Make furniture. Not firewood.

Furniture design. It's vital to successful woodworking projects and nobody seems to want to discuss it. So let's change that.
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
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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
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Sharpening:
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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
My Finish Mix:
Minwax Polyurethane: amzn.to/3kPgpuO
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TotalBoat's Tabletop Epoxy:
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You can stay up to date with my work here:
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[@dannielfriedrichsen7226]

Yes, please. Who doesn't enjoy going to the lumber dealer. I'm currently in the middle of exceeding my skill level in making a small pointless wall cabinet for no apparent purpose.

[@skippylippy547]

Love it! LOL

[@deniseanderson6499]

Awesome!

[@ENCurtis]

I friggin love that mindset. Keep on keepin on my friend 👊

[@bluewren65]

Excellent! I try to exceed my skill level with everything I do. You learn really fast that way and get some cool pieces in the process. I don't think of things as being "easy" or "difficult". I think of those "difficult" things as simply "taking more time".

[@AaronWood77]

Separating critique from creation…. Just what I needed to hear. It’s a trap I keep finding myself in, as I critique myself midstream and then get frustrated and walk away from a project for too long as a result.

[@ENCurtis]

That is precisely why I try to keep them as separate processes. Keep on keepin on my friend. It gets easier to trust your skill set with time and experience.

[@clandry156]

Yes please. I would love to watch a build with green tools inside a shed. It will be interesting to watch.

[@stephanharbour2450]

I have watched 1000's of videos without ever leaving a comment but felt I should now. I want to thank you for inspiring me to stretch. I am getting over my first bout with Covid and am behind building my wife's Christmas present, I really felt like phoning it in, but after watching this and some of your other videos I decided to stretch my design and jointery skills. It is going great and I am thankful I did!

[@robertm348]

My favorite response when asked, "What are you building?" is, "I don't know. I'll let you know when I'm finished."

[@scottandsher]

Definitely make the video. It would be great to see your trip to the lumber yard and selection process too. I'm getting started in my woodworking journey and I would find this helpful.

[@ENCurtis]

Will do!

[@blainerobinson5389]

"Roughly what I'm looking for... I don't even know what I'm looking for." Is the story of my life.

[@zoltansanchez7333]

Great video and appreciate you mentioning Pinterest for ideas. I like the idea of a lumber yard visit and your process of deciding on wood type for projects Thank you for putting up the content!

[@ENCurtis]

Pinterest is an underrated resource for sure. Glad to remind people of its usefulness.

[@adamcbrewer]

You definitely fill the gap in a woodworkers journey. Too many makers out there (who do a great job) but the theory and decision making is a niche which you fill well. The How and Why of Woodworking but on KZbin.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you. I really appreciate that 👊

[@oldtop4682]

I use AutoCAD at work, but I go with old school grid paper in the shop. Doing it that way makes me think harder, and I catch some of my stupid before it happens. That latter bit about leaving some room for improvisation and change is awesome advice. You can spend way too much time planning and not enough time enjoying the build. Love your channel!

[@ENCurtis]

I’m with you 100%. Sometimes I draw out full scale on a piece of ply or melamine because it’s a different thought process. Absolutely a useful tool to keep in mind.

[@Cramnco]

I love that “work within your limitations” now I know…..I tend to workout outside of that and yes I make myself crazy cause I end up having to purchase another tool or what not and it is frustrating, I spend more money or spend more time on the project than intended.

[@myteric117]

Yes, please. Whether the shopping and the building, or just the building. It's good stuff.

[@mikecolo2158]

You never disappoint. I look forward to the "educational" videos as well as the builds. Keep on inspiring.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much!

[@joelgrey7921]

Anyone else find watching this really relaxing?

[@stevensparks19]

I know this video is a few weeks old, but when I saw you add them corner shelves in the design I was standing here saying “oh you nasty little guy, that’s wonderful.” Such a simple solution to add functionality to that space.

[@woodnotestudio]

Let’s see a lumber yard trip. I always enjoy seeing what different locations have.

