Sculpting a Table

Rotted wood can be extremely challenging to work with, but it can actually be pretty awesome in the end! This wood was heavily spalted. Which is a fancy word for a specific type of fungus/rot. Let me know what you think of the final design!
Go give Sawyer Design some love! • Craftsman Style Bench ...
Related videos and blogs:
Bandsaw jig: • How To Make a Circle C...
Power carving blog: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
Items used in this video:
Extreme Disc, Coarse - bit.ly/3cXawoL
Original Ball Nose Burr, 1/4" Shaft, Fine - bit.ly/36Z6Dfg
8" Half-Round Rasp, Fine - bit.ly/3aVAiY3
Extreme Taper Burr, 1/4" Shaft, Very Coarse - bit.ly/370sh2C
Original Flame Burr, 1/4" Shaft, Fine - bit.ly/3cVKXVj
Lumber rack: amzn.to/3rFxTY1
Bosch miter saw: amzn.to/3aRTrtY
Laguna Bandsaw: amzn.to/3rHsZdf
Bosch jigsaw: amzn.to/3tO92TO
Bosch angle grinder: amzn.to/3rGKfPF
Makita die grinder: amzn.to/2MSHmg1
Oscillating tool: amzn.to/2OtrOjh
Vacuum clamps: amzn.to/3rEVpVc
Woodhaven router sled: amzn.to/3rIb3PO
Osmo 3043: toolsforworkingwood.com/store...
Festool domino: www.highlandwoodworking.com/f...
Clamps: amzn.to/3d2zovs
Drum sander (one size smaller): amzn.to/3rIlv9W
Router table: amzn.to/3aRUV7w
60-degree router bit: amzn.to/371njCZ
Water-based finish: amzn.to/3p2VekU
blacktailstudio.com/
/ blacktailstudio
/ blacktailstudio
0.00 Intro
0:27 Rough Cutting Before Carving
1:23 Bandsaw Circle Jig
2;24 Power Carving With Kutzall and Angle Grinder
4:37 Detail Carving and Smoothing
5:35 Hand Shaping With Rasps and Sander
6:45 Bad Idea
7:15 Fixing Bad Idea
8:19 Finishing With Seal A Cell
10:10 Suspicious 'Hole'
11:36 Spalted Maple Top
12:46 Finishing Spalted Maple Table Top
13:08 Mounting The Table Top On Pedestal
13:39 Product Photography Shots At Home

[@SawyerDesign]

🖥 Mac, of course. Thanks for the shout out Cam! I appreciate the love. Did I see you climb a ladder for that lumber? I’m free to babysit your lift at my shop if it’s just taking up room 😂 Awesome job with the photos 👊 I really liked the flat profiling/dimension you brought into the pedestal.

[@L.J._Productions]

Just followed your channel, looking forward to when I have some free time to check it out.

[@SawyerDesign]

@@L.J._Productions Thanks Rick! Looking forward to hearing(reading) what you think. ✌️

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks Nick, and happy to spread the word!

[@chrispynaples]

Now it's a glory hole js. Very beautiful piece great job.

[@austinmarshall6046]

Subscribed and notifications on; looking forward to your content.

[@matthewedson495]

Id be 100% down to have a live stream of you working on a table, think it could get some cool insight to the full process. even if its just the finishing

[@jenelmarian9946]

This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.

[@MrStevetmq]

You say your not an artist but then you say what you do, without realising that is just what an artist does.

[@RichAscherl]

I'm a PC guy and at work I use a PC. I work for Marion County juvenile Department here in Salem. I'm the wood shop manager in our Alternative Programs. This program is unique because we train and teach youth that have wandered down a wrong path and have gotten in trouble. The youth get paid and the money they earn goes toward their restitution they owe. We teach woodworking and metal shop tools. They are able to do anything from turning pens and keychains to epoxy pour projects. I get several ideas from watching your videos.

