Wood-bending Hack to Craft a $7,000 Bistro Table

[@AndyRawls]

“Not your fingers not your problem”…I’m stealing that one!

[@Paul-jh3cs]

it kinda is my problem though, because if you lose one i’m going to be morally compelled to feel bad for you…

[@teaguewhite26]

Wasn't a fan of dark color choice on base, I feared you were going to make entire project that dark, but then realized it was just the base. Entire project is just WOW! Extremely impressive, your channel is truly under rated!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Teague! I really liked the lighter tone too, but the dark turned out pretty sleek.

[@quranaasmanifakekitabhai5734]

@@SawyerDesign You talk too much. Talk less and do more.

[@greghadlock6148]

@@SawyerDesign ⅞

[@ethanrobertson8921]

Most of the time I catch myself thinking "I don't like what he did there", "I wouldn't have done that", etc. Then at the end I'm blow away with how amazing the completed project looks and how all those elements I wasn't sure of came together brilliantly. You have a unique, identifiable style and your work, as always, is brilliant. Well done!

[@SawyerDesign]

Haha I totally know what you mean. The little touches seem so out of touch with the whole until it all comes together. Thanks Ethan!

[@lincolnpalmer7174]

You are hands down the most talented woodworker and designer on KZbin.

[@SawyerDesign]

I really appreciate that. Lots of more talented people than me though! Thanks Lincoln.

[@scottfield598]

Agree 100%

[@nelsnn]

Third this.

[@Hockey4harry1]

Absolutely agree.

[@bigdogmn73]

He is "OK"...if only he would try something hard...all his work is so "Easy"...haha

[@steveferguson1232]

You never cease to amaze your followers. Stunning is all I can come up with and it belongs in a museum of woodworking art

[@mhfarmgirl1969]

Love your creativity and "Not your fingers not your problem"! Lol You are kind enough to take us along in your journey and share your methods(dangerous or not 😝) and I wouldn't dare presume to tell you that you should do anything differently! Enjoyed :)

[@bluecurlygirl]

Absolutely stunning build. That vinegar and steel wool trick never gets old to me. It came out so good. Amazing design. I absolutely love it.

[@livedeliciously]

Here from Reddit and here to stay. Subbed. I've been out of woodworking for so long because I don't have a place to practice it. This is the filler until that time.

[@TheVectorious]

The inside of the base looks so cool. You’re gonna have to do one with a glass top so you can appreciate it.

[@Scereyaha]

I was thinking you could make a whole wooden trumpet shaped flower with leaves at the base, out of wood, and just put a glass top on it.

[@older-wiser-better]

This is insane ! Insane amount of work and insanely beautiful ! Holy smokes ! From someone with no experience in woodworking but watching a lot of woodworking channels : YOU ARE THE MOST SKILLED WOODWORKING GUY OUT THERE ! ( not to mention your editing skills)

[@rodyoakum1194]

I Been A Architectural woodworker For 40 Retired Now Got Say That Is Some Impressive Work 👌

[@joelw6215]

I browse channels on my off time when I’m on building custom built ins and cabinets. From one professional to another. Well done. Well done. No one touches that

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks so much Joel!

[@snipper1ie]

I'm remembering an episode of THE REPAIR SHOP on the BBC, where an old gramophone was restored. The transformation of the look of the horn was spectacular.

[@-_-BenPrice]

Ben Uyeda said there was no gallery quality furniture on KZbin clearly he hasn’t found your channel. Keep it up sir your awesome!

[@SawyerDesign]

Haha thanks Ben!

[@shaunburst5875]

NOT YOUR FINGERS NOT YOUR PROBLEM! amazing work as always! Love your videos! Need to get your logo as a sticker an that phrase on a shirt!

[@boryscholewinski4370]

Your merch should say: "I think I can complicate that" Love this. You went from pallet furniture to complex angular designs and now more and more bending and lamination. And that's like really fckn difficult yet you seem so damn confident. Faced with something this complicated I would just stall and avoid, simplify or... abandon. But you just go crazier each time. So yeah. You piss me off :)

[@SawyerDesign]

Haha thanks Borys! Definitely trying to get more complex every day. I just get so bored with doing the same thing twice lol

[@richardroy61]

I'd buy that!

