Smart desks don't have to be ugly. That is what I challenged myself with before I started this build anyway. Whether or not this is actually a smart desk is debatable. I made it as smart as we needed it though. Featuring a built in light and dimmer, USB charging right on top, and pretty much all hidden wires. This desk is for my wife, so we designed what we thought would be the most timeless, as well as the most functional desk we could. In addition to a solid brass power outlet, USB, a light, and a dimmer. This desk is highlighted with real brass infused in resin. The liquid brass was then used to highlight the natural cracks in the slab. All this and lots more, so probably easiest to just watch the video.
Custom furniture inquiries: www.blacktailstudio.com/contact
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Bookmatched Table Base Build • Bookmatched Table Base...
Related blog posts:
Brass Resin: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
How to sand wood properly: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
How to get a perfect finish: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
Buying live edge wood: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
Table base build:
Items used in this build:
Walnut slabs: gobywalnut.com/
Brass powder: amzn.to/3cY61YS
Bronze powder: amzn.to/2W4bEyK
Copper powder: amzn.to/2TXYyjx
Epoxy: amzn.to/2W14xXz
Osmo Wood Finish: amzn.to/38EtniS
Track saw: amzn.to/3cPNDBp
Best sander: amzn.to/38AU9bK
Better forstner bit: amzn.to/3cNNZs9
Gem buffer: amzn.to/3btzKqZ
White buffing pads: amzn.to/2TE4NtW
Disposable paint brushes: amzn.to/2vVkGDl
Tyvek tape: amzn.to/2xsOmYY
Sandpaper storage: amzn.to/2TOfTLK
Thin CA glue: amzn.to/3aL3gYM
Vacuum chamber: amzn.to/3cYLmUA
Website: blacktailstudio.com/
Instagram: / blacktailstudio
Facebook: / blacktailstudio
Cam .. just curious how much that slab cost ? thx
I meant to put it in the video. $600.
@@BlacktailStudio yikes. Thanks. Walnut is so expensive
Ca.m. the walnut slab cost 600. or for the finished desk? You showed how beautiful walnut is. My dad, a carpenter, built two huge walnut bookcases on each side of the fireplace in his house.
Just the slab 😊
@@BlacktailStudio That's not even half bad for walnut that nice I'd pay that
Cam, I don’t care if its fully a “smart desk” or not. The end product is stunning, you should be proud of that.
David, you're stunning. You should be proud of that.
Geoff, your handsome you should be proud of that
@@dylancozens5902 You spread love and good feelings. We need more of you guys. You all should be proud of that!
@DQ, your positivity has put a smile on my face, we need more motivational ppl like you around, you should be proud of that ")
@@ffcuk63 your guy’s love of saying “you should be proud of that” is amazing, and you should be proud of that
After watching the video advert i was still skeptical. But when i finally downloaded the plans kzhead.infoUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG i was very impressed. The whole plan was just as you said in the video. Thank you very much. I now have a large and valuable collection for my woodworks. This is great!
Cam that desk is a labor of love. Great job. The brass fittings and lighting blends well with the wood. I’d rather here you talk non-stop than listen to a background music. You explain everything step by step pretty well. You are doing great!
Cam - no question needing a response, just wanted to comment on how beautifully this turned out. The brass inlay was a surprise but it looks really nice blending with the other brass features.
Cam, Not strictly a “smart” desk but I think your “toughest” client made the right decision and you MADE it smart just by listening!😎
Cam: “What she likes vs. What I’m capable of doing.” I think you’ve summed up marriage.
Yes Dear, while mid-air, when she says jump... 39+ years... Well trained :)
@@darinking1343 It's called "domesticated" LOL
This comment won the internet today.
He sure did 🥳
Cam, that's a really cool desk. Just recently found your channel and I'm enjoying the way you talk us through your process and why you do something the way you do it.
Cam, wow! Another amazing build. Found your channel and just having these on in the background while at work makes the time go by more enjoyably.
Cam, this is not just a beautiful desk. To me it is a work of art. If anyone didn’t love it, there is nothing that would make them happy. Your wife now has a one of a kind desk. You are a master craftsman. I’m just starting at age 76 and admire the skills of people in your league. Great video!