[@John_GGG]

Keep up the good work! 😊

[@JakePlisskin12]

i hope your one of the good ones. I spent 2 years in prison here in Michigan for the littlest amount of drugs. like the amount I had wouldn't even get someone high. in that time, I met some absolutely terrible people. Most of them were not the prisoners. I really got a up and close first-hand experience of the business part of the American prison system. In my experience the process we are using now simply is making people worse. I had a very easy time on parole because my parole officer couldn't believe they even sent me to prison. Like he was flabbergasted. I got an electrical job while I was in there and did learn a lot. Time started going a little faster. We went all over the prison and in the vocational section. Met the tree work, masonry, metal fabrication, wood working, and auto instructors and most of those seemed like decently good hearted people. People can judge me all they want and say I'm just a drug loser, and I should have gone to prison. They would be wrong though because they don't understand how much more of a drain on America sending me or them to prison and not actually getting them help because I tell you what, it's crazy easy to get drugs in there, and unless you want a growing number of "drug addicts" breaking into your house and stealing from your stores or getting your children hooked on drugs they might want to change the send drug users to prison and looking down on them mentality. Also, if you want someone in your life that uses drugs to "get better" I would absolutely not exile and look down on them. well unless you never want them to never stop using them and never be a part of your family again. Which would make someone a terrible person. in my eyes. But i used drugs so my opinion is irrelevant.

[@jaysanwich]

Holy crap! That’s my bandsaw reindeer!! One of first things I made on my band saw many years ago. Took a picture of it standing on a bowl I made too. Happy to see it in one of your videos. :)

[@Pinkmilka]

Crazy good work!

[@V1N_574]

PC and build it yourself its an amazing experience!

[@billrichards2177]

Yes this

[@pepelapiu2004]

With a self built PC, an amazing wood case would look sick AF.

[@V1N_574]

@@pepelapiu2004 this is my dream, and I'm close so close.

[@pepelapiu2004]

@@V1N_574 Mind you, a wooden PC case might look nice, but it's not very practical. Wood doesn't conduct heat like aluminum or steel. So you'll need to manage your cooling carefully.

[@V1N_574]

@@pepelapiu2004 correct but cases aren't meant as heatsinks you just need proper air flow. But thankfully I have people who happen to ve engineers at work so I can have a quick thermodynamic talk and make sure I got it as close as right the first time. But I might end up creating about 3 or 4 iterations if I see hot spots.

[@mikhaylaschull5913]

I'm an artist and I think "taking inspiration from nature" automatically qualifies as being artistic. This is really really pretty and I think the funky little hole in the base is fun!! I'm a little goblin though and I would have taken my paints to the base to hint at the snake-ness a bit more

[@madalena1970]

This is probably the most stunning piece of wood i've ever seen. What a beautiful table. I can imagine a dinning table in mt luving room with this wood. WOOW.

[@jameshenry5575]

I would prefer the natural hole...your final product is awesome. I just prefer the natural imperfections of wood! And I love your comments about spalted maple. I took many of my maple slabs and placed them on my septic leach field for a year before stack and sticker for 5 years of air drying...and they all have the crazy grays and black streaks...spalted maple.

[@darbyallen334]

PC, you sir are much more talented the you give yourself credit for.

[@maedhbhpendreic6768]

PC. That tabletop is so very beautiful. Loved that you did a project that didn't have epoxy in it. :)

[@nickyknarziknirz4832]

This Tabletop is by far the most beautiful Wood i‘ve ever seen

[@ahujeffrey]

spalted maple is an amazing material. Please use more of this in the future. I would choose PC, but that's based on my habits. Compare and use whatever you find most convenient and flattering. The footage on this video is beautiful, so I could recommend that you continue using this system.

[@kechesinkeppen5865]

Just too much to learn from you sir, how I wish I've followed you years back. I got way too much free time I guess coz I can't stop watching all your works and appreciate how generously and enthusiastically you share your experiences with us all. Just wanna say thank you for what you're doing. MGBY

[@gaylereid8264]

Mac. You’re table looked like a real jazzy piece of music. Great balance & harmony!!! DUDE

[@charleneeaster6886]

PC, all the way! My husband is in IT so I may be biased. I would have filled the hole with resin, for strength and visual interest. I like the final table though. Love that top.

