A river table...without a river

ABOUT THIS VIDEO
In this video I'm building a new dining table using a massive Claro Walnut Slab. I wanted to try my own version of a river table, which let's be honest, isn't really a river table. And I wanted to make a table that would look just as good without a slab top, but looks even more awesome with the slab top. And I have to say, I think I nailed it on this one. Check it out and see for yourself!
#slabtable #walnut #woodworking
WOODWORKING PLANS / PROJECT COURSES
▸ www.foureyesfurniture.com/plans
SUPPORT THE SHOW / EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
▸ Support on Patreon! - / shaunboydmadethis
WHERE I GOT THE SLAB
▸ GL Veneer - glveneer.com/
▸ Slab #05767 - glveneer.com/Product/?path=18353
GET LUMBER IN THE MAIL
▸ www.woodworkerssource.com/
FOLLOW
▸ Patreon - / shaunboydmadethis
▸ Instagram - / shaunboydmadethis
0:00 Why use slabs?
1:20 My plan for the slab top
3:48 Laying out the slab pieces
7:25 Filling the cracks with epoxy
9:24 Table base design thoughts
10:16 Making curved aprons with mail order...Poplar?
12:48 Making table legs
15:18 Everything to do before the base glue-up
17:49 Why are slab projects so satisfying to watch?
19:12 Adding the Maple reveal
20:40 Shaping the table top
22:34 Staying motivated through the final details
23:36 Final reveal

[@kylegravois6519]

As a woodworker who feels like everything on youtube has gotten monotonous and isnt all that intersted in all the live edge slab stuff, you stepped up and made something interesting, complex, unique, and nailed it in the process.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really glad to hear that! Glad you dig it!

[@saint-miscreant]

@@shaunboydmadethis i actually thought that you were initially gonna turn that overlapping feature into a half-shelf, so the final reveal was unexpected but still fantastic! love that there are still people like you actively challenging themselves in craftsmanship and design with each build

[@mstrwoodley694]

I agree. This by far is one of my favorites. Your keen eye is unmatched. I too suffer from procrastination then impatience once I hit the start button. It’s a super power 😅

[@GrayRaceCat]

Kyle, you said it. I've reached the point lately where if I see another "live edge", or "river", or "epoxy" project, I think I'll snap. But this one was different, I watched the entire video without skipping forward, and I enjoyed it!

[@johnodell8621]

“I’m going level with you,” over slab flattening. Love it.

[@awildschuetz1]

Up next: River table...without a table

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Good idea. Just the river!

[@philipmyatt967]

Simply Stunning.. I absolutely love this table. As ever an excellent job.👌🏻

[@chineduchikwendu5097]

😂

[@polerin]

Shit. That could actually look cool.

[@leom2634]

😂

[@cdasilva]

You crushed this river-less river table. Everything from the legs to apron to tabletop looks incredible.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you!

[@goldbook3313]

Except the cnc cut “river.” I love how popular it is to bash on “plastic” joints and features. It’s a binding fluid, filling in a natural form. Ya know, like wood glue. Sure it’s often hidden (wood glue for example), and sure it can be featured (in the case of epoxy) in bad taste. But so can an out of place bevel, a drastic undercut, or any other shape you use as a tool of design. I think the piece came together very beautifully as a whole, and there are a lot of amazing features and design considerations that + + +‘sed the finished piece. But I’d much rather have seen a more “cliche” natural feature bring the center of the table top together. I loved the idea of bringing the two edges as close together as possible, but I really dislike the “traced, vector looking, Adobe illustrator” joint right through the main feature from a human level.

[@InVerum]

The small spacer piece between the top and the base was a stroke of genius, for so many reasons. The visual contrast is fantastic, really sets the whole piece off.

[@josephlaverty4303]

I love the way this turned out. The separation of the top from the base adds a lot of visual interest. Very well done.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it!

[@sgsax]

I really like the gentle curves of this one, and the "overlapping" configuration of the slab pieces looks really cool. Emphasizing the overlap by rounding over the matching edges is a nice visual touch too. Thanks for sharing!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@jankuting9217]

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[@jankuting9217]

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[@jankuting9217]

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[@jankuting9217]

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[@dougggiereid]

A couple of things: I love your comment about a piece wood floating among pools of plastic not looking that great. I totally agree. For me, epoxy used to fill knot holes and cracks to keep it off the scrap pile is the only legitimate use of epoxy in woodworking. Your idea of flipping the live edge in on each other is brilliant. I love it. Did you mail it? Hell yeah!!! Lastly, as always, brilliant video production in all aspects❤

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! Just like in most things, there's a fine line between doing something well, and overdoing it. Glad I could find that sweet spot (it doesn't always happen)!

