Simplicity is the hardest thing to nail

I make a lot of objects. And often the hardest thing to nail is simplicity. It requires humility. It requires putting the material first--before the maker; before the client. Sometimes, the simple designs are the hardest to get right.
Items I use:
Titebond Quick and Thick: amzn.to/42HGuMC
For 5% off any TotalBoat product, visit www.totalboat....
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 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
Power Tools and Accessories:
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-nielse...
Inexpensive Honing Guide: amzn.to/3Jo2Uub
Lie-Nieslen Honing Guide: www.lie-nielse... guide
Sandpaper for Flattening: amzn.to/3Jor73F
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
For 5% off any TotalBoat product, visit www.totalboat....
You can stay up to date with my work here:
/ encurtis​
/ encurtis
encurtis.com/

[@saliyalokeshwara]

Ngl you, pedulla studios, Morgan hurst, Andy Rawls and Mike farrington are carrying yt woodworking in my opinion Honorable mention goes to the almighty Matthias Wandel

[@ENCurtis]

Kindest comment I've gotten thus far. I really appreciate that my man 🙏

[@Expedient_Mensch]

You missed a couple there mate.

[@ChrisHornberger]

Your list needs more Keith Johnson and Chris Salomone. Jason Hibbs is a fantastic entertainer and does great work. Your list is a bit light weight :)

[@hippychip1159]

Couldn't agree more dude. 👌

[@RobMcGrath0]

IMHO i would add 'Shoyan Japanese Carpenter'

[@jerrystark3587]

Your point about simplicity is both important and well stated. One of my favorite sayings is one I read in a book on Korean wood working: "The ideal is to create an object that looks as if were born, not made." Such is the essence of "simplicity", which is far, far from simple. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@214rwoz]

I don't know if you see this comment, it doesn't matter, I just needed to watch this again, it's one of my favorite tails of wood and workmanship. Thanks for all your time and effort. 1in7

[@oran0007]

I greatly enjoy the relaxed pacing of this video. Not everything has to move at the speed of tiktok.

[@wharfrat360]

Mr. Curtis, I must say, I've been debating pursuing being a furniture maker full time, rather than strictly for myself. The way you present your videos, yourself, has answered my question. It's a 100% yes. There is something inspirational within you, I can't figure it out what quality that is, though. The kick in the rear you've given me, the inspiration, the renewed spark of love for the craft, I honestly can't thank you enough. Truly, thank you. Absolutely beautiful design, that curve though, 100% sets the piece off! Lovin' the vibe!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you find some inspiration and value in my videos. It's certainly a long journey, but a worthwhile one no doubt.

[@lewisryan4351]

Agree with your evaluation of Prius use... I have a Crosstrek that I've renamed Cross-Truk

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

I love your channel. You are one of the FEW that continues to focus on real woodworking and hasn't chased the algorithm to becoming a "tips and tricks" or "tool review/shootout/comparison" channel.

[@WackyKayaky]

New to the channel, I really appreciate that you not only make very beautiful pieces but you mentioned in a video that you are or use to be a teacher and you bring that into your videos to explain and teach a little to help folks like myself advance their woodworking. This video has also made me want to deep dive into learning hand planning, just seeing how flat and reflective you’re able to make a piece of wood from hand planning is amazing.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you. I really appreciate that 👊

[@victorstillwell9893]

My Accord is a great lumber hauler. I prefer it over my truck in many instances. When I use the Accord, I don't have to use tie downs, red flags, etc.

[@clemoniii]

Fabulous! Really blown away by the improvement made by the curves in legs. A true artist. Cabinet Maker's Prius 😅😅😅 We can't knock a tool that WORKS!

[@ENCurtis]

Haha exactly! And thank you 🙏

[@j10001]

Agreed. I thought those blocky legs would have to be remade! You have a fine eye for design, even to think of that elegant solution.

[@mikeandlucky]

I am an old small shop woodworker who looks forward to Saturday mornings when you release new videos. Very cool what you do with the Prius. Thanks for the great work.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@tinaheron5825]

VERY ART DECO-ESK it is beautiful - you made the wood sing

[@1deerndingo]

Robcosman, Katz-Moses and a heap of others tested end grain gluing a few years back and found that it actually is very strong. And they didn't size glue first like Tite Bond says to do. At least you used the thicker glue that Tite Bond recommend. It may or may not be as strong as a single piece, but it'll be strong.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Good point! For those who don’t know, Patrick Sullivan was the KZbinr who deserves credit for this. He showed conclusively that end-grain to end-grain joints can be quite strong, and his tests were very precise. Both RC and JKM gave him credit for this in their end-grain gluing videos. Patrick’s videos on joint strength with gluing are a must-watch for every woodworker, IMO.

