NEVER use this to make furniture

BUILD PLANS FOR SALE:
scottwalsh.co/collections/plans
I made a coffee table with construction lumber and I want to share with you a bunch of tips and tricks to make a successful furniture project with 2x material.
I made this table for a friend of mine, yes its a little small but he lives in a tiny condo.
Dowel Center-Finding Pins: geni.us/Q3r3lY
US & CANADIAN AFFILIATE LINKS:
DOWELMAX:
DOWELMAX 3/8" Kit:
www.dowelmax.com/product/clas...
DOWELMAX 1/2" Expansion:
www.dowelmax.com/product/dowe...
BLADES:
Table Saw Blade: lddy.no/1gj1k
Miter Saw Blade: lddy.no/1i8tz
Dado Stack: lddy.no/1g6ux
TOOLS:
Chisels: lddy.no/1g68v
Miter Gauge: geni.us/0K4H36
Dust Extractor: geni.us/ccOkLC
Drill and Driver: geni.us/qyrTiC
Circular Saw: geni.us/J5mDQ
Random Orbit Sander: geni.us/dkULx8s
Jig Saw: geni.us/i7HRN
Compact Router: geni.us/h90weiY
Cordless Router: geni.us/Jou0
Miter Saw: geni.us/uhfOe
Track Saw: geni.us/aslB
BITS:
Forstner Bits: geni.us/oj2HXU
Countersink With Stop: geni.us/cQFDp
Countersink w/o Stop: geni.us/dMiEM
Countersink Zero Flute: geni.us/fVIhcp
Self-Centering Bits: geni.us/RXZv9K3
3/32" Round Over Bit: geni.us/b8sGMT
SUPPLIES
Sandpaper: lddy.no/1hs32
Double-Sided Tape: geni.us/ZohrzD
Green Tape: geni.us/CWZquR
Glue: geni.us/4JCcR
CA Glue: geni.us/mELd05A
CA Accelerator: geni.us/bq0Az2
Silicone Glue Brush: geni.us/tiJw
INSTAGRAM:
/ scottydwalsh
MUSIC:
Epidemic Sound
Use my referral link and start your free 30-day trial:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@BillCoale]

Fantastic content. You have that rare triple threat combination of clearly knowing your sh*t, the ability to distill it into digestible bits, and the presence and humor to make it fun to learn. Edutainment at its best!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks for the kind words Bill! That means a lot!

[@n17384]

Agreed, this is a million times better than anything on HGTV! Great video, thanks for putting this out there.

[@Jaschan]

i agree! i instantly subscribed with this video (first time watching something from this channel)

[@mjestrada1340]

Totally agree. I found myself watching thru the end and learned quite a bit.uch easier to watch than a lot here in YT.

[@darkofps]

This is put very well

[@Cocpain]

As a carpenter (cabinets, and furniture, but I have been known to frame from time to time, or build a set of steps) i knew the short falls of mass produced construction lumber in a finished piece. Why i tuned in was to see if you were another one of the "purists" that believe only the finest hardwoods should be used in furniture. Pleasantly surprised that you actually gave quality information about wood selection, and milling practices, and short falls with grain structure, well done. I would say though, using low quality wood is good for some one new to the craft. It is lower stakes, and with all it's BS you have to work around, if you can turn out quality making something beautiful out of a top notch hard wood is less anxiety inducing seeing how you honed your skills with lower stakes.

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

would your yob title not be 'joiner'? carpenter is a far rougher trade

[@Cocpain]

@@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024 If all I did was joinery, I can swing a hammer with the best of them too. I also am sure you know all about rough trade... Doctor.

[@Cocpain]

@@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024 OK, sorry, that was uncalled for, it's been a long day, and I am salty. To clarify, I wish I could make a living just doing furniture, and finish work, but since I started my company almost 20yrs ago I realized that wouldn't be an option. Over the years I have seen the talent pool dry up in all of the wood craft fields, so I would be stupid not to fill the gaps to make that money, because in the end, that's all anyone is in it for.

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

@@Cocpain i didnt mean to appear rude. just that in UK at least i think joiner is a very much more skilled job than carpenter, and cabinetmaker is top of class. i am not either or any of the above. i have made a few nice bits of furniture and window frames using traditional techniques (no metal or glue) and even made a bodging lathe in the forest, and it was slow laborious work and very rewarding to see a nice finished product. even so i cant help but wince at the prices some people demand for wood slab desks and tables, or maybe its just a youtube meme, or money laundering like modern art. one of my best friends trained as a joiner and i remember (many years ago) him bringing home his final college project, a welsh dresser he made for his mum. that was a beauty. sorry if i rubbed you the wrong way, and wish you all the best in your work.

