Making a Burning LAVA GAMING DESK

In this video I build a flowing lava desk/lava table with some programmable Govee LED strip lights, some burled elm slabs and a bunch of epoxy and tempered fire glass. This unique waterfall lava table resembles real burning lava inside of the river table between the wood slabs. This is a full diy video that shows every step of the build from preparing the lumber, making epoxy forms, installed the led lights, pouring the epoxy, finishing the desk, building the legs, setting up the final lava desk.
BUY MY MERCH (New "Hub" design out now): www.bunkerbranding.com/pages/...
My Instagram: / drewbuildsstuff
Free Plans for my Builds: www.drewbuildsstuff.ca/plans
Material List:
Govee AI Sync Box Lights Kit: geni.us/hFrmv2g
Govee Outdoor strip lights (inside the epoxy): geni.us/VHhQBi
Fire glass RED (used about 60 lbs): geni.us/DmM9
Fire glass Black (used under 10 lbs): geni.us/I9ryo
Fire glass Amber (used under 10lbs): geni.us/nRYEd
Casting Epoxy (used about 8 gallons): geni.us/hhzcg8
Rubio Monocoat Pure: amzn.to/3RgvDV7
Kreg Track Saw Jig: geni.us/9UVnSxr
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: geni.us/AzcPmPL
Drill & Impact: geni.us/gEVKgX
Circular Saw: geni.us/s0gRT0
Large Router: geni.us/Em5m8c
Trim Router: geni.us/IJ8zR
Miter Saw: geni.us/m62u
Contest Rules (Winnders drawn on June 26/23, proof in my Instagram story archive):
1. Prizes:
Win one of two "Drew Builds" T-Shirts in your size.
Win the Govee AI Gaming Sync Kit that I used in the filming of this video. Condition is used, but overall like new.
2. How to Enter:
Follow on my instagram / drewbuildsstuff . All instagram followers that I receive from June 18 2023 until and including June 24 2023 will be eligible to win.
3. Winners:
Winners will be selected by me on (or shortly after) June 25 2023 by a scroll and pick by me. This may be random or selected by me. Winners will be contacted via direct message and must reply within 1 month to receive the prize. I will cover the shipping cost as long as it's to a reasonable location.
4. Proof:
Proof of winners will be posted on my instagram story or youtube story on or around June 25 2023.

[@positivecouple]

Thank you 🙏🤓 Amazing work 👍🏻

[@tomfrommicrosoft2683]

Very cool

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for the inspiration, love your channel!

[@jeffmackintosh8611]

How did the epoxy not stick to the melamine??!!

[@bread1242]

🍞

[@cervesthd806]

@@jeffmackintosh8611 The mold release that he put on..

[@DOITWITHDAN]

Routing the LED strip out and then RECASTING them in epoxy is such a power move

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Too much surface reflection if i didnt

[@moored1979]

@@DrewBuildsStuff couldnt you have created a custom backing plate for the LED's? That way when some of the lights invariably fail in the future ... its easy to replace them?

[@camrynhuntsucker9174]

Yo wtf are you doing here???

[@ImTheMan0fSteel]

​@@moored1979I was wondering how the hell your replace those LEDs.

[@IcyDUD3]

@@DrewBuildsStuffFor a recommendation use a jst connector for the strip so you can unplug it while transporting or working finishes

[@joslin2005]

I love the fact that you left the “mess up” in the video, and how you worked through it. So many videos I watch like this are overwhelming to me because I start thinking, “yeah right, I’ll jack that up.” The brutal honesty, humility, and perseverance in this video was refreshing to see. Absolutely beautiful desk as well. Great job!

[@lilbabyjessie8686]

Fr, it felt so relatable and comforting to know you're not the only one who does stuff like that lol

[@j0k3r_82]

WHERE CAN I BUY THIS?! OMG!!!!

[@cluebin8398]

Failure recovery often takes more ingenuity than the original project. Although in this case the project itself was pretty genius.

[@bullitts]

Bro you kicked ass on this!!! Great job!

[@user-il9nz5ms2x]

I’m so happy you didn’t give up after the LED incident. It looks amazing, you should be proud of yourself!

