Build the CLASSIC Shaker end table. (Simple Table Build Pt.2)

[@NonFerricIrony]

Showing the humanity of those mistakes is key. It helps drive home to beginners to expect them and use work processes that minimize them. It's the "for humans" part of your videos.

[@RexKrueger]

Thanks for saying so. Every project has mistakes and setbacks. Pretending they didn't happen would be dishonest.

[@henryskinner1092]

I have been afraid of making mistakes. I guess this is the reason I haven't done anything. I am gonna start. Thanks Rex and all.

[@jezebel871]

@@henryskinner1092 one of my first projects was an end table that was waaay too advanced for my skill level. Just two years into spending regular time in the shop, I can look at it and see all the mistakes and things I would do differently now. It’s a great reminder to me of the importance of just getting started. Good luck!

[@0ddSavant]

I can count on no hands the number of the things I’ve done perfectly first attempt. Mistakes show you’re learning, unless you keep making the same mistakes - but don’t do that 😎. Getting yourself into tough situations is just about the only way to learn how to get out of tough situations.

[@wandererstraining]

@@henryskinner1092 Start with cheap wood, like 2x4s! They're pretty soft and easy to work with, and they're really inexpensive. My own first project was a workbench, and I had next to no tools. It didn't come out perfectly, but it's really sturdy and usable, and I like it a lot. Made it with a bunch of 2x4s, and two or three 2x10s (I made an apron on one side with them, the legs on that side are also made out of 2x10s, and my leg vise also used 2x10s). Really worth it! Make a plan of some sorts, and see it through!

[@matthewbowen0]

Can't wait to make this. Gonna scrub plane down the tapers instead of the hatchet though. I don't trust myself enough for hatchet

[@RexKrueger]

That's a very reasonable approach.

[@Avallachgrey]

"Whoops... I wonder if Rex has a plan to reattach my thumb. Gotta finish the table first though."

[@Leon-wz1js]

While personal safety is key to anything, I have to ask, if not now, when? I take it you mean you don't trust yourself to take off only so much material. If you don't want to practice on a project, then set up some practice tests to gain the confidence you need. I just look at it as breaking eggs. Personally Ilook at practicing as a waste of good material. If you go into a project understanding there may be mistakes along the way, as Rex Krueger implies in his videos, then every project becomes practice, but hopefully less material wasted. And, you gain the confidence to handle the tools. My $.02

[@EngineerMikeF]

You could also mark the taper lines on both tapper sides, saw at say 1" intervals to above the finish lines (again all sawing on both sides). Then chisel out the sawn waste "blocks" & finish with the hand plane.

[@AwfulErik]

I'd definitely have accidental extra taper with a hatchet. I'll use a plane or sander. I'm not a hand tool purist especially when it comes to sanding which is soul crushing

[@ATONAL6173]

Deja vu all over again, Rex. I stupidly skim past a video or two, thinking, "Oh that will be a good one to catch up on later. Stay on target, Luke. You've already got 52 fantasies and 43 projects you're behind on, go do something productive." But whenever I do come back to it I say, "Should have watched that the first time." So much good information, so well curated and presented. I can do all this!

[@MrScottyTay]

I always love that you own up and show all of your mistakes, much better than trying to show yourself as the perfect craftsman, because no one's perfect, but a lot of people create content that makes them seem so and will eventually give some beginners feelings that they'll never be good enough because they keep making mistakes still. People need to know that mistakes are learning moments, not moments of failure.

[@Katsoup98]

Damn, that table is gorgeous. The shimmer on the maple combined with the character in the cherry are such a great combination. Thanks, Rex.

[@littlegray4537]

Heard you were getting burnt out making videos ... very glad it was fake news. Quality has consistently been good.

[@RexKrueger]

Oh no, it was real news, but I'm now down to 3 videos a month. That's helping.

[@ragnkja]

@@RexKrueger Glad you were able to nip that burnout in the bud.

[@paulm.8660]

This is *exactly* the kind of content I subscribed to the channel for!

[@RexKrueger]

That's nice to hear!

