Answering YOUR woodworking questions

I don't always have time to respond to everyone's comments, so I wanted to address some of the most common questions I get in this week's video. I hope it's useful to you all.
Corita Kent's 10 Rules poster: store.corita.org/collections/...
David Bowen's Etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/DaveBowen
Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video please consider supporting my channel by subscribing and hitting that notification bell. It really helps small channels like mine.
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Items I keep on hand in the shop:
Glue:
Titebond I Wood Glue: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
Titebond III Wood Glue: amzn.to/3MVnG6j
Titebond Quick and Thick: amzn.to/42HGuMC
Power Tools and Accessories:
Table Saw Blade - Woodworkers II: amzn.to/42bIOLa
My favorite trim router: amzn.to/3LbCbTF
DeWalt Trim Router fence: amzn.to/43cYwr2
My Festool Router Setup: amzn.to/3ZPIQal
Extra Fence: amzn.to/3KHi9jI
1/2" dia Router bit: amzn.to/3UkRFYI
A Better Alternative (Spiral Up Cut): amzn.to/3mcPsSp
Sharpening:
Ohishi Waterstones: amzn.to/3TkoZhP
1,000/8,000 Combo (great budget option): amzn.to/3Lqj7Sh
Angle Setting Jig Plans: www.lie-nielsen.com/pages/dow...
Inexpensive Honing Guide: amzn.to/3Jo2Uub
Lie-Nieslen Honing Guide: www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/423... guide
Sandpaper for Flattening: amzn.to/3Jor73F
My Finish Mix:
Minwax Polyurethane: amzn.to/3kPgpuO
Liberon Finishing Oil: amzn.to/3kXkIEf
Danish Oil (alternative): amzn.to/3Njlabs
Liberon Beeswax: amzn.to/3Jm2yFN
Turpentine: amzn.to/3SWFznB
Mineral Spirits (alternative): amzn.to/3oKU83h
TotalBoat Epoxy:
For 5% off any TotalBoat product, visit www.totalboat.com/encurtis
You can stay up to date with my work here:
/ encurtis​
/ encurtis
encurtis.com/

[@UOTDF]

Man, I could watch your videos all day. But I gotta go make a thing

[@ENCurtis]

Well played my dude. Go make a thing 👊

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

​@@ENCurtisI was a professional woodworker my entire adult life. I'm a third generation cabinet/furniture builder but the first one to start as soon as I graduated high-school in a one man shop. From 1991-2012 that's all I did. I was disabled in 2012 and in 2018 I began my second career as a "maker". I now just have fun with CNCs, lasers and 3D printers. All that being said to say... I love your channel. You are one of the best woodworking teachers on KZbin. I was raised on Fine Woodworking magazine and books by the contributing authors of Taunton Press and you certainly remind me of those guys. Keep up the good work and resist turning into a tool infomercial channel!!

[@UOTDF]

@encurtis … making a thing as we speak. And thanks to your inspiration, I lashed out on my first thicknesser today. It was like Christmas!

[@mikecolo2158]

Even when there isn't a project being built your videos are a gift to us all. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@ENCurtis]

I really appreciate that! Thank you Mike.

[@Best.Is.yet-2-come]

Ok, first let me say that you have inspired a 56 year old man to discover the art of wood working with only non powered hand tools. I recently moved to a small townhouse, and I am turning a room on my basement into a "woodshop". I can't explain the joy of being in my own little world, building and creating things. A few tools, a design and lots of mistakes in between, I am slowly perfecting a skill I didn't know I had. Thank you so much, truly you are the best. Now my wife asked me if I can make a sofa Lol, baby steps I replied.

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

Carbide tipped bandsaw blades will change your woodworking life. Check out the 1/2" from Highland Woodworking. They stay sharp forever!! It's like cutting with a brand new blade all the time.

[@sktruesdale]

I always come back and watch videos like yours that teach the basics. I also like how you deep dive into the design and art of woodworking. Keep doing your thing!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@Demon_Mx2277]

Great video as always. Rule of thumb all expensive tools do for you is either speed up a certain process or make the tool last a bit longer. You can always get the same result with the cheap tools but the process and time to get same result will always be longer to achieve.