[@boa1793]

@@Cocpain, I’m grateful that you admitted to your poor attitude and tried to amend. Humility is a sign of a strong person. Also, I think it’s great for others to see. I, myself, try to do it, even though i can delete my entries. That option is under the three dots just to the right.

[@TheBeaker59]

If I could add a comment, I built a small boat recently (I try to build one about once every two years) usually out of good grade boat building timber. This time as an exercise I tried to build this one as cheap as possible from reclaimed wood, construction ply etc to see if its possible. If this was a commercial enterprise this would be the most expensive boat build I have done, yes the wood cost near nothing but the extra epoxy, labour, prep work, filler and paint far outweighed any gain in cost of materials. I did learn allot though.

[@cryterion7770]

How much could I pay you to build ME a boat?

[@TheBeaker59]

@@cryterion7770 I would love to do that if you lived in New Zealand near me however, its a hobby for me I do it for therapy and give away the boats to family and friends. Today I am fitting rowlocks to a sailing dinghy for my grandchildren.

[@isvlh7139]

You reminded me of my grandfather, he used to build small boats, almost like a kayak out of palm trees leaves what an amazing crafsmanship

[@HiThereFriend1]

@@TheBeaker59 you sound like the coolest guy in the world!

[@TheBeaker59]

@@HiThereFriend1 I'm a legend in my own lunchtime. But the Grandchildren children and ever suffering wife seem to like me a bit. But then family is the fun in life. There are heaps of equals and heaps of cooler guys and gals, you might be one too, I think so :).

[@CristopherCutas]

I want more videos... It feels like seeing Linus Tech Tips but for woodworking. There are so many things I want to learn about being a handyman in general and you seem to be a perfect host for such an audience.

[@frankpratt529]

Hey Scott, this is hands down the finest video I've ever seen on building furniture with construction lumber. There is a whole lot of solid, accurate and balance info crammed into less than 15 minutes. And the finished piece is probably the only stain job on soft wood that looks really decent, other than maybe sprayed on toner. Personally, I never build any furniture out of construction lumber that isn't for the shop or some other purely utilitarian purpose.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much for the kind words Frank! I almost did a twelve-step process for the finish, but decided that the audience might not light that, haha

[@CrazyMexican0005]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking Can you share that process? i really like that color. Does ash stain well?

[@alexwbakker]

You know, there is a particular use for which all these rules still apply, but is a bit more practical: Outdoor furniture made of redwood or cedar.

[@privatear2001]

@@alexwbakker Good point! :)

[@ksard4142]

This is one of the best videos I have seen. Lots of great info and entertaining enough to keep me interested the whole way through. Great job!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much and I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottbeveridge8469]

I agree. Absolutely fantastic.

[@redcars72]

YES!! The humor makes it

[@jfstyle11]

⁶5

[@SpiritOfTheWest49]

The Venn Diagram for informative and entertaining videos looks something like this!

[@matthewmousseau7148]

Phenomenal breakdown of how the grain affects the end product and how you can use what you have to better effect! Thank you for putting this together.

[@TheHeadincharge]

I think construction grade lumber is great for what it is. The issues occur when people try to turn it into something it isn’t. If you embrace soft pine for what it is, all the knots and imperfections that go along it, then you’re going to have much more success with this wood and it will maintain its benefits of cost effectiveness and easy availability.

[@notfeedynotlazy]

Pine is one of the most beautiful woods for furniture

[@troymachovec]

100% agree. I love using live edge, knots, cracks, inclusions etc. It adds so much character you just can't get any other way.

[@privatear2001]

I like using it for rough projects that probably will never get painted. Recently designed a hammock weaving stand in Autocad so will now build it out of 2X4. Probably can't achieve as good a look as a hardwood might, but this application doesn't really require finesse or fine lines. :)

[@treymiller5736]

I noticed how he also stated they skipped a bit on the drying process they actually don’t skip on it to save money. You WANT it pretty wet. Construction lumber they use nail guns and so on if you dry out wood a nail gun will spilt it every time. You need to drill a hole then hammer a nail/screw or.

[@raynman6466]

@@notfeedynotlazy far from one of the most beautiful wood😅

[@codyhildebrand13]

So it is possible to be a scholar, a gentleman and a normal person simultaneously. Well done.

[@pumpkinheadghoul]

FYI: Another reason to purchase 2x12s, as long as you have a table saw to rip them on, rather than purchasing 2x4s is because 2x4s sell much faster than the larger cuts, which means 2x4s will almost always be the freshest boards in the entire store, and have had the least amount of time to dry out, where as 2x12s are much more likely to have sat around much longer and had more time to dry out. You can visit a big box store, pick through a stack of 2x4s and return two days later to find a brand new stock of 2x4s just delivered since you were last there. Doing the same with 2x12s, then return a weeks or a month later and there's a much greater likelihood you'll be picking through the exact same stack of 2x12s you saw sitting there weeks earlier.