[@cityslicks1520]

I must say, I watched the first few minutes then jumped to the finishing stage (I'm sorry!). As soon as I saw the flower petal/explosion design on the tabletop, I had to rewind and watch the whole process to see how you got there. Please forgive me for skipping... Not that hearing it from me is anything special but I really did enjoy this video. You're very talented and very very engaging. First time watcher and now a subscriber.

[@SawyerDesign]

Hey thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it and pleased to have ya!

[@jack8box]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed. Wonderful table. I believe these are called trumpet bases. That is what I searched for years ago when I was in the engineering world.

[@ailenehuston1650]

I grew up with a carpenter as a father and grandfather its fun to see the differences and similarities with how you work and they worked. your definitely a lot cleaner. they used an air gun to clean saw dust which of course just moved it around! some of the differences might just be new technology though. whats up with the big plastic bag? if i remember correctly i think my dad bent the wood with hot towels and clamps. they built circular stairs and had to bend wood for railings a lot.

[@willxin4517]

I love the skill and creativity of this project. Very nice. $5,000 was not enough!

[@BadYossa]

I'm always blown away by the things that you make - they're simply stunning. Also, I really appreciate the production quality of your vids - well shot, nicely graded and edited, with cool soundtracks. Can't fathom why your subscriber base is under 50k. In a world of river tables, it's refreshing to see the raw talent of a true craftsman at work. Kudos mate 👍

[@SawyerDesign]

Thank you! KZbin’s a slow roll at first, but definitely starting to build some steam

[@boblambert8985]

Wow! That is beautiful! The 22.5 degree problem is because you were measuring at right angles to the edge of each sheet. What you needed was 22.5 degrees measured relative to the virtual horizontal plane created by concentric circles around the finished shape. If you were going to mass produce these it would be worth doing the maths and making a jig, but for small runs your manual solution is much more pragmatic!

[@charlesissleepy]

weird comment but wood is kind of the perfect medium for someone who's colorblind, great work

[@dkasvin1]

if I could give you more than one like, i would!!! Man, it's been a while since I asked myself: "...How did he do that?". It takes skill, creativity and courage. The best part is that your struggled through and made what we all deserved to see. You truly created MASTERPIECE. Thank you. Very inspiring.

[@SawyerDesign]

My pleasure Dmitriy. Appreciate the love man. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the process 🤙

[@flol4570]

"We can complicate that a little" together with that childish smile is a very accurate and nice way do describe your approach. Like it, as always.

[@yvonnehughes3036]

Really awesome!. I'm a bit surprised such a narrow base could hold such a heavy top! Love the profile of this!!

[@StopandStare.]

Never in the history Sawyer design channel the piece is just okay, there always something in all the project that takes it to next level, for this it was that chemical reaction

[@chriss6443]

beautiful work. Incredible amount of effort, time and energy. I'm just starting out on my woodworking journey and this is a truly inspiring channel.

[@xindubitablex]

“Not your fingers, not your problem.” I can appreciate that response to people in 2022. Subscribed!

[@theofarmmanager267]

Excellent, excellent. I think there are creative woodworkers who can visualise unique designs and build them; then there are woodworkers who can “copy” designs, tweaking them to suit themselves. You are in the first category; I’m in the second and bow to you in appreciation. I hope your client understood and paid for the amount of labour in this. The cost of the timber and veneer is a lot - but hours and hours of labour! I was taught a couple of rough equations. Firstly, that, if you introduce 1 curve (as opposed to just circles) then labour is doubled; if you introduce complex curves (which work off each other) then you factor the labour by tenfold. Secondly, the first one of a set that you build takes the longest; the second takes 20% less; the third and subsequent ones take 30% less. Obviously, those are not built in stone and accurate but it gives me an idea of labour time and, when I was selling bespoke stuff, something that I could use to explain to customers why a piece like yours had 10 times as much labour as a simple square or round pedestal. I’m sure you found it necessary but I would like to have seen one table as you did it - and another with some sort of glass top so that you could look down the trumpet; however, I accept that a glass top is high on the naff list.

