EPIC FIRE & EPOXY Table Build with a $4,000 Slab

I Build an EPIC FIRE & EPOXY Table with a $4,000 Slab 🔥. This one was a challenge. I had to channel my “you got this” mentality with the help of #WahlGrooming. We hit a ton of roadblocks and speed bumps, but we think it turned out great.
In partnership with Wahl Grooming Hair Clippers and @WahlHomeProducts. #YouGotThis #HairClippers #HomeHaircutting
Check out some more Epic EPOXY Projects!
- HUGE 60L Epoxy Live Edge River Table! : www.youtube.co....
-CRAZY Epoxy Waterfall River Table Build 🌊 : www.youtube.co....
- CRAZY Epoxy LAVA TABLE Build! 🌋 : www.youtube.co....
-EPIC Live Edge & Epoxy Reception Desk Build : www.youtube.co....
Here are some other EPOXY videos you may enjoy!
- 5 EPOXY Tips I Wish I Knew As A Beginner! : www.youtube.co....
- 10 EPOXY Mistakes Beginners Make : www.youtube.co....
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[@westleyjohnson1375]

One of the best parts about you is you don’t shy away from showing your mistakes and how humble you are about it.

[@tknoerle1451]

Amen... you nailed it!

[@BertelsW]

Feels like he'd have no content if he didn't show all his mistakes...

[@WayWorthRacing]

Too many times I have spent hours making something just to find some major flaw has developed, Kills you inside because the desire for perfection is so great. That being said a good woodworker always fines a way to persevere

[@TarantuLandoCalcuLingus]

I call them "design opportunities" lol

[@danielhanawalt4998]

I did paint and body work for 12 years and I know about how things can go wrong. From experience I can say pitching some kind of fit doesn't fix it. You handled the slight yellowing of the epoxy very well. Nothing can be done to eliminate things going wrong sometimes. Table turned out really nice. The end of the video looking at it made me think what I often do that it would be nice hanging on the wall. Maybe as a clock, or just wall art deco.

[@nickscott1310]

Every time I watch John it brings me back to the woodshop days. By far my favorite class I ever took and it was all the way back in middle school. Thanks for the nostalgia

[@Shbenj]

I know it's not what you envisioned, but I like the change from the natural wood colour, to the burned parts. Even the yellowing really highlights the live edge in a really cool way! I would be absolutely stoked with that table.

[@atlgrw0309]

I think the transition between the burned and raw wood looks natural and gives it more character than a black top. I actually like the flecks of yellow near the burnt edge too. Your channel is awesome. Love squirreliness and ass-clownery.

[@keithwoodcrest]

For whatever reason I resisted watching this channel every time the algorithm told me I'd like it. But I finally caved, did what the algorithm told me to do and goddamn if they weren't absolutely 100% correct. John and crew have quickly become my favorite to watch and learn from. Really admire how all the mistakes are shown in real time and that John is very honest about how he feels when mistakes happen. Seeing him keep control of himself under that type of stress has legit helped me better deal with my own frustrations when I'm building. Love the channel, love the work. Fantastic all around

[@zachpayne1761]

$106,000 FOR A SLAB!!!! That’s crazy! I’m watching all the ads on this video now. Never mind, it was $4,000! Still a lot.

[@tophatvideosinc.5858]

it wasnt 106,000. that whole scene was a bit. dont get me wrong though, its still worth more than my car. also the title says 4k

[@LionNotASheep]

Holy crap!!! I just started watching John a couple weeks ago and had no clue he was a Steelers player! Talk about the coolest career change EVER! Doing woodworking is my absolute DREAM! Thing is I'm a recovering alcoholic and addict but just recently hit 2 years sober. My biggest hurdle is that A. I've absolutely destroyed my credit. B. Spent all the money I've ever made (Framing, Tile setter, etc) on pointless stuff and I am now 42 and I just don't feel like I can ever come back from that and successfully pursue my dream of doing exactly what John, Blacktail and so many others do. It's quite depressing to be honest. Yes, right now I am doing decent and between me and my wife can make a decent life for our kids. But nothing that would be able to pay for college etc.