[@romlyn99]

Every beginner wood worker needs to watch this video. Such useful information on how to get wood... I mean how to buy and cut lumber.

[@JohnD-JohnD]

My computer desk that I'm using right now to watch this video was made with construction grade lumber. (joined 2x6's for the top, 2x4's for leg cross supports, and 4x4' legs). It's about 15 years old, still looks great and still strong as it was when I made it. Took me a couple days to make it, and I think I spent around $50 in wood, and less than $100 for the whole project after stain, glue, screws, etc.. I've made tables and other pieces out of Walnut, Maple, Ash, etc,, as well, and yeah they look nice too, but cost 10X as much.

[@xTheJBone]

I would consider that this was 15 years ago. I'd imagine that the manufacturing methods and costs for construction lumber has changed since then significantly.

[@drongnel69]

@@xTheJBone I did almost exactly the same thing last year, 2x4 are fine as long as you check them when you buy them and avoid overly knotty ones

[@AlvinBrinson]

Same. I have a desk that my grandfather built me in 1986 that I use to this day. It has at least 3 different wood types I can identify. It is indeed soft and has dented a bit over the years, but is still 100% straight despite nearly 40 years of abuse, being moved, stored in humid environments, etc. Knots and all. Of course the lumber market is vastly different than it was 40 years ago, so it probably would cost a lot more relatively to build now. I have considered refinishing it as it's in a very old fashioned dark stain/varnish.... but then it wouldn't be the same.

[@typeosign5094]

For pine, I also recommend sealing it with a wood conditioner or thinned down shellac before applying the gel stain. I also highly recommend experimenting with dyes instead of stains. The color can actually look a lot more natural because there isn't nearly as much of a dramatic grain reversal as there is with stains.... I also highly recommend not staining it. Especially when you've taken the time to plane and joint the material to a beautiful finish. Even if you don't love the look of freshly milled pine, it tends to age into some really beautiful colors. A lot of people, especially beginners (including myself), tend to assume applying a stain is part of the finishing process. But if you keep an open mind and let the beauty of the natural wood speak for itself, you'd be surprised at how pretty pine furniture can be.

[@tapajapa]

It's an understatement to say I watch a lot of woodworking content on KZbin. I'm shocked I haven't seen your work until now. You're videos have instantly become some of my favorite content. You manage to hit the sweet spot between incredible talent that many can aspire to while simultaneously being approachable and grounded in the realities amateurs face. I can't wait to see what you put out next!

[@Ritalie]

True, this channel is one of the best! All the channels are really good. But this one is damn funny, and I was laughing out loud when he said you can dent pine boards by just looking at them! hahaha. That's so true. You end up with a big smash in a board after you've meticulously sanded it, only to realize that you laid the board down on a little spec of dirt and it put a big dent in it. You have to build a clean room just to sand pine boards otherwise they self destruct from a pebble touching them.

[@abdellatif7668]

Oh maaan I am glad youtube proposed your video, by far one of the best wood working videos, keep your good work.

[@wboquist]

One exception to the advice you gave, I think, is for salvaged lumber from older structures. I recently remodeled a kitchen in an mid 20th century tract house that was definitely not high-end construction. Nevertheless, about half of the 2 X 4 studs I removed during the demolition were clear, and the ones that were not clear generally had only one knot in them. Even most of the plaster grounds I removed were cut from clear lumber. And, they were dead straight, with about 20 growth rings per inch. I have reused some of them already, with excellent results.

[@kamikazeslammer]

I'm a total novice, I've used dimensional lumber for a pet gate and all slats were done with mortise and tenon joints. I also have a biscuit joiner I got from a yard sale for like $10. That Venn diagram should at least have a 1 person overlap 😁 Really enjoyed this video!

[@ehisey]

Joinery makers and construction lumber is actually pretty high, especially in the beginner levels.

[@Raven1024]

Yeah. I used a lot of joinery on construction timber products as I was growing up and learning woodworking. Didn't have money for hardwood until much later and even then only for specific projects.

[@TheGooglyminotaur]

Same for me, except I have a dowel jig 😅

[@jamesjames7192]

Very well done. First time watching something from you. I really like that you discussed the real cost and considered the waste verses looking for better or more suitable lumber. I have been woodworking for years and have noticed there are some interesting views and techniques on KZbin. People often don't think about true cost. I look forward to seeing more from you

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks James!