[@WolfKenneth]

Table buttons my grandmother had very old table (something from late 18th early 19th century) and it used this method 👍 I remember playing under that table as kid and moving those buttons so table face could be lifted so I had tankers hatch in my imaginary t-34, I lacked Sharik and rest of tankers but panthers where burning left and right lol.

[@colinmartin9797]

I've been learning to french polish and the most magical tool I've discovered is that they make synthetic steel wool - it's pretty much exactly a scotch-brite pad, but comes in everything from 0 to 0000. Stuff is MAGIC for getting that glassy smooth surface on shellac before a final wipedown with a fad. It'd be fun to see a video on french polishing. A lot of people are intimidated by it, but I've found it's an incredibly easy, not very time consuming, and very relaxing process to get a frankly obscene finish that you can only get with polyurethane if you've got access to a lot of sandpaper and buffing compound.

[@BakerVS]

I really like how you break down where you need to be precise and careful, and where you can work fast and leave it rough. Very efficient, and gets projects done.

[@pedrowallace100]

A fine table indeed Sir, thank you and keep on keeping on mannie. All the best from "spring is just around the corner," Scotland 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃🍻🍻

[@wyssmaster]

"It's fine, but a little rustic" Cue Steve Ramsey's rustic charm sign and banjo

[@Kikilang60]

I learn more useful things to me, than any other channel. I'm better at collecting old furniture, then tools. I have Stickley library table, that uses hour carriage bolts, and square nuts to hold two boards next to the legs. Then they drilled up through the board to hold the table top down. It might not be appropreate looking for small table like yours, but copied the library table for family and friends, The bolts, and board works great, and it looks orgional. I'm sure you've seen the method before.

[@RexKrueger]

Kiki, are you a Patron? You really should be. We have a discussion forum that you would love. It's $2 a month. I think you should join. Really.

[@indonesiaamerica7050]

I made 3 tables that look almost exactly like that in dimensions. The legs are 4cm square by 75cm long. I used a 40 by 60 by 3 top and used various shaping strategies to try out with tapered legs of various kinds. The wood I used is called merbau and very beautiful when polished up to 800 grit or higher and then sealed with diluted traditional varnish. On two of the tables I used teak aprons. I sketched it myself based on a hall table I once saw (twice the width and higher). I can't believe you came up with something so close to what I sketched because I scaled the tables to be useful for end tables but also for samples I could tote around as needed. If I were to make this table with lumber available in the USA it would definitely be made of walnut with a book matched top. I hope to make a similar table with book matched teak top.

[@apcolleen]

"Light but not fragile". I love when descriptions are so succinct and explain exactly why something is pleasant or unpleasant.

[@johngalanes5264]

I love how you eliminated dovetails and a drawer greatly simplifying the project yet still came out with a beautiful and functional piece of furniture!

[@stephenholland6328]

Classic lines work nicely. Good for you to use old timey finishes. One of the benefits of linseed oil and shellac is no dust debris to mess up the finishes. The finishes are so thin that the dust doesn’t get trapped in the finish. Lovely result and less work. The commercial guys go for sprayed lacquer. The thing that drives that decision is the cost of time waiting for finished pieces to dry. In an amateur shop there is plenty of time for these finishes to cure. (2-3 days instead of the commercial shops that need it it be done in 4-8 hours).

[@kelvinsparks4651]

That's one cool way of making the buttons rex . I had the good fortune to find an old 18th century dining table literally thrown in the rubbish pile of one of my customers yard . The table was beyond repair but I salvaged all I could. The buttons were huge so I used them for saw hangers in my workshop. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@Skippy7189]

That table turned out great. Adding it to my "to make list". I like the idea of throwing in a harder project on occasion, it's a way to challenge our wood working skills. Glad to see you looking relaxed and excited about upcoming projects.

[@RexKrueger]

A little time off sure does help.

[@BensWorkshop]

The contrasting woods makes it look fabulous and very modern.

[@jfhojem]

The first time I made a table I wasnt so lucky to have the skilled guidance of mr Krueger. I didn't know about the "horn" trick, and it did not end well. I learned that one the hard way. I would actually recommend cutting of the horns after glue up is done, not before. If your joints are a bit tight the risk of the legs splitting is less prominent if the glue have dried.