[@jerrybyrd7778]

As a 66 year old man, I deeply appreciate your efforts in teaching. I find your style(stile) to be both engaging and entertaining. Keep up the great work and I loved the rules.

[@whitepawwoodworks]

There are many reasons I like this channel. Obviously woodworking... But, the glaring reason has nothing to do with woodworking. You wrap up these philosophical nuggets in a woodworking discussion like no other. It seems the way you think about your craft is a metaphor for something larger than just a frame and panel, how to fix a "whoopsie poopsie" or why there's only "one" finish (😉). Keep 'em coming. 🤘💪

[@MatthewAnguis]

that's exactly how I feel too

[@makenchips]

For all my hammer handles that I refinish I scrape then sand up to 800 then I apply two coats of brown shoe! Yep shoe polish. Best finish for a hammer handle. If the handle gets dented pretty bad scratched up Moore Warren scrape sand and reapply the wax you never know was ever damaged or worn. At last a very long time it's so easier to apply.

[@KM-bl3vy]

If your project is still tacky a day later, you didn’t apply the finish correctly. You have to wipe the work piece completely dry to the touch almost immediately after applying the finish. Maloof applied this way for 3 days. You don’t want to leave a big layer on top, you just want the wood to absorb the oil like when finishing a cutting board. This method works perfectly every time.

[@williamshaffer2562]

Mr. Prius man keep doing what you're doing. Erik I have been a woodworker longer than you have been alive. You are extremely talented and a joy to watch. I surely hope you continue on this same path. Great videos and very helpful to new and OLD woodworkers. Semper Fi bud.

[@RayFromTheHayclan]

Your channel stands out for me due to the way you explain your design process. I get the most value out of your videos for this reason. I've been making things for years but never took the time to understand the process of design. Thank you.

[@ShaySaliba]

Your videos stand apart for the good advice and guidance you have. You stand out as a professional with an education in woodworking in a world of self-taught and DIYers. Anyway. Im a moron who just absolutely destroyed a poly finish on the final coat, so im going to get back to rage-sanding it all off and starting over.

[@t1ddys]

Your vids have really inspired me to pay more attention to grain flow when conceptualizing my final design concepts. In West Virginia, there are a lot of handy makers, but you've really helped me distinguish myself from my peers. Thanks!

[@ENCurtis]

Love to hear that! Thank you.

[@robohippy]

Interesting, and you should do more of these! As for table saw blades, the Forest woodworker is a good blade. I was using a sharpening service locally and sent my blade to him. It came back sharper than it was when I got it. I was using mostly the Freud combination blades, also sharpened by the same guy. I mostly use the alternate tooth bevel and a raker tooth. I did have a couple of 1/4 inch minus blades for plywood drawer bottoms. For bandsaw blades, for rough sawing, and I am mostly a bowl maker, I use the Lennox bimetal blades. They cut longer and straighter than anything else out there. Some saw service places will resharpen them. I use a 1/2 by 3 tpi blade for just about everything. I can cut a 5 inch diameter circle, no problem. They can go through a nail and it only slows them down a tiny bit. Finer tooth blades are available. I asked my blade maker about carbide tipped blades, and he commented that they are only for cutting veneers. I did try one for cutting slabs, and they were correct. The teeth on them are so tiny that a saw service will not resharpen them. For wax, beeswax is just too soft and offers pretty much zero water protection. Carnuba wax is far harder and offers a lot more water protection. The problem with it is that you need heat to get it to flow, and/or a solvent. I have some of the Butcher's Wax, 2 kinds, and one is for the bowling alley. It is carnuba wax in turpentine, I think. So is the Kiwi neutral shoe polish. I haven't messed around with the Renaissance wax enough to really know how well it works.

[@brianhawes3115]

I finished a table with beeswax for a relative, and he claimed it was the best. I asked him about water rings and he said never had any, and I was like, what?

[@philaandrew100]

Another rule I keep in mind comes from the late Bob Ross. There are no mistakes, just happy accidents. Interpret this as meaning don't be precious about your work, let it flow and if somethings goes tits up make it a design feature... Or turn it into fire wood...