I'm 77. Glad to see I'm not the only "oldie" who's just getting started!
Cam, To be completely honest, This channel popped up in my “Recommended” one day and I could not be happier that it did, I’ve found myself binge watching your channel between PT sessions lo. Keep up the amazing work.
Love that!
Cam - Off topic. I believe you live in Oregon, correct? I am in the process of moving my family from CA and wanted to know the better areas to live in. Looking for a family oriented town with good schools and tree lined streets. Any help would be greatly appreciated. .
I am now the same. Wish I had Cam's skill and also the workshop but it is a great goal as I near retirement
Same. It's ignited a passion and I love not only your final products but the way you shoot and explain is perfect for me! Wish me luck as I pursue a new venture. I've actually decided to start a milling business specializing in live edge slabs and river tables! Thanks again and keep em coming, I'll keep learning!
I completely agree. Keep it up Cam. These videos are entertaining, informative, and inspiring.
Cam... This design and craftsmanship is absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for making such great KZhead content. So generous of you to include the viewers in these processes, and putting the effort in to making these truly stress relieving videos.
Definitely NOT just another desk. That desk is so amazing. Really cool how you implemented wiring, plugs, and lights to this desk. Very unique from past videos and works of art you’ve done.
Cam. I see you’re in Portland. If you ever need some help I’d love to be an intern. Knowledge is the only payment I need. I just love your work man. Really cool stuff.
Cam, that desk you made for your wife is not only functional, but also beautiful. You are not only a craftsman, but you are also an artist.
Cam, I really enjoy watching your process. You explain everything. I build furniture too, but your stuff is next level. Thank you.
Cam, such an amazing build great ideas from both your wife and yourself the brass inlays and brass was a stellar touch
Cam, just realized that this video is almost 2 years old. Wow. Anyway, I appreciated the silence while you installed the hardware on the desk, much as I enjoy your narration. Love seeing wood-working done -- all of the welding and machining I've been watching is entertaining, but wood-working is amazing.
2 years old and still getting regular comments. That says something by itself.
Woodworking is Amazing 👍👍👍
I just love the way the wood looks when it's finally finished I just want to glide my fingers over it to get a feel of it's smooth natural exterior.
Cam , your videos are so easy to watch with the explanation done post, with the speed up done when necessary. It's all just so smooth. You're a great talent and I hope your wife is enjoying the desk.
Cam, your work is superb, and your videos of how you go through all your steps are really well done.
Hello Cam, first off that desk is amazing. That was just enough technology for that beautiful desk. Your attention to details is above and beyond. Great work!
Cam, You can easily find a wireless charger to replace the usb holders if she wanted in the future. I have seen gold ones that would match this too. Those holes make the tech replacement timeless for this desk
Cam, this video is making me rethink how I want to make my outdoor table. I love watching your videos! Thanks for the tutorials and inspirations.
Can, your work is outstanding, and I appreciate your willingness to share some of your tips for the rest of us. I’ve been watching your videos for a bit, and am now working through your older catalog. Always great work.
Cam, It should be named, amazingly beautiful desk!!!! Great job buddy!!!
Cam, it is priceless, a labour of love. I wish my wife could make one like that for me since she has got load of tools and machines from her elderly dad. Good work!!
Cam, You're utterly brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing how you do this. I've made tables and all you're doing is inspiring me to keep going and keep making. It is truly rewarding to watch this. Thank you for spelling out the brand names of the materials that you're using.
Cam, absolutely love this desk. I have zero skill for making something like this but love watching beautiful furniture like this be built. Hopefully I can afford to buy a desk like this one day. :)
Cam, this is insane dude! Beautiful desk, VERY impressed. Thank you for the information man. Keep it up
Once again Cam, loved watching you put this desk together! The wood is sooooooo beautiful. You have a tremendous talent. Keep up the good work! Scott
Dude I’ve been doing woodworking for 20 years and appreciate the level of detail you used here. Outstanding work!
Cam, this is simply sunning craftsmanship. Your knowledge in how to blend simple lines into a beautifully crafted piece of furniture is testament of your skill. I’ve never worked with epoxy resins before, however after watching you I’m definitely going to start experimenting. Thanks for the inspiration!
