the CHEAP hardwood you should use instead

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🧰 Tools I use most of the time (affiliate) 🧰
Carbon Method Nanofinish - t.ly/i65Ll
1/2″ Compact Compression Flush Trim Router Bit with 1/4″ Shank - t.ly/YFnUU
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[@wittworks]

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[@EmpressOfExile206]

Quick question, were your final prices based on the final board/ft in the finished tables or was that the price you paid for the for the unmilled wood at the store? (i e. Including the offcuts)

[@wittworks]

Prices I gave were for the boards I bought with about 10% waste

[@brucewilliamsstudio4932]

Already subbed, can't sub again... :-( You are amazing and as usual, knocking it out of the park! Glad to see that you finally hit 100K, you deserve it! Keep the faith brother.

[@ClaudiaCruz-oq3yn]

@wittworks I’ve tried to use your recommendation to ask cabinet makers for their advice on where to buy wood. Unfortunately, they would send me to HD or Lowe’s. I find hard to believe that there is no good and affordable supplier here in Tulsa, OK. I am relatively close to the Dallas area so I try going to your supplier.

[@troystallard6895]

When I was a young finish carpenter, I was ripping a piece of 1x6 pine with a Skilsaw, and the wood snapped shut on the blade as I neared a knot. I was ripping one-handed and the saw, heavy as it was, jumped straight towards my face. I blocked it with my other hand, and cut my thumb half off. Fortunately I had nicked the tendons but didn't cut through them, and the thumb healed up perfectly usable. In spite of the doctor laughing when I asked how long it would take to get feeling back in it, it did happen after a few years. But to this day almost fifty years later. accidentally banging the scar on a sharp corner will drop me to my knees with tears in my eyes, because the cut was into the bone.

[@travistappero7773]

I'm not a new woodworker, but I have enough experience to know I still have everything to learn. This video is extremely helpful for new woodworkers. I wish I had this information in the beginning. Your editing is clever, and it keeps things interesting. Great work.

[@whiteknight7wayne493]

yup....i like a lot of various genre of information but im definitely observing the video production quality.

[@tiladx]

I have just started my woodworking journey, and I find inspiration in a lot of woodworking KZbinrs. I believe this is the first video of yours i have watched, and you have gained a new subscriber and my deep respect for the gifts you are giving to total strangers in need of help. Mitt.

[@thatgirl6671]

Oh my God!!! First off…. LOVE YOUR PERSONALITY!!! Second, I learned more from this one video than I have in about a year and a half of watching KZbin woodworking stuff. Thank you for sharing all of this info!

[@alfisk5234]

since you asked, the soft maple is my favorite, it's absolutely beautiful

[@wittworks]

nice

[@cu0ngpitt]

@@wittworks since you asked. i also very much agree. i love the color of the maple the most of the 4 tables. also, welcome to the DFW area 😊

[@jonathanberry1111]

@@wittworks The soft maple is my second favorite after the Walnut. Would be interested in seeing soft maple, .vs hard maple, .vs various attempts to stain each, and maybe don't make tables (just colour the boards), and maybe add in other cheap woods and more stain methods and colours. There must be ways to brick better colours, oils, stains etc to some of these other woods.

[@nafnaf0]

Why do you guys prefer soft maple over hard maple? Is it because of the way it stains? I would generally take the hard maple since it is stiffer, stronger, and harder

[@jonny555ive]

​@@nafnaf0 That's what she said..... BAAAAZING 😅😅

[@ElizabethLunday]

I live in Fort Worth, and I had always been curious about the Plywood Company. You mentioned them in a previous video, and I decided to be brave and give them a shot. So I bopped over and drove in to the bay in my tiny little truck, and ... WOW. Incredible products, incredible prices, very nice people. I had been jumping through hoops trying to finish a shop project using only wood I had on hand, and I realized for $40 I could get new, gorgeous red oak, thus saving myself TONS of time and effort for much nicer-looking final product. So be brave, fellow amateurs, shopping where the big boys shop is tons of fun! So, thanks, Mitt!

[@wittworks]

that drive through is amazing! glad you found them.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

20 yrs ago I got my hardwood from a place called Fort Worth Hardwood? It looked like the warehouse in FootLoose. Tractors and forklifts zipping around, milling in the middle. Had to keep your head on a swivel.