[@Rainthority]

At the start of the video, I was wondering, "So what happened if one day you need to replace the LED?" 17:30 answered my question 💀 kudos to you for not giving up on this project after the incident.

[@GRITknox]

My thought is on the actual lifespan of the led. I definitely will attempt a build like this, but having an actual recovery option if the led strip fails would be a consideration. Beautiful build man.

[@beowoulf355]

Maybe clear plastic tubing you can buy from HD will work. Put the strip inside and glue the tube down. Tube ends exit piece underneath and the strip can be pulled out and another fished in at any time.

[@j.h.4570]

@@beowoulf355 Make that a "fished in at the same time" ;-) Should you get that option to work, connect the old and new strip and while pulling out the old one the new one gets pulled in automatically. Be careful with any tight corners though. I almost ran into problems just fishing in some audio cable in plastic tubing I had laid in the living room walls because of that.

[@swapniljoshi728]

@@beowoulf355 Plastic tubing will become yellow in some time. I think it will be better to have something in glass which won't change color.

[@bangthumper3283]

My same thoughts exactly. Great looking table.

[@DaveHcontrarian]

I don't know what you would be able to use that would last a lifetime. Photoluminescent pigment apparently only lasts 10 years. You are probably looking at something radioactive like Tritium which has a half life of 12 years. In reality the oldest light bulbs are the ones that last the longest, but wouldn't have the desired effect.

[@sbontheswitches]

I was devastated when you had to cut the led strip out! I can only imagine how you felt. Great work dude!!

[@DaellusKnights]

Routing out the LED strip really highlights how much this is a labor of love 😻👍

[@staticbuilds7613]

With the side piece included. You could make a really cool waterfall desk with a similar effect. Imagine having a blue effect going down the one side into a small diorama

[@meboyotube]

After seeing it all put together that's exactly what came to my mind.

[@andrademeza]

yes! make it and i will buy it.

[@sytorias7143]

This is the first episode of your channel I've seen and it's fantastic. Your workshop, your skill, what you're doing here is everything I wish I was doing for a living. Keep it up, it's amazing.

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@sytorias7143]

@@DrewBuildsStuff You are most welcome

[@boriboribo]

And the choice of music !

[@GrumpyOldGamer9221]

Great project. I use Govee lights as well, I like how the Govee Home app has a lot of options, themes, modes etc.

[@Steven-vr1ic]

great video. I've been there with breaking LED connectors by tripping over the cord. What I do now is use a twist lock connector so I can connect/disconnect as needed.

[@mischieffactory]

WAIT WAIT WAIT!!!!! You routed out the LED!!!! That is wild! You get a standing ovation man!!!

[@user-uh3lc4bz4u]

as a woodworker myself I can comfortably say that this is absolutely insane dedication and hard work. I wish I can be as good as you one day. Amazing work, brother, you've earned yourself a new loyal subscriber :)

[@leannereilly]

I could of cried FOR you when you tripped on the cable, my jaw dropped & I felt like I was in the room 🙊😭 I’m so happy you kept going & found another way to make things work. It turned out amazing! I wish I lived in Canada so you could help me build my dream office 🥺

[@uteopia]

I thought he hit his leg on the desk until I realized he had broken the cable

[@lucaswood3876]

@@uteopia same!!!

[@reixie]

i knew it was a disaster in coming seeing how he didnt secure it, i thought he would make the end of the cord a priority to make sure nothing could ruin it during the process. i felt his pain tho

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Haha lesson learned

[@thebugalito]

@@reixie How much money would it take to get you to admit that you in fact did not know it was a disaster incoming?

[@Cereal_Killr]

Been wanting to make an LED infused epoxy desk top for my gaming PC for a while now. Epoxy is so expensive...using an Idea like this with filler is very creative! Thanks! You killed it!

[@charliskoroni]

That is the most beautiful lava gaming desk I ever have seen. Wow. awesome.

[@deepblue839]

when you snapped the cable, went back to re-route it out and added a new one earned you a new subscriber! thats hard work and dedication. i feel like most people would've given up knowing the glass was going to eat through router bits, so much extra work and effort. amazing job drew!

