It's easier than you think

I made a pair of mirrors. Because people love mirrors. And because it made me happy. And that's enough of a reason, isn't it?
Thanks to Shaper for being a consistent and excellent sponsor of this channel. If you're interested in finding out more about the Shaper Origin, or purchasing one for yourself, you can find them here:
shapertools.com/encurtis
If you want to enter to win one of these mirrors, you can do so at:
www.shapertools.com/en-us/secret-santa
Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video please consider supporting my channel by subscribing and hitting that notification bell. It really helps small channels like mine.
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Items I use in this video (some are affiliate links which help sponsor this content):
Festool Domino: amzn.to/47YEty0
Rabbeting router bit: amzn.to/411mswM
Small pull saw: amzn.to/3T5INHE
Titebond I Wood Glue: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
My Finish Mix:
Minwax Polyurethane: amzn.to/3kPgpuO
Liberon Finishing Oil: amzn.to/3kXkIEf
Danish Oil (alternative): amzn.to/3Njlabs
Liberon Beeswax: amzn.to/3Jm2yFN
Turpentine: amzn.to/3SWFznB
Mineral Spirits (alternative): amzn.to/3oKU83h
TotalBoat's Tabletop Epoxy:
For 5% off any TotalBoat product, visit www.totalboat.com/encurtis
Items I keep on hand in the shop:
Glue:
Titebond I Wood Glue: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
Titebond III Wood Glue: amzn.to/3MVnG6j
Titebond Quick and Thick: amzn.to/42HGuMC
Liquid Hide Glue: amzn.to/3PhZEEW
Power Tools and Accessories:
Festool Domino: amzn.to/47YEty0
Table Saw Blade - Woodworkers II: amzn.to/42bIOLa
My favorite trim router: amzn.to/3LbCbTF
DeWalt Trim Router fence: amzn.to/43cYwr2
My Festool Router Setup: amzn.to/3ZPIQal
Extra Fence: amzn.to/3KHi9jI
1/2" dia Router bit: amzn.to/3UkRFYI
A Better Alternative (Spiral Up Cut): amzn.to/3mcPsSp
Sharpening:
Ohishi Waterstones: amzn.to/3TkoZhP
1,000/8,000 Combo (great budget option): amzn.to/3Lqj7Sh
Angle Setting Jig Plans: www.lie-nielsen.com/pages/dow...
Inexpensive Honing Guide: amzn.to/3Jo2Uub
Lie-Nieslen Honing Guide: www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/423... guide
Sandpaper for Flattening: amzn.to/3Jor73F
You can stay up to date with my work here:
/ encurtis​
/ encurtis
encurtis.com/

[@woodnotestudio]

That Steve Urkle reference was the best. The mirrors came out wonderful.

[@darleneredden3251]

Over the last several months I've been dropping notes in your comments about the massive project that I took on. I made an awning window for my living room to replace an ancient Andersen casement that had rotted. It was way beyond my comfort zone, but I did it! I finished it and installed it. And other than I can't get the moisture out from between the two sheets of glass, I am quite happy with it. Thank you for encouraging me to go make a thing and to not be intimidated by the process!

[@dbackhusker]

Love the cardboard plan. I photograph all my projects in the last 5-6 years, and during the last year, I started photographing my sketches just for my own satisfaction. High School drafting class taught me how, and it’s very satisfying to create on scratch paper, and yes, even cardboard.

[@deisead1]

Welcome back to Philly. Thank you for bringing the warmer weather back with you.

[@mikedonaldson8898]

"Helping the algo". Love your stuff. I've been back filling with your older videos I haven't seen yet.

[@agcons]

I can confirm that muscle memory, work flow, and the like need exercise or even re-training if it's been long enough. I stopped sewing decades ago for many reasons but I'm in a situation now where I can start up again. I dug out all the mending that had been stacking up for years, and while some things came back right away, others did not. For example, I used to thread the machine almost without paying attention, but now I had to dig out the owner's manual. Starting slowly and building again is definitely recommended. I'm not making anything out of wood - yet. I will retire in a little over a year and where I live there is a furniture-making course on offer every year. I'm looking forward to it.