[@offthefoundation]

PC. You could call this the tiggers tail table because that’s what it reminds me of. Awesome project!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks John!

[@thomasmadden293]

PC. The finish on the leg and table was impressive. Great depth.

[@bmankelly872]

PC BROTHER That is one Beautiful Table and I watch all of your videos too the end, 55 years old and build house's for 30 and now I'm Disabled and love watching other's work with wood, later friend!!!!

[@joeadams9040]

Pc. Still one of my three most honest and humble go to guys doing beautiful work.

[@lucyssilverlining5396]

PC I love the hole in the base, it looks beautiful.

[@bloodsport5112]

PC. Wow, brilliant minds. I just watched a Sawyer video earlier today. YES, he is a talented Dude! Ok, CAM, stop wearing shoes! I want that epoxy toe!!! I thought some black epoxy in that knot would have looked cool. As someone who used to catch rattle snakes with my hands, I love snakes. Had two close calls so I stopped before I pushed my luck. The table looks amazing!

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’ll be shoeless Cam in about 45 days!

[@JudoKnowles]

I'm telling you right now 100% you should absolutely start streaming the whole sanding process. I love the monologs that go with your videos but even just a boring stream of you sanding I could imagine Watch😂ung from time to time. I bet you get a few viewers

[@GavinMcCune]

MAC with FINAL CUT. This table is a thing of beauty! I can see why you did not follow your rule about making a base so it does not distract from the tabletop. However, I think you struck the PERFECT balance by using the spalted maple rather than another epoxy cookie. !🍪 Kudos!

[@grahamguthrie2423]

I love this project, I think it is something a lot of people could try at home compared to some of the massive projects you do.

[@JordanWoodwerx]

PC! Cam that top is stellar! Love that spalty goodness!!...Bruce

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks bruce!!

[@rjhcarpentryandjoinery]

Dude. What you produce in terms of your table in art. Non of this nonsense - artists are creative with what they look too for inspiration. Looks pretty elegant to me 👌

[@shawnberry3758]

Love the look of that maple…the black lines are sick.

[@MrsGump]

I snorted my hot drink out my nose when the butthole/knot comment was made 🤣

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’d have liked to have seen that 😂

[@lilbertsmom3561]

I saw a spider.

[@telenelatelin8632]

PC, I like to be able to customize my computers. Im loving these carving builds. makes me want to get some carving tools so my neighbors can hate me more haha. but seriously, good stuff!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Ya man!

[@andrewh3730]

I liked you hollowing it out. I love this table finish. The lighter wood with the dark color that’s all natural.

[@danmccullough2786]

That Shatoiancy is soooo freaking nice. Maple is by far my favorite

[@MxtrZ]

PC, I can't even begin to say how much I love this. This style is so interesting and you sir ARE an artist

[@morgancalvi6675]

PC...with all the viruses??? No way...that's setting yourself up to fail. Once you use a Mac, you will NEVER turn back.

[@KatJustice97]

PC! I like having the ability to fine-tune my settings. I love the carved out knot in the stand, and the angles in it as well

[@Roosters-rants1977]

I love it. I adore Spalting. I used your advice and it works great. Just adding a black back drop makes such a difference

[@charlesbaldo]

One heart and now you got me Binge watching. Not a bad way to pass a rainy day recovering from covid.

[@crimsoncreast]

PC, I think either filling the hole with something else would have been nice, or adding extra holes at the top and bottom. having only one hole brings up questions that you might now want to answer later lol

[@BlacktailStudio]

Fair

[@stephanieadams6461]

PC Hey Cam I love this little table the spaltering is beautiful. I also think there are far too many people with their minds in the gutter if they are so bothered by the natural formations in a piece of wood. I like the cut out option but I think it’s a little odd with only one so would be tempted to bore out a couple more

[@cheryldawkins7486]

PC I like how you changed the knot hole, it gives a more interesting focal point IMO.