[@richardcagle5475]

Went to price poplar for my kids toybox at HD. Got up to something like 300 before checking an actual lumber store and ended up paying 150, even after paying for s3s finishing. Never go to a box store if you have a real lumber warehouse reasonably close. It's ALWAYS cheaper. Always.

[@SenileOtaku]

That had been my thought on it even before he brought that up.

[@jasonjohnson1404]

@@richardcagle5475 Even better is to find the mom and pop saw mills if you have them in your area. I bought all of my poplar for cabinets kiln dried from a local sawmill for FAR less than any store. Yes, I had to run them through a planer, but you're probably going to have to do that anyway after cutting the boards.

[@richardcagle5475]

@@jasonjohnson1404 dude even when I have them put s3s on them for me I almost always have work to do to them. There's a guy down the road that runs something out of his home. Bout to just stop by an knock. Know an ax throwing dude that gets his logs from there, but I feel odd just knocking on his door being like "you got wood? I like wood"

[@rogerhelms6715]

Hats off! I had picked up almost all of the details of what you said through the years, but and never put them together like that. So helpful!

[@bengarland]

This is a super well produced and informative video. I like how Scott gets to the point and doesn't waste the viewer's time. Subscribed!

[@GerardHaight]

Scott, you are easy to listen at a nice fast pace. Keep up the good work you remind me of a top notch college professor. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work.

[@alhartkopf9455]

Well done and not goofy. Call it "entertaining". You managed to cram what I learned in my 64 years into 14:24. BTW, I'm from the swamps of NC where all lumber is available and SYP pays a LOT of wages. That you made ANYTHING decent out of CanFor SPF is admirable! Hat tip to the Canada's finest export, RUSH!

[@TheOriginalGregToo]

Really appreciate how much information you packed into this video. Loved the pacing and general production (different camera angles and what not). Also enjoyed your humor. Definitely subbing to see more of your content!

[@qulien7123]

Me seeing the video title after building furniture for my entire apartment out of 2x4s: **nervous sweating**

[@SteveinJersey1234]

Scott - I can't believe with all the KZbin woodworking-related channels that I subscribe that I had never come across of your work before, but shame on me! What a superb video this is. I can't believe the amount of helpful information you've crammed in here along with some really enjoyable comedy. You've got a new subscriber - or two (forwarded this to my son). Keep up the great work!

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

About 15 years ago I built a kitchen table that was 6 ft. Long out of construction lumber. I used dowels for each board. Kept the rolled edges then used a "V" groved router bit along the top of each grove. Got legs from a surplus store. It is still strong, tight, and no warping after all those years.

[@JohnSeabourn]

I built mine almost 3 years ago and haven't had any problems with it at all. I did use bigger slabs for the tabletop.

[@FisherCatProductions]

You touch on all the stuff no one else considers. This is one of the VERY FEW woodworking channels I subscribe to because your insight is UNIQUE! Caio!

[@TheWritingGardener]

This was everything I didn’t know I was looking for. I’ve been longing to build some furniture just for creative expression for some time now and have decided to begin and this was the first video I watched. Start to finish. No skipping. Thank you so much. Really appreciate this kind of insight and am subscribed for more!

[@johnfaustus1]

2:13. To be correct, in North America, both what you call "flatsawn" and "crap-sawn" are 2 versions of what is actually called 'plain sawn' or 'plainsawn'. You are right about quartersawn however, though it is not true quartersawn since you derived it from the edge of what is actually a center flatsawn piece (your 'crapsawn' board). Also, not to be nitpicky, but i) denatured alcohol is _specifically not_ "pure ethanol" as you claim (if it were, you'd be able to drink it, and it is adulterated with methanol specifically to prevent you from drinking it), and ii) you absolutely can buy it in Canada, I buy jugs of the stuff from Amazon, and my Rona carries it.

[@FodderMoosie]

Awesome to have found your channel - and I'm especially excited to have more Canadian perspective in my feed. I am just about ready to make the jump from pine to harder woods, especially as my hand tool collection grows. This was a great build to watch, though, and you've got good wisdoms!

[@victorrivas2350]

You are excellent *air guitar* at explaining these concepts! A ton of the other woodworking channels use way, way, WAY too much woodworker lingo and get long winded. I really appreciate the format that this video took and your simple, comical and highly effective perspective over these concepts.

[@waltercampos9716]

I've been in furniture making since the last 4 years, and I learned something today, excellent advices!!! Thanks!!!

[@georgeburnham2316]

Really enjoyed this from start to finish. Very entertaining and engaging narration style 👌. Can't wait for next one

[@ajdizzle4shizzle]

Great video! Seriously, you should have at least 500,000 subs with the the quality and creativity of your content…bet you are there soon!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thank you AJ! I should get there any minute now...

