What being a professional woodworker really looks like
Рет қаралды 39,681
9 ай бұрынSome days you just gotta get a thing did. Because, that's life. So today, I'm getting a thing did and inviting you along to see what a day in the life of a professional woodworker really looks like. Hopefully it's helpful--or at least mildly entertaining.
Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video please consider supporting my channel by subscribing and hitting that notification bell. It really helps small channels like mine.
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Items I use in this video (some are affiliate links which help sponsor this content):
Hide Glue: amzn.to/3PhZEEW
Titebond I: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
Festool ROS: amzn.to/3QWOp60
Blue Tape: amzn.to/47S5ior
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Items I keep on hand in the shop:
Glue:
Titebond I Wood Glue: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
Titebond III Wood Glue: amzn.to/3MVnG6j
Titebond Quick and Thick: amzn.to/42HGuMC
Power Tools and Accessories:
Table Saw Blade - Woodworkers II: amzn.to/42bIOLa
My favorite trim router: amzn.to/3LbCbTF
DeWalt Trim Router fence: amzn.to/43cYwr2
My Festool Router Setup: amzn.to/3ZPIQal
Extra Fence: amzn.to/3KHi9jI
1/2" dia Router bit: amzn.to/3UkRFYI
A Better Alternative (Spiral Up Cut): amzn.to/3mcPsSp
Sharpening:
Ohishi Waterstones: amzn.to/3TkoZhP
1,000/8,000 Combo (great budget option): amzn.to/3Lqj7Sh
Angle Setting Jig Plans: www.lie-nielsen.com/pages/dow...
Inexpensive Honing Guide: amzn.to/3Jo2Uub
Lie-Nieslen Honing Guide: www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/423... guide
Sandpaper for Flattening: amzn.to/3Jor73F
My Finish Mix:
Minwax Polyurethane: amzn.to/3kPgpuO
Liberon Finishing Oil: amzn.to/3kXkIEf
Danish Oil (alternative): amzn.to/3Njlabs
Liberon Beeswax: amzn.to/3Jm2yFN
Turpentine: amzn.to/3SWFznB
Mineral Spirits (alternative): amzn.to/3oKU83h
TotalBoat Epoxy:
For 5% off any TotalBoat product, visit www.totalboat.com/encurtis
You can stay up to date with my work here:
/ encurtis
/ encurtis
encurtis.com/
@jeffw8611 9 ай бұрын
Any video with a Sandlot clip gets an automatic thumbs up.
@flowleopard893 9 ай бұрын
Productive day! Feels great when one leaves the shop knowing you not only smashed out goals but never got frustrated and every step was a pleasure...
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
100%. That’s the hope each day 🤙
@devinteske 9 ай бұрын
@@ENCurtisNah, the hope is that the moment you step foot in the home your spouse doesn’t then unload on you because you spent the whole day in the shop. That feeling of accomplishment? Take a beat to enjoy it as you leave the shop, because it won’t last long.
@mathewcampbell8479 9 ай бұрын
@@devinteskeMmm...change spouse?
@juancordon7326 9 ай бұрын
@@mathewcampbell8479👍🏻😂😂
@theofarmmanager267 9 ай бұрын
I understand what you are saying. However, my definition of a good day in the shop differs slightly. I’ve learnt (a lesson for me and not necessarily others) not to set goals as meeting them (or failing them) produces a stress that I don’t need. It’s when I can can spend several hours (at my age, that’s the limit per stint) doing something which turns out well; there may be frustrations along the way but the joy is in solving those problems; there may be elements of trying something out not knowing if it would work ,mechanically or aesthetically; there may be an element of working out what this or that attachment on a power tool does that can help me - or it may just be the simple joy of using a freshly honed chisel or plane. It’s to my debit that I can define a frustrating day on the shop when I have to make multiples of the same thing. I’m lucky in that, whilst my (younger) wife still works, she supports me in every way and encourages me to spend time doing things I love. Okay, we have an unspoken bargain that I do the housework, the cooking and the shopping but that’s only right when she works long days.