[@shawncrumb6496]

Thank you for answering my questions. I didn't actually expect you to take your valuable time to answer, let alone in a video. I appreciate you making things beautiful and custom, like your answer of chest bottoms varying in thickness. If you're bored one day, I own Crumb Custom Creations. Not much done, but everything is an experiment, and hand me down tools.

[@214rwoz]

Thanks for all your time and effort. really !

[@ENCurtis]

Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂

[@krisheiberg6874]

French curve for the win!

[@mikegrier2829]

The mechanics of making a thing while also considering the ultimate beauty of it. Yes, what a talent that is. I’m 64 but relatively new to making. My journey is beginning to expand from just simply learning the mechanics of making to considering the design whilst utilizing the knowledge I’ve gained. The mechanics are becoming second nature. It’s a crazy good feeling. It is indeed the journey that matters most.

[@mouthgarbage5677]

Appreciated the elaboration this format provided. Thanks bud

[@ves1645]

I found your channel a few weeks ago and I’m a huge fan.

[@paulruud5804]

Plus one for all of the praise below (above?). Make a thing and experiment: off to do my first bent laminate (a curved apron). Hoping for success, but I can always take another run at it if not.

[@petewatkins9002]

Found your channel a month ago. Never knew you were a teacher till this video. Always thought you wold make a great shop teacher. I totally agree with what you have to say, you inspire more people than you probably think. Watch the video, get something out of it , learn, question and then go try, I’m 66 retired owner of general contracting company and I still can watch and pick something up here and there and I’m better for it. I thoroughly enjoy your style and content! Keep it up you are a inspiration. Merry Christmas to all, life is short ENJOY EVERYDAY (it’s a gift not everyone gets)!

[@southernjoes8372]

Excellent video. As a disabled person my ability to use hand tools is very limited, so showing how I can use today's tools helps. Thanks for covering the spectrum of possible ways to create.

[@stevevogt866]

I appreciate that you have taken the time to answer questions. AWESOME!!!

[@brentjenkinsdesigns]

Awesome as always.

[@woodroofguy]

Great stuff!!

[@dennisdoherty3221]

Great video. Thank you!

[@markpope6162]

Another excellent video Erik. I do like your stile of teaching and presentation (or should that be "style").... Retires to a safe distance while the Internet implodes 🙂

[@wildpat03]

Very nice, thanks a lot for the answers. Looking forward to more of these!

[@Apillicus]

I appreciate the videos. If you have one on making gifts for children, I'd love to see it

[@ronfreeman6023]

I just found your site, insightful. Thanks

[@FixtheGodofBiscuits]

I watch a lot of woodworking videos on youtube, featuring a wide array of personalities. Each one brings something in his or her style that I like and appreciate. What really speaks to me in your style is that you have a sort of enthusiastic positivity in your address, which comes across -to me, anyway- not unlike Bob Ross or Steve Irwin. You obviously love your craft and you're obviously excited to help others love it too. It's appreciated, thank you.

[@KOutOfMyYard]

Always so great to just have you sit and clear the air!! Love it!!! And finally the mug mystery is solved

[@martingagne3136]

mr curtis you are inspiring continu your good work

[@SteveBlethyn]

Awesome content as always so thanks and happy birthday Ayla 🎂

[@JeffFontecchio]

I love the way you answer questions. Keep up the videos.

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks Jeff. Will do!

[@TCoffman]

I really enjoy your videos. They have a good mix of education and art. Im a beginner, so an awful lot of what you do is above my head still, it gives me something to reach to as I learn. Thanks!

[@ga5743]

Thanks for the info once again, and a big thanks for sharing some vaca pix….awesome.

[@ndamico1]

I wish I’m this inspired everyday!

[@DeanCranwell]

Love your channel and the thoughtful advice. I see a lot of people on You Tube giving instructions on building drawers and cutting dovetails. I haven't seen much on building the drawer frames in the case for the drawers to ride on. A little help please.

[@ThePaul675]

excellent! :) I love it when you get really excited about something seemingly arbitrary.. I'm the same.. finding your drive in small things makes everything more fun. keep going, you're doing great! :)

[@bobcade1002]

I always enjoy your videos. I am a retired furniture and cabinet maker. You remind me of myself in many ways when I was your age. (I hope that doesn’t scare you off, 😵‍💫). Your videos are primarily geared toward the younger and eager to learn, as they should be, but even with more than 56 years in our business, I still get a nugget here and there from your comments. Stay with what your doing, change when you feel a bit stale, and know that you are doing a lot of good with the content you produce. Thanks for sharing!