[@philaandrew100]

Funny how you published a vid about getting back into the flow... Due to life landing a few well placed kicks in the Daddy Pills I have been unable to do any thing making for 4 months until just this week. My choice of a ease back into it was to make a walking stick for my Father Inlaws' 86th Birthday pressie. I have had a nice chunk of Cherry sitting in my stash staring accusingly at me for years that was perfect for the job. Project involved some rip sawing (yes, by hand because I hate myself😆) A nice Mortice and Tenon joint for the handle and then various spokeshaves, rasps, scrapers and sandpaper to do the shaping. Took me 4 days, man getting older sucks... But by the end of it I was happy 'cos I made a thing after so long. People should never underestimate the power of making a simple thing.

[@fuzzy.whumpkin]

❤ the imaginary watch check!!!

[@jaimecastells9750]

Six weeks! HA! I have been without a shop for 30 months! AAArraaahhh!!! Well, I'm almost there. The new shop has all the exterior work done. Got the siding and gutters up mid-week. Now I'm focused on the electrical wiring followed by the electrical rough and framing inspections, then I'll move on to insulation and drywall. I had an HVAC contractor out this week and told him I was looking for a mini-split installation around New Years. What all this means is that my plans for woodworking gifts have been put off to next year. Oh well!

[@einsteinbpc]

They look fantastic. So glad to see you using ash. I have several hundred bf of ash drying in my shop that I salvaged from some local tree cutters. Inspires me to see someone using something other than walnut.

[@karl_alan]

Ash is great! It's pretty quickly growing on me as one of my favorites...on the other hand, I'm also with you on the walnut thing...hardly ever work with it, and if I want a brown wood, sepeple is so much more fun.

[@buzzpatch2294]

the breath of your shop capabilities - cool!

[@terrytopliss9506]

Lovely job Eric and a neat and simple way to correct your senior moment. Thanks for the video.👍👍

[@larryjellison1331]

Always enjoy your videos. Your presentation and teaching style brings joy to me every time I watch. Thanks for all you do for the community. ❤

[@docwaring]

As always sir, wonderful, encouraging, wholesome, and open-hearted content. It's deeply appreciated.

[@paulmichal]

I'm diggin' the butternut for sure. Fun project.

[@tonibarber8119]

cheers Eric, love your philosophy around getting reacquainted with your shop & tools

[@clarkhussey5865]

Nice work! I’ve had my Shaper Origin for a couple of months now. It is becoming my go to tool for so many different projects.

[@Joe_R501]

WOO HOO! I didn't win one of your mirrors, but somehow I am one of the winners! Thank your for pointing me to it!

[@allanwilliams679]

Another great video. Love the presentation and style. Thank you for sharing your efforts. Looking forward to seeing your channel grow as it deserves more… 👍🏻

[@jerrybyrd7778]

As always I enjoyed watching your video. The Steve Urkle reference, priceless. I have 2 granddaughters that I believe would love a mirror similar to what you did, but made by Papa. Thanks for all you do.

[@leegillow3475]

Thank you for another project.

[@kevinmeachem2138]

Love the project, love the “just make something” concept, and (somewhat surprisingly) loved the butternut!

[@cliffwalden4038]

The mirrors are nice, But I want that coffee cup!!! That thing is great!

[@anaphylaxis2548]

Those came out great!

[@travisg1759]

Great looking mirrors. Love my Shaper!

[@ga5743]

Well finally we are able to see your cool shop again, welcome home. Mirrors came out sweet, and I personally like to see makers use any tool they want. Go Shaper Origin.

[@TWC6724]

I was given a lower third of a butternut tree o er the summer I milled into about 5 or 6 slabs of 2” thick. I actually am really excited to work with it. I also had a smaller piece that was already dried before doing the slabs and thought it great to work with disregarding the softness. Really cool stuff. The white walnut 👍

[@blackapronwoodworking]

Welcome back to the shop! Great project and content as usual, thanks for being real and showing htat you are human and make mistakes like the rest of us... cheers! The Shaper Origin is an amazing tool.

[@bobmartin6055]

Another great video!!! A great way to start my Saturday! Cheers

[@rrooggeerrmmoo]

Great video! Congrats from Brazil!!

[@QuercusMcFercus]

Love the shaper. Thanks for showing that ❤

[@MrsEarth-pf4cr]

Hey boo, i see you're back. Welcome back home! Missed ya. Family Matters is classic

[@coyhall7087]

Great video and nice build. So glad I stumbled onto your channel!

[@karl_alan]

I've only worked with butternut once. I can definitely understand why people might find it to be too soft for some applications, but it's plenty durable for some too. For me, it is the shelf material in a bookcase with the sides and top made of ash. Worked really nice & with that application, there won't really be a lot of wear or damage.

