How To Finish Live Edge Slabs 2.0

A few years ago I did a video on how I finish live edge slabs, and since we've learned more and changed a few things, I wanted to make an update!
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Products used in the Videos
- Total Boat High Performance - geni.us/JM_TotalBoatHIghPer
- Rubio monocoat - bit.ly/JM_Rubio2021
- Rubio Cleaner - bit.ly/JM_Rubio2021
- Brush Sander - geni.us/JM_BrushSander
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- Festool Rotex - geni.us/JM_Rotex150
- Mirka Deros 5.0 - geni.us/JM_MirkaDeros5
- CA Glue - geni.us/JM_CAGlue
- Graco Pro HVLP 9.5 - geni.us/JM_GracoPro
- Lacquer - geni.us/JM_GFLacquer
- Tack Cloth - geni.us/JM_TackCloth
If you like this video check out these
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#LiveEdgeSlab #EpoxyTable #RubioMonocoat

[@Aisaaax]

I love that you're finally getting back into making projects. The shop renovation videos were fun, but I love to see the beautiful furniture that you produce.

[@mkdrivingzone]

John channeling his Cam @ Blacktail Studio vibe when cleaning up a live edge slab!!

[@milkod2001]

He is decent but miles away from Blacktail studio level. It.s completely different ballpark. John and his bodgers team can do it all but not excelling in anything honestly. They just create youtube content and get paid by sponsors. That.s it.

[@cswatson4823]

@@milkod2001 wow ouch.

[@brianstevens9924]

@@milkod2001 that you watch

[@ga5743]

Beautiful tables but I can’t get enough of your tool wall, so awesome.

[@brianstevens9924]

Thank you for this one! I am starting a live edge desk…tips here are very timely!

[@TotalBoat]

These tables are gorgeous!! They have so much beauty and character!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Great tips John.....thanks so much for sharing. You do beautiful work!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, John! 😃 Thanks a bunch for all the tips!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@americanrusticworks981]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing so us novice and amateurs guys can learn some things!

[@norcross26]

I love the look. I had a big piece of walnut, not big "fat" like yours, mine was big "long and boomerang like" I turn into a bench.

[@Btknows75]

As a shop owner in Salem Ohio, and the main guy that finishes, you have to try Inovatt clear from Acessa. This is a very durable finish with no yellowing. Sands great to.

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you Brent I’ll check it out.

[@jeffjackson2871]

Beautiful results. What are your thoughts on using compressed air to force the epoxy into the voids? Is it needed, is it overkill, etc....

[@joelw6215]

What kind of finish would you recommend for a walnut slab that will be under a covered porch. I suggested to my client Waterlox marine sealer but I really want to hear your opinion. Great videos btw. I watch just about everyone of them while I eat my Sunday breakfast 🍳

[@adamlhocker]

Love the videos. I’m doing a live edge conference table and used Rubio mono coat pure but I’m not happy with the feel of the table. Too rough. What to do?

[@cncsandingtools]

Great Info on finishing the slab. Its looks Great

[@timskufca8039]

thanks for the tips. What finish product do you use when it needs to be food-grade finish?

[@teaguewhite26]

I try to keep the bark off my cotched wood as well! Great video! Also, Jordan needs to tram miss piggy, those shadow lines probably sand out easy though.

[@charleshetrick3152]

If you like Sherwin Williams’ products you should try their automotive clear coat, it’s amazing. I also seal mine with a product like Benite prior to finishing. Also if you would probably like Osmo products.

[@jamescasey2869]

I love the more natural, lower luster look but wonder how well it holds up in comparison when food and drink are spilled on it. Any thoughts?

[@SirGunsnstuff]

great video! thanks guys!!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

very nice job. What do you like doing better wipe on finsh or spray on? Very useful and every information video thank you so much John and boys. Always great to hear tips and tricks from you guys. Can't wait to see more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friends. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. Stay Squirrely. God bless.

[@rockyhancock7732]

Hey John what kind of wax are you putting over that lacquer?

[@markchisholm2657]

'She's mint.' Nice to hear a Northern English phrase made it over the Pond.

[@DRBrettage]

So I was gonna ask if you watched black tail studio but you clearly do, then I was wondering what happened to the cnc and epoxy footage but I guess that's coming out! great job boys, always love your work

[@tlbohlen]

Can Tyvek house wrap be used for the under side of slab or should I stick with Tyvek tape only?

[@dougnorthcote3420]

at about 5:34, when your using the Festool on "Dominate" on the slab... and your phone saying "Nope! I'm out!" And vibrating off the table. Holy crap that thing must put out some serious work/removal etc. Like you said.