@slownsteady100 9 ай бұрын
#1, there is no #2. You win the internet. I always wondered what the difference is with brown glue. Now I know. Also, love the way you applied tape. I learned a couple of things today. Thank you.
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Haha thank you! Glad there was some useful info in there for you 👊
@mikejackson2888 9 ай бұрын
Little drink before glue up, OK, little drink before power tools - NEVER! Thanks for sharing the real time effort of the project. Most videos make things look too easy, but preparation, dry fits, and patience all make for good final results.
@seandycusholzwerk 3 ай бұрын
Whisky and Radiohead seems like a great way to keep a glue-up like that one stress free. Now I have an excuse to try that tip.😅
@grumpywiseguy5992 9 ай бұрын
What I noticed the most was you NEVER rushed. Even during the glueup, you never got in a hurry.
@chielbloos 9 ай бұрын
"Sometimes that's where the magic happens..." 😂 🙏
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
😎👊
@psimann 9 ай бұрын
Erik mate, thank you for letting the folk out there know how we feel when we do a glue-up. It is the last mile in the project. Get it wrong and there is a price to pay. Get it right and you are on top of the world. Looking forward to seeing your completed cabinet in the next video, even if it is a photograph! Take care and cheers 🥃
@philaandrew100 9 ай бұрын
I remember many a day that started at 8am and finished at 1am.... But then I hit my 40's and it all became a it too much. Enjoy it whilst it lasts😆 Now in my late 50's and semi retired which I guess is the reward of all those years of long hours in the workshop.
@donesry2902 9 ай бұрын
Thanks Erik. I’m anxious to see that piece with the clamps off too. I need to try sipping on some brown juice at my next glue up. I don’t think I’ve ever “enjoyed” a glue up so I’m hopeful your secret will change all that for me! As always, thank you for sharing and inspiring
@randsipe224 4 ай бұрын
I heartily recommend a nestle Venturo coffee maker. It brews one cup at a time.
@deezynar 9 ай бұрын
Hide glue can be taken apart later on for repairs and restoration. That makes it the best glue, bar none.
@martingagne3136 9 ай бұрын
when you get in that flow ,hours dont count ;) i lost track of time too often .....excellent video
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Couldn’t agree more. The state of flow is a mystical thing where time stops 🙂
@shaunwilliams6649 9 ай бұрын
A good whiskey n Radio head.... You're winning at life....! 👍 🤗
@briancollins2230 9 ай бұрын
I always enjoy your videos. Sometimes I learn, sometimes I just enjoy. But it always feeds my soul when I see you actually pour something in your cup...lol. Great video. Thanks
@bullandtimber 9 ай бұрын
3 things: 1. Can't wait to see the finished project, the intricacy of the glue up and the look of the grain have me super intrigued 2. Where did you get those cool mugs and cups, I love them and 3. When are we getting more Instant Dream Home episodes? Love that show, thanks!
@JaredRandal 9 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed that sign-off! Was just talking to my partner and she was super encouraging of staying late at the shop as I’m getting this furniture thing going. Another bomb video!!
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
That is a wonderful partner to have. Don’t underestimate the value of encouragement in this field. It’s absolutely crucial. Cherish that one.
@JaredRandal 9 ай бұрын
@@ENCurtis great point! She’s absolutely a keeper (as long as she’ll have me 🙂)
@mikeamboy7292 9 ай бұрын
Great video with many tips. One thing I don’t ever see anyone point out when using liquid hide glue is to check it first to make sure it still good. It does have a shelf life. Put a couple drops on your finger and rub it together to make sure it tacks up and gets stringy. I appreciate you showing glue up in stages also. As a guy by himself in the shop, also in a wheel chair, that’s just how I roll. Dry assemble and glue up in stages. I dry assemble to make sure it isn’t twisted.
