DIY Epoxy River Table (Part Two of Two) How-To Woodworking

Part two of two part video on making your own epoxy river table.
Step by step tutorial on how to make your own river table in your shop or garage. Everything you need to know, using tips and tricks I’ve learned making river table for clients all over the world. I include everything you need to know. From how to calculate how much epoxy you need, where to find slabs, how to avoid bubbles and other common pitfalls.
Want to build your own epoxy table? Check out my epoxy table virtual workshop: workshops.blacktailstudio.com/
Links to items used in this build:
Festool sander: amzn.to/2xTvIqh
Festool Vac: amzn.to/2LTiylj
Ecopoxy Epoxy: amzn.to/2l9F65N
Wood for this table: gobywalnut.com
Epoxy dye: amzn.to/30vi8FM
Track Saw: amzn.to/
Threaded inserts: amzn.to/311LdZd
Photography backdrop holder: amzn.to/2AWUS8L
Paper backdrop: amzn.to/2M2cvKH
Osmo 1101: amzn.to/35hJmmh
Osmo 3043: amzn.to/2MrrFbs
Gem Orbital: amzn.to/30WXvly
White buffing pad: amzn.to/310F0Nb
Track Saw: amzn.to/2VqUSaA
Mold release: amzn.to/35o5n2K
Wire Wheel: amzn.to/326FDpK
Caulk: amzn.to/35o5BH8
Melamine (form material): www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda-M...
Dewalt track clamp: amzn.to/2AX4TTB
blacktailstudio.com/
/ blacktailstudio
/ blacktailstudio

[@nevastarn6394]

I have to say, LOVING that you dont have stupid music in your videos. you and Peter Brown are about the only two woodworkers who dont pollute our ears eith janky music! thank you!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

It took me a little while to figure that out. But I’m with ya

[@pplemens2]

Best tutorial I’ve seen!

[@LB-px9td]

Very elegant table

[@Joestacemazjojo]

Just have to say not only are your tables some of the most original and classy epoxy tables I’ve come across online, but the layout of the videos, to the specific instructions, to covering the whole procedure start to finish to the no added nonsense is exceptionally well done. Greatly appreciate your videos. Buy the way from Pinterest to Etsy you can tell what products are yours easily, as you have a style of your own.

[@martytoth2019]

After watching about 20 of your vids, I thought I’d go back to your first. It’s neat to see how you’ve learned better ways to perfect your craft. Great work, brother!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Been a little while since then!

[@patminister4414]

Recent subscriber and this is now a 4 year old post very interesting in how you have tweaked your methods over the time looking forward to the next 4 years to your journey

[@glenmcarroll]

Thanks so much. I’m in the middle of a black river table. It’s a learn by your mistakes project. You experience and insights are much appreciated.

[@chankludo1]

Great dane/teacup chihuahua mix? I love your work. Plz keep the content coming.

[@shawncooney8230]

Nicely done series. Looking forward to seeing how things progress over the next several years.

[@markwilson9935]

Dude...Your work and videos are spot on!! Change nothing. Well done

[@eddieg710]

Great tutorial and tips! Thanks for posting!

[@KatJustice97]

That table is gorgeous! Thanks for the video

[@pooya6689]

Wow thanks for sharing this awesome project

[@ViktorKnight1]

Gorgeous table!

[@jerryhughes4256]

Great video. Very professional.

[@whatcouldgowrong8392]

That is amazing!!!! I’m just getting started and your videos are the best I’ve seen! Thanks!!

[@clintonmiller4917]

Just backed up on your fist couple vids. And brother I sure hope your proud of yourself. Not just the great work your doing but you and your channel is what our great nation is all about. Hard work and dedication along w/ trying to help others in this field has paid off big time for you! You are definitely my favorite KZbin channel. Super happy for you and would like to say thank you for all the time/effort you put into this to help folks like me. Thank you!

[@ThoenWorks]

Absolutely great video! - I learned a lot watching and the table turned out beautiful. Thanks! Subscribed...

[@wallacewoodworks9582]

Super informative, great video!

[@carlostenta7232]

Just stumbled upon one of your tutorials and now love them all. Keep it up!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Carlo Stenta thanks!