[@jonathanlillpopp2869]

I love it... cutting on the show face! I feel for you! How many times have I yelled or thought “ I CAN’T BELIEVE I DID THAT!!” Awesome video, Rex. Thank you once again! 😄

[@cuebj]

Table buttons - that's what I was taught at school 1969 - 72 when many of us made tables like this. Still have the coffee table I made with chess pattern top

[@clasdauskas]

A project still being made in school woodwork shops :)

[@Leroy_Outside]

Thanks Rex, love your content and in support I bought your $5 plans to build two end tables for a customer. This is my first set of plans I ever bought, (EVER). Thank You! After scrolling through the PDF (which I now own digitally) I don't even need to print them, and could just reference my phone or pc in the shop. Great. The plans are so good. Watching your content for over a year now eagerly waiting for your next video and felt the need to do my part in support, albeit small. I will purchase more of your plans for coming projects. Im not a patreon but I try to like all your vids on here. I hope you're willing and able to keep doing this type of work. Many Thanks. -J

[@ianharvey868]

You're right about those mortice joints, I even do similar with metal, I then drill a hole on the inside of the frame to weld the joint inside, this way is super strong and every edge is 90 degree sharp without a "joint weld bump" its similar to pegged hole but only you don't drill all the way through. The weld is also not on the corner or edge so I believe its stronger for a hidden welded joint

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

Table Buttons (or Twist Tabs, as we call them) are great but I have taken to using 'through dowels'; home made or shop bought lengths of dowel that I install at opposing angles (to give a pincer effect, so locking everything in place). It is an adaptation of how I was taught to nail things together securely by my mentor, years ago...way back when the world was still flat! The slightly angled dowels give an ever-so-slightly oval shape when planed flat with the surface (and often a very pleasing visual contrast in colour or texture). Think of your own round mortice and tenon joints, as used in many of your own projects in the Woodworking For Humans series to date; it's almost identical to that. It unashamedly shows that no metal hardware has been used in the construction: pure joinery...! Anyway, you're finished project really does look very nice, I like the flaming and shimmer of the top and the contrasting woods. As for the lack of ornament, I love that approach; let the timber do the talking!

[@JarlSeamus]

I've fallen in love with Danish Oil. Super easy to apply, can do multiple coats per day, and makes the wood look amazing Nice table, Rex. Thanks again!

[@snakehandlerjorge]

I'd love to see you do some simple mid-century modern style, like coffee tables and end tables. Great channel, learning a lot.

[@RexKrueger]

I really like that style, but it's not so well suited to the hand-tool approach. That stuff is industrial furniture. Still, I'll think it over.

[@EngineerMikeF]

@@RexKrueger Just a thought, MCM has a lot of round legs (lathe work) so maybe the trick is adaptation of the design details. E.g. hand work to an oblong shape by marking a pencil centerline along a to-be rounded edge & work towards hitting the pencil line.

[@thedrummerdamo]

Love the simplicity of this piece.

[@arthurkastler157]

Love these vids. I think they are useful even to non woodworkers. That’s a beautiful table too. Keep doing what you’re doing-the honesty approachability good humor and relaxed forward motion are very calming and positive! What the world needs now (always)

[@reggieroo02]

I love your videos. Your delivery and instruction helps make the learning curve seem a little less steep.

[@robertberger8642]

I really like this table! It gives me some good ideas for two triangular ones I want to make.

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

The table looks amazing, the maple is gorgeous. Although, somewhat simple, good use of basics skills that open the door to a lot of projects. Rex, you're an excellent shop instructor.

[@RexKrueger]

I appreciate that a lot. Thank you.

[@darrylportelli]

Plans bought - off to the lumber yard tomorrow for some cherry .... Im working up the complexity of my projects slowly and I like how this project doest have a drawer - it will increase my mortise and tenon joinery confidence but not too complex that I can run into problems :)

[@ARMYStrongHOOAH17]

Putting painters tape on the joints before you glue up catches all the squeeze out and you can just peel it right off afterwards. Love your videos.