[@orazha]

@@f.kieranfinney457 about 50 years ago, my favorite hardwood lumber "store" was a bunch of huge lean-tos that only had lumber straight from the mill. It was an exploration to go there, taking a sharp knife to be able to see the end grain and, sometimes, face grain. Or you could surprise yourself.

[@wynelleu]

Mitt - lol

[@kolewade]

I had the exact same experience a few years ago when I went to FWPC for the first time. It was definitely a bit intimidating pulling into that huge warehouse. They are great people and very helpful and friendly.

[@seankrake4776]

this was insanely helpful. I was in the navy the last decade, and so I never lived in a place long enough to really settle down and figure out how to buy lumber from a non box store. I just moved to DFW and have been asking around about where to find hardwood. you've quite literally nailed all of the questions regarding price per project, where to source, and variation in quality. I subscribed after the last video of yours I watched, and I'm reaping the benefits of that

[@ricklars2673]

MItt, that was a really nice video. I have been doing woodworking and construction for years as DIYer, but I learned more than I expected from your video. My home is foreclosure and the unfortunate previous owner struggled for a decade before giving up. As a result we have many, many improvement projects going on so I have watched hundreds of videos like this. The quality of the content and information really caught my attention so I watched the entire video. Excellent job. I will be back. Thanks

[@B_Van_Glorious]

Having stained pine darker in the past (haven't we all? Shudder) and having finished hardwood at the end of many many projects watching the two side by side...all I thought was (Pine/staining) Anxiety, holding my breath (Walnut/oiling) Relaxing, calming, breathing out Don't hold your breath, that's all I gotta say

[@brewtalityk]

speak for yourself- I wouldn't ever stain pine much less use it for anything worth a damn

[@B_Van_Glorious]

@@brewtalityk I was speaking for myself. And you're more than welcome to find amusement in things I did as a 15 yr old, like staining pine. Lord knows I find all kinds of amusement looking back, with 28 more years of experience.

[@a110100]

@@brewtalityk I've used pine for a simple cane. Why should I stay away from using it?

[@a110100]

What did you stain pine with?

[@debramead3567]

NO! YOU ARE LOVED❤❤. you bugger you made me cry with your generosity and your heart. I’m an Aussie and yeah, if I thought about it I may have deducted IQ points for southern US accents ( although I have always loved you guys ) i will NEVER again. You warned my heart. On behalf of those beautiful women in need, thank you and may others follow your lead. You are a generous soul. Aussie hugs from down under.

[@wittworks]

aw shucks. thank you 🦘

[@UTube354]

Born and raised in the Bronx, have lived in Georgia for 30 years. Both northerners and southerners think I have the other accent. Both deduct 20 IQ points. I got ‘em all fooled, they should’ve taken off 40!

[@debramead3567]

Hey Kevin so funny 😂with humour like that you’re an honorary Aussie!! We love to take the p!ss ( that’s Ozzie for a joke) mostly aimed at ourselves and you’re an expert. BTW Who ever said IQ was the ONLY way to measure intelligence? Absolutely LOVE Georgia too been there a few times in the past and not to just Augusta but to tiny places like Covington & Cavender Creek just to name a couple. The people are soo lovely and welcoming. Love you guys

[@RescueResidence]

Bless your heart.

[@lisawallace3124]

@@UTube354 😆😆

[@CurriedBat]

My dad built a bunch of tables out of a white oak before I was born. I'm 39 and am currently using the massive dining room table as a desk, it's beautiful. I carve walking sticks, and I'm considering starting up a KZbin channel... teetering.

[@lostpony4885]

I like how making the same thing several times means and endless supply of backgroumd footage for the sponsor

[@AGlimpseInside]

Snorks One of the coolest ways to give back to the community. Well done Drew. If you don’t know what I’m talking about get out of the comments and go back and watch. You won’t be disappointed.