[@LionNotASheep]

Sorry for writing a book but I don't open up to hardly anyone, let alone complete strangers but I am willing to get myself out there by any means possible.... Ugh

[@LionNotASheep]

I know you probably don't read comments this far back John and that you have your own business and family to worry about but any pushes in the right direction but do you know of anyone or any company helping to sponsor someone with a dream that wants to come back from the horrible depths of addiction and help make me with even guidance in doing so. I know this is a long shot but I will never know unless I take the step to ask for help.

[@sethingram4295]

Just an idea for yellowing resin, that can help make it intentional and blend the project, 1. use the CNC to cut into the epoxy in different places along the yellowing 2. litter brass casing in the cuts at different depths 3. Do a second epoxy pore in your cavities The brass shells will help the yellow blend in while saving you money cuz we all know re-pores eat money! Just an idea table looks great.

[@BigHeinen]

John, It's never a failure......It's a 'feature' that offers a different visual benefit. Maximum spin my friend!

[@dogtiredguitars]

Exactly. If you can't fix it, feature it ;-)

[@chelsnmaxify]

My favorite part $25,000 cnc, duck taped and plywood dust boot. I have three words hell yeah brother!

[@austinnwahljohnson2957]

The funniest part about this video is whenever you guys are building anything I can smell and feel the texture of the tools and the shop which always brings back good memories when I woodwork with my late Grandpa.

[@GregsGarage]

You gotta keep on jumping over those hurdles even if the last 5 of them put you on the ground!!! Keep killing it brother.

[@brittanycano6314]

I just love the heart it takes to just give away a $4k slab to one of your followers! Wishing that everyone was built with that kind of heart!♥️

[@coalminerbob777]

The first time I did a river table I screwed it up and threw it in the burn pile. I've continued to make mistakes but have been able to reassess and fix them and stop losing my freaking mind when these mistakes happen. I credit a lot of that to you, watching you work through problems and giving awesome tips. Thanks for saving me time, money, and frustration!

[@ValiantGarton]

A perfect example of serendipity in my book. I was disappointed when you torched that whole slab. I thought it would be a bit plain just black and clear. Then when you said about the yellowing I was intrigued, and as soon as I saw that edge I thought, "That looks beautiful, like the reflection of fire.". It absolutely highlights that edge perfectly. Then when you cupped it and re-exposed the raw timber with Miss Piggy, I thought, "There you go, display that beautiful timber." Funnily enough Cam did the same thing with his charred table when he planned it because of a slight warp and ended up saying he loved the look. I agree with him. Like a nod to the original timber. So, all in all, I think it actually came out more beautiful than you had actually planned. And you gained a subscriber.

[@fusc88]

The non burnt blending into the burnt looks so awesome. Way to stick with. Bob Ross would be proud of that "happy little accident"

[@joemascarello4244]

Amazing as always. Great recovery the ombre looks perfect ,since u spent so much money on slab, I think showing some natural grain really makes the piece

[@cxrlplays1038]

I love it when its warped and shows the natural wood causing a orange color. Im going to try to make it and warp a side or the corners on purpose :)

[@daviddamora232]

I think that cupping was a blessing in disguise cuz the natural to burnt to epoxy looks awesome

[@fabulousfurniturecompany2614]

I actually think the yellow shade along the live edge looks really nice. It looks intentional and gives it another dimension. Great work guys!

[@beau7272]

I appreciate the pep talk at the end. 2021 hasnt gotten much better. But after recently losing my mind and my job after 8 years.I invested in the tools I need to start working with epoxy. the job I had was making polyurethane parts, so I have a good idea about seal tight molds and exothermic materials. I enjoy the channel and am taking as many notes as I can.