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Yes I bought a fresh bottle for this glue up. My old one was a couple years old and didn’t trust it. Probably still good but I wanted this to go smoothly, obviously 😂
@AmericansWillRise 9 ай бұрын
Production always feels good, and is likely to spill over. I had one of those days, today, and I already feel motivated to get started, in the morning!
@carboranadum 9 ай бұрын
Can't wait to see the finished piece! Another great video.
@bradleytuckwell4881 9 ай бұрын
Looking forward to seeing this box complete. Thanks for sharing your wisdom it’s always appreciated
@andrewbalaun9728 9 ай бұрын
This video seemed like about 4 hours of wood work and an hour or two of business. Gym break, lunch break and libations to finish the day. I'd trade you in a heartbeat.
@coreyhiggins621 9 ай бұрын
Well, I feel good about it too. Your vids seem to have that affect and that's why I keep coming back. I can't wait to see the completed piece, as it looks great so far! Thanks man, another Saturday off to a good start.
@214rwoz 9 ай бұрын
And hear we are ! Thanks for all your time and effort.
@minifishclips127 9 ай бұрын
I found you about 2 weeks ago and been binging your channel, you have inspired, motivated me to get back into the shop. Thank you 🙏
@jimrosson6702 9 ай бұрын
Great video Erik can’t wait to see the finished peace love your videos have learned so much from watching them thanks for sharing.
@billbris 9 ай бұрын
Lesson Learned: Blue tape in the dado to keep the finish out. I usually just try to be careful, with expected results. Thank you for showing something that is probably quite common place.
@mikeandlucky 9 ай бұрын
Thanks for this look into the day of a pro woodworker with all the valuable tips interjected. Great stuff and much appreciated.
@LHistoireProject 9 ай бұрын
Great video! I'm in the process of organizing my garage shop at the moment. It's all one step at a time.
@paulmaryon9088 9 ай бұрын
Great stuff dude, I know this life oh so well! Thanks for posting yet another great vid, keep 'em coming
@woodandwheelz 9 ай бұрын
For sanding I have a non skid mat that's supposed to go under a throw rug. I believe I got it at the Dollar Store. And, if you cut it into squares, it also makes a good gift to give at Christmas. Tell them it's a hand made grip for opening jars. LoL!
@thomasweller1321 9 ай бұрын
I'll drink to that!! Enjoy the shop and make some saw dust. Life is short. Sometimes you cut it up, and sometimes you drink it up. But, whichever you do, enjoy it! Hint: Don't mix the 2 with power tools.
@jacobkowalski7425 9 ай бұрын
I know you said this is just your "slice of life" style video but I've gotta say it's probably one of my favorites. As someone else who loves to create its those "normal" things that really make it. Love your work
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@einsteinbpc 9 ай бұрын
Love your content. Informative entertaining and inspiring. I’m moving my 16” planer this morning and getting ready to go pick up the engine hoist. You’ve inspired me to get my but in gear so that my shop is better equipped to be creative. Thanks.
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Thanks for the kind feedback my dude. And good luck with that move!
@lanceyohe6026 9 ай бұрын
My new rule! Enjoy the glue ups! Why didn’t I think of this before?
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Haha a little whiskey goes a long way 🥃
@RYwoodview 9 ай бұрын
The best jobs are those that you enjoy whatever the hours. Glad you have that.
@user-mi5pv7no3v 9 ай бұрын
No joke there, that was one hell of a glue up, i like hide glue i havent used in years it has soo many applications & can be removed easier than standard wood glue with a little heat but holds just as strong, thank you for reminding me about it
@theelmagoo 9 ай бұрын
Man.... how can you call yourself a KZfaq woodworker and NOT use Woodpeckers right-angle clamps?!?!?!?!?! I mean... I even have a set because I saw other channels using them!!! 🤪 Great video and great tips!
@glennthomas4159 Ай бұрын
This is a hobby for me. I work way to slow to make any money at this stuff. 😂
@KOutOfMyYard 9 ай бұрын
Did I see some basil in that glorious mug?hmmmm Love seeing the flow, the rhythm happen.. we all feel it and have felt it when we are just in the flow and go for it.. it is great. Well done as usual.