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for watching!!

[@lucas_cdp]

No doubt, this is the most beautiful table we've ever seen. all that hard work Worth it

[@mikeymeloche5249]

This is probably one of my top 3 favorites of your videos. Amazing job, Drew. Plus your really easy on the eyes.

[@nodamnnameisavail]

Bro, you have such a great attitude and your honest, self-deprecating and sincere delivery of your narration is such a breath of fresh air. It shows that you don't take yourself too seriously, but you still have such pride and dedication in your work. This was a real treat to watch. Well done.

[@tomroume3178]

Loved how he was using less expensive tools, that "normal" people can afford, unlike these other KZbin channels use. Like the Woodpeckers and the Festools. I would need to win a lottery to buy those tools, and even then not sure if I would buy them.

[@funknasty9246]

Right, all matercraft and ryobi, looks like my shop lol

[@Quataure]

blacktail studios usually has the same kind of narration

[@dolan-duk]

I would have filled the LED channel with clear (soft) silicone after having routed out the bottom after the accident. Would allow for easier replacement of the strip when it inevitably fails.

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Ya some room for improvement on the next one for sure

[@JamesJohnson-kl1eu]

@@DrewBuildsStuff unfortunately, if one of those Leds go out, you'll be doing it again.

[@dolan-duk]

@@DrewBuildsStuff awesome! Maybe some kind of magnetic connection (ala Magsafe) for the LED power cord?

[@wonderrob3225]

That was my thought too. What a beautiful thing and allot of work. The LED s fail and its over.

[@MrRambo438]

@@DrewBuildsStuff Why not increase your initial epoxy pour depth (to be clear from the glass with the router cutter) and then rout out a led channel after, hindsight is great ! could also put some of the glass in the first pour near any open edges so it looks like the glass is full depth

[@geoffreygottfried2385]

Table looks amazing 👏 ! Thank you for showcasing your amazing skill.❤

[@rawnuncutent5551]

My heart dropped when the led strip broke...great save. 💯💯💯 Amazing job.

[@gcmanuel85x]

One way to do this; You add clean white crystals instead, and add the led lights from the bottom, is how you can replace them eventually.

[@designjorge]

yeah. I thought about that too,.. even because the led lights might stop working in the future again... I wouldn't cover them with epoxy. Just a layer of glass would suffice.

[@gcmanuel85x]

@@designjorge Make it under the edges like a train railway or a curtain is hanged commonly.

[@gcmanuel85x]

@@designjorge Or one more idea, is make the table like a lego block, cut in 3x pieces for easy acces.

[@awesomecreationschannel]

This was my first introduction to your channel and I was very impressed with the quality of your work. I felt your pain at ripping the wire out! Great recovery though and you've got a new subscriber 😊👍

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for the sub! Appreciate it!!

[@mikalgoforth9923]

@@DrewBuildsStuff This was also my first introduction to your channel love the work and you've got yourself another sub, good work bro

[@Keegan531]

Same

[@cameronshaw9341]

Amazing video and thank you for leaving in the mess up and recovery I’m trying to get into woodworking so that was greatly appreciated and you have earned my subscription

[@merehuman5488]

that is honestly one of the best I've ever seen, the wood was gorgeous to begin with, so it was a great start for a composition, way to pull through as well, very impressive work!!

[@costafilh0]

Amazing work! I would make the LEDs removable. For easier long term maintenance!

[@bellator8226]

Respect for not giving up. I'd recommend considering routing channels in the underside of the desk and adding LEDs post epoxy, rather than embedding them within the epoxy. It avoids your exact mistake, plus when the LEDs die in a few years they can be easily replaced.

[@Erafune]

Just having a channel for the LED at the bottom of the cast seems like it would be so much easier and replaceable.

[@milesfamily0183]

To say this turned out great would be an understatement. This is AMAZING! The fact that you took the time and patience on this says a lot about the work you put into it. You informed the audience STEP by STEP on your process and products, not to mention the mishaps. I like that it didn't have the epoxy shine because this looks much better. KUDOS on this project. New subscriber after this!!