[@ZeroneAngel]

Hey, Shaun! Absolutely love your builds! Just a small, maybe insignificant tip: When I hade the exact same issue with ahving to rout A LOT of material for a similar project, I used a few strips of 1/8 plywood that I fixed to the "template" (In your case, the table base). That way I could let the router bearing ride on the plywood and remove the strips one piece at a time to gradually rout down the material. Worked like a charm.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! And that is a great tip! Wish I had thought of that when I was struggling through this one. I'll definitely remember that for next time.

[@glittalogik]

Template veneers! Genius 😁

[@richs5422]

Or swap the bearing for a larger one. Whatever works.

[@jeremyspecce]

@@richs5422yes, this is a good move👍🏻

[@ChrisHornberger]

Dude, that is one of the most satisfying and beautiful pieces I've seen yet on ANY channel; I love how you broke down and reassembled the slab parts. Beautifully done.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! Glad you dig it!

[@ChrisHornberger]

@@happamiatkettu ok

[@ElCidPhysics90]

OMG. That first view of the table after the top coat! I literally said “wow” out load. Stunning.

[@Sgt__Hawk]

This is the most beautiful slab-top(?) table I've seen on KZbin. It is looking so elegant and almost delicate it makes you not even see how sturdy and probably heavy it is. I was actually kind of shocked when you lay down on it expecting it to wobble or break, but of course it would easily hold 3 or 4 times your weight.

[@joelwilliam6216]

I've watched both you and Chris for about 5 years now and as a fellow woodworker - who specialises in tables in particular... This is absolutely unreal. I think it's the legs and the process that went into them to tops it off for me. Those joints coming together so sweetly is one of the most satisfying feelings you can get.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it!

[@ChrisFranklyn]

Totally nailed it! With tonnes of design details I'd have never considered.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Happy to hear that! Thank you!

[@alstonrw]

24 minutes, 50 seconds of my life well spent. One of my favorites to date.

[@MushBeanz]

Mentos song 11:26 🎉🎉

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Got it!

[@Tr1sh4Lynn]

Yeah! I was hoping that there was a comment confirming that you were whistling the Mentos jingle. Also, you nailed it !

[@garytorres1435]

I really like this table. The shape of the legs and how the top curves onto them is just perfect to me. Even how the base has a curve in every corner and makes it look modern and classic at the same time. Yep im loving this one. Great work

[@metatechhd]

You've brought a breath of fresh air to the woodworking scene with your unique and captivating approach! 👏🌳 It's refreshing to see a different take on the river table concept, showcasing your creativity and craftsmanship. The intricate details and complexity of your work are truly impressive. As a fellow woodworker, I appreciate the innovation you bring to the craft. Keep pushing boundaries and inspiring others! 🪵✨

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate all of that! Thank you!

[@Gazman299]

Woodworkers Source is very convenient, but it's almost a month out to even get plywood to my front door. I use it because I don't own a truck anymore, and the selection at the big box store is terrible to put it mildly. I was buying plywood from Lowes for years and they were always nice enough to cut it down for me, but their blade was always so dull that it all had to be cleaned up sometimes losing an 1 1/2 of material from their cuts, so I'm done with that. Woodworkers Source is expensive, and the delay in receiving it is maddening, but overall worth it. Everything I've received from them has been cut square and with zero tear out, so I'm very, very happy. Shaun, you are my favorite woodworker to watch and listen to. Outstanding workmanship to watch, and soothing to listen to. Thank you for all the great content. ( No more talking about Woodworkers Source from now on, okay. We don't need them any busier than they already are ;-)

[@somethingblend]

Its obviously an incredibly small detail relative to the size of the overall finished product, but by far my favorite part of this project was the chamfer you put on the shape-matched sides of the slab. In my mind perfection is always the goal, so square cutting and minimizing or completely hiding that seam makes the most sense. However, matching that live edge shape then taking it a step further and highlighting that with chamfered edges was the thing that really took it to the next level for me. Absolutely nailed it.

[@michaelfmarcos]

I have to say, I really like the idea. You and Chris always have awesome designs and ideas, but I've never seen to much emphasis on tying a slab into the base before. It turned out awesome, and true to your vision, the whole of the piece is better than the fact that it's a beautiful slab.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Happy to hear that! Thank you!

[@catgynt9148]

I know you posted this a couple months ago but I wanted to watch it again after this week’s cabinet build. What a terrific build. The small design points, light wood between top and base really pops out. Similar to the brass inlays that you have used in prior builds. Trusting that your moves have gone well and that all is well with your family. Wishing you and them a blessed week filled with gentle seasonally appropriate weather and restful evenings together. Peace brother

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! This was a fun project. Thanks for watching (again)!