[@samuelkofsky]

I observed many different types of wood while in the retail firearms business and there the term "fiddleback" was used for the vertical or horizontal figure of the wood and "burl" was used to describe the stump-wood type figure of the wood (curling and twisting of the wood grain). I do love to watch you make your projects because you do very good job and share your mistakes when you make them. The most expensive wood I've seen used in the firearms industry was Circassian Walnut. It was only used on "high grade" (expensive) firearms. This wood has a high contrasting grain with very blonde wood and smaller almost black contrasting veins of grain as well. I've been retired for 15 years now (photo @ 31 yrs of age. I'm 73 now).

[@ioanamcphee4477]

PC all the way!! Gorgeous table, love the finish on both the top and legs... kinda feel you should have left the knot in...but if it was going to bug you after the comments made then it can't really be unseen🤷🏻‍♀️ either way love it👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Ioana!

[@Grumplefut]

"I'm not good at art, so I use nature for inspiration" Um, I'm pretty sure that means your good at art.

[@AliBaba-hl9qi]

Exactly what I thought and I’m and artist

[@Kaodusanya]

I'm not good at art.....makes art literally every video

[@cvee2614]

Converted to iMac from PC on my daughter’s advice. That was ten years ago when she was in med school. Great artistic and creative work, what a gift to the wood crafting community!

[@josephbucci3749]

Just found your channel and really like it. Love your dry sense of humor when you talk about comments lmao. I’ll see if I can get pithy. I live vicariously through your table builds. I watch with my 7YO stepson and we love them.

[@bethanycox6143]

PC! Great video and well done on the base, looks incredible.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

PC. I mean, a man with a solid platform like yours wood always do your best to knot offend anyone by using anything that could be considered warped or abrasive...

[@BlacktailStudio]

Well said!

[@goodorusty]

You say you aren't an amazing artist and yet I just watched you skillfully sculpt a work of art that happens to be a beautiful table. Don't sell yourself short you definitely have artistic talent when it comes to wood.

[@demandredz9191]

I would love a live stream honestly. Open Q&A while we watch and learn? Yes please!

[@BlacktailStudio]

I just did one on the makers mob 👍🏼

[@Kettenhund75]

PC! (although Mac makes some pretty awesome hardware - I like the ability to do what I want to with hardware) Spalted Curly Maple is by far my absolute favorite wood. I have used it to make rifle stocks, knife handle scales, cutting boards, 1911 grips, storage chests - you name it. This has been one of my favorite of your videos!

[@carlgustafson213]

Linux. As far as the cavity goes, it's really a personality thing. I know some people who would love the raw opening. Others wouldn't give it a thought until someone pointed out what it looked like, then they'd be mortally offended. That spalted curly maple top was a great touch.

[@nugzila4170]

Linux. Absolutely not.

[@ianfeatherstone1761]

That is not relevant, Linux is an OS!

[@cooperswan534]

@@ianfeatherstone1761 so are windows and ios, which are the main differences between a pc and a mac.

[@narwhal9852]

Gross Linux is trash

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@ianfeatherstone1761 listen to him ^^^^^^^^^

[@joepeace565]

Just so you know many of us enjoy your running commentary while working on a project. I enjoy each project. Please keep doing these varying projects

[@fkirby3]

PC-Interesting to learn about the maple, and you ended up with a beautiful piece of artistry made even better by your acquired knowledge of how to deal with the intricacies of this maple!

[@doingityourself1336]

PC. That adapter plate looks convenient. How are the shaping wheels and burrs when it comes to clogging and tear out?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Very little clog. No tear out

[@phillipmcnamara9941]

Mac, no question about it… Greatly appreciate you giving a shout out to another word worker. Mad respect!

[@medianna]

Watching the sanding is the best part of the videos, please never edit them out. Would love to see more videos of you sanding stuff with different grits and talking about it and such

[@troyhenrygent]

Mac. For design and editing it is by far the best.

[@bluedominator650]

I saw this video two months later, but if you didn’t get your computer, you can get a Mac and use Bootcamp to run Windows, and it does pretty well. So there, you can have both at your fingertips. (No pun intended)

[@specials3607]

Pc: I like the way the "hole" looks now. Btw that flamingo remark almost made me choke on my coffee😂

[@MrShelzy]

Me too!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks guys 👊

[@jnbsigma]

Your replies to "trolls of the week" are fast becoming one of my favorite things about your channel!