[@wittworks]

Thanks bro

[@RoyKnauber]

@@wittworks I love woodworking but am not fancy at it. Worked at a desk job but did different types of woodworking but not for pay. Made some special items for an elementary school and our church. The look of hardwood finished clears the mind and raises the spirit. I find beauty in Mesquite, Bradford Pear, Oak, Hickory, Black Walnut, etc. Like you show the natural beauty of hardwood lifts the soul. I really appreciate your work and what you are giving back to the community. Hoped and prayed for even a slight break in the clouds for the eclipse today. Had some younger folk in my backyard observing. That was the first total eclipse of this type I have seen. It was amazing to see Jupiter, Saturn and Venus so brightly at that early afternoon hour. It's only going to be another 300 years before a total solar eclipse will be seen in Dallas. Have you tried sawing a Bradford Pear. It is unique in the at the Cambrian layer and inward it is curly. When cutting boards from the bark to the center it looks like tiger stripe maple. Pear is soft until it is dried and becomes very smooth and light in color and can be easily finished and oiled to make maple and other hardwoods look cheap. You are specially blessed and will continue to find greatness. Sorry to take up so much space, 86 yr old who just celebrated 65th Anniversary last week. Ride High!

[@ShopNation]

Damn, didn’t know I was going to get punched in the feels at the end. Thanks, Mitt

[@wittworks]

well if you had your snorkel mask on no one would see you crying.

[@RescueResidence]

Sorry… not going to unsub once he hits 100k anymore…

[@ppatters1]

Hey mitt, came here because Travis but liked the video enough to stick around till the end. Not gonna unsub

[@Macrodosian897]

Yeah, kinda got my allergies flaring up

[@nilocm6365]

The wording on punched in the feels after talking about donating to a battered womens shelter is dark lol

[@anthonycima7]

One of your best videos! The pacing, the stories, the imagery! Great work. MITT!

[@wittworks]

thanks! that's what I was working hard on. Please tell the trolls who don't get it. Just kidding. I don't care. I ignore them.

[@ramonluquin2612]

These are videos, and makers that gave me the confidence to start this art. Thanks man. I've learned so much. Made the cabinet with the plans and they came out great. Totally newbie here, the plans were phenomenal. Subscribed. Liked. Humbled.

[@travisradke9753]

Great video, love the thorough build process and the idea of the different approaches-years of experience shared in less than a half hour. Definitely earned my subscription!

[@wittworks]

Thank you 🙏

[@0ddSavant]

Those turned out really nice. The different woods and finishes had a way more dramatic effect than I would have guessed. Well done. Cheers!

[@wittworks]

Thank you very much!

[@MG-vo7is]

Wow, Mitt. Great tables, and a beautiful way to help women in need. Thank you for the generosity and compassion. Also, the walnut was my favorite.

[@larryschweitzer4904]

Retired woodworker here. Worth noting Soft maple comes from many different trees. If there is a commercial supply house in your area ask about getting Red maple. It is a "Soft Maple" that is almost as hard was true hard maples and nicer to work with. Finishes beautifully.

[@gregpar]

Gday Mate, your accent is so familiar and I think I associate it with getting ready to learn after many years of KZbin education. I look forward to visiting the states one day and feel endeared to Americans in general mainly influenced by so many great makers like yourself. Thanks Drew. From the Sunshine Coast, Australia

[@wittworks]

Thank you, Mate. You're bloody awesome. Wait. Did I use that correctly? I don't think so. Dumb Texan.

[@debramead3567]

No you used it right. Prob could also say good onya mate to be dinki di Aussie

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@debramead3567You can say good onya mate to a chick?

[@Thumbsdwn]

Darn, you actually found the best way to get people to not fast forward through ad reads

[@wittworks]

I'm glad it worked! Instead of skipping, people rewatched. I want to make it a regular thing. All the movies were suggested by subscribers

[@peybak]

I muted it. That worked for me.

[@caspianx67]

Hey Mitt, love the plan to bless some ladies who are in so much need! Kudos! I'm a woodturner and have really taken a liking to Hard Maple for some of my work -- it turns well, takes a fantastic surface off the tool and only needs minimal sanding beyond that, if at all. Of the tables you made, the walnut and rift-sawn oak are both top contenders for my fav. I really can't pick between them!

[@orazha]

Thanks for a great video. You give an excellent presentation. I especially appreciate your showing the difference in ways of showing wood. I started my life as a woodworker in the late '60s, working for my grandfather. Back then, we wrapped sandpaper around a block of wood. So sanding a walnut dining table was an all day task. But it had advantages. The table surface ended up perfectly flat (if you wanted that). But what I liked most about it is you get to slowly see the features of the wood appear before your eyes. Walnut, especially, has so much in natural, subtle colors and shades. I've had a hard time understanding why woodworkers often complain about sanding. I'll continue to watch your videos.