[@_munkykok_]

Calling this amazing is an understatement, it is AWESOME.

[@ronm8306]

Amazing piece. I felt your pain when you tripped on the LED cord but you overcame and conquered. Great job!

[@nirniro1]

that moment on 16:31 that you decided you had to cut thru the whole LED line ...wow .. I felt so bad for you. good job man ! definitely subscribed

[@toddlawrimore3577]

Beautiful. Was thinking of lifting my video monitors by about 3 inches with a custom platform. My original plan is going updated now. Thanks!

[@ethan2256]

Dude the idea to route the cable back out was clutch, I honestly thought it was over or you were just going to have to mount a new strip under the desk itself, your tenacity prevailed my friend.

[@perrrry]

Too cool you showed the entire journey. You fixed that to the best of your ability, and from the top it looks GREAT!

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Glad you liked it!

[@GRudeger]

Really cool build! That LED cord trip😬🤬🤬🤬. Finished product looks great!

[@kameenavery9616]

DUDE!!! I loved watching @Positiv Couple create that Lava Table. They have such AMAZING projects they have done. I m only 5 min in and cant wait to see what you created. Edit: Just finished watching and SMASHING GREAT Job. I would personally like the shine, but this is a great piece.

[@sparks-tech]

Fantastic work the desk turned out amazing! Great job not giving up when the LED's ripped out of it.

[@j.h.4570]

Judging from myself and things gone wrong, such a mistake can actually be a huge motivation to finish a project. It's like a "now I'm definitely finishing this!" kick in the b*tt. First you're totally annoyed, then frustrated but in the end will kicks in and you show "that thing" who's boss ;-)

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@CormackMcKinney]

I love wood/epoxy desks like this... To have LED lights inside is amazing, and now I see why I haven't seen that before! Incredible work.

[@T0mstyle]

Holy shit I'm going to use this video as an example. The fact that you didn't just cancel the whole project and break down for months but just redid the lights is damn impressive.

[@themomorain]

Yeah that summs up literally about every epoxy/wood desk! 0:21 I dont know what I want to do so I build a desk..

[@nerd26373]

Your whole set-up is on fire, but not in a literal sense. You've done a pretty great job with all this.

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@mizum3458]

He's done an excellent job from filming, editing, and creating. 👍💯🙏

[@giorgospapoutsakis5271]

​@Repent and believe in Jesus Christaight look i see your intentions are not bad but it's irrelevant to the video and enforcing and pressuring is not the way

[@Mina265]

@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist8 Thank you, but keep it on topic, bot.

[@GR33KFR3AK]

@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist8 …….Rotting Christ Grandis, Spiritus, Diabolus…🤘🤘🤘

[@sulpheralchemist]

I love that your videos are so much more possible. so many YT channels show projects that start with "just take the piece over to your 15 foot CNC router" but you show projects using real tools and real problems that happen.

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

That’s always been my goal to keep the builds achievable if the average person wants to build it!

[@traceyb8771]

What an incredible piece! I really enjoyed watching this, you explain in such a simple way that it makes me feel I could someday try it. I felt for you when you broke the light connection and thought it was wonderful you had the imagination and ability to fix it…well done 👍🏻

[@moolder]

I admire your perseverance! After that ripped wire I would surely have given up on that piece. And wow it turned out great in the end!

[@Wombat-blue]

I really like your style and the laid back proactive to the voice over. I think the table came out great. Well done.

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for watching!!

[@dakotastone8289]

Blacktail studio headass

[@eucloyt]

Sounds crazy just from the title. Cant wait to see the final result!

[@zbv2716]

This is insanely well built and a magnificent idea to do this. You have a lot of persistence not stopping after tripping over that wire. This desk is so cool I wish I could have something like this. Keep up the amazing and hardworking videos, I know you take a long time to make videos!

[@chuckzilla3504]

Super impressed by the perseverance through the led issues

[@rogerpowers3891]

Great video. You showed how you planned and built something, and the complications that came with it along the way. Too many videos cut out the issues they have and give off a “perfection” vibe and are actually sort of overwhelming, at least to maybe people who are newer to this and want to try getting into it like me. I learned more from this video than almost all the other ones I did. Great job man keep it up. Definitely subscribing to see what else you create in the future.