[@shaunwiegert]

Started making a thing today. Milled some walnut. Gotta find a different solution than a 3-gal vacuum with good filter and bag as just a few passes left the bag full. I have a Jet machine for this, but I am concerned about the bag as a filter and I don't want all the fine dust in the basement. The better filter is a whopping $380. I would rather buy wood. Anyhow do you have a group where we can ask questions that can in turn be answered by fellow woodworkers? Again, I love you content and I find it hard to believe you have such a small audience.

[@brians3120]

Thank you very much! I will be trying the paste wax when my build is finished. I’ll share the results. Thanks for your great work and information!!!

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

I enjoy watching your builds your talks and the way you engage with us the. Subscribers so just keep doing what you do it’s awesome it’s different but most of all it’s inspiring.

[@davidmeyer9204]

Thank You!

[@bobsmith3790]

Every video of yours I’ve watched is like a breath of fresh air. I’ve always done my best when I leaned something through observation. Your video style really supports that. But I loved this video as well. Thanks so much for sharing all this with us.

[@mathewcampbell8479]

Super helpful mate. I'm (nearly) always inspired by your work, but grounding yourself with your YT community in this way is so nice.

[@DustyBootsWoodcraft]

Not long ago I was struggling to slice a large brisket on a stupid little cutting board I’ve had for years. My wife said, you’re a woodworker and make all these beautiful pieces for everyone else, why haven’t you made us a proper cutting board. So guess what, “I’m making a thing!” I enjoy your channel, thanks!

[@YurievOlmos]

Trekking on Zermat! yei!!!

[@tonibarber8119]

love David's whimsical work... oh love your methodical brain also

[@briancollins2230]

Just wanted to say, I love your videos. I take a lot of inspiration from them and apply it to my work. The coffee thing 2 months ago was just me being funny, but your response was better. Thanks for that.

[@steelsunpi]

Keep on keeping on. Inspirational videos rule.

[@carboranadum]

I love this video so much. I'm on this journey as an older student. I'm 56 and picked up woodworking as a hobby after the kids left the nest. I spent a lot of time with KZbin University learning techniques from Stumpy, 731, and Marc (The Wood whisperer). I'm so glad I found your channel, because this scratches the itch that I have around learning design and making objects beautiful. I *SO* want to attend your session at in Maine, but it will have to wait for now due to other obligations. Please keep doing what you are doing, you're making a huge difference with many of us.

[@mikedurkee7296]

Spot on sir! Spot on! Stumpy is a great follow!

[@TheMadWookiee]

I enjoy the learning about traditional hand tools and there use. I also like seeing how the machine tools can speed up monotonous/repudiative processes so I think the channel is hitting the mark! Keep it you’re channel

[@strongjohn10956]

Your videos lift the lid on so much of the "why" - a level above the "how" that so many folks on the YT universe focus excluisvely on. Woodworking, like so many creative endeavours, is an excersise in bringing one's skills, wherever they are at this time on the journey, with the tools and materials one has or can get to make a vision real. Keep on inspiring us to "do, " not just "watch!"

[@splinters_66]

Looking forward to seeing the vid on the chest, can’t wait to see what you have planned for the innards, and well done on the banana boat, it indeed had a-peel ,looked like a fun time !

[@avbauwel]

Thank you for your work! Enjoying this a lot, you and the other makers online inspired me to start looking into woodworking myself :)

[@ENCurtis]

Love to hear that. Thanks for sharing 👏

[@MrsEarth-pf4cr]

Thanks boo 😉

[@matthewfocheezy8740]

Started watching your vids and the way you teach pulled me in. Keep up the good fight. Get these people working with their hands. One love ...your pal Focheezy

[@Sean_P_Marks]

“The object at the end being more important.” Bravo my man! What a great answer. I have recently moved from hobbyist to full time wood worker and the fact that I now have so much opportunity to grow my skills using a larger amount of better tools is so exciting! And I am lucky to be in that position.

