide for us. You've given me the courage to build a small table for my living room.

@kajellio Жыл бұрын

I love the direction of your videos lately. Watching and listening is so calming.

@pebrain21 Жыл бұрын

Great to se you back in the shop making stuff. I got into woodworking because of your videos. Keep doing what you’re doing I enjoy your interviews with other workers and KZfaq personalities as well. The vibe of this video was great. Thanks for posting it.

@johnniewalker39 Жыл бұрын

Oh, i love this format! It's more engaging.

@JimWattsHereNow Жыл бұрын

Well done Steve, I love how you make wood working so easy for any skill level to follow.

@jackpubblehood4848 Жыл бұрын

Just reiterating how much i enjoy the narration in these videos.

@picklepotpieofficial Жыл бұрын

Love simple lines, and that figure is so pretty! Great work Steve

@jamesrowbotham4063 Жыл бұрын

This video is exquisite. I learnt so much info in a short space of time. And I watch a lot of KZfaq woodwork videos! Insightful, calm, and thought provoking. Thanks Steve