Cam, wonderful work sir. The amount of detail in your work as well as in your narration is very much appreciated. Honestly it’s what keeps an aspiring wood worker like myself coming back to watch your videos. Thanks Cam, Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Cam, another beautiful project! No questions, just great appreciation for the work you do.
Cam...what an amazing desk! The design choices you made were spot on...
Cam, it's a beautiful expression of your esteem for your wife. Love the base. Each of your creations and collaborations are mesmerizing
Cam, wow! Yet another amazing build. I’d love to see so copper resin in one of your projects instead of brass. I love everything about this desk though. Awesome job!
To me a "smart" desk isn't about how many features it comes with but how seamless function and design can be. You made the desk look really clean and it's a very well thought out design!
Cam...incredible work man, awesome stuff, keep it up. Thats a stunning desk and loved the way the grain popped when the finish went on.
This is example how things looks like when done by complete expert to perfection.. absolutely stunning..
Cam, I am a 77 year old wood worker of over 50 years. Just beginning to dabble in Epoxy resins and I am learning a lot from your videos. Just enough detail, very good commentary, and I love all of the links. DO MORE DESK!
This must be the 15th video I'm watched of yours. I think your videos really inspire us in the woodworking community and your commentary is really helpful when I think about how I might approach my next project. Thanks so much for these videos!
I started watching your videos yesterday…and I am watching till now, I just can’t stop watching it…wonderful work brother
Cam, you have some of the most beautiful woodworking creations I have ever seen! I like your combo of beautiful wood slabs and epoxy. The brass resin adds a unique aspect to this desk.
Wow, thanks Tom!
From 13:23 to 13:33 , I could look at that grain for hours. Absolutely beautiful!! Good job! I get excited every time you post a video, keep it up!
Cam, brilliant work. Very thoughtful. Appreciate how you work out even the little details.
Cam, love your videos. I have a small shop but am still able to make some great pieces. When some of my customers actually see it they can’t believe what I made them came out of it. Very satisfying.
I have always said that if I found a man close to my age with these kind of talents I'd never leave him (even if he begged me to). There's something about a person who can build something - especially something that requires this kind of artistic eye. This kind of talent has disappeared from the general population and it's so nice to watch someone work. BTW, just from your title I knew this was for your wife!
Cam, I love the desk especially with the brass insets. You could actually router into the wood any design you choose and fill with the brass, gold or other metal powder mixes. Bronze is beautiful when set this way. I've seen chess boards and other game boards using the same method. I look forward to seeing in what direction you take it, Best wishes, Cal 😉
I love it Cam! You can always add more smart features as time goes on. This desk will around for quite some time.
Cam, I love watching you working on different projects all the way from Sydney Australia - Well done
fill the cracks 90% before adding the brass+resin - same look AND way cheaper on the brass powder!
@@uuuultra I quite liked the look, way nicer than another trashy 'waterfall desk'
@@uuuultra that is your opinion. some might say the brass fits nicely with the other metal parts and looks nicer than a homogenous colour filler.
That’s what I thought!! Fill me up then add the brass on the top layer:)
@@uuuultra it's what his wife wanted dude.
@@uuuultra i cannot express how much i disagree with you. there is a place to get the job done, but when you're designing a 'fine' piece literaly any solid color is better than attempting to hide a void.
Wow, what a beautiful desk. I'm in the process of gathering material to make my own desk, and now I want a walnut slab just like that one. I'm nowhere near your skill level, you make it look easy.
Cam, I absolutely LOVE that brass resin. I mess around with other types of resin projects and will try to incorporate some of that soon. Thanks!
Cam, you truly are an artist my friend! Your wood working is amazing, and your results are superb. You do a terrific job explaining things, and making it easy to understand. Please keep up the fine work!
Cam - "Let me know if this is a smart desk or just another desk" that may not be a "smart desk" ...but its 100% NOT JUST ANOTHER DESK!! WOW!!! Amazing work man, just WOW
I’ll take that!