[@tmelcher1]

This table is a masterpiece in so many ways! The roundovers on the joined slabs instead of an epoxy river is a great improvement. Will be using some of your ideas on a 10’ dining table I’m starting on.

[@crimsunred]

It’s my first time checking out a video from you and I’m not disappointed. I think what was really nice about it was you didn’t use a meme or a movie clip every 2 seconds or for every reference. It was a like a breath of fresh air

[@phof4593]

The base is most excellent. Serious, fantastic. Of course the top is great too, but given the slab and your skill level….that was almost a given. Great table and very enjoyable video.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! I really wanted the base to be able to shine on its own, so I'm glad to hear that.

[@user-cb6vr6px8z]

You did nail it, it's beautiful. I have not attempted a slab table or desk yet. It will be a high priority project for me very soon.

[@mollylundquist9145]

Yeah, you nailed it. This is one of the most spectacular tables I've ever seen, and watching it develop from a piece of raw (but majestic) slab into a work of art was greatly satisfying. Want to watch it again. Gorgeous, gorgeous.

[@catfifer9156]

You ABSOLUTELY nailed it!

[@intrepidus3378]

Shaun, I just absolutely love your design eye. You really do make some very unique and beautiful pieces.

[@LieutenantNuggets]

Absolutely stunning

[@SuperDuperTango]

This is beautiful. I’m about to build my own large dining room table and have had a design in my head for about 6 months. Now I may do something like this. Great job.

[@funkmeister123]

So soothing to watch this piece of art being created.

[@utehill1141]

absolutely nailed it! This deceptively simple looking build looks like it should be one of your courses, with a slab, and no slab option top. Gorgeous!

[@barrygoffe]

Yep. Nailed it. Beautiful!

[@shirleybrown920]

I absolutely love this table. You are truly an artist in wood working

[@AkbarMahdi]

You absolutely nailed it.

[@thomasnovak375]

This is one of the coolest pieces I’ve ever seen, Shaun. You’ve got a gift. Not only are these videos always entertaining, but I always walk away with a ton of insight on design elements that can really help separate ones work. I’m definitely going to apply concepts from this piece into my own projects down the line. Cheers.

[@salvadordominguez5090]

I am no woodworker… but I do believe you nailed it.. I love all the care, attention to details and love you put into every piece you build, I mean piece of art.

[@slope1957]

Yes, Shaun, you nailed it! The curves and the small details really make this piece sensational. Great work!

[@jimwampler6210]

Nailed it. It turned out looking nothing like what I expected at the start. Very well done.

[@jtotheb-ip2hh]

at 23:26 you give us the first real glimpse of how the grain sort of overlaps, like wooden ribbons or something. lovely work, Sean. can't wait for the next one.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! It was pretty awesome to see them come together!

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

I love that surface. So fascinating with the black swirls and the natural grain, the tiny gaps along the split and all being so ... in movement. NICE.

[@dannielfriedrichsen7226]

You nailed it! Really beautiful piece. I especially appreciate your explanations of your design decisions and process.

[@erwinvega2612]

This piece came out amazing. I enjoyed watching the process. Thank you for the narration.

[@MichaelAlthauser]

That end result is really something. I really love the way that curve runs down the center of the table.

[@RoseStephens-mo5jb]

beautifully done. looks great.

[@scottydntno]

I love the middle part the most!!!!

[@ramsay2234]

Yeah, fair to say you nailed it. I love how the base has this kinda mid century look to it. I love the design idea behind it too - not making the legs look like the base for a slab.

[@kurt2rsenjazz]

What a refreshing design for slab table tops. Great job Sir. I knew you and Chris would find new and interesting ways to work live edge slabs and epoxy

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Always looking for new directions to go! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@glittalogik]

This is such a great example of a piece that rewards attention. Both for the maker - all that care you put into structuring your workflow, as well as trusting and following the math (which we all know doesn't always play well with IRL organic stuff like wood and humans) - and for the audience - from a distance it's "hey, that's a nice table" but the closer you get the more the individual details reveal themselves and each other with subtle curves, precise angles, perfectly flush joins, and creative flourishes that both enhance and respect the material. So yes, you absolutely nailed it. This is a gestalt showpiece that could only have been made by someone like you - both a master woodworker and a massive nerd 😉😁

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate all of that! Not sure I'm a master woodworker, but definitely a massive nerd. Thanks for watching!

[@curtisg7924]

Beautiful work

[@xedasxedas]

It has some qualities that normally don't go together. Amazing.

