One of the most expensive woodworking projects of my career. This myrtle wood burl was probably the most incredible wood I have ever seen in person and I was lucky enough to get commissioned to turn it into a desk for a client. I will break down the staggering cost of these slabs, my process for turning them into a desk, and I experience a few of the pitfalls that tend to come with woodworking.
0:00 Intro
0:46 Myrtle Slab buying
2:03 Joining the bookmatch
3:16 Fail #1
3:53 Fixing the first failure
5:15 Edge cleanup/about Myrtle Wood
7:07 Filling imperfections
8:00 C-channels/recessing table legs
10:20 Woodworking tip of the day
11:30 Conspicuous hole
12:38 Fail #2
13:20 Fixing fail #2
14:00 Most expensive wood in the world?
15:30 First coat of finish
17:54 Black Forest Ceramic
19:30 Stainless table legs
20:00 Reveal
Related videos and blogs:
One-on-one consultation: www.blacktailstudio.com/shop/...
How to finish a table: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
Edge profile trick: • No Router Edge Profile...
Items used in this video:
New Blacktail n3 Nano (replaces ceramic): blacktailstudio.myshopify.com...
Table legs: flowyline-official.myshopify....
C-channels: conceptthirteen.ca?ref=btjrt2lvnw8g
Angle grinder: amzn.to/3pu2iXZ
Festool Track Saw: www.festoolusa.com/products/s...
Table top epoxy (touch-ups/fast): amzn.to/3asufLq
CA glue: amzn.to/3tiiKNu
Kutzall ball nose burr: amzn.to/3s0iGAG
Threaded inserts: conceptthirteen.ca?ref=btjrt2lvnw8g
Die Grinder: amzn.to/3zHl306
Parallel clamp: amzn.to/3gQPs4n
Corner chisel: amzn.to/2VaWiu8
Festool Domino: amzn.to/3BCcljZ
Festool sander: amzn.to/3gVnlBg
Festool Router: amzn.to/3cUeHBf
Roundover bit: amzn.to/3uwTwv0
Lightstick (now $55): amzn.to/3faMWFu
Mesh sandpaper: amzn.to/3ptVj1k
Table finish: amzn.to/3bBBz6J
Gem buffer: amzn.to/2N6qWRt
Photography light (similar): amzn.to/2RjiMqp
Countersink: amzn.to/3k50ROE
White buffing pads: amzn.to/3u85vzV
Furniture bolts: amzn.to/2NdDAOg
Cordless router: amzn.to/3BtO53u
www.blacktailstudio.com
Instagram: @blacktailstudio / blacktailstudio
facebook: / blacktailstudio
"Other half of Monalisa"
That’s really good actually 😂
(Some might say 'the BETTER half'!)😄
HA HA HA HA HA
Awesome Answer!
@@BlacktailStudio The dominos are too big the first time !
"Don't wipe it back to front" - friggin hilarious - delivery was perfect
@@charliebyerly3931 took me 2 seconds to make the connection. Lol.
Epic delivery, I’ve been laughing this whole time.
@@thomasstansberry2311 lol
I'm watching this late at night, almost couldn't suppress the loud burst of laughter.
Hahahaha!!!🤣
How is it possible that I know absolutely zero about woodworking, but I am totally hooked on your channel. Keep these videos coming.
Ditto. Know zip about woodworking, but I too am addicted to your videos. I find it incredibly satisfying watch you sand and polish...and sand and polish...and then polish some more--so that we're able to see the deepening contrast of the grains, It's an ever-so-slow transformation. It's magic.
Same here :D
haha took the words right outa my mouth :D
Same!
I'm absolutlu addicted to these videos. I don't build anything, but just to see someone doing with so much commitment is really nice!
I've been a woodworker for way over half a century. That is the most 3 dimensional wood and finish I have ever seen. You have it down to an art. GREAT project.
I'm surprised the void wasn't self-oiling. Beautiful table as always Cam!
That works ONLY IF you talk dirty to it.
Built in fleshlight
He said it took a lot of working on.
Looked for this comment, lol.