@davidmeyer9204 9 ай бұрын
Thanks Erik! I always get stressed at glue up time. I just keep telling myself that "slow is smooth and smooth is fast". I like long working time glues just because of that. Looking forward to the next step in this project.
@TreeBeard 9 ай бұрын
I find myself quoting the same line from Shooter as well! It has helped me on many occasions as a reminder to take my time in all sorts of each project. Trying your best the first time beats having to fix or redo something because you tried to cut a corner.
@tharemyhopkins5873 9 ай бұрын
#1, this video was awesome, thank you for sharing.
@FearsomeWarrior 9 ай бұрын
Carpet scrap is a good sanding pad too. Installers left a few rolls a decade ago and they just sit up in the rafters. Or ask them for scrap. I see rolls in dumpsters at carpet places every day. Deciding if glueing more parts at once helps the structure and squaring more than the stressfulness is where I struggle. Usually I will dry fit a part or two during the glue-up to half cheat that.
@stufarnham 9 ай бұрын
Liked the cut cauls for the dovetails. Filing that one away.
@scottbarlowe2328 9 ай бұрын
Based off the single coat of finish you put on the interior parts, it’s going to be GORGEOUS. I like the chest enough that I would love to build one my self… when I get through my current list of projects so maybe spring…. 2027😂
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
I think it will be! And I would love to see your iteration of it one day!
@donesry2902 9 ай бұрын
Yes, getting through that list of projects is always the challenge. I’m finishing up my wife’s bookshelf and hoping to start on Christmas gifts and wondering if I can get them done in time…
@RobSHoglund 9 ай бұрын
Two hour lunch, nice! 😂 Thanks for sharing your process, method, thoughts on pre-finish and glue up. It is really helpful for us that are just starting their journey. Would like to see final tweaking/finishing after the glue up.
@ndamico1 9 ай бұрын
I’m about to glue up a cabinet. Still a new woodworker. The few cabinets I’ve built have stressed me the heck out every time I get to this point. I really needed this video. Thank you!
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
There always a little anxiety inducing. That never stops. But you can always break it down into manageable steps. You got this 👊
@robertjackson1407 9 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Welcome!
@dpmeyer4867 9 ай бұрын
Thanks
@ehRalph Ай бұрын
Usually I have glue all over the place and then the phone rings or wife needs something that will just take a minute
@MantaSportClub 9 ай бұрын
Hell yeah love this video I appreciate your hard work once I get a little more out of the red I’ll be definitely rep your swag. Sincerely amateur woodworker trying to make a living.
@davidjones8070 9 ай бұрын
Some pieces just scream flow state. When I painted years ago I would get in a flow state and forget to eat sometimes. Back then I drank red wine and would oil paint for ten o twelve hours at a time. Nowadays I pace myself in the shop and eat but still find time to flow. It’s a great feeling…I get it.
@BillMSmith 9 ай бұрын
Nice! A little lubricating glue and a touch of lubrication for the woodworker. Keep the stress levels manageable. I hope we get to see the finished piece.
@karl_alan 9 ай бұрын
Personally, to keep myself on track and not sand the interior of the pins, I blue tape them off before sanding & then just leave the tape on while I prefinish the insides. Also, I will say I don't watch these videos to learn about the day in the life of a pro woodworker, as much as spend some time hanging out in the shop with a fairly likeminded individual. Hope you're having a great day!
@howardsmith5474 9 ай бұрын
Hope you get a million subscribers, your content is as good as anyone’s
@ga5743 9 ай бұрын
Loving the wood you used, eager to see the finished product. Maybe you could get some of those Diresta baby hands to help with those tight quarters. 😀
@devinteske 9 ай бұрын
Fun fact, the “crapton” (or “crap-ton”) is an accepted unit of measurement. There is also the “metric crapton” for users of the metric system.