[@darleneredden3251]

Because of you, I have a thing that I'm designing and I may be way in over my head, but I don't care I'm doing it anyway! How long does it take to get past being terrified that your design is going to suck! 😅

[@JaredRandal]

I’ve sincerely enjoyed ALL of your content! But, because you said McGregor is insufferable, I, now, absolutely love your content!! 😂 Fun video, man!! Can’t wait for next week. And Happy Birthday, Ayla! 🎉🎉

[@joeleonetti8976]

I enjoy your videos. I tried making one. It was a huge pain in the rear just to film and everything took 3 times as long to do with the camera involved. Then, when it came time to piece something together, I gave up. I rather woodwork. As such, i appreciate you woodworking and filming.

[@woodnotestudio]

This simply is my favorite channel. You are an excellent teacher and entertainer. Thank you for inspiring us all.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much!

[@SWA-Projects]

Not only do you make really beautiful projects, you also manage to provide us with some of the best explanations about the questions we need answered when we need it most. That’s why I like to watch your videos because it’s trustworthy information. As a hobby woodworker I learn some important things from you. There are millions of good woodworking KZbinrs out there, but you’re definitely on top 5. 👌 Btw I don’t skip in your videos, I watch the whole thing from start to finish every time👌

[@TomHaley-cy4cc]

I like the mixing in of your Q&A with your philosophy. It may not directly affect me making something, but it does when I'm in the midst of one and something has not gone as planned... thanks!

[@benswanson1590]

As always, great video. They're all very inspiring and informative. Have you ever considered making a video that explains different furniture styles/historical makers? I have tried looking for one, but they all seem to be from the perspective of room decoration and not furniture making. It would be cool to have a sort of academic look from a maker's perspective. Thanks for all of the videos! And Instant Dream Home!

[@michaelvandord7505]

I'm woodworking now because of a teacher I had in high school, it was always my favourite subject and now i learn everything I can from people like you. This video was great, it really hit the spot for me, keep doing what you are doing, thanks!

[@fidgetshouse]

I have nothing but a 😊 for you today. Thank you for all your videos. I am off to buy a cool mug from your friend so I can give my college students a good laugh. I might add the rules to my syllabi too!

[@andykg73]

love your vids and keep them coming. Im at my day job so I cant go make a thing, i'll just watch others make a thing instead!

[@user-bf9nv7ld7q]

I enjoy how you mix the tools you use there is almost never one answer. Also, mug should really have it's own channel.

[@disklamer]

Any reaction means someone cared enough to help your ranking with a comment, no matter how meaningless the comment might be. Like this one. The content here is top notch.

[@chrisallen57]

Never thought I would hear the word coagulate used correctly so many times in a woodworking video. Congrats on another good video. I love the poster!

[@White-Rose-Woodworking]

I have deleted all of my other woodworking channel subscriptions, there is just to much information out there. But I have found your channel the most helpful and informative, it may take us( the viewer) 6 months of videos to watch you build a peace of art that may have only takin you a months to actually build, but Iam going to watch all 6 months of videos. Please keep the projects coming and the Q&A as Iam shore most of us find them very helpful. Thanks

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Erik, I’m glad to see other commentators say that your videos re inspiring. Because I find them inspiring, too. I follow a bunch of other woodworking KZbinrs for their “how-to” content. I follow you and a couple others for the “why”. Keep ‘‘em coming, maestro.

[@andyevans8585]

Honestly my favourite youtuber. Genuinely love seeing you work and really inspiring.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@rickgarcia5738]

17:29 love your content…keep it coming. As far as finish’s go I’ve tried plenty and all have worked well. I live in the mountains and deal with snow and freezing temperatures so sometimes that determines my finish. Low Voc/ natural finishes are my go to when it’s too cold to open my shop doors.

[@williamkeily6686]

Yep! Mug envy.😆

[@djVania08]

Do a video on that rules list. I think its interesting.

[@ENCurtis]

It’s a brilliant list on insights on the creative condition.

[@paulnoyes3555]

Thanks

[@THESupermanNate]

What's a good, fun, and practical build I can do out of my shed? Great informative videos!