[@paulmaryon9088]

Another great video, thanks, keep 'em coming and stay lucky out there

[@mastertech6149]

I love the mirrors. Great video. Thx.

[@Jimmy-wk3of]

Love your videos, keep ‘‘em coming!

[@edwardnorek8506]

Nice project for a small space or a quick check before going out the door. Glad I'm not the only one who has those "What the hell was I thinking?!?" Moments in the shop with the tennon lol

[@robpnol]

I’d pick the butternut version hands down. Plus I like the inscription better. Nice quick video for getting back into the shop!

[@ScottyDrake]

Of course this is a worthwhile project! Everybody likes to look at themselves in a "meer"!

[@garymassey2285]

Man I enjoy your content-keep inspiring buddy!

[@jscook54]

I love working with butternut! It is lovely and so easy to work with.

[@JeffFontecchio]

Great work!

[@tomsardo6984]

Welcome back to the shop. Helping the algorithm!

[@davidmeyer9204]

Great Build and Great Video. IMHO I liked the length of the stiles before you trimmed them off. Kind of Beauty and the Beast style. As far as the Shaper Origin, If you have it use it. Welcome back to the shop! Thanks for sharing.

[@breslaj4]

Awesome video. Love all your work. Shout out to the Philly reference, South Jersey here.

[@quirkygreece]

Your happiness is infectious - cheers!

[@BillMSmith]

While I could feed the algorithm solely for it's own sake, I would like to compliment you on the simple form with just that little something for interest. Nicely done. And yes, butternut is a joy with hand tools. As someone who has, infrequently, been cutting glass for over 50 years I never get over that bit of trepidation when it's time to make that snap. And the pleasure when it works.

[@ndamico1]

I’ve had my shaper for at least a month now and haven’t used it yet. Getting shaper anxiety. Speaking of anxiety…watching you cut that mirror…yikes. But what awesome mirrors! Welcome back to the east coast!

[@SteveBla-xc9bc]

Eric thank you for your work, you're inspirational. Time to go clean up and put wheels on my craigslist bandsaw.

[@carboranadum]

Nice project!

[@KOutOfMyYard]

“Did I do that!?” Some of us know. Really like the mirror and that damn mug man!!!! Appreciate showing the process and just straight up great video as per usual

[@jimrosson6702]

DID I DO THAT Some of us are old enough to remember Steve Urkel lol 😂 Another great video good to see you back in your shop. Great simple project thanks for sharing.

[@Martins_Woodshop]

Ok, I'm reassured. I spent quite a while thinking about why the hack it should work to route out the domino holes first and then cut the angles. 😁 Great video once again 👍

[@johnhiemstra1464]

Love the waxing philosophical and the ASMR combo. Thanks for enhancing my morning coffee!

[@shaunwiegert]

Great video. I’m gojng to have to try this one.

[@SeanRefsnider]

You forgot Urkel’s other famous line: Did I do that?? #longliveGenX

[@danielrisberg2112]

Great work and video! Damn I want that Shaper Origin

[@steve6271]

that is a nice project idea for christmas and other times when presents are needed. All through the video i was hoping you were going to trim the ends of the vertical pieces but after it was done i kinda liked it with out the trimming better. more "fun" looking. either way a great idea. cheers from north of the 49th paralell

[@williamshaffer2562]

Glad you are back from LaLa land. Butternut is an absolute joy to work with. Like the Shaper work, but alas, technology is not my strong suit. But you keep bringing it my man. Enjoy your work. Most of my tools and equipment are considered vintage, wow, just thought they were old. LOL. Keep them coming Erik, Semper Fi.

[@therhyno7732]

Hey man just wanted to say I appreciate your content your a pretty amazing wood worker and really enjoy your videos keep it up!

[@drmyk63]

Nice mirrors. Since I neither have a Domino nor a Shaper, I would employ half lap joints, with a visible dowel made from a contrasting wood. To achieve a wrap around grain look you could use angled half laps. In this case the dowel wouldn't work. Love your work and your delivery, even your plywood frolic on the West coast. Keep it up.

[@Geppetto04]

The more I see the capabilities of the Shaper in use the more I understand the attraction of having one. Dam you. 😂

[@steveg3435]

Great quick project. When you made the angle error, I thought you were going to go a whole different direction. Personally, I would have shaved a little off one side of the tenon and called it a day. That's the great thing about woodworking. There's always another way.