[@MrJackchap]

Great work my man

[@timmaggard8862]

You did a great job! Thanks for bringing me along.

[@goliath9081]

Amazing table wonderful job I’m gonna try to make a river table now with your help hopefully.

[@Happy2bAmerican]

Awesome video, thanks so much for sharing ur knowledge!

[@markrobbins1018]

Thank you for all the tips and advice, Sir. I have learned more from this one video than I have by watching numerous others combined, great job, sincerely appreciate it.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks!

[@gilliansalmon6812]

Wow what another great job, that table I would love to have had. well done what a fabulous talent you have.

[@Russellgrgg]

Your work is awesome man. I’m learning a lot from your videos. Really appreciate how thorough you are with them. Thank you for your help and sharing your experience

[@BlacktailStudio]

growmaestro oh thanks for saying so

[@kennyvega145]

Great videos very informative thanks

[@thakurshouryapratapsingh3506]

Best video on epoxy wood tables... & I've seen more than a dozen... U have explained everything in detail!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks!

[@mattbowie1216]

This is awesome. I have never tried to make a river table yet but I am hoping this winter to try and this video will go along way to help. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Matt Bowie I’m sure you can do it. I included most all the tips I know in this video and the one I just released. Feel free to comment with any questions you have.

[@mattbowie1216]

@@BlacktailStudio Perfect thank you. I will. Looking forward to seeing more of your work

[@rooscosun]

This is the best river table tutorial I have come across. Thanks!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

My first one too!

[@kenzobrei]

Awesome work! Love the Design

[@BlacktailStudio]

Daniel Singh oh thanks!

[@bruceturek3412]

very nice video good info and nicely done thanks for shareing

[@barbarafeeney5262]

You do an excellent job of teaching this woodworking project! You relay information concisely and thoroughly. You provide helpful tips that really do make a big difference in the success of the project, and immensely decreases frustration levels! I thank you very much for your tutorial video and I will surely watch them all!! Thank You! Thank You!! Barbara Feeney

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Barbara! Love the feedback.

[@bentebrunsvelt319]

Good work

[@pvpv6969]

very nice work. going to start my build. thanks for all the great tips

[@BlacktailStudio]

Excellent!!

[@fear498]

Great job

[@joeycanfield7121]

Another great one. Maybe more live talking while doing the project, but I'm not to far into your videos yet. Maybe you already do that. Love the work..

[@marcovelez942]

New to your channel, enjoyed PT 1 and now I find myself watching PT 2 👌💯

[@BlacktailStudio]

Marco Velez outstanding!!

[@paulfrye559]

Great video and very informative. I like how you explain curtain tips and tricks that other youtubers dont explain --- kudos..

[@paulfrye559]

Question: Thoughts on leaving the bark?

[@mwheelerq72lm]

Subscribed! Love how you fully explained the epoxy you use! Looking to do a project like this soon :)

[@BlacktailStudio]

matt wheeler thanks Matt. Hope these videos can help a little!

[@dustinjohnson4758]

Thanks so much for the 2 part how to. Great tips and help for a beginner. Great job!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Dustin Johnson happy to do it. Thanks for saying so!

[@dustinjohnson4758]

Blacktail Studio Is Alumilite color powder an option to use with this expoxy? Thanks

[@BlacktailStudio]

Not sure about that brand specifically. But it works with most all pigments and dyes.

[@iamtheman240]

Great video my friend, thanks for sharing

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks!

[@PEZ4949]

Fantastic content, sir; keep making content like this and it won't be long before you'll have more subscribers than you know what to do with. Good luck!

[@lewisclark5694]

For crying out loud- you ask at the end how you could probably make a better video presentation. My friend, that was a perfect video. Very efficient, fun to watch and understandable! Thank you very much!!!!!!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh, thanks so much

[@Bobo-gm9fd]

Wish I watched this before I started my project, would of saved me a lot of time sanding lol thanks for the videos very helpful

[@BlacktailStudio]

Ha! Me too

[@deeseneviratne]

Lately I’ve been going back in your archive to see how your videos evolved. Crazy that your current format is 80% of what your early vids were. As someone about to start posting, what were a key lesson you picked up that helped you refine your filming/editing to improve it for viewers?