[@saltyfox632]

Beautiful! Do you just use the Rubio in 'pure' color on the walnut?

[@prestonmace5278]

Looks awesome, what sand paper do you use?

[@charlesthomas9294]

At what size do you start thinking about c-channel? I'm guessing for the smaller piece you wouldn't but for the larger table you would?

[@tankerboysabot]

Regarding the hose over the table, another tip is to hang the hose over your shoulder so it doesnt hit the table at all.

[@John_Malecki]

You can try, it just still could hit haha i have done it so many times i kick myself every tiem

[@bradanderson6275]

I've sprayed for 30 years, and have never had that happen. I spray with one hand, and hold the hose with the other.

[@tankerboysabot]

@@bradanderson6275 that's another option too.

[@bradanderson6275]

@@tankerboysabot Also, I don't use a cup. I have a Sames Kremlin, and finish with Ilsa waterborne.

[@tankerboysabot]

@@bradanderson6275 that's all Greek to me. I don't have a sprayer anything more than what comes in an aerosol can. Lol.

[@THEN0BL3]

How often do you have to upkeep these? I love the look but good often dry you have to redo it?

[@calebloewenberg5319]

At one point in the video you're talking about replacing sand paper, if you use a rubber sand paper cleaning block on the rotex it will remove to debris that blocks the grit from working. You can usually get one or 2 cleans before the paper has lost enough grit that it's not worth keeping

[@John_Malecki]

Not with the epoxy, it bonds to the paper unfortunately. For regular sawdust yes

[@ethanlane4734]

I'm curious, I've never heard of putting a coat of wax over a top coat of lacquer. What does that do? Increase the sheen, add durability? I'm genuinely curious about this.

[@lauria5399]

What finishes would use for food safe slabs?

[@gelsnr]

Both looked great, but which is your favourite?

[@Animalsarecute504]

What kind of wax do you use for the finish on a slab?

[@Woodworkingnurse]

Nurse Eric back, Like to see you listened to me and you’re putting out more content more often😉😂 slabs look great. Keep up the content keeping me entertained!! 🇺🇸👍🏼

[@senz5220]

The V1 video works best for me, only because the tools that you used in V2 is little hard for me to get.

[@nycat7906]

I have a build for you that sounds easy until you try it. make a 2-leg bench. Take a 10" - 14" diameter log about 5' long (use Oak, Cherry or Maple) saw it in half then take 2 - 16" - 18" long pieces from the same tree about 3" smaller diameter that the main bench for the legs. Attach them to the main bench without any mechanical fasteners (no nails screws etc.) and make it look like those are coming from the bench - recess the legs into the bench. So the top is flat for sitting and the bottom is still rounded like the log is naturally. Oh and de-bark all 3 pieces and finish it so it can stay outside.

[@Jerwoods84]

If the product is a precat lacquer/paint and you get it catalyzed at the supplier why do need a catalyst? Honest question. I’m using sherwin Williams kem aqua plus for cabinets and like how it sprays, and was looking at their poly or clear for future projects.

[@John_Malecki]

Yea just make sure to ask them to catalyze it, some people at the counter don't know that haha we've run into that

[@austinsturza4106]

Does the finish you used dry very hard? Im doing a spalted maple live edge bar top, and am debating between this finish and polycrylic.

[@John_Malecki]

It depends on what you're looking to use it for. There are two general purpose finishes I like. I would maybe consider an epoxy top coat for that application

[@Marcipoppema]

You would do an epoxy over the Rubio ? And in these videos are you using Rubio pure or natural? I’m also doing a maple live edge bar top and hunting for no maintenance way to seal it

[@BushmasterM4A3]

Why 150 grit on the Rubio? Because it's a thicker consistency finish?

[@brandonrumzis5376]

Total voice match with Dana White bro!

[@davidalan6701]

I don’t know if you have downtime on me. Piggy, but could you use a drill sanding interface on the spindle to let the CNC do the sanding for you?

[@John_Malecki]

You could, or a wide belt sander. But you'll still want to finish by hand

[@davidalan6701]

@@John_Malecki good to know.

[@jameskeller238]

Do you add a wax finish on the Rubio monocoat?

[@timjones6684]

Rubio is a hard wax finish

[@ThoenWorks]

10:37 You can buy it from MC Hammer ?

[@matouellet4326]

Do you find it hard to reduce swirl marks with only being able to sand to 150 grit with Rubio?