[@TOTHEPOINT82]

That slab with the yellow looks great. It looks like the smoke traveled through the resin

[@SatanClaus69]

I like his channel. It's unapologetically American in the best ways possible. Decent humour too. Cheers!

[@RumbelinGrumbelin]

"Super excited to give it away" had the subtext of "so I don't have to keep looking at it" lol

[@mattsayers7536]

Love you John thanks for the great content brotha

[@brucemartin5510]

John. Nothin personal but you're crazy paying that for that slab.

[@kostasgnt]

You really think he paid full price or even at all for that slab?

[@kostasgnt]

I mean he might but i dont think so since its a sponsored video

[@rockbandgamer]

@@kostasgnt Even putting $4000 slab in the title is just dumb. I wouldn't pay $200 for that slab. Thing would be 3/4" thick after flattening both sides.

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Thank you John, I needed this today. My project really kicked my ass today. Tomorrow I'll punch back.

[@brucemartin5510]

@@kostasgnt He said, "If he didn't have so much in it he'd scrap it."

[@nikokreider8159]

I'm down in West Virginia, but shop at that woodcraft fairly often. Last time I was there I saw that slab marked as sold after being there for a while and wondered who had finally bought it. Cool to get to see the end result of a slab I saw and left on the rack!

[@tknoerle1451]

I love the end result ...it looks perfect, despite the "mistakes"... it's an awesome look when you were finished work'n it!

[@djay1120]

I honestly think the yellow looked pretty cool

[@jerowns]

Builders don’t make mistakes. We make features!! Great work John! Love it

[@thecarpenterpresents4121]

i know i am probably late in saying this but the yellowing of the resin is quite beautiful and you should not worry it adds depth to this amazing work you have built .

[@dogtiredguitars]

I so feel you, man. I had a guitar build for a client where I did a minimum of a dozen refins on the body (nitro lacquer). Then I ended up running that body through the band saw to purge it from my shop, and I started over completely.

[@oldcrafty3046]

All the issues you are having with this piece are the wood gods getting even with you for burning such a lovely hunk of wood.

[@crmcbrideww]

I'm really impressed by the variety of sponsors you get! Cool projects and a fun personality, clearly appeals to a lot of people. Congratulations! I hope you make a shit ton of money! Awesome table too!

[@cjzx325]

The top came out awesome! It looks like a desert scene. The hiccups just give it character.

[@DarrellWeavercom]

As I watched you burn that beautiful slab I burst into tears. My oldest son who also does woodworking roughly turned me toward him, then man-slapped me until I stopped crying. He then proceeded to tell me that both he & you know more about woodworking so I needed to get over it. But still! Why?! The humanity of it all! Why didn't you finish that beautiful slab of wood so we could see the amazing grain pattern rather than a burnt piece of wood? You could've driven down to Home Depot & bought a couple of Douglas Fir boards & used them.

[@ClintTredway]

Love it. As for the cutting out of the top, there a couple different ways to hold it down so you can cut it out completely and not have to use the bandsaw.

[@ScottyKMusic]

As you've been mentoring me and many others via videos, I find myself jumping hoops on the road to a quality finished project from time to time also. Im asking myself "what would John do?" And somehow the inner wood worker comes out to get squirrelly. Thank you and keep doing what you're doing. If you get some time, maybe you can do a video using some intro to welding tips on a future project!

[@John_Malecki]

I have one ! Check back a year or so

[@ScottyKMusic]

@@John_Malecki I will check it out! Thanks guy

[@ChristopherWelty]

Love your content. I live a mile from the Wahl headquarters so was super excited to see them support you.

[@utego]

Great job as always. I was trying to figure out what made that slab so expensive until I saw it's 200 years old... that's insane and so cool.

[@MBBorcher]

Stunning build. Made the most of a unpredictable occurrence. Stunning table.

[@thethepete731]

I think that was the most motivational sponsor plug I've ever heard.