Cam, it's safe to say that it's smart looking. The brass tone really pops against the wood tones. It would be interesting to see what other metallic colours ( copper or a silver looking alloy) you could integrate. I'd be keen to see a silver used with a darker walnut tint. Love these videos, thanks for sharing.
Just "wow", that desk looks absolutely stunning !
Cam, your work is extraordinary! Totally gifted and refreshingly humble.
Cam, what a beautiful desk build. I absolutely love the chamfered and beveled edges, they really make this walnut piece pop. Hello from Australia!
Thanks mate!
I'm not starting my comment with "Cam" because I'm a rebel. Seriously though, thank you so much for documenting these projects! You're an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others as well ❤️
This is one of my favorite projects you did. I love the light and the controller.
Cam thank you for these videos, learning a great deal. Just getting started in my own ‘maker’ business. I really enjoy your work but not just that but also your style of video. Please keep ‘em coming!!
If the brass shine more like metal could look amazing too, great work! Felicidades.
Cam, this was stunning! Looking forward to my heart attack recovery so i can try a slab table. Your videos are always very motivational.
Thanks!
Best wishes to you my friend...!!! Be well..!!!
Cam - thank you so much for making these videos. I love desks and small tables so was happy when I came upon your channel just after 3:00 this morning.
Hey Cam, this is by far the coolest desk I've seen you make. The brass instead of epoxy is brilliant!
Cam, I do a lot of cold cast metal figures . I use urethane clear resins as my binder, but the concept is the same as for epoxy. Metallic figures can be a budget killer due to the expense of the metal, which of course is tied directly to solid metal per pound cost. I slush coat my figures with at least two separate coats of metallic/resin then fill with the same resin but using an inexpensive filler(glass bead, urefill,etc), I have even used chop fibre where strength is needed. Have you considered doing a partial fill with bulked epoxy, then reserving your metallic powder for the top 1/8th or so ?
Cam, just wanted to say that I absolutely loved the desk. Great job and God bless
Since I read *TopFineWoodworking. Com* , I think nothing will ever surpass it as an outstanding woodworking book. The book consists of attractive images as well as drawings and also reader-friendly text. I consider this book a "must have" since it supplies a broad range of information on just about everything working with woodworking and does it quite well.?
Cam! Great desk and yes it is a smart desk… I’ve learned so much from you thank you for all your hard work.
Cam, Bravo. You are very talented and an inspiration to all that are lucky to have found your channel. Thank you for sharing.
Cam, a good idea on how to really stretch the brass powder and make it last longer would be to fill all but approximately an 1/8" of your cracks with a clear or black dyed epoxy and then mix up a small batch of clear epoxy and the brass powder and fill in the remainder. I'm curious if you played around with this idea. And if you did, what was your results? Also, I bet this would look flipping badass against the black of a burnt tabletop! Love the way this turned out and that hardware is top shelf, my good sir. Top shelf indeed!
The desk may not be "smart" by their standards, but it is just gorgeous witj high level presence and character. Love your work.
Can been watching the channel for ages but only just got around to watching this one! Love this…would be great to see more of that brass effect on the desk looked fantastic! Love what you do and I’m a non woodworker!
Cam, I want to let you know how much I appreciate your videos. Very calming, informative and a pleasure to watch. Thank you sir.
Cam, that desk was absolutely gorgeous! I'd love to see something with a more silver finish poured into a really dark wood to really highlight the contrast.
I know you can buy powdered aluminum. I bet that'd work a treat.
Cam, I would say that it is for sure a "smart" desk. Love the brass touches
Cam. I really love this ! It looks superb I'm starting to think of having a custom desk made and this gives me some really good ideas !
Cam, this desk you made for your wife was certainly one of the most unique desks, I have ever seen, with those USB, socket, and whatever she may need. The desk light was super sweet. But the best part was the brass resin around in various places. The wood was just Beautiful. You have a real gift with your ideas and workmanship. Then to share all your ways to do things. Really awesome love your channel.
For the curious, those outlets are from juniper design.
Cam: I loved the way your wife's desk turned out. I just wanted to say you're an awesome builder and designer, and I always enjoy taking a look at your work. Keep it up! 🤩🙌🏼 Greetings from Argentina! 🇦🇷
Cheers from Oregon!