[@WIReeder12]

Other than fast forwarding thru the CNC router, turning the sound down on the music (much prefer the quite sounds of the shop) and a little over the top showmanship, great build! You did the cherry slab great justice!

[@therealwabbitamy]

I love the spoiler at 16:32 where you pretend to pick out boards for a table that is already built behind you...:D

[@deadbungeejumper]

Also, I’m all about the small car working thing! I loaded a half a yard of dirt in the back of our Ford Focus hatchback with a tarp! That car has hauled more things for me than the 12 passenger van we have now (went from 3 kids to 6). And I don’t understand the comments about the distracting music! I freakin love it man! Finally something that doesn’t sound like “elevator edm” or the ‘70s southern rock from most woodworking tapes in the ‘90s. Great stuff man. Top notch content. Your channel is going to blow up brother!

[@dan__________________]

Haha, that's the same thing I do with my VW Golf. 8' boards fit no problem.

[@jonamberg3844]

And a Yuengling at the end. So choice! Well done, sir.

[@KylanFrost]

I love watching your videos while I'm at work, 3d modeling. The way you speak to your process is pure gold and something I feel I glean a lot from. It would fun to see segments of a video or a future video that talks more about how you design your pieces (sketching, aesthetic, balance... all those artsy words)

[@kensarson6581]

Your simple comment was "the central focus". Your earlier comments, about adding the little touches of curve, leads to adding the subtle curves that make the linear components express dynamic motion, leading to the visual perception of the beautiful table top as being projected into a place where one wants to sit down and enjoy the company of your friends over dinner. I would really enjoy sitting down with you over a meal at that table. Instead of saying grace, I would rub my hand across the table top, muttering a "thank you" for being there. I very much appreciate your concept of design evolution, on this, and many other projects.

[@507718]

prius gang represent! love finding out how many random logs I can fit in the back . also lovely little transition between the large belt sander and going back to the shop

[@jonraimondi]

Awesome transition from your friends shop to yours with the slab!

[@DeleteriousEffect]

I wasn't sure I actually liked you beyond being a credible seeming source for information. But loading up that table top into your Prius makes us brothers. Friends and family always in doubt of what I can get in there and then in fear for me when I do.

[@woodcraft_by_zach]

I'm with you man. I trow slabs and wood in my camry all the time !

[@ENCurtis]

Underrated woodworking tool for sure!

[@jmsboggio]

I call my Prius the work truck, too. I got two twin mattress and box spring sets in that car. I just found your channel and it's super fun. This table is spectacular.

[@reyrodriguez9237]

I agree I put a bunch of lumber in my car as well. Great job on that build. 👏

[@hansmolders1066]

I once owned a 1984 Subaru and found those 20 ft. long 2x6 s at the transfer site. Dumpster diving is an art in Alaska! There was no way to get them into or sideways out the window! So, I always had straps in the car and strapped the underneath the car, stapped to the bumpers😂 All the way hoping the Troopers wouldn't see me, I made it and they came in handy, Douglas Fir!

[@shawnwoodsman]

It's amazing how much you can fit in a Prius. And if it doesn't fit pull a small trailer.

[@cloudspinwoodworks4813]

Thanks, Erik. Beautiful work; I loved the soundtrack, too.

[@thomlipiczky9021]

It takes so much work to make things look effortless. And getting ourselves (our skills, opinions, concepts, etc.) out of the way so we can just see the material is so hard. Thanks for your videos, Eric.

[@karl_alan]

Love the cabinet maker's prius discussion...both the focus on creativity to overcome obstacles, and because i catch heck at my hardwood supplier all the time as i load tons of boardfeet in my small family car.

[@lindsaydickson47]

Gorgeous table! I hope you don’t mind me saying, as I am a woman woodworker…..you’re easy on the eyes. 👍

[@ENCurtis]

haha thank you

[@christopherjohnson5961]

Loved every montage you did with the metal music overlay. It was awesome. Thanks for the time and effort you put into these awesome videos!

[@goose15401]

Yeungling, good choice!

[@214rwoz]

Dropping a comment, thanks for all your time and effort.