[@ENCurtis]

Will do!

[@thomasweller1321]

Yes on the vid for the trip to get wood. I have a huge pile on various wood species that I sift through each time I make something. I'd like to hear your way of "sifting". Thanks for the push to "make something".

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you for engaging each and every week. I appreciate you 👊

[@UOTDF]

Thanks, my good man! Yes, please do the lumber yard video - I’m not sure if other amateur woodworkers are like me, but I always feel a bit out of my comfort zone in a lumber yard and so I’m never 100% confident with the decisions I make there

[@MLSteffel]

I too feel overwhelmed when picking out wood. I really don’t know what to look for in th grain to know the kind of results I would get from using different wood grains, species, or dimensions (gaining something from purchasing a larger piece to make several smaller pieces out of the material).

[@mikedurkee7296]

Yes, make that video. Would be tremendous help to new folks to the craft.

[@White-Rose-Woodworking]

Yes please make the build video, can’t wait to see how it all turns out.

[@ENCurtis]

Will do!

[@JeffFontecchio]

I am going to watch this video again, I need to hear this. Thanks for the video and enjoy your time in Cali!

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks Jeff. Glad it was helpful for you 👊

[@robynbazlen-weglarz7836]

Just make it like you say. I just love watching your work

[@Geppetto04]

I always appreciate the nudge to just get on with it! So much value in the doing leading to the problem solving needed to finish.

[@scottparker290]

The process is different for everyone. I can’t design with pencil and paper. I ride my bike, on my own on the country roads and let it just come. It’s all in my head, measurements, angles, everything. I buy material and start. It changes as I go, asking for input. If I can I do many mockups, six seems to be a magical number where everything clicks perfectly. There is a reason painters will do whole series on one subject, I need to explore what it is I am trying to accomplish.

[@chrishunter2097]

I think this is a great breakdown of the design process that a lot of design professionals could take to heart and learn from. It’s not magic, it is a process.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you and you’re right. It’s nothing more than a series of steps.

[@tjuricek]

I love hearing about the design process. And not because I want a formula to copy; more, I just want to think with a different brain a bit. Would love to see how this idea becomes a thing

[@stevevogt866]

I really like how you bring the beginner, ME, and up to the more experience wood workers basic and fresh ideas, concepts, suggestions, and really some common sense to the woodworking world. Thank you!!!

[@edu_carceller]

Yes to the video about searching for materials. Thanks for asking. 🙂

[@emerald1587]

Dear Erik, Go Make That Video! And consider using a vacuum cleaner this time 😉 Above all, this prep-video was already very inspiring for me, you said some very true and valuable things that I will take to heart from now on.

[@LeeWeiler]

Yes, please 🙏 Lumber yards are places of serenity and worship.

[@ENCurtis]

Love that my dude 👊

[@joshuadangerbooth]

Hands down one of the most important things I’ve heard in a while - from any type of creative - is to separate the creative and critique. Well done! Also, another good piece of advice that I feel fits your style is from Craig Groeschel about knowing when a piece is GETMO (Good Enough To Move On) and not constantly getting stuck spending too many hours getting a piece from 95% awesome to 97% awesome, especially when the client is thrilled at 90% awesome.

[@PilgrimStanding]

Dude's 'limited' situation, has more space and tools than I even have access to. 😆 Thank you for the video it is very interesting to see your process and how you go about even beginning to think about the space/object you are building for. 👍

[@terrytopliss9506]

Make the video Eric,you know you want to.👍👍

[@ENCurtis]

Haha of course I will!

[@MiklosGaal]

As a new woodworker, I definitely want to see the lumber yard process. That is my biggest intimidation to woodworking. Buying the materials.

[@Smershsh]

Thank you! Would love to see more videos about how you come up with designs - there are plenty of videos showing the implementation of ideas out there (and these videos are great), but there are way fewer videos where woodworkers walk through the how they came up with the idea in detail.