[@JasonGrissom]

Nice video Scott! I really appreciate the break down of why you shouldn't/should use construction grade lumber. Most people don't go into detail the pros and cons. Thanks for another great watch!

[@reubenpilli6549]

Nice video. Based in Ontario (Mississauga) myself, I am happy to see another Canadian's work.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

I finally made that *_SICK_* workbench! Watch it here: *_kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJKspaqNna2ba8mT*

[@derekleesmith76]

I don't care after seeing you build a friend a table out of construction lumber! Plus it looked like shit!

[@chomp54321]

@@derekleesmith76 Just because it is not to your liking, doesn't mean it is shit.

[@th3oryO]

@@derekleesmith76 why are you here?

[@johnhaywood9946]

@@derekleesmith76 ²q××l

[@TimeSurfer206]

@@th3oryO Some people aren't happy unless they're unhappy.

[@rachelsalsberg5011]

The sap from the pitch pocket slowly curling is just mesmerizing! And the final product looks incredible :)

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

ladies love my pitch pockets

[@gerwen1]

I can't believe how dense this video is with tips for guys without a proper woodworking shop. Amazing video. Entertaining too.

[@jeremywong9207]

thank you so much for the examples. there are so many videos out there talking about the pit but never what examples would you use them for. definitely learned something new today!

[@joshuatharpe9397]

This is a fantastic video! I really I enjoy the humorous and informative take on the project!

[@Wordsnwood]

"Hello, I represent the barrel sauna manufacturing association, and we'd like to sponsor a video..." 😇

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

you know, when I wrote that joke, I fully expected there to be videos out there of barrel saunas rolling down grassy hills. I was very disappointed when I couldn't find any examples of this. I might have to change that.

[@dillonvandergriff4124]

I just have to compliment you, sir; you are the first KZbinr I think I've seen that actually uses a bleeping blade guard on your table saw! I'm honestly not sure why folks seem so adverse to keeping their fingers, but it's a breath of fresh air to see you protecting yours!

[@MrRM66]

Wow... held my interest throughout and saved the best for last! The end had me ROFL!! Thanks!!

[@slksol]

LIncoln Street sent me :) Glad to see your engagement go up since yesterday and to find you. Great videos and I'm happy to find a woodworker who understands Canadian problems (aka -35 degree weather).

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks for watching! We definitely have our own odd challenges living in Canada!

[@mcremona]

Maybe try to cram a bit more info in next time

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Too much goofiness in this one for sure

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking Not too much goofiness... if that's who you are, keep it going! Nice job Scott.

[@rfcilia]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking I wouldn't say that, if the video was as dry as you want that construction lumber to be, no one would have watched the entire video - you had the right mix, keep up the good work

[@mattcbw]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking matt is being sarcastic. I watch a ton of woodworking videos and yours is among the best. Keep up the good work

[@BillCoale]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking Just the right amount of goofiness IMO. Remember, your target audience is basically "dad joke" central.

[@Asghar-Hassan]

Love the video and the humor. Excellent way to present

[@johncee9412]

Informative, to the point, with plenty of humor. I love it!

[@AJBuiltThis]

You hit the nail on the head for sure. Great looking table and another quality video Scott! I built my coffee tables using the same process you did here.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks for watching AJ! I really appreciate it!

[@kiradurbin480]

This was so dang informative. I found myself going "oh!" pretty frequently. I also appreciate your sense of humor! Awesome video, thank you!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much Kira!

[@malcolmmutambanengwe3453]

Am new to woodworking. Your content is simple to undeerstand and straight to the point. Glad I bumped into your channel. Instantly subscribed.

[@chbrules]

This was a surprisingly informative video. Thank you for the technical info and in-depth explanation on things. This makes your content fantastic to watch - plus I enjoy the goofs and jokes.

[@billymacmakes]

Crap sawn! 🤣 That Venn diagram! 🤣 So funny and informative too. I'm angry with YT algorithms that this channel doesn't get exposed to more people. Like WTF. This is good stuff!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much Billy! I'll get there one day!

[@stevemcirvin]

Okay I watch a lot of woodworking videos here on KZbin and this is one of the funniest while still being incredibly informative. Thank you for the rapid pace and excellent explanations. Don't forget about us beginners and please continue making content that shows simple techniques we can all benefit from. Thanks so much! Just subscribed and rang the bell.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much Steve! You'll find beginner to intermediate woodworking videos coming in the future

[@daveturnbull7221]

A really entertaining video that's also full of great tips/info! Most of my timber comes from either pallets or bits of construction lumber I get given and I agree - the wider the board the more 'good' stuff you can get from it. I got given a few lengths of 2 x 12 that would otherwise be thrown on the burn pile and I got some really nice bits of clear 2x2 out of it to make some stools from.