[@jlinkels]

Rex, you say you are surprised by how good this simple table looks. Isn't that almost always the case? Even when not using half-decent wood. But a classic design and true craftmanship usually produces a beautiful result. Maybe because that is what woodwoorking is.

[@mnmlst1]

Your videos are so great, have no words to thank you enough!

[@awantamta]

An object of beauty

[@eamonnmckeown6770]

these videos should be in every school curriculum.

[@TheChillBison]

These videos came at the perfect time. I'm needing to build a long narrow console table, and am going to follow these basic plans. The only thing I need to figure out extra is that it needs to have a low shelf as well.

[@glencrandall7051]

Loved the table. The ultimate in simplicity. I'm not a hand tool guy but I enjoy watching and listening to you do the hand work. Question: This whole video appeared out of focus to me. But no one else mentioned it. Is it just me? None of the other videos I watch look out of focus. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay healthy.

[@iOmniphobia]

You must have been in a bad network zone snd youtube played a lower quality version. You can change the quality on the video near the top in the settings

[@mrstandfast2212]

Planing end grain ...... oh so satisfying :-)

[@VaracolacidVesci]

Man this looks soo great. I love the maple wood. Great design and outstanding execution.

[@Argosh]

And we love watching you having fun! Take care of yourself mate!

[@RexKrueger]

Thank you! It is a lot of fun.

[@irishshintoshi8213]

Love the trick on making the legs equal lengths. Thank you

[@tass8495]

Time for a tool box! Japanese sliding top with would you have around the shop and cut nails. Maybe a small box inside. Or another simple old school hand tool box???

[@bobmeister9]

Fantastic project! The first real piece of furniture I ever made was a table just like this, and Rex is right that it's not that hard. Go for it! Paul Sellers has a nice series detailing a table just like this, and he has a cool way of making the buttons.

[@christiandestefano9997]

I'm still trying to talk myself into making one of Rex's planes.

[@RexKrueger]

Well, the plans are free for you!

[@Infrared73]

@@RexKrueger someone is going to see this comment after the video is released to everyone and perhaps be confused. Patreon members get access to plans, and also early access to videos.

[@NCharlesworth86]

@@Infrared73 i was the someone

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

My router plane turned out like crap but the rabbet plane works great. Got my spokeshave stock cut down and ready for assembly just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

[@Bloodray19]

I love titebond original formula. It's so amazing for instrument repair

[@johne7100]

I made a couple of tables almost identical to these about 30 years ago, one of the main differences being that mine have drawers. The other big difference was that I didn't know much about wood shrinkage back then, so I dowelled through the tops into the apron - the smoothed-down ends of the dowels made a nice feature. The tables are still on either side of our bed, and the cracks where the splined-together tops were pulled apart still make me smile sadly every so often. We live & learn, if we live.

[@thomashverring9484]

I can't remember who, but someone (possibly Colin Knecht?) used those same pewter brushes for glue but cut off about half or more of the length of the hairs. I've started doing the same, and it makes it a lot easier to control the glue. The thicker the viscosity, the shorter the hairs. Thanks for a great and as always inspiring video, Rex!

[@RexKrueger]

I never heard of that but it makes complete sense!

[@davidepperson4111]

I love your table. I am going to try to build it. You do a great job showing how to do minor tips that makes a big difference in the projects . keep up the good work.

[@davefieldhouse5119]

And I enjoy watching them cheers

[@vasileiosbitas1794]

That is a great looking table, and definitely enjoyed part 2 of this mini-series. After a year of woodworking (on the weekends), I made a shaker table out of pine, but this video made me revisit this idea and already making another one based on this. I’ve learned so much by watching the video. Thanks Rex!

[@RexKrueger]

I would like to see your pine table. I love pine furniture.

[@louisvictor3473]

Nice table, Rex! I think this is gonna age pretty nicely, with the changes in color in the maple and cherry you used.

[@RexKrueger]

That's the plan!

[@giovannip.1433]

Nice. Sometimes you can salvage table bases from destruction as often the bases are timber and the tops are ruined MDF or composite wood materials which don't last when exposed to water, weathering and heat. Extendable tables are light but have great versatility - start off with a 'small' table and grow it to your needs...