[@uwyphi]

You guys hand sanded tabletops flat in the 60's ? I just use a handplane and a cabinet scraper

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Love that you're donating the beautiful tables to the women's shelter along with the note and money!!! That gesture will do wonders for the ladies who receive the tables. My favorite is the walnut table but they are all beautiful!

[@wittworks]

Thank you Lori. They’re beautiful.

[@coachmathmartin]

After another video referencing the Plywood Company, I decided it was time to leave the cozy confines of HD, Rockler and Woodcraft and try a new adventure (insert The Hobit gif). Great place, great people and came home with more hardwood than I’ve ever purchased while spending A LOT less. Love your work. Thanks.

[@wittworks]

DONT TELL ROCKLER. Glad you like it like I do. Great people and prices.

[@texdentist]

Just happily discovered your channel. I am a recent retiree from the dental profession, and have picked up the woodworking hobby that has been intermittent all of my life. I'm in North Richland Hills, so glad to see someone from the Fort Worth area. And particularly happy to learn about the plywood store. I WILL be giving them a visit. Thanks for putting all of this together. Look forward to watching and learning from more of your videos.

[@wittworks]

Wonderful! Happy retirement! Keep your hands busy. Go to plywood co and give Rick the hardddddest time.

[@purpleyams8738]

I’m really finding myself leaning towards your videos lately when I feel like soaking in some woodworking inspiration, tips, or tid bits, or even a few chuckles. I was straying away for a while but you’ve pulled me back in the woodworking world. ❤

[@simplesimon755]

SA resident here. I just put down the Big Red and barbacoa to write this. I am just starting to get into woodworking so I'm watching videos for inspiration and guidance. About halfway through your video I was already thinking about going to Alamo Hardwoods but I'm glad I kept watching because until now I had not heard of Dakota Premium Hardwoods. I look forward to checking them out. This was my first time checking out your videos. I've now subscribed. I hope you get to 100k subs soon. Best of luck to you and your family. Thanks for the great info. BTW, I make the same IQ points assumption you do.

[@MrBundy15]

I work at Fort Sam so Alamo is right around the corner, their selection is very nice but very expensive. I will not buy from them again (maybe yellow heart if no one else has it). Dakota is one the other side of town from Castroville (my home) but I know it’ll be worth it, I can’t wait to see what they have.

[@roycardona1586]

Im so happy i finally decided to make the trip to Dakota cuz it was a pain in the ass to get them on the phone. I live in New Braunfels and gladly make that trip to them. Best prices I could even imagine. S3S Poplar and Ash less than $3.50/bf. Rough sawn white oak $7. 3/4 Birch ply for like $45. Never going back to Rockler/HD/Lowes again (for lumber anyways).

[@NickBFlair]

I am a Brit who moved to NJ in 1992 and I can confirm that my US colleagues added 20 points to my estimated IQ, but more importantly women who found me attractive moved from a 6.5 in the UK to an 8.5 in the US.

[@subbassrules]

It sounds like you started drinking when you arrived in the US.

[@rogerdodds2765]

Excellent content! I love anything made with walnut. Great idea giving the tables away. Blessings to you 🙏🏼

[@donnyferris5521]

This is GOLD. Just the section on working with construction grade lumber is something beginning woodworkers need to see. You have a new subscriber.

[@iangustafson8879]

🤿 Great video and love what you’re doing with the coffee tables 👍

[@wittworks]

thank you

[@ENCurtis]

Wait, how did you get that footage from my shop?

[@wittworks]

I am always watching you. Good luck finding the cameras.

[@jodidianna1701]

😂

[@patrickbink4617]

I was trying to figure out if that was a slam on Erik @ENCurtis or a compliment. Sounded like a slam, which puzzled me. I like his videos. This video of yours is also very good.

[@kennethspengler9934]

This is the first video I’ve seen on this channel. I’m very impressed. While I’m not interested in building tables shaped this way (although they are beautiful by the way), I love the explanation of the cost/result/effort involved. I also appreciate the fact that you are donating these to this cause. You have another subscriber to your channel.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

OK I’m only 57 seconds in, I am already laughing, because seriously the hockey stick joke is even funnier because it’s always real

[@wittworks]

the truth hurts

[@JohnColgan.]

I often feel that hardware stores sell very new wood that still had leaves growing on it last month !!