[@ENCurtis]

Much appreciated 🙏

[@gerarddelmonte8776]

This vid brings to mind Rick Rubin's excellent book, The Creative Act: A Way Of Being. Really recommended.

[@RDSWOODWORKING]

Awesome job

[@colinchesbrough5772]

When the internet gets upset, give them tiny dominoes. Beautiful table, brother. You're not a woodworker, you're a wood sculptor.

[@billbris]

Yuengling! Also, I appreciate the design insights. As I improve I am finding that the "big" design elements are more straight-forward than deciding to add a slight curve that improves the piece. It's not just the curve, but the insight that I should look for improvements in the design. Finally, you won't remember, however, I took your earlier advice regarding my Lie-Nielsen smoother. I talked with some wonderful people, I sent the plane back, they diagnosed and fixed my problem and I had my plane in my hands again one week later. Amazing!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! I'm glad you're getting value from my ramblings 😂 and I'm glad LN could solve the issue for you. That is precisely the value of purchasing from a reputable company !

[@DHM078schannel-np9xh]

Very nice, fits the space well. I thought it looked good even when "angular", but you were right the subtle curvature really made it come together. Cherry is beautiful, and it just gets better over time.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you

[@RobyKaufman]

You have mad skills as a furniture maker but a Prius really!

[@jefflavenau]

Maaaan I already had a sense we would get along in the woodshop, then you popped a Yuengling! Gorgeous table, thanks for bringing us along.

[@ENCurtis]

haha thanks man.

[@AmericansWillRise]

Yes indeed! That domino, will definitely strengthen that 3° joint. It may not always add strength, but this one does, for sure. Excellent build!

[@SwitchMultiMedia]

The whiskey cabinet looks good with the new table. Lekker video!

[@randallsmith7885]

I have that same Prius. You are right. It is versatile and that hatch can sow marge objects!

[@cowboymetalandwood4965]

Advertise on Craigslist for a friend with a truck. Enjoyed the video looks great

[@carboranadum]

Fantastic video with great cinematography. Well done! I'm using my 2014 Honda Accord as my pickup and renting from the big box stores as I need large sheet goods. It works, you find a way to make do!

[@jimrosson6702]

Wow Eric the table turned out beautiful amazing work and craftsmen keep up the great work

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@deliaguzman1138]

Thank you for explaining the grain to part selection; I’ve seen those scribbles so many times in other videos and didn’t know what it was. Now I know! And now I’ll try to do the same as I make pieces. Thanks!

[@deliaguzman1138]

And wow, those subtle curves made a huge difference.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! Glad that was helpful for you.

[@spycedezynuk]

You’re comment about not having a truck as an excuse reminded me of bringing back 2 6ft lengths of sapele strapped to the side of my mountain bike. I probably looked like a medieval jouster but I did it 😂 Great build that finish does look gorgeous, and it was cool seeing all the previous little vids of the thoughts you had throughout this project 👊🏻

[@ENCurtis]

Hahaha a mountain bike! That’s a new one! Thanks man. I’m glad you enjoyed the whole process.

[@lizcademy4809]

You don't even need a bike! 4 years ago I moved to an urban duplex flat. A year later, I realized I didn't need my car any more, and donated it. Shortly after, I needed to get 30 feet of 3/4" copper pipe for a build ... took my grocery cart to the hardware store, bought 3 10' pipes, had them cut it to 4' and 6' (better for my needs than cutting in half), and took them home in my cart, walking. If I could buy lumber at a place within walking distance, I would do the same ... after I go through the stack the previous owner left for me.

[@andrewling503]

Good day! May I ask what finish you used on the table top,? Also, how many coats did you apply?

[@jeffreyknotts4148]

Gorgeous table and bench. I wouldnt call them simple, but i would say they are simply elegant.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you 🙂

[@felixtrudel8565]

For your edges i find thay a 2mm router gives a nice modern and zen feel. I really enjoy your videos please continue!

[@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173]

Man, I remember my ancient gen1 prius. I fit a bicycle and a 4x10 cab into it once, and people at Lowe's always stared at me cutting down 16 ft boards in half in the parking lot to fit them in

[@markhowlett1705]

Don't change your wall tool layout it's great! It shows your hand tools and what you need to get started, nice work!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@Hvn1957]

I love the old mill building. I had a studio/woodshop in one very similar in Easthampton MA, for several years. I’ve moved on, but I miss that place. Still had part of the overhead shaft and trollies on the ceiling. Oh! And I totally agree about the small car. Mine is a Honda Fit. It has the same capacity to carry eight foot pieces. Great video. Really enjoyed the build.