[@johannajohanna1302]

Thanks very helpful!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Patrick!

[@robertadams93]

Cam. I find myself reviewing your videos as I move through my project. Epoxy pours, butterflies, etc. This very first one shows how much you've grown. But then I wonder how your projects have held up over the years after using different epoxy brands and finishes. Might be a great idea for one of your weekly presentations.

[@BlacktailStudio]

My first one! And I’ve wanted To do some updates. Most are out of state though.

[@chriswilcox490]

love seeing the whole process. It makes me less apprehensive to take on a project like this myself!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Chris Wilcox for sure man! That was my goal. I learned a lot of hard lessons. Trying to help others.

[@jfedermesser]

Great Video Thanks man!!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Jacob_Federmesser thanks for saying so!

[@jfedermesser]

@@BlacktailStudio Is there a way to get that satin finish look at home??? Or do I need to seek out a Pro Shop?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Jacob_Federmesser you can get a really nice finish doing it by hand, then buffing it with soapy water and 0000 steel wool.

[@mrvarus8957]

Clever fella.

[@montew2668]

Just subscribed . Great video !!! Love that you left off the music and just explained everything . One question, have you ever thought of offering a 3 day class on how to do a table like this ? I would think that quite a few people would sign up for it ! I would if the timing worked for me. Just saying . You got skills my friend and I think you would be a great teacher ! Something to think about ! Again , really a nice job ! All the best, Monte

[@BlacktailStudio]

Monte W cheers Monte... and we are doing an intensive one day class now. You can read all about it on my website. First class is full, but hope to do more soon.

[@lraefollis6883]

Beautiful! Thank you for the videos. I have watched a few of them now and am about to do my first good size river pour resin table top. The only thing I have not seen you show is using the mold release. I want to make sure I use it correctly and would like to actually see someone apply it. Can you direct me to a video where you actually show it? Thank you.

[@arnaudmangin9827]

Probably one of the best video on epoxy river table. Very detailed, learn so much out of it. I plan to pour 2 inches of ecopoxy 2:1 for m’y first river table. My room is at 70 F, 20 C. You think it will be ok. Ecopoxy says 1 inch 3/4 max. Thank you

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’ve had problems at 2”. If you do try, I’d use fans and you should be fine

[@arnaudmangin9827]

Blacktail Studio thank you, I think I will stay with the manufacturer recommendation at 1 3/4 max. First project and I don't want to ruin an $$ expoxy batch.

[@joseedelage3483]

Good morning Cam For a 1 inch and 1/4 deep project, do you recommand pourring two layers or just one, the epoxy product him using is from Magic resine and is a 2 inches deep pour capacity . I really appreciate your expertise and all your generous information for epoxy project. Its my first attempt in that quind of project. Have a nice day Yves Labelle, Québec, Canada

[@suenehring7252]

Absolutely fantastic build! Customers must love the results. You need not improve your videos they are perfect.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Sue Nehring wow, thanks! I hope so anyway!

[@scottwalmsley3393]

just found your channel great stuff earned my sub, have you tried the general finishes conversion varnish or the mohawk brand? all the best scott

[@bushcraftgangster7809]

Violently kool work. New Sub. Would love to get into this type of wood working one day. Probably never gonna happen. Equipment and tools too expensive for me. But I can watch guyz like you and get my fix. LOL. Thanx for the vid.

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’m here when you’re ready!

[@RandomPotatoCSGO]

You are absolutely amazing, this whole channel is really appreciated by me. Question: Does the planner flattening both sides in one “drive”? Or you put it one side at a time?

[@BlacktailStudio]

One at a time

[@JRodizAwesome]

If I were to use the method where you use tape and caulk to keep the epoxy from seeping under the wood, would you then keep the bottom of the mold intact to plane it in order to have a flat surface for the planar to reference?