I was looking for this comment 😂
"Don't wipe from back to front." says it all, Cam! I love that you pretended you could not put your finger on what the hole might remind you of. This was a fun video, enjoyed every minute of it, and hope you get a chance to use this type of wood again. Thanks for sharing!
I bought this as a gift for my friend kzhead.infoUgkxcZqgZ8Ynkiz5n_LxIWRlAicuzmz5kCHG who is just starting out in the world of wood work. He loves it!! There is a great section on different wood and what to use for what kind of job and a similar section for tools as well. The projects in it are things you probably would have a go at with clear instructions, pictures, videos and diagrams throughout. Great for a beginner/amateur wood worker.
Slab Monologues: excellent product and love the fact you were continually showing the customer what was happening. Your skill and customer service are next level.
"I just couldn't put my finger on what this natural void reminds me of, but I'm really drawn to it." This guy has jokes.
The wife too: "Don't wipe back to front" hehe
Won’t have any hardwood left in a few yrs, human vanity at its worst.
With tables like this there's going to be a lot of _Hard Woods_ around for a good long time.
And they are knot bad
So funny lol 😂
As an owner of a cabinet company and an old wood worker, I am impressed with your patience, artistic view, precision and mainly the joy you find in making your projects. Keep up the excellent work and have a blessed day.
Not a super big fan of live edge but this one made me watch and appreciate more. The wood and craftsmanship, truly the glue that brings the artwork to life
I just love your program. This piece is absolutely off the charts. I've never seen such a vibrant, beautiful piece of wood in all my life. I love the basic color of it and the grain is amazing. Keep these videos coming if you have the time. They're so enthralling to me. Marc T.
“Don’t wipe it back to front…” Noted. Beautiful table. Creative writing. Well done sir.
ROFL
Stunning! Your first comment about "that spot" had me laughing out loud: "This…reminds me of something, but I'm not sure what." Would love to replace my vintage-'20s desk with a piece of your artwork!
I am not a woodworker. I have to tell you I have thoroughly enjoyed watching several of your videos! They've actually been very entertaining as well as educational. This desk is absolutely beautiful.
I know the rules, watched this before but I’m I’m just here to say I love your videos and I learn so much from them. Incredible work! Also keep up the constant talking. It really, really, helps the understanding and puts EVERYTHING in proper perspective. Also love hearing of your families success. Keep it up!
This was HILARIOUS! “She’s doesn’t even woodwork, so I’m not sure what she could be referring to.”
Poor guy who bought the desk, he will never be able to see anything else every time he looks at the table.
Your wife does not want a UTI or infection.
After he mentioned it I couldn't stop laughing every time he went near it.
And he used all his tools from small to big but still that thing would not get fixed. Some says once that thing is used you will never fix it. If you know what i mean
In the case of my first wife it was ‘try it before you buy it.’ In the case of my second wife it was ‘try to wear it out before you buy it.’ In the case of my third wife it was ‘you better buy it or it’s going to wear you out,’ What I would do if I were you, which of course I’m not, is fill it with a mixture of epoxy and crushed turquoise. Then, finish the top side to a fair-thee-well. No one, male or female, will then mistakenly associate the subject shape again with the subject female organ. CK
Fertile Myrtle. I've used the Rubio finish a couple times now and am really happy with the results. Glad to know about the BFC top coat and will try it on the next project. Thanks!
That might be the best name yet 😂
Love the variegated colours that was brought out in the wood when you did the finishing
Weird coincidence that I am watching this video for the first time on 9-1-23, exactly 2 years after your voiceover. You are almost at 2.5m subscribers now and I figured I had to subscribe and add to the total. Keep up the amazing content!
" Don't wipe it back to front"...This was HILARIOUS! “She’s doesn’t even woodwork, so I’m not sure what she could be referring to.”
Hiii friend *EXCUSEME* 🤝🤝🤝
lol
I do
I thought "backdragging" was bulldozer lingo
@@brandysigmon9066 I thought backdragging was when your dog had worms. :-)
I've been in Oregon 40 years and Myrtlewood was one of the first things that caught our eye when we were in the tourist shops when we first visited. Gorgeous piece. So dimensional.