[@royster3345]

@@wittworks I needed some CLS for a project, local B&Q here in the UK (like your Home Depot) had a large stock of them. Stood there sorting through the 2.4m lengths sifting out the shockers, took the 10 I needed and put all the rejected ones neatly back on the stack. I'm stood in the queue to pay, and from there saw this couple walk up at start loading their cart up with about 15 of these timbers, not even checking, must have been stocking up on firewood.

[@bluecurlygirl]

I love the walnut but I have to say that soft maple is tugging at the old heartstrings too. Really good of you to donate the tables and the patron revenue and the notes are a lovely touch too. A friend of mine had to use the services of one of those shelters many years ago and honestly, it saved her life literally. Great cause to support. Well done.

[@pilotalan]

Mitt was awesome. Thanks for this! I always assumed hardwood would be prohibitively expensive, and never got outside the box to look for other woods. Your vids are fantastic, especially for those of us just starting our journey, so we don't take 10 years to figure this stuff out the long and hard way. Thanks for all you do!

[@mphillips6754]

🤿💕loved these coffee tables and your analysis of the woods and prices. Love the different looks from the different woods. I learned a lot from your video. And I loved how you donated the tables to women and families in need. Thank you so much!!

[@SleeperHoundDesign]

Im 100% in full agreement, but one thing I remember when I first started is I had this weird thought that I wanted to use cheap wood because I thought I would ruin the project. So if I messed up it wasn't a big loss since it's "just pine". Once I had a little co confidence I started using hard wood. Great job as always.

[@wittworks]

Thanks! I used the same thinking. Only downside is sometimes you have to fight with the pine. Glad I found this maple (and beech) option. Cheaper, better, and more stable.

[@bhough410]

@@wittworks Not sure why people overlook beech with it's low cost and unique grain?? Beech planes (even for those of us with hobbyists quality box store planers), joints and sands nicely.

[@ramhurstrambler]

mittworks is an awesome channel. I appreciate the fact that it doesn't sound like you're reading off a teleprompter. I'd watch anything you made a video on because you're style is so amazing. Thanks for the content.

[@wittworks]

Wow, thanks! I was reading off my computer screen 🤫

[@billkurek5576]

Yea, he sounds and acts like another guy I used to watch. He made really high end stuff. I can’t remember his name. The best tools,the fanciest finishes. I hope your channel survives.

[@RunawaJim]

Mitt I'm subscribing, glad to see them all side by side. Very helpful

[@koretechx1]

This video won me over and I subbed. Excellent, easy to understand and useful information. I can't tell you how much I, as a beginning woodworker, appreciate getting such valuable information and tips! Thank you!

[@wittworks]

Awesome, thank you!

[@katzmosestools]

99% of people couldn’t recognize this wood

[@wittworks]

thats a banger 2023 youtube title

[@HortBlam]

To be fair, those same 99% wouldn’t recognize almost any wood beyond pine. The truth is, woodworking is quite a niche, even though online it may feel like everyone and their dog does it.

[@leifhietala8074]

"It's wood, duh." And that's as far as they go.

[@wdtaut5650]

@@HortBlam Most of them would identify spruce as pine. In the Great Lakes area, most of the "pine" in Big Box stores is spruce, except the 'select" grade. That's usually white pine.

[@jayt5537]

While 99% of people won't recognize the type of wood. There is a clear beauty to the more expensive woods... generally speaking.

[@AlienLeader4]

Awesome video. Really like that break down of different wood types and purchase locations. Love that you give back to the community amazing job I am sure the ladies will love the letter more than anything. Hand written messages are the best. Keep up the great work. 👽

[@wittworks]

Thanks 👍

[@michaelgeraghty7463]

This is a great video, thank you, the alternate wood species, finished appearance and costs for the lumber is a fantastic learning experience for me!

[@custominvest1270]

Amazing comparison. Thank you for doing the hard work!

[@stevewitt5559]

I’m thinking the best yet. The walnut is stunning, can’t wait to see the finished oak. It was amazing how much easier it was to work than the others. Especially loved snorkeling to to that very special ending. Good job!😀😎

[@wittworks]

thanks 😊

[@bencoffey7194]

Absolutely love the decision to use the tables that way!

[@SirMikeB]

Good video. Loved the comparisons of 4 different tables. I really liked the walnut table. Beautiful finish.