[@JonahD99]

I keep finding myself rewatching these videos, love the work. I'm a student and I find myself studying on my bed quite a lot. I had the idea of creating a bed headboard that can be rotated downward to kind of double as a working table. Do you think these types of tables would be too heavy or any suggestions on how to go about it? I'm sure it would depend on the thickness and all that but just thought I would get your input. Thank you!

[@BlacktailStudio]

They can definitely be pretty heavy!

[@marcelrey9533]

Thanks for the tip on Etsy . Why would the table top warp or buckle after the epoxy has cured please? Also , a tip I learned years ago for dust on satin varnish or poly , is rubbing it gently with a plastic scourer and Scandinavian teak oil. Work well 😉

[@kandiecandelaria3134]

Beautiful as usual. Love watching them. Do you always put a c tract in your tables? I’m wanting to make a small coffee table 32x 15x1.5 do I need to put 2 in?

[@Starboatbuilder]

Hi The table looks great. A couple of questions of interest (1) do you have a thought in what per centage of epoxy to wood ratio and ( 2) why did you not consider a wood corner instead of a epoxy to balance the other three corners? I like & follow your finishing techniques. Have you tried "wet sanding" the finishing coat?

[@thaddeusfefler1748]

Hey There. You did an amazing job on this table. Thanks for so much information👍🏼 this will really help me do my first river table/experiment. I’m just wondering if you would give out the info as to where you get those C-channels?

[@thaddeusfefler1748]

Sorry I didn’t see that you have a video on it.

[@patrickheintz7460]

Beautiful table! Thanks for detailed instructions. Question: How do you accommodate for wood movement? Does the epoxy prevent it?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Epoxy has some flexibility. So it can move too

[@tahir232]

Thanks for such an informative video and important tips. Why you pore epoxy after 24 hours ? what is the reason to do so? we can finish all in one time and keep it for 72 hours and more to dry..

[@MurTEL]

Great video. And thanks for the info for the local shops, I will go to CW soon. Can you also provide the info of the place you had the table sprayed for finish? And could you also link which Odies oil and Arm R seal you use please? Thanks

[@BlacktailStudio]

Mur-TEL thanks man! I went to Birdsview furniture to spray the top. I use all the Odies Oil finishes. I will post other videos on that soon. And I usually use arm r seal satin.

[@kevinmorin7965]

Thanks for the info heavy video- not the too common "endless monologue!" What about the design feature of a cantilevered epoxy corner? the entire bond is the surface of the wood to resin- - how has this design element held up?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Kevin Morin been several months and no issue 👍🏼

[@robsimmons8297]

Another great, clear vid, thanks. I was wondering if this process would work for a garden table?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Rob Simmons I’m not sure what that is. Sorry!

[@robsimmons8297]

Blacktail Studio a table that is sat outside in the garden i.e do the two elements, wood and resin remain stable with weather variations?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Rob Simmons probably not...

[@cabbldr]

Does the armor seal or the Odies look cloudy when it dries on the resin? I used Rubio Monocoat on a Table recently and it was gorgeous until the oil dried on the resin.

Good

[@dpav7994]

Wow, looks amazing! I'm jealous that you have access to that massive planer. I have to do mine with a router jig that takes hours. That base looks like it weighs about 600 pounds lol. I REALLY want to know where you found the 4L mixing tub? I can't find them anywhere.

[@BlacktailStudio]

D Pavlovic yeah, that shop is a game changer. And the base was not light! Those tubs were just Home Depot finds 👍🏼

[@dpav7994]

Must be the US home depot :( the Canadian one only has opaque buckets like that, which makes measuring a pain. Keep up the great work!

[@Thido123]

Hey, first off, your videos are great. I've been binge watching them for the last few days. I have a question. I want to do a similar table but with a glasclear epoxy so you can see through. If I oil the wood in the last step, will it stain the clear epoxy? Or can you wipe the oil off? Or Can I oil the wood and then seal the table with a thin layer of Epoxy and polish up the table? Thank you in advance!

[@BlacktailStudio]

It’s kinda hard to get off the epoxy. But not impossible

[@CCMixed]

Love your videos! I am new to this and looking to make my first epoxy river table. I noticed you're using ecopoxy here, and you've used liquid glass in other videos. I am in Canada and Liquid glass is difficult to get here, but I'd prefer it since you can do it all in 1 pour. Any other deep pour epoxy's you recommend? I want to go 2" in one pour. Thanks in advance!