Cam, Im watching from scotland. I appreciate your videos , unlike other videos on youtube you are direct and straight to the point on the project your doing. keep up the great work
Cam such a beautiful desk I wish I had one like that. I love all the videos. Though I can’t make anything like it I feel extremely happy to watch you make it. God bless you guys.
Cam first time seeing your channel and I'm a middle aged craftsman that appreciates quality. Mick
Thanks Mick, I’m an aging craftsman as well
I love the brass! It reminds me a bit of the Japanese technique kintsugi. They use gold to decoratively repair broken pottery/dishes. The philosophy behind it is embracing the history of the dish instead of trying to hide the cracks and damage.
Absolutely flawless, love the whole design, the angled edges look amazing and definitely a huge fan of the legs on the one
Cam, i really enjoy your video’s, is nice to see how you also share mistakes from which we all can relate and learn from it. Greetings from an italian woodworker!
Cam: This is excellent. I love the brass filler, and it goes with the accessories so nicely. From a distance, you might not notice it right away, but when you get up close and personal, I am SURE it is beautiful. I personally wouldn't call it a 'smart desk', as it doesn't have any 'tech' functionality, other than the light dimmer. That said, who cares? It is still very 'smart' looking. Bravo Zulu. Well done.
Cam, I love the brass resin look. I would like to see it in something large like like a conference table or dining table. I think a deep pour with it would be way to much, maybe on a deep pour if there are smaller cracks or pits to use the brass to contrast with a black deep pour would look awesome. Keep up the excellent work 👍
I agree, I want to see this used more, but subtly like this. I think accenting a black pour would be awesome.
@@papagrim9777 I think a nice dark blue with a bit of brass would look amazing with some darker wood. Kinda like lapiz
Cam , I accidentally fell on to your channel and love your work , I have always loved wood and wish I had seen your work before I attempted a wooden shelf in our new house . Such an inspiration ,keep it up . Slavko
Love this desk Cam, you and your wife have superb taste. Well done!
I don't know if it's a "smart" desk. But it is damn sharp. Well done.
Cam, that was beautiful! I think you're right not to "over-tech" it. Technology is great for a while, but solid lumber? That's timeless.
Thanks so much!
Cam, I would consider it a smart desk. Just curious, do you ever use design software like SketchUp for more complex projects, or do you just plan in your head and start cutting?
@@BlacktailStudio Actually I'd have made the desk to accommodate wireless charging as you already drilled holes for the brass fittings and one more shouldn't make that much of a difference. For 49 weeks out of the year there is only one thing that I absolutely hate with a passion and that's seeing USB wires connected to phones sitting on my nice orderly desk! The remaining 3 weeks out of the year are completely reserved for and devoted to the hating of Auburn, Tennessee and LSU, of which there is no greater hatred, especially Au Barn, of which I'm currently coming off of a serious hate-high on Saturday night with that 4OT win! RTR!
@@ronwilliams329 : GEAUX TIGRES` !!! Actually, Bama is my second-most favorite team! REAUX'LL TIDE!
@@rl2109 Yeah! And those dawgs thought they got hit right over the head with a big Baton Rouge last Saturday!
Cam, you do great videos and great work. Clear and to the point without any unnecessary music. And I find your voice soothing. Thanks.
Cam, that is one beautiful desk! Your work is stunning.
Cam, I think this is a perfect amount of "smart" features, the desk is beautiful.
Thanks Dom!
CAM, That turned out to be a super gorgeous desk. I know it's probably be pretty expensive but I think it would look awesome to see one of the next desks or dining room tables you build with that brass epoxy pour rather than the black river look you usually do, though that is beautiful as well. I just think it would be a cool look doing it with the brass or copper color epoxy just to see how it turns out
Cam, your work never fails to amaze me!
Cam, this is a really beautiful desk. I would love to have one like it (if I had the space and money). Keep the good work, I really enjoy your videos. And I appreciate all the explanations you give especially those saying how long it took you to do certain part or that you had to cut several times. Sometimes things look easy on the Internet and when you attempt to do something you can be easily overwhelmed. Thank you!