This material reminds me of Tiger Maple. I built a kitchen from it and I mean built it... milled the lumber , made the face frames, sanded, stained, installed and turned out to be one of the coolest kitchens I've ever done. It's EXPENSIVE but so unique. Working with new and different kinds of woods is fun. Learning how they react to cutting , sanding , staining , sealing even drying is time consuming. They even change after you think you're completely done. Choosing the right stains choosing the sealer even choosing the type of sandpaper you use even at the same grits can affect them. I missed doing this unfortunately I was working for a for a bad contractor with a great shop and great tools whose inability to run a business caused the loss of the company. I even had clients afterward tell me they would buy the tools and materials for me just so I could build them a kitchen they were so happy.. Really rewarding and extremely fun...if anyone in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area needs a helping hand with some experience I'd be more than happy to get back to it!
Absolutely made my day, your focus on the cable pass-through shows even a man with big hands can ensure such an important detail finishes well.
The table turned out beautiful. The one “spot” you referred to…adds character. I love it.
I almost always watch the entire videos, this is the most beautiful thing I have seen you make. The wood grain in this finished desk is beyond beautiful. I wand to build a wood home in the future and I would love to have some of your work in it. This was just amazing. Thanks, I enjoy the videos.
I really enjoyed watching this video and I’m immensely impressed with the wood and the ultimate finish. I had to smile when the guy who sold you the wood said that he could have used it for guitar bodies. I’m an electric guitar freak and I envisaged lots of beautiful guitars being made from that wood.
Fecund lovely 👌🏽. You’re an excellent tutor; you keep me believing that I can do it. Thanks for that Cam.
I once lost my house, my Harley, and half my pay checks into a void just like that once.
that made me chuckle.
Hopefully a bit more snug fitting lol
OMG best comment ever! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
....voids have teeth... little known fact?
I'm totally inspired by watching you grow as a fine craftsman! My dad was a woodworker, and he would have really appreciated your talent. Thanks for sharing your expertise and progression with us!
I totally envy the owner of the desk. You captured the essence of the wood in the whole package.
First and foremost, you are indeed an artist and not a woodworker. Second, your ability to make videos is superb…excellent narration, you point out your learning moments, and I can’t believe how quickly time goes by watching them. You’re awesome, buddy!
I have to say, I've just started watching your videos and love them. You are not just a "woodworker". You are an artist working in wood and what your produce is incredible!
I'm new and love the "experience " you have passed on. Really enjoying watching the effort put into perfecting your mistakes, shows pride in your work.
Undoubtedly, definitely, unique, unprecedented, unparalleled design & workmanship, and above all, extreme attention to minute details.
Stunning! Nice quote, it goes hand in hand with the reason we're all here (on KZhead) "When possible, try to learn from the mistakes of others"
"Exotic" would be the one word.. but.. Cool wood, trial and errors and always a great finish. The fact you point out and fix your mistakes is one of the reasons why people enjoy your content. Honesty goes a long way these days. Good luck on the march to one million.
Really exotic 😉
I love the quality & style of your commentary, an added bonus is the level of humour you bring to it. I am not surprised that you snapped up these two Myrtle Wood slabs, they are 'almost too good to use'. The desk, probably the most expensive desk you will find, is 'overwhelmingly stunning' & worth the insane price. I must mention the repair that you matched so beautifully in the final run home, it is superb. Wonderful, wonderful piece that you can be absolutely & deservedly proud of. Don from South Aust.
AWESOME! One of my fav's! great job Cam.
I only get one word to describe this table? Elegant!! Love the color and texture of the piece. Great work!
Cam, thank you for showing your imperfections. It gives us, who are trying to learn, hope. Appreciate you!
The grain and color on these slabs are stunning. Amazing work; truly.
I agree w/ you - I thought the ripple effect of the Myrtle after the ceramic finish was trippy.
Just amazing. And since I've watched so many of your videos despite probably never making any of this myself, I think it's about time to subscribe already. Looking forward to more!
i can't wait to see how you finish this. the more i see it the more i truly love it the way it is. it's the most beautiful piece of wood I've ever seen. i would love to have something made from this. coasters is all i could probably afford but those would even be super cool. it's funny... i've never been a "wood" guy, anymore than a 2x4 anyway. This is the only channel i watch on woodworking and you have me oohing and awing over a slab of wood. Skipping dinner so i can watch you finish it without interruption. Great channel, thank you for the content. And that really is a cool slab.... now, back to see how you do the finish.