[@BlacktailStudio]

I only use the liquid glass now 👍🏼

[@markmccorkel759]

Awesome table! I'm fairly new to wood working and have been looking at making one of these. This video helped alot! I do have 1 question though: is the epoxy bond strong enough to hold the 2 sections of wood together on its own or is there something I missed that keeps these strong and as one piece?

[@BlacktailStudio]

It’s strong enough 😊

[@naughtyskweet6]

Excellent video. I honestly don't have any tips.

[@brianstecklercarmel]

Great stuff sir ! Where do you get the jello injector? It looks huge and all I find on amazon are 1 or 2 ounce size injectors and a bunch in each package.......thanks !

[@BlacktailStudio]

brianstecklercarmel I got mine at a bar o worked at 12 years ago. Pretty sure amazon can take care of you now though

[@OCDbrand]

The goodnight table you are working on over at IG: are you using same c-channel? If so why so many? I'm trying to understand if you are trying to minimize bowing or mounting to large base. I'm wanting to mount to a standard apron for now so I think rockler clips will work just fine but may want to try a different base later. 😁

[@BlacktailStudio]

Jonathan Bowling I’m using a bigger c channel on that table. 2x1” 3/16 thickness. I put them about every 18-24” on the big one. Thanks for the question, let me know if this doesn’t totally answer it!

[@axellindquist3922]

This looks incredible. How much did materials cost in total?

[@joeyhallbeck1405]

I got a question, a while back in one of your videos, you mentioned an epoxy brand that you was using was the factory direct. I remember you saying it was the epoxy that all the name brands get their epoxy from. The name of that might have been crystal clear, but I'm not sure at all. If you can remember what I'm talking about would you please send me a link. I would think it would be the cheaper route

[@adamvanrees6077]

which side is top of the table? the side that was down in the mold or the exposed side?

[@jeffwelch9422]

What kind of circular saw blade would be appropriate for cutting the wood-resin piece?

[@michaelstape5437]

Cam, I wanted to reach out as I have watched a lot of your videos and because of how informative and detailed they are decided to dive into making my first river table. I am through all the phases and I am on finishing. I did a few small shelves in the same pin oak and tried out the Osmo finish and did not like how much darker and red it made the wood. Is there something else you could recommend to finish with that will not add any tint or bring out the natural wood tones? I appreciate any help you could offer. Michael

[@BlacktailStudio]

Finish will always change the color some

[@michaelstape5437]

Thanks, and no offense.... But that doesn't help at all. I know it's changed. I am looking to minimize the "red" in the red oak.

[@RandomPotatoCSGO]

Hi, thanks for the video! Can you please put more light on the shellac part? Also because I’m getting close to this part in my project and came across water-based “sanding sealer” in the closets store, and it says on it’s box “seals wood grain”- do you think it will work? Thanks

[@BlacktailStudio]

That should work!

[@michaelwillson6847]

Cam stunning been binjing your older videos and there amazing love this stump table. Question though how much roughly does the epoxy cost u per table to get these deep pour tables?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Maybe $500-1200

[@michaelwillson6847]

@@BlacktailStudio many thanks for that info will help me in further projects I'm looking at.

[@petertraversone689]

I'm working on my first larger pour of a coffee table river and I have a question if you don't mind helping when you have a minute. On the new EcoPoxy FlowCast, have you had success pouring up to 1.75" thick? Their site says up to 1.5" thick but I've seen people will pour up to 1.75". I'm not sure if a fan is needed to help dissipate heat or not on a 12L pour of 1.75" thick in a climate controlled environment. Or if I pour in a little cooler of an environment that would help offset the heat from the epoxy curing.