[@da_SpiffR]

It turned out brilliant. I can certainly appreciate you doing it the way you wanted with the finish and the hardware. If you love it then it doesn't really matter what anybody else has to say, right? Good stuff.

[@chlo.rin.e]

What an amazing build, it looks beautiful! The moment you ripped out the cord for the led lights, I could feel the pain. I felt so bad but I'm so glad you were able to save it in the end!

[@JenMarco]

That looks like lava! That is so cool!! I need this in my life

[@maxnjax7294]

I soooo resonated when you tripped on that cable You bounced back well

[@angelaedwards5124]

Just watched for the first time. This is absolutely stunning young man. My heart just sank when that cable broke!! I did sub and like. Can't wait for what is next!!!!

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomasoyaro3354]

Your work ethic is inspiring! I cupped my head in my hands when you messed up the LED connection entry-point. 😀

[@Lordblanca]

Sweet. Great work. The metal table leg gives it character. Awesome.

[@codysmith1915]

I massively respect and appreciate when builders put in the mistakes

[@chazman4461]

This is fantastic. I am really glad you showed your mistake. I can not wait until your supply list for this is posted!!! Great job.

[@Bravo_Two]

I appreciate that you give a good DIY perspective on these projects. I know you call out the KZbin woodworking community but most of those folks are approaching their videos from a professional/artisan perspective. This feels more like a project anyone with some basic woodworking tools could build. Great build, thanks for the content!

[@Rs6Quik]

Also he included his mistakes, unlike a lot of other Creators, his "entire" build is on view...BTW how many repair/how to vids skip a step or mistake?? Good stuff Drew.

[@DrewBuildsStuff]

Thanks for the comments! Appreciate it!!!

[@2c0zie4u]

This is absolutely amazing. I will attempt to do this. Thank you so much.

[@xHarpyx]

I love The Positive Couple. I am excited to see your version!

[@davidpolston1836]

Random KZbin Algo brought this to me and my god I'm so happy it did! This is amazing work! That desk looks incredible. I'm now going to work through your other videos!

[@KilledByThatTrain]

Love the standard hardware bracing, cheap, strong, and practical

[@joanoflondon]

Great part of Ontario I travel to London a few times a year stopping at Spinrite. I hope the road construction is done. Beautiful table. As a former woodturner I really enjoy your projects..

[@ironocy496]

The table looks great! As someone who also had a mishap at the end of a resin pour project it was nice seeing you leave that bit in the video. Nice knowing it happens to the best of us. You get a sub for that lol. Excited to check out more of your builds!

[@Retardelito]

The workshop is something. But you only used standard tools that anyone can get!! That’s brilliant. Amazing work

[@antoniofigueroa5084]

Its beautiful! glad you pushed through and rewires the LED. I might 've left access to the LED in case I had to replace it again. Awesome one of a kind table. Wish I had one.

[@SnraBwe-ts2ns]

That is so pretty. I want one in blue.

[@THOMPSONSART]

Recommend painting the metal angle supports flat black.

[@The_Arby]

I don't watch every video you produce, but the ones i do watch always surprise me with your creations and workmanship...Nice one Drew 🙂

[@ToxicShooterOfficial]

I built my own desk a while ago and was going to build another one. Was looking around for ideas and this absolutely blew my mind. Nice work man.

[@aliallen383]

Nice work and even nicer work on fixing the situation with the broken cord. Life throws you obstacles and especially as a man its our job to over come them and never give up!

[@timblahblahblah4904]

This is beautiful. I want one.

[@GlasVelo]

Absolutely stunning...great work Drew!!

[@david_allen1]

Dunno how I missed this video when it first came out, but glad I caught up. What a gorgeous desk man! And I felt ur pain when you ripped the cord for the LED lights -- same reaction I would have had. To your credit, you made it work, I don't think anyone could tell, and it looks beautiful. I think it would be hard for me to leave a desk that beautiful behind -- I'd just sit there admiring it :).