[@edwardtalerico9041]

Man, my daughter lives by Philly. If you taught hand plane classes, I would so drive down from Central NY and take them with you! I've always wanted to use them, but I'm clueless.

[@Shapertools]

Sweet stuff! Love to see it, Erik 🔥

[@leelucas1911]

Great stuff as always ❤

[@emptyheads7989]

Would love to hear you speak more on the subject of bringing beauty into the world

[@logans212]

Great video. Bring out the expensive tools!

[@chrisbuchanan9117]

Love the content!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you .

[@user-uw7qw1tg8f]

So good

[@craigbowman1656]

Thanks, nice vid. One thing, I kind of liked it when the vertical rails were proud of the horizontal ones. Not a big deal, but it looked a bit more comical and fun.

[@Actingguy153]

Why not use a bridle joint? They can be annoying to cut but I really like the contrast in end grain to long grain that shows up on the corners.

[@Adiera]

Cheers!

[@scottandsher]

Another great video. What about a video on your favorite wood species and how to identify them? Also, which species do you avoid? I know...so many questions. 🤔

[@redhm1989]

the "Elder Millennial" and Steve Urkle reference earned you a like and a sub good sir 🤣

[@pazmaniaoh6341]

Algo, love it.

[@rh9915]

Good Stuff

[@zionosphere]

It is good to see you back in the shop with your mug again. I'm not surprised that your initial design angle was a 1:6 dovetail. The muscle memory is strong. Good work again. I am often curious if what you are listening to when you make stuff. Are you more the blog/audiobook person or a music person?

[@SBKuromori]

Expensive equipment! For the sake of algo ;) Thank you for your videos ❤

[@rmwoodcraftllc]

You really hurt my head when you said you where going to cut the domino in while it was still a 90. So glad you didn't skip over the brain fart or I would have been in the shop wondering why it wasn't working for me. 😂

[@jameslockwood5113]

I often take time out to do a smaller, trivial, simpler project while I’m in the middle of a larger, more technically challenging project just to free up the mind… my little mind gets frazzled sometimes when I’m over thinking. Tks!

[@MAKEITSF]

These might look great hung side by side, but one of them flipped to create complimentary angles.

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Re: Shaper Origin From Gen X to Mil, I think that one thing we share in common is a distaste for reliving 8th grade Algebra...go AI, more time to stare at the wood grain directions and chew on pencils. Looks awesome BTW. My Pap made a toy chest out of Butternut for me >50 years ago. It still looks awesome and use it for seasonal clothes 😁Thanks Pap! God rest your soul.

[@leebo95]

love you videos

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

A project for self reflection is never silly.

[@ChrisHornberger]

Beautiful, but I will say, I thought the overages on the verticals before you cut them off on the bandsaw were a light-hearted, almost whimsical addition to the design. We’re I making them, I’d have left them (depending on the recipient). Love ‘em, though. ❤

[@fred5480]

The butternut is beautiful, but I think "soft" is a relative term. I made a mallet out of the last piece of butternut from a tree I cut down with my Grandfather 40 years ago. It is a reliable tool and it looks great.

[@JP-mq7pg]

No pun intended but the mirrors are visually interesting. Nice work 👍👍

[@BethyS13]

Comment for the algo, 'cause ya know, KZbin life 🧡 love ya bud, always enjoy seeing the mistakes and how to fix them

[@hans-juergenwirth2913]

I thought the "sticking-out" bits of the frame, before you cut them flush, gave them an interesting twist. I think I would have left it there. However, I do enjoy your videos!

[@donalddparker]

Fun! Love my SO! What bit did you use for the engraving and how'd you eliminate the fuzzies around the letters?

[@jasonspencer7267]

I really need to get a reference to the music you play. That slide piece was great. Do you post that anywhere?

[@user-ej2ue7zt8t]

With you being in PA, that form could be easily modified to reflect the Keystone and marketed locally...or to those Disston hand saw fans. Plus Shaper wouldn't mind the demo of cutting the complex profile across the top.

[@SpudMurphy05]

Can you just make shaper open up the Australian market? That would be awesome. Merry Christmas.

[@corychristensen615]

I love your channel, thanks for the inspiration. Question - I have never seen a the glass attached to the frame with an adhesive like that. I was expecting some brad nails or other framing device. What did you use and why?

[@Matt083109]

Boo this man!! You know, for the algorithm.

[@pctatc66]

Shaper Trace on da wall!

[@christophernicastro]

cheers