[@antonmaastricht3952]

Its a pleasure to watch your video during lunch time. After some homeoffice work I will go to my garden and work with the lovely wood and keep your tips in my head for the next project! There is a lot to do! KR from Germany

[@frankvucolo6249]

Great video, Scott. I like your style! You did a great job of explaining how a good piece of furniture can be produced from construction materials with basic tools and techniques. However, you also made it clear to beginning woodworkers why you should not do this. You did great to wind up with 40% unusable waste, probably because you spent a lot of time selecting boards and knew what to look for. So doubling the rough stock to get the usable yield you need would be a reasonable.approach. When you add to that the TIME it takes to select material and harvest what you need, add the cost of stain and the TIME to apply it - and if you put any reasonable $ amount to your TIME, the end result is always that going to a hardwood supplier and getting some walnut would be the better option in terms of cost, appearance and durability. All that said (and I’m getting long here,) I don’t know a woodworker (me included) who has not passed through this “gee, I can do this with construction/pallet/crate wood and save some real money” stage. Maybe a necessary detour on our developmental journey where much is learned. Well done, Scott!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Indeed, it's almost a rite of passage for us! Woodworking is an expensive hobby to get into, so it's not unreasonable to expect that beginners would gravitate towards construction lumber since they probably are spending hand over fist to get some tools setup.

[@Whisper555]

Sometimes some people can only learn hard lessons from experience, no matter how hard you try.

[@AndrewDeLong]

Regarding the pitch pocket, I have found that the use of a heat gun on the "low" setting can do wonders to crystallize the pitch to a damn near solid state. This works especially well with red pine, where the wood is slightly less susceptible to burning or browning under direct heat. The trick is to heat it just until the pitch boils/smokes, then stop and let it cool. The bigger pockets may require one or two repetitions of this, but the results are a hardened pitch that doesn't run. Edit: If you still want to remove the pitch altogether, acetone works far better in my experience. We flatten mostly white pine, and acetone is our go-to solvent for pine pitch on the blades. It damn near instantly dissolves ls the stuff.

[@KepperKleen]

That's a great idea, Andrew!!!!!

[@RobertWarrenGilmore]

Does acetone affect the wood?

[@kellyvcraig]

A very good point. Kiln dried wood, when properly done (not like the big box garbage) will have hard pitch you can sand without loading your sandpaper (those little bumps that add to the scratch pattern).

[@AndrewDeLong]

@@RobertWarrenGilmore In my experience, acetone has little to no effect on the wood itself. Sometimes it may leave a very light "water stain" in lighter grained pine, but that's nothing that some 220 grit sandpaper can't take care of in a few light passes. 99% of the time though, I have no issue with it.

[@AndrewDeLong]

@@kellyvcraig Exactly right. We kiln dry every piece that we use, and if it hasn't hit at least 130 F for 3+ hours, it hasn't been properly dried.

[@starogod]

one of the most informative and most funny videos I've seen in a long time about building furniture from "garbage"

[@unstopology]

This video, thoroughly, explains why I have so many barrel sawnas laying around. Thanks!

[@superfunkysungod]

Great video! I've been subscribed to a bunch of other woodworking channels, and have somehow managed to miss a lot of the info you covered, so thanks. I would suggest using a wood conditioner to prevent the blotches you spoke about when staining. Even with gel stain, it's a great safety net to make sure you get an even color.

[@ghostrider-be9ek]

this channel is exactly what millenials need to get into wood skills - it totally speaks to them - dude has a knack for wood and knowing their audience

[@Mr-Ling]

This video was suprising, you have great comedy and the pacing of the video was excellent

[@NatashaDavis-wx7pn]

This was awesome and your BYE cut at the end was just concise and hilarious. I’m a beginner woodworker with basic circle saw and a drill to make my first projects. Will be watching more videos!!

[@wiseoldfool]

Excellent production Scott, nice balance of education and entertainment. Beautiful looking table!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much Barry!

[@Pete_76]

This brilliant production appears to bring you many viewers and subscribers. And rightfully so! The topic is original, haven't seen others cover this. The information is very useful. And the unrivaled entertainment level is what made me subscribe many videos ago. Thanks again!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Do you work for Hallmark, writing cards? because you always leave the nicest messages 👍. Thanks Pete!

[@Pete_76]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking 😂

[@sstankfish]

I'm glad YT does the preview on the feed now. The winded statement of, "This one looks great!" was humorous enough to draw me in to watch the entire video. Good tips. Will try to remember moving forward!