[@davidsinger4018]

I am a new woodworker, engineering professor, KZbin woodworking aficionado and I have to say your videos are the best. Why and how need to be combined to do more than just replicate.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much, David. I appreciate the kind words.

[@mikesebphoto]

Dude I am sipping a very nice rye as I watch this. I really appreciate that you try to find the good in the comments people leave, and that you don’t let the ranting get you down. There is often a kernel of truth even in the most belligerent rant. Takes a confident man to realize that and to extract the value from dross. Yours is the most Zen woodworking channel on the Tubes. Thanks for putting your stuff out there.

[@georgeburnham2316]

Have to say I love your channel. Hope this does not offend but I look to use as a bit of a spiritual guide when it comes to wood working. I am not only excited by what you are making but also what you are saying, and I don't get that with other channels. So thank you 😊

[@chowusedember]

Quick tip: Instead of putting your pencil behind your ear, thread it through your beard. It’s easier to access for all those split second notions. Plus, you’re only able to hold one pencil behind each ear. You’ve clearly got a 4-5 pencil beard.

[@ehRalph]

Years ago I bought a bowl of lighter leashes. Drill a small hole in the eraser end and tie it on. Now I have a leashed “pencil of last resort” at all of my saw stations.

[@blbiggs15]

Your videos always seem to deliver. This has become my favorite channel. I feel like you actually are trying to teach important woodworking concepts. That is refreshing. Sometimes it is difficult to find true educators on KZbin. It is filled with great content creators and you have to weed through the information carefully. Keep it up. Your channel is great! I would still love to see that finishing video, so I can get better at "making a thing look good."

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you my dude. I appreciate that 🙏

[@robynbazlen-weglarz7836]

I hope you do more of these Q & A videos

[@billbris]

Once again, thank you for your insights. As I am trained as a computer scientist my mind works in a more numbers oriented fashion. Regularity is good (I know it's not always). What I like about your style is your ability to work in a more stream-of-conscientious manner. Having said that, and finding a way to bridge my world to a less rigid one, what are your thoughts regarding the golden ratio, and if you do pay attention to it, when? I have read "By Hand and Eye" by Walker and Tolpin, and it helps. I guess the real question is about design tools, mentality, etc. Finally, bonus points for using "conflate" on the internet.

[@mikelawler2278]

A while you mentioned pigmentation for finishes. I was curious if you'd make a video covering that more in depth.

[@karl_alan]

I actually really like this format of video. I think i am partially partial because we see fairly eye to eye on a lot of the woodworking controversies...but mostly, there are a lot of channels making things, but very few people sitting down to just talk woodworking in a smart way. I guess my tertiary reason for loving these types of videos is i love the word coagulate, i guess.

[@oliver299d]

Amana makes nice blades as well, It all depends on what material you are cutting, I have found forrest to be the best cross cutting solid wood

[@christopherharrison6724]

Always learn

[@michaeljeanmartin]

Man I don’t usually comment but what a great channel you have. Inspiring me to be creative and experiment. 👊 Just wanted to let you know I checked out your website and it says not secure (otherwise looking good) so maybe get a techie on that so it matches the fine finish of the woodwork.

[@robertwells1011]

I was shocked when I saw my question pop up about the whiskey, I enjoy a nice bottle of Dexter brand whiskey not sure if it’s available near you as it is only available in seven states . Try it if you can and keep up the awesome videos

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@mikedurkee7296]

Subscribed 'bout 2 ish weeks ago... and I will be binge watching as many of your videos as I can. Very much enjoy your style, sense of humor, honesty, and I've always admired a person who reflects on what they do and how they do it. Bottom line is my barometer for subscribing to a channel 1) Do I seemingly trust this person (I say seemingly because let's just be honest, how can we (the viewers) really know you?) 2) Is this person a teacher--I'm a retired teacher and you don't have to have the title of "Teacher" to be a teacher, to be a good teacher I believe is a gift and you have that gift 3) The actual quality of the video--I was a videography teacher (among other subjects) and this really does matter to me--I want to see content that has been thoughtfully produced (side note I very much enjoy your humor). Be well!

[@SK-iv4ml]

Watching this at 2am, 6 hours before work: "I should go make a thing"