[@r.helmet4855]

I don’t usually comment on KZbin Carpentry but your design and implementation are on spot with this project. Kudos to you! 🎩

[@FrancoisTerblanche]

This is honestly the most beautiful (or close to it) table I've seen. You and Chris are two of the best at it. Well done!

[@markarmstrong2592]

You nailed it awesome job Shaun congrats

[@johnnystier]

Beautifully done!

[@3rd_stall]

You Nailed It without using any Nails.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Can't remember the last time I used a nail!

[@3rd_stall]

I like you Betty. You’re a good egg Noonan.

[@mateomatt5137]

Nailed it! Best project yet. Keep up the good work, Shaun.

[@user-de6rh4zv7b]

Beautiful. I love walnut.

[@jghulzenga]

Of all the tables I have seen on KZbin, and that is a fair many, this one, this non river - river table, is by far the best I’ve seen. Stunning work. Congratulations

[@johnm5408]

Turned out really great

[@EyeNTheSky]

I truly believe this is one of the best tables I have ever seen. This video inspired me to learn how to create a table for my home. I have been wanting to learn how to become a woodworker and I have watched thousands of videos and tutorials. For me this is one of the best I have ever seen.

[@samuelcrane8686]

this looks great, love your design choices.

[@flipperspot]

That is the most beautiful piece of furniture I have ever seen. Stunning

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate that! I'm pretty stoked with how it turned out!

[@PerArvidsson]

Beautiful work.

[@Gazman299]

You nailed it. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@CalvinJ82]

You weren't kidding...NAILED IT! Love your process and the results are incredible. Thanks for sharing!

[@kaylaharding9977]

Yep, you nailed it! Beautiful!!

[@Lowsideslide]

Dude! It's really cool to watch the evolution of your designs.

[@BubbaLeroy]

That looks great Shaun! I love how you joined the 2 slab pieces.

[@nickoconnor8463]

Good to see so many positive comments - and rightly so, its an amazing piece with so many fantastic touches. But that base is the standout for me - love those curves 😍

[@florian_kopr]

wonderful piece, bravo!

[@lovelifedrawing]

Wow incredible job Shaun!

[@PLaTerra]

I really enjoyed this build. Loved the way you joined the two together. Very creative approach. Thanks for the vid!

[@pastyman3247]

Working with a table like that, you can only achieve those results if your doing it by using your heart. It's a feeling you get whilst working with wood. You have to see it in your minds eye long before you make that first cut. You did that precisely, the computer guide was just to confirm what you already knew. Well done, it's built to be a classic in years to come.

[@tuppydragon]

One of your best. I’m not a big slab guy and resonated with your comment about “a stand for the slab”. Have enjoyed your and Chris’ approach to slabs. Nice work man!

[@bobromero2485]

It’s stunning. Great job!

[@Nizuya]

This is probably my favorite piece I've seen you build. What makes it great is that, as you said, the design works well without a slab. The the slab top makes it even better. And the "river" joint is the chef's kiss.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Happy to hear that! Thank you!

[@jimrosson6702]

Table turned out beautiful amazing work

[@chrisjaustin88]

Incredibly well done!

[@tclynn10]

Yeah, you nailed it! From stem to stern, top to bottom, inside and out. The design is impeccable

[@keith_hudson]

That looks absolutely fantastic

[@cuanham]

Spectacular. Love this build

[@alexwodushek4248]

Absolutely beautiful, good work

[@guyhale4941]

Your instincts served you well. That is a great build. It's beautiful

[@msbinstallers1935]

I’m glad to see that you didn’t let this build get to you. You stayed fresh and stayed cool. Nothing really ever gets to you because you’re full of life. The freshmakers.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Alright, you nailed it on this one!

[@kila4]

Beautiful!

[@bobbabcock3847]

Outstanding design

[@jackstrange186]

Gorgeous.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

I think everything you guys build looks amazing and this one is no exception I love it

[@owenandlibbygower8471]

Nailed it. Love the ‘river’ top, under playing the original crack still being included as part of the jigsaw.

[@heatherbottoms5813]

Beautiful work. Well done sir.

[@sicklefinger]

Wow. This table is beautiful.

[@keithvierra4339]

Well Done Shaun! Looks Amazing!

[@abenezer210]

this was magical

[@genemartens]

Nailed it. Loved the base integration with top.

[@marksherrill9337]

Beautiful

[@raspberrywatkins]

You nailed it - the table is amazing - the slab is tied in so nicely to the rest of the piece. Plus, your relaxed / chilled style comes across so well to your audience (well me!) .

[@withJordanFrank]

The lighter “gap” layer is genius. Your stuff is so stinking good. Loved the whole build

[@danielrybin2006]

This was incredible.