[@johnpombrio]

The best quick-to-build butt joint, bar none, is a combo of a Festool Domino biscuit and pocket hole screws. The strength is in the domino and the pocket screws let you build WITHOUT glue. Everything is then KD, a knock-down joint. I can sand and finish on the individual pieces, THEN put the thing together without worrying about messy glue joints, dripping stain, hard-to-sand corners, etc. Someone puts a major dent in a leg? Just replace it. Big scratch? Take it apart, sand the scratch out and refinish. Make sure to mark what stain and finish are on the piece, heh. Put wheels on heavy pieces to save everyone's backs when moving and use KD joints as much as possible so heavy assemblies like solid wood bed frames can be easily assembled on-site.

[@EvanDunville]

Great stuff! I sometimes use some local dug Fir to build from. It's air dried so there's even more to be careful of for furniture building but to me it's one step above the spruce they sell at home centers near me in Edmonton. Also to add to your point about SPF being still wet it's actually a benefit to home builders as the wood is less likely to split when being nailed.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

I wish we could get inexpensive doug fir out here, but I'm pretty sure the 'f' in spf is balsam fir, which is way softer than doug fir. Back home in NL, tamarack grows everywhere and is a similar hardness to doug fir.

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Found your channel from the woodworking from KZbin group on FB. Nicely done on this video sir. I love it. You did a great job explaining why 2X12 are a much better choice as well as your introduction to Crap sawn. I agree, cut the pitch and go on, it is essentially 1/4 sawn on both sides of the pith. Again, thanks for sharing and Keep up the fun videos. New sub here, Yeas I watched the commercials and clicked the bell. Have a blessed week. Dale

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much Dale, that means a lot!

[@empathon]

I just stumble upon you channel and I love it! Your videos are so packed with knowledge but at the same time you deliver it in a light and funny way! You just gained a new subscriber!

[@TheMikeNan]

Your video helped us allot. We were just about ready to start making farmhouse table & benches out of construction wood (pine) instead of the costly hardwoods. But your video opened our eyes to the true cost differential between the two general types of wood. It is about the same cost either way, plus a lot less hassle with hardwoods (more marketable too). So, you helped us a BUNCH!! Thank you. Kansas USA

[@c50ge]

I have wanted to try Shou Sugi Ban finish. A method that you control a torch to blacken the wood, wire brush, torch again, wire brush again, sealer, then final finish. The soft woods are good for this because the grain will show texture when wire brushed giving it a lot of character.

[@mackenziemill]

YESSSSS me too

[@jdsahr]

This was extremely useful, especially the 2x12 recommendation: I hadn't thought of that. I actually like the look of pine, and I'm willing to accept knot imperfections: I'm building furniture for me, not others, and I know what I like. The problem of waste is an interesting issue, but I'm an enthusiastic jig-builder for my table saw, and crappy wood can always be turned into push-sticks and other sacrificial cutting guides (this can enhance safety with ancient table saws like mine, which lacks a riving knife and blade cover). I might recommend trying to glue the painter's tape to the clamping blocks first, to avoid any CA squeeze out to the underlying wood. There's actually no reason for the glue except to simulate double sided sticky tape. It's only to keep the wood blocks from shifting while you apply the clamps. There are other ways to do this ... including having a helper, and no tape or glue at all. By the way, high power rocket people use thinned CA glue to toughen up balsa surfaces --- this would work for pine, too. Years ago I built a surprisingly nice looking bedside table with some semi-mortise-tenon action going on. It met its demise in a strange but amusing way. It turns out that raccoons liked to travel past my bed just outside the window. My (adorable, but huge) dog friend "Ruby" would pounce upon that table to bark furiously at the raccoons (at 3:00 AM, of course. It's amazing that I haven't died of heart attack). But her repetitive jumping on the table broke all the glue joints. I discovered this when I moved the table, and it fell apart in my hands. The mortise-tenon joints held it together while it was standing there, but ... well Ruby's boisterous trampolining turned it into kindling. I miss the table, but I do laugh to think about how it met its demise.

[@luckyhiker3434]

Wow! Excellent spokesman and very knowledgeable.

[@zacharysmith3793]

That was fantastic, well explained, considerate, and funny. Oh and the table looks pristine!

[@asecretsquirrel3117]

Awesome video, looking forward to that workbench build!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks for watching, it's going to be a big one, so it might take a minute to complete it!

[@deadbungeejumper]

This was awesome man. Learned a couple of things and was thoroughly entertained. You are hilarious and gifted as a communicator as well. Can’t wait to watch this channel grow (and see the vid for that sweet work bench)!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much! The bench won't be the next vid, but the vid after next!

[@deadbungeejumper]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking no worries. Your content won me over and I am close to finishing all of the videos you’ve posted thus far. I’m looking forward to all the content you put out.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

@@deadbungeejumper Amazing!