[@SawyerDesign]

I like that formula. I definitely price differently than I used to with rectilinear projects. Materials become almost negligible. A glass top would be awesome! I might be tempted to pour the whole cavity with epoxy to eliminate the stamen which would be cool and a pain in the ass 😂

[@theofarmmanager267]

@@SawyerDesign that would be a whole lot of resin - and probably lead to a heat-cure problem. It just seemed a shame to cover up that beautiful internal shape.

[@VoeltnerWoodworking]

Been binge watching your channel tonight. Some great stuff. Really enjoyed this build and your honest way of tackling the projects.

[@tomlagatol4448]

I truly commend you for meeting the unfathomable/seemingly unexplainable “situations” with the confidence of what your “gut” tells you to do. Truly, you have a large pair! 😁. Good Vid, Thanks!

[@matthewgarland693]

Dude I am impressed that you pushed through that and the flower came together. Careful with your fingers and don't trip over those big steel balls

[@wadman0720]

Every project you do amazes me and inspires me. Stunning craftsmanship. As a retired graphic designer, I so much appreciate your design process and use of tools from sketch to 3d to build, and especially your incorporation of power and hand tools. As a self-taught woodworker, I too do creative builds like yours, moving from functional furniture to more art-inspired...because that makes you push your own envelop and creative process. Heck if you stay with simple work, your work stays simple. BTW...love the background music too...a mix of chill, lounge and easy listening...nice. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks so much John! You’re gonna love the next piece. Sort of a sculptural bent lamination project. Glad you’re enjoying the videos man. I appreciate the love

[@froth7133]

How fricking cool is that = VERY! Not only are you skilled you are creative. Well done … great job telling us what you were doing here! Totally engaged!!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Frank! Glad you checked out another. A little more fun when I get to tell the whole story. Appreciate it man!

[@aaronlsilber]

To trim the bottom of the base (instead of using the router) you could make a panel of sandpaper glued to a flat surface (mdf) and rub it around in circles to take off the excess. I've done this in several projects and it removes that router risk from your project. Cheers! Great project!

[@SeraphimKnight]

You know, I was a bit skeptical reading the title of the video... but then I saw how much work went into this table and honestly that's fair. Great work.

[@Aelad99]

most gorgeous process and table Ive seen in years.

[@thomasnichols7788]

Your site is awesome and quite encouraging. I have been designing and building furniture as a hobby for 40 years and now get to do it more in retirement. I feel bad at times that I don't use CAD or Sketchup. I have a good set of sketched plans I make and just start. Your approach to adjusting on the fly is right in my ballpark. Great work and imagination!!!!

[@SawyerDesign]

I wish I could draft. Drawing curves in 3D space makes by brain work. Thanks Thomas!

[@BadAppleWoodwerx]

“I was gonna make a simple table, but that’s not what we do here…” 🤣😂🤣 Amazing build, as always. 😎

[@SawyerDesign]

Haha this is the way. Thanks Tim!

[@vi683a]

The Piece is Art, but so is the Master.

[@billwilliamson4715]

Yeah, another super dope creation. I'm becoming addicted. Woodworking content is my drug and your channel pure dopamine. Who needs X-Files...? Well me, and now add Sawyer Design... It is "must see You T". Your started it Dude.

[@bjornscheibler1899]

“Not your fingers, not your problem.” You sir, have gotten a new subscriber.

[@ksross08]

Man, that "Cleanup on Aisle 6" moment!!! Nice recovery.

[@jdmcs]

Yes, that vacuum bag opening sound is so satisfying! And your voiceover was probably way better than whatever your microphone didn't pick up.

[@Osiwan960]

vaccum bag: * opens * Nick: * oh god yes *

[@JeffRevell]

Always enjoy watching a fellow colorblind woodworker guess about what color the finish really is. I always just pick a finish based on what looks good to me. It's also why I don't do any color matching projects for clients because, well, colorblind. Great project. Thanks for sharing.

[@jenneferelie2292]

Holy crap….mind blown! Over the top one of the coolest tables I have ever seen. Your talent is beyond! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us!

[@tangotango3406]

One hundred percent… Amazing! Which doesn’t even do the work you do any justice. Thank you for posting!