[@John_Malecki]

It does take a considerable longer time, but with mesh sand paper and a good sander we find its not that much harder

[@OGRC313]

What did you think of the 3M Xtract 710W that you are using?

[@John_Malecki]

LOVE it on flat surfaces, my new favorite paper

[@OGRC313]

Not surprised. The best mesh product on the market.

[@kumuboy8]

Hey John, can I still apply Rubio monocoat oil on a slab that I sanded with 220 grit? You mentioned that the table was at 150 grit. This is for my mango dining table

[@John_Malecki]

It wont bond as well

[@kumuboy8]

@@John_Malecki shucks. I don’t have a sprayer. Any suggestions for a great finish for the table since I used 220 grit?

[@RockyRiverWoodworks]

Love the American Flags hanging everywhere! Do you like airless sprayers or ever use them? Do you stick with HVLP because that's what you have on hand, or do you prefer HVLP for another reason?

[@John_Malecki]

I like HVLP for finishes, I have an airless sprayer for paint that i really like for house paint and construction applications. HVLP is much easier to clean and faster set up. Airless is a pain in the ass in that regard

[@RockyRiverWoodworks]

@@John_Malecki no matter what type, cleaning is terrible. I would rather eat a jean jacket than cleanup after using a sprayer!

[@smicksmookety]

I like the way bark looks :(

[@MrJjs246]

when is the nick offerman episode? yinz need to do it!

[@carloswoodworkfandango8071]

Use a rubber stick to clean sanding pads

[@John_Malecki]

those are great except for epoxy haha

[@carloswoodworkfandango8071]

@@John_Malecki fair enough. I know they work for polyester resin, but I have never used epoxy yet.

[@justinrein7176]

Demolition ranch is looking for a conference table🧐

[@nicklanger1922]

Why use an electric sander when you have air? What is the benefit? I do body work so naturally I do a lot of sanding. Woodwork is a hobby and I started with electric sanders, But I quickly revert it back. Air is lighter and it has a lot less Gyroscope force. And before anybody says dust collection newer DA's (dual action orbital sanders) have dust Collection and it works well also they're cheaper.

[@austinwillets9151]

15

[@cpl_0503]

Very nice! Almost makes me think I could finish a slab table.... haha - Just kidding! Not a chance but fun to think I wouldn't F."# it up.

[@garynelles]

Hey John. I stopped watching your videos a few months ago because there was just too much clowning around and drama for me. You have to have fun but not at the expense of hurting your credibility. I’m glad to see you put out some valuable content here. Keep up the good work buddy!

[@derekdresser9214]

Yikes! I wanted to learn how to keep the bark on and seal it

[@thewoodshop69]

3ed

[@Marcus_Wilson]

Looks like your CNC needs tramming?

[@John_Malecki]

Shes pretty tuned up, the lines you see sand out with first pass by hand. When our bits get dull they tend to stand out more.

[@Marcus_Wilson]

@@John_Malecki I only mentioned it because the lines looked very prominent on camera. Enjoying the channel though… keep up the good work. 🤘🏼

[@InchFab]

The tyvek tape is not necessary. Shitty duct tape works just fine.

[@exotictones1054]

Accelerator always turns white on me n looks like shit.can't ever get it to look good.i go to my woodcraft store twice a year ,50 miles away but order stuff all year from the catalog.

[@kjac23]

1 vid a week isnt enough js

[@michaelross8794]

Where's Sam and Jordan?

[@darinmbicknell]

Im first!

[@jdenslinger]

so, 2nd?

[@notreadyplayer2365]

Call in the uav Let’s find who asked

[@user-kt4zc5rb3m]

Nice but not my thing. Way too overproduced. I prefer the small flaws and really heavy gloss finish much more. This finish is not only very thin, it's easily damaged to the wood underneath. Beautiful craftsmanship though. Nothing wrong with the quality of the work. It's quite obvious you're good at your craft.

[@kellyb7321]

Love the video but please stop doing the scream face in the thumbnails.

[@timenglert8998]

Nice work but I can't believe you don't wear gloves with all those chemical finishes. Health hazards are not just a rumor.

[@fenland1347]

You literally just copied black tail studio every step of the way?!!

[@John_Malecki]

I published 1.0 before Cam even had a channel….. so who’s copying who?

[@fenland1347]

@@John_Malecki yeah fair point you got me there

[@John_Malecki]

Yep.... haha nice shot tho

[@dieselrugg]

Came just to comment on the thumbnail….same same…lame lame

[@John_Malecki]

Thanks dude i'll be sure to keep doing it!

[@dieselrugg]

@@John_Malecki I kid...I love the content and the 'O' face!