[@buddhalovechild]

Knew there had to be a domino lurking about somewhere. Enjoyed your video. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@seanlandsman7516]

Can every YT woodworking video just have thunderstorm and shop sound ASMR as their audio tracks???? Loved that bit of this vid

[@sarahlillemo4833]

You transport stuff in a Prius!? You might be my new favorite person.

[@anthonyseiver7000]

Wasn't sure about the single bench , then you brought it home and then it made perfect sense.

[@brianhawes3115]

I’m seeing this video late, but have to say that using that little car is cool, I use a Subaru with a trailer, but you should make a lumber rack for it. People would see it and know your an awesome woodworker

[@paulmaryon9088]

Yea man that's a beautiful thing. I've had lots of end grain joints that have worked just fine, glued and clamped properly no problem, keep up the good work, thanks for posting

[@gunnarchristoffersson7629]

That is a really good looking table. That legdesign I just must try to copy! Very very nice!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@executor485]

Blasphemous!!! All of it, and I fully appreciate it. Great tips, great artistry. Love the overall designs. It’s all of the subtle details that I want to build into things but time and budget usually eat into the details. Keep it goin man!

[@ENCurtis]

Bahaha I've not been called a blasphemer in a while and I'm here for it! 😎

[@orrinkelso9295]

I had a blue Prius just like yours. I also have a truck with an 8 ft bed. But it is a fuel hog(diesel fuel). So most of the time, I'm driving the Prius for my errands. I could put 10 ft items inside the car! I also put an amazing amount of stuff in it.

[@ENCurtis]

It is highly underrated in its cubic footage capacity!

[@time4clocks]

Had to play the part with the huge power sander over again. That is a pretty sexy machine. Considering how much hand sanding I've done in the past it almost made me drool. 😂😂

[@ENCurtis]

😂😂 honestly when I switched from a 5” to a 6” sander it blew my mind how much time I saved.

[@time4clocks]

@@ENCurtis 🤣I meant the big power roll sander you put the whole slab through. But you have a point about the 6", one inch makes a big difference. 🤣🤣

[@Azathoth43]

How many woodworkers have tested the weakness of end-grain to end-grain glue-ups? There is a respected luthier on KZbin who talked about demonstrating how poor of a bond is made at a conference. He was mildly embarrassed when it didn't break apart as easily as he had been led to believe it would. Apparently, it was quite strong. Scarf joints come to mind, also. I don't know, food for thought.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Really nice video: lots of good detail on design and joinery, excellent photography. The new camera? 👍 Oh, and the music is excellent. Keep ‘‘em coming.

[@rngrguy11]

You earned the Sub. I love your process, attn to detail, and the simplicity. Simple isnt easy and it amplifies any mistakes. Thanks for being bold in your craft and for taking us on the journey with you.

[@MattBoman]

Great table design, simple and bespoke. I've been wanting to do a small table like this, I will take inspiration from your design.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you 👊

[@j.m.b.greengardens968]

"Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de St. Exupéry One of my favorite quotes. Also, a guide for culinary excellence, from a co-worker in fine dining restaurants long ago in a city far away - "Very simple, very nice." - Michel Mezriche

[@Jsin991]

New to the channel and just recently getting into some of my first bigger projects as a beginner woodworker. You do such a good job of explaining what you are doing and why. I always assumed people used hand tools for more sticking to a traditionalist / old school vibe but watching some of your videos has definitely shown me what an awesome job they do. Absolutely love your work and the videos!

[@TJ-vv9dl]

What an awesome project/video. The woodworking and cinematography on point with this one. Love how the project came out!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much!

[@PaulC1980]

The Prius is a warrior 💪 😂... but Yes, a truck would be great but the Prius works and is economical

[@codacreator6162]

This channel needs a million subscribers…

[@mitchphillips3561]

I drive a Nissan Versa Hatchback and I’m a carpenter as well as a beginner woodworker. I’ve carried construction lumber galore, base & casing, hardwoods for my woodworking, and I usually carry the most tools a to and from the job site despite my two bosses both having two big ass pick up trucks. And I’m not talking about just drills and drivers and such. I’ve had my packout stack, a Dewalt table saw and a 10 Metabo HPT miter saw and stand in my car all at the same time. I’d prefer a truck. But, my old beat up versa gets the job done.