[@ronkyville]

At first I didn't care for your base, but when I saw the sharpness of the edges in your studio photo I changed my mind. I love the sharp contrast you get between the shadow and light. it almost looks like a ribbon. Nice job! Also, That is reallly beautiful wood. You do a great job bringing out the natural grain.

[@carbon_no6]

And yet, he had to have the page open in order to post a comment of what the reason was for doing so and to let you know he was going to.. he couldn’t shut it down and have it open at the same time! Because, reality!

[@TheBengstonWoodshop]

PC, I love how this turned out! Would you have been able to set your festool suction thing to the ground and put the base on that to flatten the top with your router sled?

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh maybe..

[@morgancalvi6675]

All you guys saying PC must not have used a mac.

[@TheBengstonWoodshop]

@@morgancalvi6675 I've had both. Easel doesn't require that much computing power and is easy enough to use on my PC. Plus it is just easier to build and upgrade your PC as you see fit.

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@TheBengstonWoodshop Easel? Is that an editing program?

[@TheBengstonWoodshop]

@@morgancalvi6675 it's a CAD program that I use to design work for my CNC.

[@chir0pter]

really good job on this- the sharp hard edges of the base nicely picks out the spalted wood boundaries

[@Chazbridge]

Spalted maple is beautiful!! Love the table top Cam!

[@mikebeson3866]

PC - Davinci Resolve 17 FREE video editing software works great on a Windows 10 PC. I would recommend buying a "Gaming PC". Check your local Facebook Groups and find a reputable person who is close to you and can build you an awesome rig for under $1,000. I recommend the following: i7 6700 processor, Geforce 1060 or 1080 video card & minimum 32 GB of ram. Lots of computing power to render and edit videos for many years to come. BUTT that's my opinion. YEAH BUDDY™

[@7daystodieyeahbuddy919]

PC - The major problem with a mac is, "what happens and where do you get it fixed at if something happens to it?" You can ONLY bring your mac to an authorized mac repair shop and you can only buy apple approved hardware, from apple. You can't "upgrade" a mac. You have to buy an entire new $2,000 or more mac computer. AND if you install any non approved apple software, apple can and will "Brick" your device. If you don't believe me, read their TOS for their ios and also read their TOS for their apple store. Brick - means make your mac computer worthless, except for a doorstop. TOS - means Their Terms Of Service. You can only do what apple says you are allowed to do with their machine. ios - means apples operating system.

[@mikebeson3866]

@@7daystodieyeahbuddy919 I agree 100%. new Apple products are built not to last past 2 years. You can't upgrade any of them as well. 5 years ago i switched from mac to PC and have zero regrets.

[@markbrown6236]

PC, I love the look of spalted Maple. Well done.

[@jrlavalley]

As much as I am a PC use, for what you are wanting to do, I would recommend a Mac. As for this video, the table turned out beautiful. Something I may attempt once I get my shop up and running. Thank you for taking us through all of your designs and telling us what you are doing as well as why you do what you do... even when you make a mistake, as we all often do, and how you remedy the issue. There are many you-tubers that all you hear is the machines running and I have no idea why they do what they do. Keep up the amazing work and keep the videos coming.

[@IanHorley]

You’re a content creator. It’s a Mac. You can go grocery shopping cheaper with a wheelbarrow, but if you make a living from it, you get the pickup.

[@dancemattdanceify]

@@Nick-nk5mf sometimes it does mean that. i think many mac users are extremely biased because there are really cheap/affordable PCs from many different companies that range from shitty to OK, so they compare THEM to their mac instead of an actual high end PC. i built my own PC that would run circles around a mac at the same price point. people will find any reason to justify buying their expensive toys, dongles, being locked into a bad software ecosystem, etc.