[@kelvinnance8371]

Superb craftsmanship and design. Don't be too concerned about those variable vectors as it requires some higher level maths, a computer, and nowadays, a CNC. Otherwise, 'feeling your way' through it is pretty much how craftsmen of the past did it, with a little math, of course. Your end result is beautiful, proportionate, elegant, and has a very nice organic style. Well done!

[@oliverhede6612]

the videos keep getting better keep up the good work, as a 24 year old upstarting newbie woodworker i'm grateful for having such a great inspiration and teacher

[@SawyerDesign]

Hey awesome! Thanks Oliver

[@albertshilton5336]

I just subscribed. I’ve been a wood worker for 50 years… yup. Your awesome!

[@donnysarvis]

Absolutely blown away by the skill involved here! You just keep one upping yourself with every video man. So impressed. Keep em coming Nick!

[@jessenunes4327]

You come up with the most technical design and absolutely nail it . Impressive.

[@righthook27]

Couldn't have been THAT difficult, after all, it only took 26 minutes to make. 😜 But seriously, incredible multiplied by infinity... Again! You are a woodworking force to be reckoned with, my friend.

[@zwirt2]

Each video manages to surprise me with how awesome your skills are

[@gges1605]

OOOoooh that was some impressive freehand compound curve cutting beautiful result congrats

[@sssfff5058]

Faced with that many compound angles, I may have tried a sled/jig that would slide along the convex face . Nicely Done

[@19vanglin63]

That was amazing! Got my husband to watch (he hates woodworking videos) and he was even in awe. Thanks for another mindbending video!

[@richardbulloch2395]

Just beyond fascinating to watch. The detail, the patience in “bringing it home”, no comparison. Well done.

[@richardbulloch2395]

Not to mention the content creation, video drop days are great days.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks so much Richard! Glad you’re enjoying the builds!

[@plantqueen7790]

Omg this music. Frickin. SLAPS. Came for the woodworking, subscribed for hopefully more similar jams. Was looking around and couldn’t find the artist in the comments; would you mind sharing it, please? 👏🏻🎶

[@rionegooderham2556]

Looks gorgeous, with top notch attention to detail. Definite Art Nouveau vibes with the flower trumpet base and table top patterning.

[@ryderscustomcreations3665]

Watching you figure out how to build that base was very inspiring! You’re an animal!!

[@mattelias721]

Absolutely amazing, Nick. I caught the "flower butt" label on the flute form... hilarious. How you freehanded that changing, curved angle was mind-blowing for me. Also, since you're colorblind - yeah, you got that oak purple-black. I assume you hit it with some shellac right after to keep it from rusting (think you gave me that tip, actually). I've found that what really helps the ebonizing is to paint on some tea (like, steeped from a teabag) and then use the iron acetate. It evens out the color across the oak components and automatically gives you that deep black.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Matt! I try to shellac pretty shortly after ebonizing. I remember us talking about your rust issue. I typically only have issues with the container of solution rusting, not on the piece (I keep the shop climate/humidity controlled) the tea trick is a great one.

[@daveparker5569]

I love that you just took the individual pieces to the jointer and just pressed forward. Eyeball that angle up that curved surface. That’s often the key.

[@markmcintire3401]

You are an exceptional woodworker! I’m thinking more of an artist! With the ability to overcome to completion is mind boggling! I’ve trashed many projects because I couldn’t figure the angle or the ability to create the angles with what I have. You should have never told us that you couldn’t get it right and you would free hand it. You would have made yourself look a genius! Your awesome friend! Really enjoyed the video.

[@lllukiosas59]

This came up as autoplay while working and after a while I watched it full in Awe. Amazing work!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks so much!

[@metdukh955]

Gorgeous🔥 I don't know why but I feel like 'if I can think, I can do it' despite tools limitation I follow lots of wood working pros like you. Keep producing and inspiring. Life is so freaking hard here in NE INDIA.

[@762user]

One of the best projects I have seen on KZbin!!

[@pedersonscountrywoodworkin6967]

Another great job. I loved the comment about the safety police "It's not your fingers, don't worry about it".

[@yx940702]

The inside of the horn looks so cool you could make a glass top to showcase that next time!

[@chandarussell]

Very nice. I love the veneers you chose. Beautiful table. And I knew what you meant when you said gramophone horn.