[@joseescoto9069]

Yes please! I’ll be visiting Anderson ply next week for their tool swap. Will be my first time there

[@ENCurtis]

Oh nice! I’ll have to let Christy know that’s a thing!

[@xtjoy]

@@ENCurtisit’s a great little flea market type but for tools! We can stop by while you’re in town still

[@tabitha2706]

People seem to forget that creaters are real people, with real lives, also. Enjoy your time with your friend, and we'll still be here. Live it while you can, it goes way too swiftly

[@ENCurtis]

I really appreciate that human kindness. That’s rarer than it should be on the internet. And will do!

[@tacs_01]

Thanks. Definitely yes for the lumber yard video. I really appreciate telling us through your thought processes

[@nighma]

I'm so grateful to be able to see the whole process (even at the lumberyard). Thank you

[@elizabethdoherty5037]

Thanks for this look into your design process. In many ways, this sort of video is more interesting than the build or technique videos-but I love them too. Always inspiring!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! I’m really glad you’re taking things from this type of video!

[@danieldube3576]

Lumberyard adventure? Yes please 👍🏽

[@karl_alan]

Love this. Definitely put words to a lot of my process that i didn't even realize was part of my process. Particularly the part about defining limitations & making a thing for the space it will live. We have different avenues for inspiration, but overall, i definitely do the "okay, i've got rhe skeleton of an idea down, let's dive in & figure out the joinery & details as i go" type method.

[@andyc972]

Thanks Erik, all good advice, artistically speaking it's good to challenge yourself and change the parameters every once in a while, gets the creative juices going and stops you getting stale and repeating yourself !

[@davidcowperthwaite1159]

I am really looking forward to the build. I am doing a bathroom cabinet this winter for a family member and the walls in this space is also wonky.

[@PaulTWOS]

I did that exact thing, I created a "box" with the mindset that I would design as I go. This led me to incorporate 4 species of wood, 2 styles of inlays and the "box" ended up being a jewelry box. I started with the skeleton and then sculpted the flesh as I went and got inspiration from what was available to me and what I felt was aesthetically pleasing.

[@user-dj6fh2dw7p]

To the lumber yard! There’s learning (and teaching) to be had everywhere. Love your work.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you and agreed!

[@buzzpatch2294]

you raze some good points- thx i needed some reminders about the process.

[@Coolride1000]

Yes. I would like to see how it comes together. Thanks for sharing your design process. I have a hard time trying to design my projects.

[@ga5743]

Be glad when your back home, those coffee mugs you left behind rock

[@ENCurtis]

Oh I’m missing em too for sure for sure.

[@marcproulx1770]

Awesome video as always. I love the way you deliver your content. Simple and straightforward. I'd love a Video on lumber shopping! Sounds very interesting and I'm sure it will be informative. Enjoy your time in Cali 😊.

[@andyevans8585]

Always enjoy your videos. Any part of any process is always useful. Thanks as always

[@davidmeyer9204]

Yes to making a video! I have some glow in the dark googly eyes I can send you. Thanks for sharing your process

[@ENCurtis]

I was searching for googly eyes but alas I ended up with rhinestones instead! A very different vibe 😂

[@NicolasIdrobo]

Looking forward to the next video!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@Jamie_McGill]

Dude, you are the Peter McKinnon of woodworking, and that is intended as a big compliment!

[@ENCurtis]

I will take that as a massive compliment (even if I think it slightly undeserved)! Thank you!

[@Jamie_McGill]

Very welcome…

[@peterboardman6407]

I use the same process. I really enjoy the creative changes during the build to correct a wood defect or my own mistakes.

[@ENCurtis]

Exactly! Leaving room for openness can lead to some happy accidents, as it were.

[@214rwoz]

Thank you for all your time and effort. I really mean that !

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you my friend. Grateful you’re here.

[@KOutOfMyYard]

I do find it funny that you were wearing the same shirt I was on the can😂. Always enjoy whatever you post and it is also so important to just pace yourself

[@VivienLEGER]

oh yeah we want the video of the build! Thanks for sharing this design pattern

[@ENCurtis]

Will do!