[@prismaticc_abyss]

@@dancemattdanceify true

[@ExoticWoodShop]

PC, Cam. And, Led Zeppelin! I saw them in Chicago on Easter Sunday 1977, best concert ever! Back to wood, I love spalted Maple, I've done several tables with it and it's a beautiful wood, but yeah, it can be tricky to work with. The rewards are great though.

[@nickandrews9269]

PC. But I don't do video or graphic design work. I'd go Mac if I did, I think. This is my favorite piece I've seen. I like the epoxy tables, but not as much as this. Holy crap. Love it. Also the shout out to other makers!

[@hannahbananagonilda]

That table looks so elegant!!!!

[@jennygoodwin8740]

Love the table top. The hole looks nice and organic.

[@redheadhippiewoodturning4694]

Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@loganvelez7676]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Very therapeutic and calming. I enjoy listening to you talk throughout your videos. Awesome attention to detail with photography and how you are not afraid of showing areas that you can Improve on. God bless

[@kathyeichelberger2164]

You are not a painter, but you are an artist.

[@antoniovillanueva2000]

As an IT professional I feel I can really say.... PC, BABY! I was truly cringing, thinking that the table stand would snap at the hole. But after watching what you did to clean it up my faith was restored 😅.

[@jonfullmer9673]

No templates or patterns, just one of a kind artwork. Very nice!

[@robertgaylord8263]

Yes, Mac. Really enjoy your channel and your explanations.

[@scottharding9916]

Mac, since 1982. Beautiful table, as always: I appreciate your humility regarding your astonishing artwork. Also: my fave band is KISS, and I really don't care for Led Zep. I know, I KNOW! They should go together, like rama-lama-lama-lama-dingedy-ding-a-dong. *shrugs* I just never cared for them. But, good on ya. Still a great table, and an inspiration.

[@federicolopez-casildojr1451]

That table top looks like a planet surface from space!!

[@HomiDavier]

absolutely classic!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeee the wood tones !!!!

[@adrianchatmon5092]

Coming from a professional photographer, those are GREAT photos!!!!! Your sir, are a Jack or All Trades.

[@karenvolkman540]

For photos and videos I'd go with Mac. That project turned out beautiful.

[@wendyhenschel.]

Love this table. Beautiful work on making this beauty. I absolutely love spalted woods. Great character in that spalting. I purchased an antique gate leg kitchen table off of someone for 15 dollars. When i stripped all the god awful layers of paints and finishes off (5 layers) i got a pleasant surprise. The wood turned out to be birds eye Maple. Base and table top!! When i saw that i new that table was staying with me, especially considering it took me a few months to work thru all them layers of paint off and on. I used one layer of dark walnut stain and the birds eye popped very nice and put poly on. It has joined my other dark walnut pieces in the house. Now to find some spalted wood........ 😉☺

[@mrfxm55]

Not a sculptural wood artist but enjoy all makers and artists in all media. I subscribed. Enjoyable and you describe your thought processes.

[@sconor1]

Mac; great lines on the base and I'm glad you did the hole. Again nice work!

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Really really like that spalted table top. Wow.

[@chandarussell]

You always find the most interesting and beautiful pieces of wood. I really like spalted wood. It has wonderful grains.

[@StitchJones]

PC for sure, The table top looks fantastic. Great project.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

For a guy who claims he's not an artist you sure do make a beautiful table.

[@vangiefich]

That turned out beautiful! I love your stand too!

[@gorisenke]

PC just because they are so modifiable as needed. The black lines running across the striping is downright gorgeous here. Like, damn.

[@fredrachwitz2794]

Mac, for sure. Loved the whole video.

[@christianbenedict5136]

Mac such a beautiful table thank you

[@LifenaDay525]

Getting free stuff from manufacturers actually benefits us - best tools for the job. Disc blades for carving - great tool.

[@MangySquirrel]

Agreed wholeheartedly with changing the finish on the leg - so many woodworkers make everything that shellac yellow colour. P.S. good solution to the knot - it actually levelled up the piece.

[@jodyporter4511]

Mac! Great piece, love the colours in the top.

[@jamesbell8861]

I love how this turned out.

[@paleladm]

Beautiful table.. love your commentary.