@fidgetshouse 9 ай бұрын
I was hoping you would share your glue up tune list. Radio Head seems appropriate. I learn every time I watch a video. I have been trying to puzzle out doing prefinish. Blue tape to the rescue. The force that holds the woodshed together!
@oliver299d 9 ай бұрын
When I was young and in college, Glue ups were always such a big ordeal, Would do a few dry runs, make sure everything was perfect, then do it again, could take a full day just to prepare for it and think of all the things that could go wrong, Now as a seasoned professional, don't really think about it just do it and get it done. That being said I always like to do a glue up at the end of the day when I can so that it will dry overnight and be ready in the morning.
@redprimo8058 5 ай бұрын
I love the music in your videos and feel it really contributes to the overall feel of your channel in a very posative way, like it's driving 80%of the emotion. Just out of curiosity, what do you listen to while working in your shop. Lately, I've been stuck on Hot Chocolate.
@TCGE08 9 ай бұрын
Lube up that glue up…Cheers!
@TheHomeMaker1 9 ай бұрын
Hell yeah bro! Was in the shop last night till 11:30 but got both stands complete and were picked up at 8:30 this morning! It was a good week
@christopherharrison6724 9 ай бұрын
Hi just hear to listen to you ramble on for a while 😂
@scottcallan3897 9 ай бұрын
Just magic happening and happening and happening
@leebo95 8 ай бұрын
Great video, love the content. Where do you get your cups?
@MrChrisWick 9 ай бұрын
A superbly enjoyable clip to watch as always. What lighting layout do you have in your shop to make 9.30pm look like working in the daylight?
@ManuelGarcia-ww7gj 9 ай бұрын
Buy scrapers and polishing planes and you will never need to sand--mostly.
@ankerholzb1 9 ай бұрын
I really enjoy your channel! I was wondering if you might be able to tell me where you got that short at? My father in law is a cabinetmaker and also drives a Prius. I thought maybe Lost Art Press, but I didn't see it. Thanks, and keep up the wonderful content!
@jeffbrooks9815 9 ай бұрын
Hi Erik, I'm a recently retired delivery driver wanting to revisit my youth in shop class. I've really enjoyed your channel it's very informative. Would you mind explaining the blue tape you so carefully applied to joints and the not sanding of the pins. Thanks for your work. Love the coffee mugs.
@tharemyhopkins5873 9 ай бұрын
It looks like some of the tape was applied to areas that would later receive glue. Getting finish on those areas in the pre-finish would prevent the glue from sticking and possibly the final fit (and that tape was removed right before glue up). Elsewhere it looked like tape was applied near seams to prevent glue squeeze-out from touching or curing on sanded or pre-finished spots. (Don't want to speak for Erik, but an observation).
@jeffbrooks9815 9 ай бұрын
@@tharemyhopkins5873 thanks
@samullen 9 ай бұрын
Great content and great video, but what I really want is to know where can I get those mugs?
@williamshaffer2562 9 ай бұрын
Nice shirt bud.
@DP-de6js 9 ай бұрын
Radiohead rocks🤘
@9mm2013 3 ай бұрын
You woodwork for a living!
@terrytopliss9506 9 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video Eric, I’ve just come in from my little workshop where I’ve been edging some panels for the front of my shop.👍👍
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
You’re very welcome, Terry. Hope it was helpful.
@GibClark 9 ай бұрын
👍👍👍👍
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
👊👊👊
@gerarddelmonte8776 9 ай бұрын
I really need to give hide glue a try, thanks for the reminder. BTW, and completely off topic, what is the music you use on your soundtracks? A vid or two ago I could swear it was Gangstagrass, the group that does the theme from the Justified TV show.
@sharonalexander2595 2 ай бұрын
Very nice. Wear do you get coffee cup
@darrenb4324 9 ай бұрын
The drink isn’t in the list of products in the description! :) My guess is Wild Turkey….