[@davidbucher1569]

Wow you are quit the craftsman. Your ideas are one of a kind. Keep the videos coming.

[@donaldadams5342]

Great perseverance brings great results & nothing more so than with this result. This is a Great looking table & a great finish. I was subscribed earlier when watching your videos but for some reason my computer 'spat the dummy'. Oh well, I'm back again. Don from South Aust.

[@tomfull6637]

Wow! Your artistry, craftsmanship and presentation is excellent. Interesting and enjoyable! K rgds A/Sweden

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks so much Tom!

[@ericward9468]

Nick!!!! This is absolutely mind blowing! I’ve watched the base pieces come together multiple times and I still can figure out how you did it and made it look so good. You’re so next level! Thank you for the content!

[@SawyerDesign]

Let’s chalk this one up to luck 😂 thanks Eric!

[@33psychobunny]

Got an almost art deco vibe from this build. The inverted bell as the table stand was a neat idea.

[@wannabefunnyman]

That might be the most beautiful thing I have seen made from wood this year.

[@SawyerDesign]

Wow thanks Ed!

[@OldtownWorkshop]

Came for the interesting design, stayed for the nice presentation and editing. Thumbs up! Also great work btw

[@commonsense7754]

I'm sure the little editing error has been pointed out around the 16 min mark. Excellent work. Brilliant use of form .

[@CreativeCarpentry]

You are definitely putting yourself ahead of most guys making woodworking content. I hope things are going well and you continue to grow your channel. Good man well done and thanks for putting in the effort it’s much appreciated

[@SawyerDesign]

My pleasure man. Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@jonny555ive]

I really appreciate the hard work and the process you put into this table....... I understand why you'd want the "contrast" but I'm not a fan of the black. My opinion, the execution is incredible 👍👍 Take care, ~Jonny5🥁

[@azharkadri878]

Simply awesome work Master craftsmanship to a supreme level

[@owlheadwoodco.3756]

Leave it to a router to nearly de-rail a project. Routers man, it's always the frigging router. Totally amazing build, learned a bunch watching.

[@SawyerDesign]

Dude. Every damn time lol. Thank you!

[@Dickie2702]

Love it. In hindsight would you change the number of segments in the top to match the number in the base? I think it would tiecthe two together. I found the to a bit busy??? But hey what do I know. I really hope you continue your journey forever, can't imagine what you will be building in ten is twenty years time.

[@allisonwoods6161]

Nice proportions and great colour contrast

[@jacobtyman3726]

Just amazing! You are extremely talented. Keep up the great work!

[@DallinMoore]

You're incredible. I just never seen your channel before, but you're on a whole different level than everyone else. Great work!

[@barrydoxseyuk]

Totally insperational! That is both construction and finish. Love it.

[@CONEHEADDK]

I had expected "real" wood bending. But nice work. And nice salesmanship.. ;)

[@Balanced_Grain]

Incredible Nick! Thanks for never going for the easy.

[@infeelfurniture]

One of the coolest projects I've seen lately. Honestly, I'm impressed!

[@thomlipiczky9021]

I love your ability to problem solve on the fly! Wonderful execution!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Thom!

[@JeffOravitz]

“Not your fingers, not your problem.” 🤣 Possibly my new favorite phrase.

[@SawyerDesign]

Hahaha was hoping someone would appreciate that.

[@soundbreakerharms3915]

I liked the gramophone comparison more than the flower butt, but to each their own. I love how it turned out though

[@remizik]

Great project, skills, humor, editing. Well done, instant sub :)

[@kungfujesus7]

New fan from Belfast! Great stuff mate, very enjoyable to watch!

[@laddcraner4170]

Great job, thanks for sharing your time with everyone, bless!

[@knalltute2073]

this is the first video I watched on this channel. To be completely honest I have to say that I don't like the design. BUT I am completely thrilled about your ambition and your skills. Instant subscription! Keep it up!

[@jackdelancey248]

A trick I’ve used is to fit the outer edge. Before attaching cut a rabet in either top or edge. Install inlay in rabet, flush it to which ever unit it was attached to. Then install nosing. BTW rabet the top it’s easier. Nice looking table.

[@ps603]

Comes together so nicely..