[@henriksperling3752]

Added the Project to my list: Thx for sparking my Inspiration every week.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

That is absolutely beautiful. Curly maple is my favorite wood. I have stained it in the past using two different dye stains - reddish stain and a deep brown. It creates a "tiger stripe" on the wood I find appealing. But the light color also looks awesome.

[@tseldoranwarrior]

This is amazing I love watching your videos! It really teaches us to take chances in our work and not to get stressed out when we make a mistake.

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@johnsmith-vz3vr]

You shouldn't cut out the parts you work in. Watching you work the wood and assemble the table is one of the pleasures. Such a "snap" and it's ready is not enough. Of course, a thumbs up.

[@RexKrueger]

Did you watch part 1? I think everything is in there.

[@steh8217]

Loving these videos. I’ve actually found myself looking forward to the next one coming out each week 😁

[@RexKrueger]

Great to hear!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Lovely work Rex, thanks for posting very enjoyable

[@Nick-ye8pf]

Rex is the real OG

[@richs5422]

Excellent video as always. I've seen a bunch of loose screws in furniture, and have had good luck with wood glue as a screw lubricant. Slides fine while driving, no worries about screws loosening over time.

[@anthonymartinez5144]

That figured maple top is absolutely beautiful, the whole table is absolutely beautiful but man, that top....🔥🔥🔥🔥. I love woodworking, I'm pretty decent but what I really want to do and learn is hand tool woodworking just like this. Just need to stop being scared, step out of my comfort zone and learn. I think the biggest thing holding me back is sharpening and plane setup, I'm completely lost on both.

[@RexKrueger]

I do have a couple of videos on plane stuff. You can do it!

[@joseluisalvaradomonge8456]

Thanks Rex, your videos are always awesome. The table buttons are totally new for me, thanks for bring us that tip! Greetings from Costa Rica!

[@GCaF]

I can't wait to see the new beginner projects :D Awesome tips Rex, love that you keep your mistakes in, and the table looks amazing!!

[@DIMTips]

Those lines are so clean. I am always impressed. #goals

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks, can't wait to build one

[@suburiboy]

I'm excited for the table buttons. I improvised a similar table a few months ago, but I could figure out how to attach the top. This will solve that problem.

[@RexKrueger]

They really work!

[@creepincat7399]

missed the premier. came out great. I may have to try a modified version of this with a drawer.

[@eggster71]

Lovely job Mr K

[@RexKrueger]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mikeparker3865]

Hi Rex, If you ever get a chance, go to Enfield NH and visit the Enfield Shaker Village and Shaker Museum. It is a fantastic look into the Shaker way of life in the 1800s and early 1900s. An amazing group of people! You can even visit virtually and see the different furniture and other daily items. I think they even have dimensions on the furniture as well. Love your videos and every time I watch I say to myself "I wish that dude lived next door". 😁

[@RexKrueger]

Thanks for the tip!

[@dustywilson2302]

I have learned so much from your channel. I greatly appreciate your efforts in making it and the way you explain stuff. Keep up the amazing work and thank you

[@RexKrueger]

I appreciate that!

[@foos.998]

You are a master craftsman, Rex.

[@antipodesman]

I thought it was very clever using a hatchet to remove wood for the tapered legs but then I remembered I have a shaving horse and a draw knife. I think I'll try those tools.

[@stillinfamous]

I was thinking the same but I have a chisel and fine tooth saw.

[@billycaves]

Nice to see that you also end up with high apron/legs. Always felt like it showed I was careless/can’t measure well. I suppose it just happens sometimes!

[@RexKrueger]

I have no idea why it happened....I just fixed it and got on with the build.

[@Biomaterials_Science]

That is one huge and good looking piece of "scrap" oak.

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

Hey Rex love the channel, when you do a home piece how about a couple still photos of it in the wild at the end so we can see the environmental and stylistic factors you take into account when choosing a finish. Keep it up.

[@RexKrueger]

I think my wife likes the camera to stay down in the shop.