@thefilthelement 9 ай бұрын
I need to know where you get those mugs
@sidicer33 9 ай бұрын
You should do two glue ups for fun. One being sober to see the 100% quality of skill and the other being inebriated so you can see how much of a decline your skill is (if any, or improvement) to compare the two. I am referencing people who can do some things better drunk! That would be a hilarious video haha
@sa3key 9 ай бұрын
Can you share the link for your mugs please. I know you discussed them once before, but I don’t remember which video it was in. I want to get a couple for some Marines I work with.
@ericcommarato7727 9 ай бұрын
The teeth look so real on that damn mug....it creeps me out. I keep waiting on it to wink.
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
That. Would. Be. Epic.
@oneshot4274 9 ай бұрын
Where can I get one of those cups?
@michaelk1266 9 ай бұрын
What finish are you using on the inside?
@ThePaul675 9 ай бұрын
Hi, is there any reason not to put finish lightly on the outside and then lightly sand and refinish after you're done to avoid the wood from moving around?
@37south47 5 ай бұрын
Dudes been watching too many Casie Neistat videos lol
@AwestrikeFearofGods 6 ай бұрын
I'm curious what problems you ran into with epoxy. The wood doesn't swell, so gaps are visible?
@RocketSauce666 9 ай бұрын
Four Roses Yellow Label? I suppose that's the right kind of whiskey for a 2.5 hr glue up... but how it took you 2.5 hrs to even finish it, I don't understand.
@dabeamer42 9 ай бұрын
"A Cabinetmaker's Prius"...I don't get it. Maybe there's some dovetail detail in the car doors or something that I'd be able to see if the video screen was bigger? Help?
@walterrider9600 9 ай бұрын
thank you . did you heat the glue ? or use it as is room temp ?
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
I tend to stick it in my back pocket for an hour or so before I use it. That seems to get it just warm enough to work really well without the need for a hot plate
@walterrider9600 9 ай бұрын
@@ENCurtis thank you
@ebrandt64 9 ай бұрын
Can you explain the cauls that you made for the dovetails?
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
Surely! Simply traced the tail board and created a shallow relief for the pins so that when clamping pressure was applied it was focused directly on the tails and any protrusion from the pins did not prevent the corner from seating all the way.
@ebrandt64 9 ай бұрын
@@ENCurtis Makes sense . Thanks
@musicman1174 9 ай бұрын
But was it THE BENDS?! Also I wish glue ups didn’t stress me out but I haven’t gotten over that hump yet 😬
@ENCurtis 9 ай бұрын
KID A MY DUDE 🎶
@musicman1174 9 ай бұрын
@@ENCurtis ‘Everything in its Right Place’ works very well with the theme of todays video
@floridabeardedwoodworker 9 ай бұрын
That’s it I’m selling everything.//././. Lol
@the_boatswain 6 ай бұрын
So. urm.. I'm going to throw this out here on this random video not at all centered on this topic I am about to suggest; but perhaps.. and I know it's not nearly as masculine and bristling at the Prius.. but have you considered the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
@deek3048 9 ай бұрын
I thought this was going to be about my pet peeve; knowing when to quit. Over the years I've found that you got to draw a line in the sand about what time to quit to make or do major decisions. I quit after 4, the brain doesn't work as well after a day's work. You are shooting yourself in the foot. (speaking from experience) You can still do routine work or think about the project but don't make that irreversible oops.
@brianhmonks 9 ай бұрын
What constitutes a professional woodworker?
@CTRCustomWoodworks 9 ай бұрын
Someone who gets paid for their work, like every single other job on the planet?
@darcybarnes2716 9 ай бұрын
More important, what are you drinking
@genenewellportland6820 3 ай бұрын
Please turn off that crappy musak.
@Clintotron 9 ай бұрын
Can you do a short video on glue types and your selection method? Also, have you seen the new Prius? That thing is pretty dang sexy... And I NEVER thought I'd say that about a Prius. lol
@brad8606 9 ай бұрын
You need to come work for me guy, I need one me in my shop.