[@janicetribbiani7535]

These are all gorgeous! It makes me so happy to hear where they’re going to~ what a great idea!

[@davidmeyer9204]

Mitt. Everything has pretty much already been said. Great build(s) and great presentation. I had an idea that you would use the "Domino" so I went and got mine and we watched the video together.

[@wittworks]

thats funny, and I know you're not kidding.

[@j10001]

For the price of a domino, it owes you a little companionship for the good life you’ve given it

[@GoAgsXX]

What am I missing? The price of maple at my local HD is $152 for two 1x8x8 S4S boards. Isn't that $21 per bf? Looking for guidance. 🙏

[@egglyph]

HD sells hard maple. It’s clean and more or less okay quality, but it’s priced like a Saturn booster engine. The video talks about “paint grade soft maple”, which isn’t available ar HD/Lowes, you’ve gotta look somewhere else

[@RapierGlass]

Hey Mitt, I really enjoyed this project. Most of my projects have been big box lumber because I am just starting to move into finer woodworking and furniture from utility projects around the garage. I am happy to be a new subscriber.

[@efeldhusen]

I really liked this video. It's made me think about how I'm learning woodworking a lot. You have great content, keep it up!

[@nathanmiller9381]

UK native here, I am flattered by the extra credit you give us. I can say I certainly don't deserve it. but I can tell you from my opinion, you really don't need to worry. I typically don't think at all about somebodies accent in any media, I am always thinking about the whats, whys and hows. what they are physically doing goes such a long way in my mind. there's tons of filmed projects out there where not a single word is spoken, but the work created sings one hell of a story in itself. that also goes the same with any media where somebody has taken the time to break down their work and explain as they go. especially fun when there's more of a human element when people show their mistakes and more importantly how they got over or around them. even, how they would approach it differently the next time I think it helps sometimes to think, there's billions of people on this earth. millions of woodworkers, and even less of those film it, let alone present it in an interesting and engaging way. so after all that there's only one of you, making this project, making this video. that I am sure tons of people will see, forever. that takes balls most physical creators don't have (I know I don't, at least yet) and that part, is where I see intelligence more than in someones accent. its the picture they paint, and the people they teach. that's going to live forever, and that's kinda the whole point right? leave things better for whoever is next. Mitt

[@AaronGeller]

First… for once 😂 every new video truly is a treat. I always watch it on my big screen TV as it deserves to be seen on the screen

[@wittworks]

Thanks! Hope your surround sound was thumping!

[@APEX-lp5he]

The soft paint grade maple looks amazing and you're purchase point is just as. They look great and keep broadening your ideas.

[@BikeJackass]

I’m a Brit living in SC. I have to correct people all the time when they say “you have an accent”….., telling them “I don’t have an accent, this is how it’s supposed to sound, you’re the one with the accent” Mitt

[@wittworks]

Hahahah. Love it

[@JohnColgan.]

​@@wittworkseven your last reply came up with "Translate to English" option !!

[@evanpnz]

I'm A Kiwi. (In NC). The only remark of that kind I ever hear is "I love your accent". I just thank them politely. It's not like they are trying to insult me, after all!

[@f.kieranfinney457]

Except there are more accents in Britain than America. If you want a truly neutral accent listen to central and western Canada. At least they can pronounce’R’. Listening to many Brits is like listening to toddlers.

[@syn4057]

Actually that is incorrect. Every speaking style changes over time. The modern British speak is not the same as it was pre Revolutionary War. There are many linguists that have solid theories as to how most modern Brit’s speak in a way far from the time of the colonies and that Americans and Canadians speech sound more similar to the time of the colonies. The problem is that every speaking style changes and no one has a recording to the original speaking style. We all have accents and when you are in a country of similar sounding people, you have the accent. When I was in Ireland, Australia, England, Germany, Spain and Greece, my English was with and American accent, because I was the foreigner.

[@danielhall3524]

🤿 Great video as always. Finishing walnut never gets old for me either!

[@davidfromttu]

Just found your channel, I'm in the DFW area as well. I enjoyed the table build, but I especially love what you did with them. I also appreciate the eye-opening comparison between the pine and the maple.