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video as always always insight full and great information. Can’t wait to see you acutely build it.

[@Handycam1974]

Absolutely. I would enjoy watching that video.

[@lizcademy4809]

I ended up stopping this video a few minutes in, to write down some design ideas for a project I'm working on. That's one reason I like your videos ... creative inspiration breeds more creative inspiration.

[@ENCurtis]

I love hearing that. That’s exactly what I hoped for in making this video 🙂

[@ifiwooddesigns]

One of your newest subs and love your thought process. Although I’m only a weekend warrior, I will only do things unique and with a ‘WOW’ factor. I do look at Pinterest for inspiration, but run with it and I must fall in love with and make it my favorite piece each time I make something new. It pushed my limits each time and want people to look and ask how I came up with it. Keep up the good work and will go back and see older videos of yours.

[@ENCurtis]

Nothing wrong with that approach. If it motivates you to keep making and improving your skill set, keep at it my friend!

[@jaimecastells9750]

Love getting into the head of a fellow creator, especially one that produces such innovative work. Thank you!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much!

[@gregoryharmon2348]

Great video Eric! It's really great to examine your process and how it's broken down into steps. Not that I'd like to copy your process, but to use your concepts to develop or modify MY process. The stand-in mug is great and exemplifies the acknowledge your limitations step! 😏

[@tonibarber8119]

absolutely would like to come along for material selection!

[@y1ret]

Yes keep going with this idea. Wondering how you are going to find a sink to fit. Seems one of your limits is the hardware,plumbing, available to fit the design.

[@brettguthrie4705]

Enjoyed. You have a gift to motivate. Keep on inspiriting. Cheers, from Western Australia.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@mpmccluskey99]

Another place I like to go for design inspiration are online antique stores like 1st Dibs. Thousands of pieces of every design style and era you can imagine to draw ideas from.

[@ENCurtis]

That’s an excellent point. I use 1stdibs often and failed to mention it. Thank you!

[@ThisOldManTiger]

I enjoy every video ENCurtis uploads. There are two type of people in the world; Reactive and Proactive. Reactive people are folks that are always putting out first, watch me do something and explain very little, we are born this way by default in our society. Proactive people tend to be less selfish and have learned over time that it isn't enough to tell, show how something is done, but rather who, what, when , where, and why we do & don't things a certain way along with what the outcomes are for each. I love teaching and love your approach and as you grow your lessons will be have a greater impact on other long after you stop teaching. tackle small items in detail in the way you do encourages me to build something outside my comfort zone for sure. I have been a teacher of things for over 30 years now, teaching all kinds of things and the biggest complements to this day are the ones that come back and tell me that they remember everything I have taught them to this day and that it made their lives so much easier. Prime example for me is your "Take a deep breath, Everything is going to be ok". that sticks out to me as a perfectionist. Oh hand you should always have mentors in everything including outside your work expertise something I wish I new 30+ years ago. Love your videos and please continue to make me an expert working with wood and thought provoking.

[@deliaguzman1138]

Definitely make the lumber run video! Would love to watch how you evaluate and select lumber!

[@SWA-Projects]

Simply put: Yes! I’d like to see that video of the project! That would be awesome. 👍

[@ENCurtis]

Will do!

[@user-ks6yz6ju4j]

Yes, make a video! I enjoy your videos!

[@markbangert2576]

I'd be very interested in a road trip to the lumber yard.

[@davidjones8070]

My finer ideas came from a magazine called Architectual Digest. It may still be available via your local libraries.

[@ENCurtis]

A brilliant resource indeed! Thanks for the reminder.

[@briancollins2230]

My friend, I have never cared about the cup, only that there was coffee in said cup. And again, another great video. Thank you for the content that you provided.

[@ENCurtis]

As my mother always said, it’s what’s on the inside that counts ☕️

[@jenniferp3401]

Yes, I would love to see that video!