This is probably one of the most beautiful creations I’ve seen with Myrtle Wood…..love seeing this kind of stuff from my home state of Oregon 😊
10 seconds in: "and I prooooobably have to turn off the comments section". That is the best intro to any of your videos LOL
“10 seconds in” 😂😂😂😂😂 so many meanings to this statement
Man that is absolutely a gorgeous table love your videos and your woodworking and epoxy techniques definitely picking up some tips from you I know that skill didn’t come overnight and included a lot of dedication thank you as always
I love that wood and the finish that you put on it! Absolutely gorgeous work! Well done sir!
Absolutely gorgeous project. The grain is crazy beautiful, and the finish is outstanding! The void only adds to the appeal.
When gluing the pieces together I'd suggest setting a straight edge cross ways on top to make sure it doesn't bow when applying the clamp pressure. If it does you can adjust by moving the clamps up or down on the material edge depending which way it bows.
Ive always alternated clamping. 1 above 1 below.etc will also stop that cupping action when clamping up
Good advice👍
What a gorgeous piece of wood! The end result turned out beautifully. Love your videos.
"Exquisite" ! Such hard work; your passion for woodworking is admirable and worthy of great respect, Sir. Thankful, that you show the bloopers, it's educational, most would edit them parts out. When making a mistake one should own it, and fix it to the best of ones ability. High regard, for your professionalism, abilities, and achievements. 👍🏻👍🏻
“Don’t wipe it back to front!” That almost slipped by me!
Wiping back to front can give women UTI'S and other infections.
I'm still laughing about it.
Yup, we need to pay attention 😲 sneaky sneaky 😂🤣
Nope, I got it. Nearly spat my tea 🫖 over the sofa.
I missed it till this comment lol!
Sir, the amount of patience you possess just makes me smile, as not many people have it! The figuring in that Myrtle just jumps out at ya!
I love Myrtlewood. I made a clock and Wood shop back in the day that my mom and dad still used to this day and I’m 56 in Hermiston Oregon. I love that shop class. It was so much fun but it was made out of Myrtlewood. I just absolutely love it.
DELORIS…This piece is amazing! Love the narration of your videos. My husband and I sit and watch one video and get sucked in… hours later. I love that you enjoy what you do😊
Thank you for giving me the confidence and knowledge to finally tackle a river table. Because of you I just bought two beautiful cherry slabs that will soon be an amazing dining table for my mom.
When jointing, instead of relying on the rail being at a perfect 90 degrees, the pieces can be run one face forwards and one face backward. That we the angles always add up to a perfect 90 degrees.
Brilliant! That’s the longitudinal axis. Can you play the same game about the vertical axis? Butt the 2 halves as intended. Put a rail on one side and fix at each end. Put a parallel bit of timber against it. Put a 2nd rail on the other side and butt up to timber piece. Fix 2nd rail on 2nd half, each end. Separate the two halves, and stow timber piece. Any vertical axis error in the rails will also cancel out, although, maybe, it’s not too drastic if there is a very tiny error. The first forwards/backwards tip will still apply. P.S. I’m a computer bloke, really, and a bit of a woodworker - if this is a completely potty idea … Matt, UK
That is a given in any shop I've worked in
That only works if the two large side are parallel. One will have a perfect 90° with respect to the front face and edge, while the other will have a perfect 90° with respect to the back side and edge. So the top may be v shaped.
I think its better to just go ahead and set your jointer fence to 90°. Pretty easy to do with a good square or a digital angle guage. Imagine doing a glue up for a large table top or butcher block counter top what are you gonna label the top and bottom of every board and run every other one through facing the opposite direction? Makes no sense learn how to adjust cutterhead, infeed and outfeed tables, and fence that way it doesn't which matter which way the board is facing. A jointer isn't much good if you can't reliably square one edge to another.