[@jpcreativeimagery]

Totally SUB'ED, love your style, love that you're not at ADD speed and easy to follow. I moved from Texas two years ago and had just learned about Dakota Hardwoods from my neighbor not long before I said goodbye Texas, so imagine my surprise to hear them mentioned in this video! Great video, thanks for the pro tips. Oh and as for soft maple, just spent the past 1.5years of my life installing for floors in the front half of our new home. Was a miserable experience and it was supposed to be hard maple flooring species, but, while I got scammed and it's an expensive lesson to learn, it's absolutely stunning..durability just kind of sucks for flooring :).

[@swamijie]

Mitt. Love the look of the soft maple, especially the extreme light/dark contrasting bands.

[@jeramiahcrosier3481]

I really like the soft maple. I built some edge-grain and end-grain cutting boards with it and the patterns you can make are amazing.

[@mikelewis9593]

MIT- thanks so much for this video- what an eye opener!!! Already started searching for suppliers in my area. And yes, went through the same process with materials- Home Depot construction lumber , pallets, home milled lumber, bugs😬, etc… this was the first time I saw Festool equipment in use and began to understand the cost. Thanks so much

[@bradard5862]

Some good points, thanks. The caveat being: respect the medium. Treat knotty softwood or walnut or oak etc uniquely. Artists don't use oil the same as they use watercolors or acrylics. Work with each differently, good results will follow.

[@arrowdriver]

Nice to the difference. I had an instance ripping 2x6 and had it shut down my saw blade, thank goodness. Great video.

[@SmileCentral]

🤿 I love where you donated these beautiful tables and the beautiful notes your kids wrote for under the table to hold the cash stash. ❤

[@mikemakuh5319]

Just found your channel, that is really great what you are doing for those who are in need. YOU are ALRIGHT!

[@andrewadar]

Hey Mitt! ✊🏾 much love dude. Your channel gives me hope that I can get there. I like how you keep stuff simple and reachable even by beginners from Pro vs Beginner techniques tools and even - how to track down the best buys any where in the world Your advice works 😁

[@delfordchaffin5617]

Already a great video, but the end made me tear up. Thank you for what you do! 😊

[@RandallW20]

This was a great video. Thank you for showing the different finishes and wood all next to one another. And another super thanks for showing the FWPC pricing and warehouse. I live not but a couple miles from there but have yet to go check it out. I think you sold me! Never knew you were local to me either. 😉👍

[@angim8984]

I'm new to woodworking. This video was really helpful.

[@roadshowautosports]

WOW! Just the info about cost itself makes your channel worth it! Knowing that you help others… priceless! You’ve got yourself a new subscriber just for being a decent human being!

[@dougscott9524]

I'm a furniture builder of 36 years , your tables are great looking for the money it cost you and the finish used makes the grain even pop more, especially the white oak and the walnut. Walnut is my favorite wood to build furniture out of beside Mahogany. I'm going to have to buy some of that top coat finish you used. Keep up the great woodworking.

[@MR_OHNO69]

🤿 just found your channel!! I love the color contrast of the cheapest table. The dark one is stunning also!

[@ellissalinas3194]

Yea i was worried about going into Dakota Hardwoods too. I only needed however much 120bucks would get me of cherry. But when i got there and asked how the process works they gave me a tour of their lumber yard and a comprehensive list of all the prices and species they carry and then they brought over the stack of cherry and let me rifle through it pick out the boards i liked. They even cut the boards down to size to fit in my car. (Went to the one in South Austin). Great experience (they also sell better grades of plywood than the big box stores)

[@devinpeterson1696]

to be honest, that soft maple is my absolute favorite out of the four, I have always loved wood with character, which I have found since buying my house plays to my advantage cause people seem to really undervalue wood with unique character versus plain jane cookie cutter wood. Awesome video!!, I really liked the tip on doubling up the edge pieces to give a nice chunky look without breaking the bank or your back when you've gotta move the piece!

[@TwinPhoenix666]

🤿 Great video, Mitt! I was blown away by the price of that beautiful soft maple. Turned out to be a gorgeous table, too. Oh, and props on your creative ad read; I actually watched that part a few times to catch all of your references. You absolutely duped me into rewatching an ad, by choice.... Good one

[@pambenziger7220]

🤿Love the walnut table!!! But thank you so much for sharing all of the variations. I've only ever used pine from the big box stores but you've motivated me to find some local hardwood stores. Thanks!