[@nicholaskellam7767]

Your face and tone when you were talking about the yellow resin..... I felt that so much... Right before you said its taking all of you, I was like... I would have rage smashed it on the ground then thought of a fix and been even more pissed at myself

[@ADesignInmind]

The perfect 2020 table! Keeps kicking again and again!!!

[@shawnupdegraff8138]

Can’t wait for the Friday live!!! I live an hour from Pittsburgh so I can just come down and pick up the table after I win it!!! See you Friday!

[@Yoda_81843]

It was the lacquer that turned the epoxy yellow btw.

[@davidlittledeer3384]

Final product looks good as always. As my own biggest critic, nothing is perfect. But my imperfections drive me to accomplish something others like.

[@liammorgan9253]

Life lesson with John An unexpected but brilliant section in the video

[@xaftadarkx255]

looks like a awesome mountain range

[@mbresinart]

Amazing 🙂

[@tankerboysabot]

I think that turned out bad ass.

[@serraphim22]

dude that looks amazing! your craftsmanship amazed me every time i watch your videos. cant wait to see what you got in store for us next!

[@johndeaux9987]

This is the second epoxy pour video of yours I've watched today with issue after issue....I very much appreciate you not editing that stuff out; I am a beginner of all beginners but based off of all the dumb mistakes I make, I often feel I have some mental disability that hasn't been diagnosed. I really do enjoy seeing someone with your experience having problems, lol......I mean that in the best way possible.

[@terry504able]

3:48. “Finish it on the BANDSAW with a flush trim bit.” Confused

[@mikedeafenbaugh5984]

It's the new One Time Tool from Festool. Kindof along the lines of a Shopsmith, but way cooler. Does bandsaw stuff and router stuff. (nope)

[@jakoj2098]

Replace "with" for "then"

[@dennybronwynbennett]

Damn! I thought I was hearing things... :D

[@tracylloyd1124]

The natural wood showing looks amazing! It was a sweet mistake. Way to go!

[@mikaeljacobsson1437]

The other piece of the slab looked really cool.

[@charliehilbrant]

Wow. Found your page today and I guarantee no work will get done until I binge each vid

[@jonathanlantrip984]

Ok so hear me out how about you do a walmart challenge where you go and get stuff from Walmart and try your best to build the best table and make it look good.

[@horukaze5016]

tbh i think the yellow looks realy nice. good work like always

[@tonyhanifin7728]

I really LIKE that base , very creative!

[@FizerMagic]

Absolutely fantastic video.

[@ryansantiago8570]

Sick!

[@TheJPhotos]

Nice one

[@bonsaigusto1547]

You are literally the Jack Black of woodworking, i love it.

[@John_Malecki]

We listen to way too much tenacious D

[@dennisstahlman135]

😱😃😋 That looks Amazing! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ThinMint_OG]

Awesome to have a great KZbinr locally

[@MrRdy2xplod]

That table is worth more than my suv. (& looks better to boot). Great job as always. Looking forward to the Black Friday show.

[@johnkirwan762]

I dont understand why people are using so much epoxy in designs. Seems built for YT wow factor rather than something you'd want in your living room. Especially when you've got such a huge slab to start with- personal preference. Nice positive messages John, you have to keep ploughing on

[@aprilstewart2353]

Loving the cranky dog🐶❤️. Lol... you crack me up bro. Lemons to lemonade 🤷‍♀️. Still looks amazing!

[@jaredmiller7421]

Great Channel like the honesty and showing your problems and how you overcome them!

[@Demonsmojo]

Turned out looking good

[@harrywyndorf7411]

john u are one of youtube’s greatest craftsmen

[@benheinrich4306]

With 2020 being the definition of Squirrely, thanks for thinking of the fans of your channel. Looking forward to that livestream on Friday. It’s gonna be killer.

[@finneidem1177]

amazing build John

[@pmeehan_3]

That is a beautiful table.

[@Awazine_SweetHome]

Even if it's not what you expect, This table is wonderful. From the mistakes came the best ideas. I Love it. (Sorry for my mistakes, I am from France)

[@Awazine_SweetHome]

It's almost ying and yang table. Poetic !!!

