White oak is becoming a real problem for furniture makers.
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Has this ever happened to you?? For once, I planned ahead on this project and grabbed 50BF of rift-sawn white oak at $8/BF. Unfortunately, it had issues. BIG issues. These stains weren’t noticeable in rough form. But my sawyer did right by me and refunded the money, but it left me with NO material. Why is that such a big deal? Well, the rift sawn white oak market is bonkers in my area and inventory is scarce and prices are sky high. Supply shortages are even affecting the bourbon and wine industry. So, after a 10-hour hunt on the phone and trips to several local lumber yards, including Pete’s shed, I found nothing but junk material and prices ranging from $14/BF all the way up to $40/BF for European rift sawn white oak. And then, I struck pay dirt down at Willard Bros. in Trenton. What a relief! Floor to ceiling white oak…but even with my discount I ended up with a bill that was almost double what I originally paid (show receipt). Not a good way to start a commission.
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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.
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 know it's my stress teasing, but it's really beautifully made, so beautiful that a tear rolls down :)
Awww! Thanks very much 🙏🏻
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.
@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 😂
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 😊👊🏻.
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 😂
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! 😜
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!
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. 🙏
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 🙏
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 🙏👍
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!
Beautiful craftsmanship. I love the way this desk looks and functions. Keep up the wonderful work Keith.
Thanks so much, will do!
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.
So much detail, so much love, beautiful work!
Thank you so much!
Wow. So impressed with the attention to detail.
Thanks Mark! I appreciate that 👍🏻
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!
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 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 appreciate a new video from you
Thanks man! I greatly appreciate the support 👊🏻
Bravo, Keith! Another masterpiece! Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Thanks man! Happy holidays to you as well!
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!
Simple, clean, and subtle -- so much work in the little details. Nice job, Keith!
Thank you kindly!
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! 🙌
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 😂
Keith, you truly are a craftsman!! Always look forward to seeing your work!!
Thanks Robert! I appreciate the support. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Very nice, Keith. You nailed it again. Love your attention to detail. Please keep it up and enjoy the Holidays.
Thanks a lot, Glenn! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well!
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!
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! 😺😺
Insanely beautiful!!!!
Thanks man! That's very kind. 🙏
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 👍 🙌
You are a joy to watch… a true artist
Thank you very much!
What a wonderful video and build! Great process
Thank you very much! Cheers! 👍
Great attention to detail. It is funny how some of the simplest things can be so complex. I love how OCD you are about every little step. It really makes a difference in the final product for sure in terms of quality, longevity and overall aesthetic. I'm very nit picky but I literally have not a thing to nit pick here. I rarely give it but your work is definitely A+.
I greatly appreciate that! Thank you 🙏👍
Amazing attention to detail
Thank you! Cheers!
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking credit is given where it’s due
POSITIVE ENERGY KEITH! 🤗 Love your videos! Great desk!
Thanks man! Client was very happy.
Wonderful job, and great video. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Cheers!
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!
Great work! Looks fantastic!
Thank you! Cheers!
Such beautiful work. Wow.
Thank you so much 😀
Love watching you work KJ. Fantastic work! 😎👊
Thank you sir! Cheers!
Lot of work. Looks great.
Thanks man!
Truly amazing work, Keith! It looks incredible there! 😃 Really well done!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 And happy holidays!
Thank you so much!! Hope you have wonderful and safe holiday as well!
Your builds are beautiful and well made, truly an inspiration to an aspiring backyard woodworker
Awesome, thank you!
Beautiful work Keith. Merry Christmas to you and your familt
Thanks so much! Happy holidays to you as well. Enjoy!
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! 😁😺
Stunning work!
Thanks Patrick!
Great job 😊 good choice on the leather
Thank you! Cheers!
Incredible attention to detail
Thanks very much! 🙌🏻
Nice job, excellent workmanship.
Thank you! Cheers!
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.
Sweet job, hope to see more.
Thanks! Lots of other videos available on my channel 👍🏻
Yeah, I watched a bunch last night
That is impeccably well done!
Thanks Nathan! Much appreciated, my man!
Great job! A beautiful piece of art!
Thank you very much!
Thank you!
beautiful work, Keith!
Thanks man! 👍
Very nice work!!
Thanks a lot!
Hat's off to you Sir!
Thanks!
Great work!!
Thanks a lot! 👍🏻
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.
💯👍🏻
You are doing a beautiful job.
Thank you! Cheers!
Great work Keith. Thanks for sharing
You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!
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!
Beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
nice lines on the finished product!!
Thanks very much! 🤙🏻
Again a very stylish piece of furniture! I like your videos very much. Thank you!
Thank you very much!
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 👍
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 👍🏻
Keith, this came out exceptionally beautiful. A real masterpiece in simple elegance letting the wood be the star!
Too kind ! Thanks very much 🙏🙌
Came out perfect. You're highly skilled and funny!
Thanks Mark! Jerry writes all my jokes 😹
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 ?
Good to see you back with a very pleasant project KJ.
Thank you sir! Got another one on the way!
Wow Keith, incredible!
Thanks Matt! Super appreciate it 😎
Beautiful work, Keith. Happy holidays!🖖
Thanks Jay! Happy holidays to you as well! 🎄
Beautiful work, Keith.
Thank you kindly!
Very nice work,Cheers from Toronto Canada!!
Thank you! Cheers to you!
Hitting my two favorite lumberyards in the same video. Love it!
Haha. Nice! 🤙🏻😎
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.
Amazing work, as always!
Thanks Matthew!
Really really reallly nice. 😊
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice build as always
Thanks man! 🙌
The brass pins are nice detail. Your attention to detail is exceptional.
Thank you very much! I appreciate it 🙏
Lol first time on the channel - longtime woodworker. I have to comment and LOL at your Blue Persian - My cat is the same (feral rescue) he's in my workshop all the time and is like "oh you builded this box for me? Thanks" and sits in almost EVERY.SINGLE, SQUARE THING I MAKE, it must be a cat rule. He's got glue on his ass more than once, and when I say more than once I mean like LOTS, and he REALLY doesn't like it when I have to grab him and wipe if off, (scratched me a few times) so now I have to lock him out when doing glueups - which he yells at just as much. Even though thier ears are sensitive he absolutely WILL sleep through me doing whatever, tablesaw, planer, sanding - I had to buy an air filter as he was sneezing a lot in the beghinning.
Yes, lot's of filters going in my shop. Luckily, these 2 stay away from running tools and most glue-ups. Only had one incident so far 😹
Looks Great Kj lovely work 👍
Thank you so much 😀
that desk, simple as it looks, is now an heirloom. day sombody smashes it outta that window is likely never.
Let's hope not! 😂
You did an excelent job man! Very nice piece!👍🏻
Thank you! Cheers!
Very nice! Well done 👍. Love the cat!
Thanks Guy! Those shopcats keep me in line 😺
That's a really nice build.
Thanks Greg! 👍
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 😂
Always a professional job. Very impressive. I hope to be this competent one day soon
Thanks very much! I’m only sporadically competent 😜
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.
Solid job!
Thanks man! I appreciate that 🙌
Beautiful desk, great video! (love the Jason cameo)
Thanks so much! Can't mention bourbon without a guest appearance by Mr. Bourbon himself! 😂
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!
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!