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

@@RexKrueger Roger that

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful, Rex! Really amazing work! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@autodidacticartisan]

The best solution for table top mounting? Well what I do is attach it with hinges on one side and plywood the bottom of the apron, recessing it so the end grain of the plywood doesn't show. You'll love it for the extra "hidden" storage and a cabnet door latch will stop it from rattling. I also do this with wooden kitchen chairs too. If you try it once you'll be sold on the idea Edit: I use 3/16 or 1/4 Baltic birch or a veneer ply that matches the wood in the table. They sell(at my lumber store) walnut, cherry, oak, and even cedar(and many more) veneered 14 inch plywood so you can match your project. If youre spending almost 200 on walnut(for example) it doesn't seem so expemsive to spend ~35 extra on a sheet and some hinges to add a really nice detail to a lovely piece of hand crafted furniture. Just dado the inside of the apron and the legs 3/16 deep and assemble around the plywood. If its a tight dado then it wont need glue.

[@lglgmoreiracom]

Hey, Rex. Have you ever tried those food silicon brushes to spread glue? They work well and are reusable. Just let the glue dry and peel it off.

[@BlackHoleForge]

I've seen several kinds of these tables, the most of them have one drawer that pulls out of the front. But I must say I kind of like it without the drawer.

[@maverickstclare3756]

That's a real beauty. My Waton's "Country Furniture" arrived today, it looks great. Thank you.

[@RexKrueger]

Glad you like it!

[@philkieran7521]

Definitely going to make this at some stage soon. Glad you're enjoying these videos. Keep up the awesome work

[@RexKrueger]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Moncamonca]

Your videos are awesome, mr Rex.

[@RexKrueger]

Glad you like them!

[@urbanlumberjack]

Beautiful!

[@1986maac]

Very informative, I got some good tips 👍

[@DeafMaker]

I love your videos and how you dymistify the process. FYI the auto captions are not working on this video. I used live captions in Chrome to get around it, not as good as auto captions because it is out of sync. BUt you have an esy to follow style so I was able to follow using the live captions in chrome, but I hope the auto captions will work when I revisit this video.

[@RexKrueger]

If you know how I can fix this, please send me a message on Patreon and I'll get it sorted ASAP. Access matters to me a lot.

[@CarlosFandango73]

I'm going to have a go at this but a long thin version to go over the radiator in my hall way

[@RexKrueger]

Putting solid wood furniture over a heat-source can be a challenge. I would research that a little bit before your build.

[@CarlosFandango73]

@@RexKrueger thanks I will, but its rarely on and it will be made from pine as an exercise more than a table. Can't wait for the next project

[@eliaswerner6443]

really nice work! the "colourwork" is just beautiful! i wondered, how you´re going to attach the top to the framework. these buttons seem to be a quite fragile job to mount. at least my european oak seems to be too brittle to manage it... but i love to try it!

[@RexKrueger]

It's really not too hard on the wood. Just make sure your grain runs the LONG way and I think you'll be fine.

[@jerryholland7817]

A very nice project Rex, I have made your low Roman bench and I am in the process of making the joiners mallet. I am however too lazy and or sidetracked to keep up.

[@WoodfulProjects]

them subtitles though... I’m getting random letters, numbers, special characters, symbols, etc. I guess it’s youtube going crazy? Loved the project :)

[@briangustin3745]

Yup.. unfortunately, part 2 is useless for those of us who are deaf..

[@lyulf0]

That's youtube's accent

[@guilhermepinh6139]

Hello from Brazil!

[@DanielAKA]

If you don't have it on your radar yet, have you thought about doing a video on making a table with the old classic leaf inserts?

[@cattleNhay]

I use the exact same smoothing plane ( 5 bucks at thrift store brand new condition) :)

[@TatsukiHashida]

well, I know what my next project is going to be!

[@TimH86]

Laughed out loud on your mistake mortising the show face of the aprons 🤣 I could imagine myself doing the same thing proudly chopping away and the realization hits you in the face.. ‘But wait I can... I’ll just.. maybe.. but, it’s.. ah crap!”

[@RexKrueger]

"Crap" was not the actual word I used.

[@TimH86]

Thats just me playing into KZbin censorship.. I’d settle on something stronger 😂

[@fletchro789]

The maple contrasts so nicely with the aprons (Cherry, right?)!