I’m mesmerized by the skill, patience & beauty. Thank you for sharing! 😊
The desk is absolutely beautiful, the inlay was perfect and useing the natural profile to run electrical cords through was an excellent idea. I enjoy your videos very much. Keep up the good work. I thought the cost of the woods a bit high until I saw the finished product. Your customer got an excellent desk that will stand the test of time for a good price. 👏👏👏👍🍀
I screamed out loud! "Don't wipe it back to front!" Funniest line ever! Your wife is hilarious!
"Myrtle's Secret" The even toned delivery of all the jokes made them next level great! Like Lock Picking Lawyer level delivery. Great video!
Never expected to see Mr LPL being mentioned somewhere else! Brownny point to you for sneaking that one in!!
Lock picking lawyer is a liar like Zach King
@@stevemccormick7947 what
I am an IT Operations Engineer from India.. Why am I hooked to a woodworking channel at this point in my life? I don't know... But these videos are amazing! So enjoyable to watch someone work on their craft with such passion.. 🙌
"Fantasia". Love, what a beautiful thing. This Desk or Table is amazing. The woodworking you have done here on this Mrytlewood piece is just stunning. The oils and Ceramic oil at the final rub in, is amazing. The live edge gives these table tops so much added character. Fantasia is the name I would chose.
Your solution to use the "Special" spot on this piece of wood was a genius move. Never mind the complainers.
Your humor is perfect... Subscribed today, and watched 5 vids so far. I'm an interior painter/wood finisher by trade, and it's really wild seeing your processes. Definitely not scalable for a whole house, but looks amazing! I've done a number of multimillion dollar homes, and tend to use catalyzed Lacquer, and we get pretty close to automotive grade finishes. Keep the vids coming man! great work.
You really hit the spot with this piece! I love how the natural wood grains show through in this. Just absolutely beautiful!
Love the way you detail the imperfections within your own working procedures, this to me is key in learning….as you also said! Good job, I’m subscribing ✌🏼
Living here in Arizona working in a small shop I learned very early on I needed to air condition and add a humidifier to be able to ship to other parts of the country and not have tables and other wood projects swell from humidity or split from dryness. Thank you for trying the ceramic coating on a table, I have not tried it yet but I will order some and try on my next coffee table build.
Love the wood grains in this table. Great job, looks beautiful.
Your whole approach seems attainable that the beauty of your channel , humble, prideless
For about a decade when the "greatest generation" was passing on, and boomers were inheriting myrtlewood, many didn't appreciate it. I found it every so often at Goodwill. The employees at Goodwill didn't know what it was either, so I got good deals buying it. I haven't seen any pieces in the last several years. I wound up with a nice collection of amazing wood pieces. I've learned how to repair finishes without damaging patina. I have some made in Marshfield, which was renamed Coos Bay in 1944. My dad found a piece of myrtlewood driftwood at the beach and crafted it into a lamp back in the '50s. It's my favorite piece. My neighbors have a myrtlewood coffee table that was several thousand dollars back in the '70s. It's not burl. For a short time when the only bank closed, monetary values were printed on myrtlewood and used as currency in North Bend.
That’s bizarre!
I’d love to see some pics. Sounds really cool. I also had no idea Coos Bay wasn’t always named that. I was born 5 decades ago in Salem, lived all up & down I-5, mainly in a tiny town between Eugene & the coast, so that should’ve been something I knew, especially with as much time as I spend at the coast. Thank you for that info & take care!
That's fascinating! North Bend, WA?
@@mc6212 North Bend, Washington was originally named Snoqualmie, but another town went in a little later named Snoqualmie Falls. The railroad made them change their name. They changed the name to Mountain View, but then the post office objected because there was another town by that name. They finally settled on North Bend.
We've all been frustrated by that void at one point or another...no matter what size tool you use, it still confounds..
This is fantastic work. A++
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Extra coating is always needed in the void
A. Capp...most factual comment ever
And then there is the question no man ever wants to hear.., are ya in yet?
I used a myrtle slab for the top to breakfast bar in my house. It was gorgeous light edge dark center, it even had a little curl to it. I live in Maryland bought in Pennsylvania. love your work!
Actually, the odd aperture in the wood can go either way. Sort of a lovely ying/yang. The opening suggests one thing, the entire shape, another. It's a very balanced feature, and a totally natural one. What a beautiful piece of woodworking, so impressed by your skill and artistry.