[@jcouture26]

Bl😊pk o 😊ijn

[@Ylsrx82]

Man, I have this new interest in woodworking/carpentry but I must say this you made this a very exciting video with ripping the lights out on accident lol. Then being able to re-route them and complete the project, has made me really want to get as skilled as possible to create pieces. Really amazing looking desk.

[@spritespritespritespritesprite]

Gorgeous

[@gundamblaster5889]

dude!~ This desk looks very awesome! I have to say the time you have spent doing the desk was well worth the trouble. Making creative things really does make you feel accomplished.

[@macid5599]

This was the first video of yours that I've seen and it was amazing to watch. The desk looks awesome, you make it look so easy. Awesome awesome work

[@mervinjosephjacob7211]

Phenomenal work, I got soo gripped from the part where u tripped on the led strip. Shheezz. God Bless man, Amazing video,

[@brodus6294]

Doooooood, Wicked narley desk, love the mat finish. Great job my Brother!

[@DymoPolska]

Tripping the cable actually turned out into a good thing. Now you know you have ability to replace LEDs whenever their lifespan would end. Also no issue with the brackets and bolts apart for not painting them black to match other leg! 😁

[@Elbbert]

I'd love to see this replicated with a slightly tinted orange/red Epoxy to give it more of a lava feel. But I think the clear Epoxy gives you the ability to create some astral style scenes as you showed at the end! Great work

[@tigerprincevincey]

This desk is amazing. I actually really enjoy the asymmetrical legs. It makes it super unique. I really enjoyed watching you make this :D

[@onthewayup]

I honestly thought you caught your groin on the corner at first.....but after I realized what happened, I came to the conclusion the groin poke would have felt a lot better. Im NOT entirely sure If I would've been able to carry on with the project..... Great Work!!!!

[@philbelvin5507]

Beautiful, no bad comments on wood working from me. Love it. Just a small hint on welding miters that I have used with aluminum, you can cut one outside corner of the miter just a bit, if it's 1/8" I usually cut an 1/8" off, then weld the full length of the outside of the miter to fill it in. A little grinding and it's invisible and much stronger. Keep building!

[@Hyper5nic]

Amazing walkthrough and thanks for sharing! It did occure to me that you can also staine the wood very dark, like ebony, with vinegar and steelwool for that extra realistic slightly cooled dark lava look.

[@FreightTrain54]

Very cool. Glad to see the lights didn't make you quit and you overcame that. Maybe if you did this again, you could actually cut the channel for the lights afterwards... like if you had a thicker layer of clear underneathor if you made a clear conduit channel through there so you could take out the lights at any time if needed. And my only suggestion would have been painting the L brackets to match the steel leg on the other side. It's still phenominal.

[@gravbloss81]

beautiful work

[@scottcook740]

great job!! i imagine that next time would be much easier having learned much from this build! keep it up!

[@NeillWylie]

What a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing your process

[@elainawest1572]

Really impressed with your work. I’m seriously thinking of trying some resin and wood mix. I would love to do a worktop for my campervan, this has got my creative juices flowing. Thank you so much. ❤

[@AmericanDad6249]

Hey Brother. I've been doing custom work my entire adult life... Your doing a great job... Thank you for sharing your artisan work. Much Repect

[@darekradulski6213]

A friend of ours makes medieval style furniture (hardwood,stainless steel and glass)unreal designs and prices are even higher, it worth every penny.

[@AGTV10]

That’s a great job. I really like how you made it look like the “lava” was lower than the wood to give it that 3D look. Love it.

[@bluej511]

Drew, congrats on the new space. And amazing work on the desk. Don't worry about still living at home my friend. Just save up and don't stress over it. Housing market is a joke everywhere. Btw, so unlucky about the LED cable man, surprised you didn't throw something out of frustration.

[@NZobservatory]

"What are you kids talking about? The housing market is awesome!" -- The landlords who inherited all the houses

[@bonshawbear4545]

That is AMAZING. I don't do woodwork and don't usually watch these type of videos but my son is right into gaming. He would love a desk Iike this. I actually watched this because you kept me interested in how much work actually went into this and how you went about the problem where you tripped and broke the led cable. ❤ I would even love a table like this just because it's so gorgeous.