[@osamaibrahim7550]

Amazing piece.. I truly enjoyed the part where you transitioned from very modern tools to soothing hand tools and add tons of sensational flowing beauty to it.. My most sincere admiration to the one and only Prius😂

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! And yes Violet Beauregard is a legend 😂

[@Georgesvangansen]

Love this table!! Such a nice wood and workmanship.

[@paulruud5804]

Just to balance the opinion distribution, I like your musical choices. Great tones, fine playing. And a nice mix too.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you my man 🙂

[@tammy33313]

That’s beautiful! Good job

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@SteveBlethyn]

Proper woodwork. I can't get my head around the "router robot" thing, but as you only used it for template making, you're forgiven. Yep, enjoyed watching this, with a coffee in hand, obviously.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you

[@abydosianchulac2]

Seriously, I held out for a long time when I was car shopping till I could find an extended base Prius v model. I might borrow a relative's truck when I need to load something heavy, but if I need greater length or volume than what my Prius can handle then I need to be looking at a minivan at the least.

[@TroyRuby]

Today was my first time running across your videos and I really enjoyed it! Fantastic work, pacing, and videography. I'm now a new subscriber and I'm looking forward to getting into your older videos to see what gems I find! Keep up the great work!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@1steelcobra]

End to end gluing is technically stronger than an edge to edge, because the glue is stronger than the lignin holding the fibers together. The difference is that usually in an end to end connection, more leverage is being pressed against the joint in use. I don't think that'll be a huge issue in this case, since most of the force with transfer down into the verticals rather than pressing to spit the two pieces.

[@Woodcraftedworkshop]

Absolutely Beautiful.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you 🙂

[@christopherharrison6724]

Love the finished table

[@GeorgeLowrey]

I like your design. It is solid but not chunky, graceful yet plenty strong to do the job.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you

[@RealLex]

Beautiful piece! Well done!

[@woodroofguy]

Great video! Thank you for sharing…. and giving me the inspiration and courage to add some flair to my projects!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@creamy2017]

Bro I got one of those carts too, (good ole harbor freight) and it has been one of the most useful tools in my shop.

[@johncoleman6986]

I wish I could give this two thumbs up. Your work is inspiring.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@michaelhyland9216]

I wouldn't say that they are bad, they were made at a skill level you had then. Still works of Art and hand made. 😊

[@dexdotpdx]

Cinema Wins style: ENCurtis’ workout routine is a win… flipping tables

[@stephensayers4998]

Simply stunning!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@JeffFontecchio]

So awesome to see the whole process of this beautiful table together in one video after following along on IG. Great work and can't wait to see what's next!

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks Jeff!

[@MASI_forging]

Look fabulous as always. 👏👏

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you :)

[@toutsen]

I own a Golf Alltrak. Basically, it’s a wagon version of the Golf with a few extra feet of cargo capacity. I love wagons because I get the feel of a AWD sports sedan with the usefulness of a SUV. Sure, a truck would be better and I certainly miss the two I used to own, but I still load a ridiculous amount of stuff in my wagon and get stuff done. You probably hold the title for the manliest Prius driver out there. I’m sure you’ve caused a few people to do a double take over the last six years!

[@hippychip1159]

Really great vid fella, I'm catching up here so there will be comments from me on old news, just wanted to say, just finish a long day in my own shop catchin up on time lost during the week, came home popped the pad on and boom this came on my feed, really enjoyed it man, great music, great chat, lovely piece and for you personally, good for you dude, I really must make to time to make stuff for myself, just real nice man. 10 outta 10. 👌

[@walterrider9600]

thank you looks purdy

[@jerrystark3587]

First, this is a terrific build. Nicely done. Second, some minor thoughts. (A) The 3-degree-angled bench support is not as strong as it could be, as you said, because it is an end-grain to end-grain glue joint. Yet, it is likely strong enough, which is a key point; (B) If that joint needed to be stronger, it could be cut from single piece of wood, if that were practical and if it met design requirements; (C) If one needed to use an end-grain to end-grain joint AND also to make it stronger, then one could laminate a layer of matching wood (3/16", or so) to both outer faces of the two inner jointed pieces and shape the glued-up block according to design requirements. Finally, This is a terrific build. Nicely done. Thank you for the video. 👍 P.S. New subscriber here. Great channel.