[@ENCurtis]

I’ll get on it then!

[@georgetumillo446]

This is a great beginning no but I would love to see the follow up and continuation of this journey. I am one of those that fails to get going because in my minds eye, I can’t see the finished product so I would enjoy seeing the rest of your creative process and maybe I can learn a few hundred things or so.

[@arthur2319]

Please keep on inspiring.

[@crashkg]

Check out House of Hardwood while you're out here. They usually have a good scrap pile and some nice pieces of lumber. Also Anderson Plywood if you need plywood, much better than the big box store.

[@ENCurtis]

Will do. Thanks for the leads!

[@eatdrinkwineguy]

Make the lumber yard video. I love Pinterest. Great for cataloging inspiration and ideas. Some of the stuff I have in there is sometimes just a small detail in a piece I like (might not even like the piece) or even a general aesthetic, colour, a finish, anything. It’s super handy.

[@ndamico1]

Always pertinent and inspiring. I appreciate you!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much!

[@wooddogg8]

Definitely want to see you build this thing!! You are a great teacher, I'm about to go out to the shop and start a thing with a new slab of box elder, interesting looking stuff.. And damn, I'm jealous of the short sleeves outside, Luckily I have heat in the shop.

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks and will do! And a box elder slab will absolutely be an interesting thing to tinker with. Good luck 🤙

[@joshharvey9658]

A video of your search at the lumber store would be awesome!

[@y1ret]

For me dynamic design is my achilles heel. Too often I start with an idea start to build it then see a better way to do it as I am building. Which Leeds to a lot of do overs.

[@philaandrew100]

You would have loved my painting teacher at Art School. His best advice was 'Don't be precious about your work, just do it'. That really opened my mind and empowered me to become a more of an on the fly builder. Work out the constraints and then just go mental in the workshop. If it works, great. If it turns out shit, still great 'cos I will have learned stuff.

[@ENCurtis]

I hold to a similar axiom of “only one thing I ever make will be the best thing I’ve ever made. Everything else is just an object.” That helps me to be less precious about my work. Very helpful when I get stuck in my own head.

[@AWoodworkersJourney]

I'd like to see you pick the lumber. That process is interesting to me.

[@scottandsher]

...and a live stream with you and your shop partners for a q&a session would be awesome

[@imwithstupid086]

Definitely want to see the actual project built.

[@BillMSmith]

Lumberyard video? Damn right! There is nothing as enjoyable as a trip to a lumberyard. Well, using the lumber, of course. But the tactile joy, other than splinters, the aroma, the sadness at not having an unlimited credit card, the feeling of possibility... OK, so most of the local hardwood suppliers don't let me run around singing to the stacks joyously anymore. I still like going to lumberyards. Also, good points on design. Don't look for what you want to build, look for a starting point.

[@ENCurtis]

😂😂 I love how much you love a lumber run. Love that energy my dude 👊

[@anthonymuzzillo230]

Please make a build video once the final design is determined! Would love to it come to life

[@user-zp9ir2xk2p]

Would really appreciate the shopping video.

[@anna99629]

Would love to see a lumber run but I bet you dont have a Prius to transport it in😂

[@johnporetti9554]

Yes!

[@osmos3]

Lumber video? Yes please!

[@whitelyonwoodworks]

Definitely make the video!

[@Ramplcro]

Nice video. For materials i vote for solid brasilian rosewood construction with a touch of gabon ebony. Naturally all painted solid color over, something light.

[@ENCurtis]

Imagine the hate comments though… On second thought… that’s not a bad idea 😂😂

[@Ramplcro]

🤣@@ENCurtis

[@YTubeSDD]

Yes please show the lumber/supplies purchases

[@christopherpawelko4446]

Yes please make a video of the bathroom cabinet build.

[@elliottmackay4650]

Would love to see how you select lumber! Thanks!

[@cj-ef1rp]

Always enjoyable to see what you conjure up from nothing!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much!