[@matthewcarlacci]

Looks good with that half that isn't burnt

[@Jakefsherrif]

I love watching your videos. You build amazing projects, and also good for a laugh or two. Keep the content coming.

[@jasoncrandall8773]

Looks good

[@dirtychevyful]

Love how you can get kicked in the jolly rancher and skittles yet keep goin and making something amazing! Keep it up man love all your videos. I think I’ve watched 3 years worth now catching up

[@chefdan87]

You should give Total Boat 1:1 table top epoxy a try. I just finished a desk build for my sister for Christmas and it came out great. Crystal clear and it self leveled to smooth as glass. Brushed on the first seal coat, sand 240 grit then pour a flood coat over and let it drip off the sides. Didn't even need to sand it other than the drips that form after the pour, sanded those off the bottom and just went straight to polishing. Gallon kit was only 60 bucks so you really cant go wrong.

[@frosty3256]

Add a few retract tabs .125 high during your cnc cutting to tab the part out

[@TheLuigy68]

Just awesome...!!!

[@manjbains9862]

Cool table 👌🏾

[@ShortiWatta82]

I actually like that yellow tone to it

[@kevinpotter7211]

I immediately thought of the Blacktail Studios video when i saw the title of this video, i love his channel as well as yours. One thought though as to why your slab was not totally flat, you had it flat before the burning, but introducing that much heat will warp the wood. I have done smaller burned wood projects and it happens every single time, especially when you are adding that much heat from that big torch. Still turned out as a pretty sweet table.

[@John_Malecki]

that is a great point. We burned both sides to hold its shape. the wood didn’t bow tho, the mold did

[@LoneOakWoodworks]

@@John_Malecki Seems more likely that the epoxy overheated and caused the warping, did you monitor temps after pouring? If both sides of the cured product were warped then it was heat, if the mold had sagged the top side would still have been flat and only the bottom would have a curve. At the beginning of the video I was excited to see an epoxy that was new to me and mentioned as "has been working phenomenal for us" but watching the video it looks like it overheated and at the end was full of bubbles also. I'll have to watch some other videos to see if other projects worked with it. I hate the 72+ hour wait time on typical deep pour epoxy, but anything I've tried that is supposed to cure faster has also overheated when poured that deep...very frustrating product category..

[@augustusbean8766]

Such a cool table!!

[@axchem22]

Thanks John for inspiring the community. I had a similar issue with my coffee table. I didn’t support the middle of my mold, and as the result the table had a bow (cup) in the middle. I didn’t quit on it. And managed to took out the cup with milling and then c channels.👌🏻👌🏻 Heck, we all make mistakes and we learn from them and life goes on. Just don’t quit! 🤗🤗🤗🤗❤️Cheers, @amirs_workshop

[@kimfox233]

I loved how the table turned out regardless how many mistakes you felt you made.

[@dicoterra6113]

if you look at it with the light wood side down it looks like a desert mountain scape with a cloudy evening sky

[@jimhastings7815]

Man!! I don't know if I still have the meat sweats from the pit boss on the deck build, or how good that new table is going to look in my entryway. Either way I think I hear a ribeye calling my name!

[@alexgonzalez4592]

Let’s get after it.

[@kdurham98]

Today’s Malecki inspiration - trim beard in the shop; gotta sweep anyway and don’t have to clean the sink at home! Thanks!

[@JimG31547]

You really turned lemons into lemonade on this one. Really looks good.

[@elliotstokes6134]

Love it Johnny boy!! Keep up the sweet projects and loving seeing the problems and how you guys deal with them

[@andrewcastille7781]

The guys over there at Woodcraft are pretty awesome.

[@stephanie09.11]

I wish you sold " Punch the Day in the Face", zip up hoodies. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Ombre look!

[@jeremykross6792]

John, it wasn't the weight of the epoxy, it was the fire that caused the cup/bow. Heat causes wood to warp