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’ve never actually used the flowcast

[@MrStraub75]

Did you end up using the Odies or the Arm R Seal on the table Looks awesome btw

[@BlacktailStudio]

mr. obvious sorry it wasn’t that clear. This black resin table I had taken to a place and a conversion varnish sprayed on it. The blue table I used armor seal

[@RossNanfito]

I'm having trouble finding the EcoPoxy in a 2:1 kit. Please tell me where you order yours. Also, how many liters did it take for this table? Thanks.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Ross Nanfito I cant remember but I say exactly how much epoxy I used and how I calculate the amount in one of these two parts. And I get it off Etsy.

[@lokalpage2891]

when you used a wide belt sander, do you also use planer inside of wide belt sander? plane-sanding both? or just use only sanding?

[@BlacktailStudio]

It planes, and wide-belts. The planer can be disengaged though.

[@MurTEL]

Do you polish the epoxy before you put the finish on? I can't seem to get a good gloss on my ecopoxy. I sand it and even wet sand it, but it goes dull. It looks great after mineral spirits, but then dries up and looks flat. Thanks.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Mur-TEL sanded to 320. One the finish goes on all the flat will disappear like magic. Seems weird, but I promise it’ll shine

[@MurTEL]

Thanks. I did some test pieces, but it still was a little dull. I used Arm R Seal satin. Should you polish after the seal goes on?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Mur-TEL I do at least three coats of the finish. Sanding lightly between coats. You could try and semi gloss or gloss if you want a little more shine.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Mur-TEL and shouldn’t need to polish it after the last coat.

[@MRSTU1210]

approximately how much would this cost would like to see in future videos please

[@garykahne1266]

HI. In my first effort I got a lot of colour bleed from the pour into the wood. (Otherwise acceptable for a first try, and better after I chose to stain the wood.) So now on number two, this is my main concern. What do you think of sealing the edges with a latex paint the same colour as the river pour? If that is not a good idea, then will edge sealing with undyed deep pour epoxy and waiting say 24 to 36 hours work, prevent colour bleed?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh no. Don’t use paint. Use clear epoxy. Couple coats if necessary

[@Mark-dk4gr]

What are your thoughts on Rubio Monocoat? Any pros and cons?

[@BlacktailStudio]

They make great colors. Although their finish can only be sanded to 150, which just isn’t high enough for fine furniture. Test a piece for yourself at grits from 150, 220, 320, 400 and see the difference. You’ll never consider Rubio after that. I have used Rubio to color a piece, then applied Odies over the top.

[@RossNanfito]

@@BlacktailStudio Very interesting comment about Rubio Monocoat as I was considering moving to that. Was going to try Odies so now I will for sure. Please also tell me your thoughts on a 3 equal part mix of poly, boiled linseed oil and tung oil. It is the Sam Maloof branded mix and I've tried mixing it myself as well with mixed results. I've been watching youtube woodworking videos for 3 years now and I was very surprised to hear you are new. Don't change a thing, I love all your style and production. I especially like no music...to us woodworkers the sounds made in shop is music to our ears.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Ross Nanfito I haven’t used that blend before, but I’ve seen it done with awesome results. And thanks so much for the nice words! I appreciate the support.

[@gabegat]

@blacktail studio - at what ambient temp would you consider "safe" for a 2.5" pour? and/or what do you consider "too hot" to pour over 1-1.5"?

[@BlacktailStudio]

I don’t like going much over 2” fans are more important than shop temp

[@gabegat]

Blacktail Studio re shop fan. The idea being to put a couple of fans in the vicinity of the table to just circulate air while it curing?

[@domthemom2270]

How has the C-channel at an angle held up? You might not know, I'm just curious because it's a a different grain orientation. I'm looking at something similar.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Been at the clients place, but presumably fine

[@AnthonyFitzgerald55]

What’s the lowest moisture level you can do this with. I just bought some walnut slabs and they are at 14%

[@BlacktailStudio]

Depends on where you live

[@nimusworks5475]

Beautiful Job. Congrats. By the way, what is the medium price of a piece of work like this? Thanks

[@BlacktailStudio]

$600

[@nimusworks5475]

@@BlacktailStudio Thanks for the reply. Beautiful job and well deserved price. Cheers from Portugal

[@mutthowls5337]

If you were working with a light colored species and wanted to stain the slab darker, at what point in the process would you apply the stain?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Before epoxy