My favourite quote about experience is: "Experience is what you get the second after you actually need it".
NSFW Table : Man I love when you apply the finish coat. The details pop so much !
I LOVE these tables, and I respect the price even if it's insanely affordably to me. I appreciate Cam's care toward longevity. I've been using the same broken plastic/plywood walmart desk for 15 years, so you KNOW these are creations that'll last a lifetime. I wish he'd have something I could afford after saving up a year or two, but given how high end his products are, I understand how his clients are insanely High End. Oh well, at least the videos are fantastic to watch and rewatch.
your honesty is the secret ingredient that draws me to watch your videos.
That desk looks stunning. I just wanted to let you know that you inspired me to teach kids over this past summer about woodworking at a summer camp here in Toronto.
Just discovered your channel, and prior, actually, to your request, count me subscribed! Fantastic work. I've been a modest, mostly self-taught woodworker for decades, and would absolutely love to do this type of work. At 60 years old, I still aspire to have a shop of my own and do custom furniture like this. Keep the great content coming! R.
Yeah, me too. Funny thing is i am not even woodworker at all
My entire household would love to see you make a guitar with some of the beautiful woods you use.
The finish is perfect, top notch project man!
Priceless. Showing your mistakes allows the rest of us to learn as well. Keep up the great work.
OMG! I lost it on the wire management void. Your calm, smooth yet extremely accurate delivery on how you worked on it.....I seriously scrolled back to the part where you picked the piece so I could show my wife why I was laughing so hard and she laughed too! Nice job 👏
Especially when he commented, which I'm paraphrasing when his wife made her comment and then he just kept it going when he said something like "what does she care, she's not working on the table". They did a great job of incorporating the joke in the episode without constantly dwelling on it and not making it too dirty that someone's kids couldn't watch it without it becoming an issue. Great job to the both of you for incorporating your joke and making it work just right!!
The natural table edges had a fantastic 3-D quality. Very impressive work, as always. “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.” - Sigmund Freud
Tell that to bill clinton
This is my all time fav. the legs the wood, the hole! Perfect!
I love how honest you are with your mistakes. Much respect.
Your woodworking is amazing. You're very calming in the way you do it. Watching your videos satisfies an itch I did not know I needed to scratch. Thank you, I am now a lifelong fan. I'm a musician and your woodworking is inspiring me to make a guitar. I've thought about doing it for a while and now I think I'm going to do it. Thank you for all the videos and the time you put in to make them.
Most beautiful piece of wood I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to try this finish on my next project.
Ultra exotic and no resin filler. Perfect.
Haha. The void was satisfying but frustrating! You tried all your tools on it! Well played sir!!!
Reminds me of something Lord Henry in "The picture of Dorian Grey" said: "A cigarette is a perfect type of a perfect pleasure. It´s exquite yet unsatisfying."
Absolutely magnificent piece of work! I love that wood! I live in New Jersey and am not far from New Hope,PA. As a result I am very much aware of George Nakashima’s work. What you did with this wonderful wood reminded me of his work. It’s the highest compliment I can give you! Congratulations!
Breathtaking! I'm a new sub (you DEF deserve all the subs you get! I love how you don't beg!) and I've been on quite the binge the last few hours. This desk is stunning. I only wish my shoe addiction would subside so I could save for one of your pieces! I think you are quite cheeky too...especially with the "void". Great video!
I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. I learned from this one that crepe myrtle wood can be made into beautiful works of art. Beautiful job, Cam!!
Errr, no, he explains that he's using myrtle, which is unrelated to crepe-myrtle, they just both have 'myrtle' in their name.
@@Ice_Karma Thanks! I didn't know there were two kinds.
The grain on that wood is gorgeous. It's fascinating to me just how taken for granted trees are in general. That wood was worth every penny.
"Pleasure Spot" A very cool table and worth every penny. Not really sure how you missed what that hole was going to look like. Especially with as much time as we take to use it in the best way possible. As always love your work.
Seriously 🙄 He knew
just love your comments around the wire management void.
Absolutely Beautiful. I can almost feel the silky-smooth finish.