[@johnsonwayne9279]

I was born and raised in SA. I was about 17 in 1970 and I was trying to do what you are doing - make furniture grade stuff out of hardwood. I shopped Alamo and was also shocked at their overpriced wood. Also their wood was not the best and certainly not for what they were charging. They had a fat head then and apparently still do. I found a lumber yard on the near south side, I forget the name, and shopped there. Much better pricing but the padauk I was looking for was rough all sides and stored in what looked like a horse stall on the ground. I had them side one side one board and liked what I saw and proceeded with my buy, siding all four sides. I pulled the same trick you used to double the edge for effect, used tongue and groove on the joints and, with the help of a real carpenter, managed to cut 45s, with a spline, on 20" panels. The panels had to be forced straight with fences, clamps, and jigs. We held the 48"x20" panels IN THE AIR to get the 45 cuts with splines done. The cabinets came out great with a small corner defect which I left. But those Alamo people were dicks with their pricing and wood.

[@tychid]

Great vid from a fellow DFW resident! I'm going to have to try some of these techniques. Thanks for sharing!

[@BigDave71]

Amazing. Great video. Thanks so much for imparting your knowledge. Your experience is so helpful to us newbies. Thanks a million. Beautiful work by the way. Love that walnut and also the maple. Especially the price of the maple. Perfect for beginners.

[@dean9498]

"Festool"on masking tape placed on a Ryobi nail gun. You're a legend.

[@LearnMakeLive]

Awesome video and cool price comparison at the end. Good job supporting others with the tables.

[@leotilson942]

Lovely video. Lots of good advice, suggestions, and stories. and all presented in a very friendly style.

[@kristiangunderson]

I'm old fashioned, and prefer walnut with boiled linseed oil for most things. I've also had good results with BLO on fir and other soft but kind of dark woods. I'm not a huge fan of the yellowing that happens with lighter woods like birch, so I've recently tried pure tung oil mixed 50% with mineral spirits. Im looking forward to trying it on walnut now too.

[@sq3971]

Welcome to the DFW madhouse area. I too moved up here from San Antonio, what was I thinking!! I am fairly new with woodworking, about 6 years. I like making toys for the under privileged children through Hobby Crafters in Garland, TX. and boxes and things for the grand kids. Black walnut is a beautiful wood and is my favorite. So, I'll go with the walnut table, it is really beautiful, especially with the finish you put on it, the grain and color really popped out. Also, I liked your style in making your video, so I subscribed, looking forward to future videos. Thanks, Mitt

[@edwardb4906]

That's a really great thing that you are doing. Love the videos. Love your work. Keep up the amazing job mittworks.

[@RandolOlah]

I love the look of the paint grade soft maple. To me, that is right there with the walnut. Also, thank you for this video. I learned a lot.

[@jptobin84]

Thanks for all the great info, Mitt! This is the first video of yours that I have seen and now I want to find a good local supplier. I too have tried pallets and HD, and have learned how much time can be saved as you work with better materials. Next step would be to try materials that are actually good, and at a decent price. I'll keep looking to find that right hardwood shop!

[@TLMuse]

Congrats on making it to 100k subs, Mitt! Loved the soft maple, but all the hardwoods looked great.

[@Texanrascal]

Great video favorite was the soft maple and rift sawn white oak. Make looked the most unique

[@mariangelasanabria9049]

My dad's been trying to push me to go to the mill, I think this has finally convinced me. It was nice to Mitt you! 😅

[@michaellancina667]

The Oak is gorgeous - but I absolutely love the paint grade soft maple.

[@butchfoster5256]

Great job on the comparison of the raw materials, Mitt

[@warpigs9069]

@9:00 You can also use a jig saw with rip cutting blade to cut long thick pieces very accurately too. That could also be why your piece was binding, if you rip cut using a thin blade i.e finishing blade, rather than the thicker rip cutting blade. This means having to switch blades back and forth between rip and finish, which is much easier for me using my WORX 2 in 1 jigsaw/reciprocator (which uses a push lock) as opposed to changing the blade on my table saw.

[@mikefelty2625]

I'm in DFW as well, and have been sent to Plywood Company of Fort Worth a few times by my employer. The staff there is always super friendly. Good to know that they're a good source for nice hardwoods at good prices. 👍🏼

[@AlexPrivett]

We buy from Dakota Hardwoods for our cabinet business south of the OKC Metro, they are absolutely fantastic.