[@catmando4914]

Thank God I'm not the only one who uses construction lumber. Good Video.

[@moos5221]

Okay, I will use construction lumber for all my furniture now. Thank you!

[@daddykirbs]

I like your style. Nice work.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words!

[@acerjuglans383]

You are one of the few people on social media who differentiated the terms "vertical grain" and "quarter sawn" when talking about softwoods and hardwoods, and for this one reason I'm gonna follow you. PS: I'm a journeyman cabinetmaker here in Canada.

[@ryanmacs2486]

Pure man of chaos focused on woodworking, beaming wisdom and knowledge. Good stuff.

[@joeboe5279]

Love your work and your presentation. Your sense of humor puts it over the top, you've gained a sub. 👍

[@ArpadBuildsThis]

This is a great video! very informative and hilarious too! I would recommend anyone who wants to get into woodworking watch this!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much Arpad, still jealous of your new saw!

[@ArpadBuildsThis]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking haha thanks Scott!

[@HandmadeDarcy]

This is so helpful - thank you! I started woodworking just before the wood prices soared and I haven't been able to do much. This opens another avenue. I guess that means I'm going to be in that Venn diagram, now. I'm definitely one of those romantics using only hand tools, but, also, my disabilities require I sit while working, so power tools are dangerous, and Japanese hand tools are both made for working while sitting, and work on the pull, which gives me strength I cannot get from a push tool.

[@boondockshawks]

I never get tired of barrel sauna references - well done!

[@rauldelgadillo8447]

I thoight this would be another obvious tips n tricks video but that 2x12 made so much sense i hadnt thought about it. Great help.

[@chrisdemeglio7983]

First time watching you. Really liked the video. Goofiness is fine, I know this wasn't really a step by step how to make a table video and it was extremely informative. I liked the way you avoided unwanted parts. Also shows the actual cost of not using "100%" of the wood, which no one ever does anyway. I subscribed and am looking forward to more videos.

[@gyalch1]

This video was a huge help. I've been using a standard green glue gun on my sled and have slippage constantly. Switching to the hot pink model fixed everything. Now to break the news to my daughter she can't have it back.

[@rachelsalsberg5011]

LMAOOOOO!!

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thank you for an excellent educational video on selecting wood for furniture building. The instruction on treating pitch pockets was very helpful and taught me how to treat them.

[@jasmine-ruff-puff9951]

This video is fantastic. I learnt so much, and when I thought of a question it was answered. 👏👏👏

[@MyGrowthRings]

Excellent video, Scott! Your conclusion was spot-on and is something that all woodworkers have to learn eventually. Thank goodness pallet wood is free! ;). Scott

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks Scott! My drill press cabinet is made out of an incredible pallet that I found. It was all 6/4 hardwood from south america. Must've been used to ship stone or something but it yielded an incredible amount of wood.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@ScottWalshWoodworking I work for a German cabinet hardware distributor and have culled some awesome wood from Swiss-made crates, so I get it. It just that most new woodworkers see pallets as good, free wood, when in actuality the wood is rarely good and once you factor prep time, damaged cutters and frustration due to waste, you’d better value the romance of up-cycling because it can often cost you more than virgin wood in the end. Scott

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Oh I totally agree. I only did that because it was mostly some sort of mahogany and it was practically left at my door step, I don't think I would do it again. Too risky for damaging tools.

[@EnlistedTrailHeads]

Hey great video, so many things I never knew I needed to know about wood, thank you. Also well shot and produced 👏🏻. Subscribed and looking forward to that sqeet bench, getting ready to build one myself

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks so much! Should be not the next video, but the one after if all goes well (it's going to be a lot of work).

[@Whiskeywoodworks]

This info helped so much and after I cut out the 2x12 into quarter sawn…. Even after cut up to rough demensions it barely moved within 2 days! Awesome

[@je2933]

This video has all the elements of a good youtube video. Should be a gold standard

[@Eagle8522]

Also useful, if you happen to put a Dent into Wood, you can pretty easily use a soldering Iron oder a Clothing Iron and a Wet Towel to steam the Dent out of the Wood. The hot Steam and Water will cause the dented Fibers of the Wood to go back to their original Form. I´ve had great Results, it works best on soft Woods, but also works on Hardwood. As long as the Fibers of the Wood are just dented in and not actually torn.

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

If you see Scott hugging a tree, he is measuring board footage.

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

the product of the circumference of my arms and eight feet is equal to 100 bdft, it's a handy thing to know at your next dinner party

[@mtheory3]

One of the most useful woodworking videos I've ever watched. I subscribed to your channel after seeing this video

[@Blodhelm]

I like the knots. Either the project is covered, where they can't be seen, or the wood is visible and knots give it more character.