A river table...without a river

ABOUT THIS VIDEO
In this video I'm building a new dining table using a massive Claro Walnut Slab. I wanted to try my own version of a river table, which let's be honest, isn't really a river table. And I wanted to make a table that would look just as good without a slab top, but looks even more awesome with the slab top. And I have to say, I think I nailed it on this one. Check it out and see for yourself!
#slabtable #walnut #woodworking
WOODWORKING PLANS / PROJECT COURSES
▸ www.foureyesfurniture.com/plans
SUPPORT THE SHOW / EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
▸ Support on Patreon! - / shaunboydmadethis
WHERE I GOT THE SLAB
▸ GL Veneer - glveneer.com/
▸ Slab #05767 - glveneer.com/Product/?path=18353
GET LUMBER IN THE MAIL
▸ www.woodworkerssource.com/
FOLLOW
▸ Patreon - / shaunboydmadethis
▸ Instagram - / shaunboydmadethis
0:00 Why use slabs?
1:20 My plan for the slab top
3:48 Laying out the slab pieces
7:25 Filling the cracks with epoxy
9:24 Table base design thoughts
10:16 Making curved aprons with mail order...Poplar?
12:48 Making table legs
15:18 Everything to do before the base glue-up
17:49 Why are slab projects so satisfying to watch?
19:12 Adding the Maple reveal
20:40 Shaping the table top
22:34 Staying motivated through the final details
23:36 Final reveal

[@kylegravois6519]

As a woodworker who feels like everything on youtube has gotten monotonous and isnt all that intersted in all the live edge slab stuff, you stepped up and made something interesting, complex, unique, and nailed it in the process.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really glad to hear that! Glad you dig it!

[@saint-miscreant]

@@shaunboydmadethis i actually thought that you were initially gonna turn that overlapping feature into a half-shelf, so the final reveal was unexpected but still fantastic! love that there are still people like you actively challenging themselves in craftsmanship and design with each build

[@mstrwoodley694]

I agree. This by far is one of my favorites. Your keen eye is unmatched. I too suffer from procrastination then impatience once I hit the start button. It’s a super power 😅

[@GrayRaceCat]

Kyle, you said it. I've reached the point lately where if I see another "live edge", or "river", or "epoxy" project, I think I'll snap. But this one was different, I watched the entire video without skipping forward, and I enjoyed it!

[@johnodell8621]

“I’m going level with you,” over slab flattening. Love it.

[@awildschuetz1]

Up next: River table...without a table

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Good idea. Just the river!

[@philipmyatt967]

Simply Stunning.. I absolutely love this table. As ever an excellent job.👌🏻

[@chineduchikwendu5097]

😂

[@polerin]

Shit. That could actually look cool.

[@leom2634]

😂

[@InVerum]

The small spacer piece between the top and the base was a stroke of genius, for so many reasons. The visual contrast is fantastic, really sets the whole piece off.

[@cdasilva]

You crushed this river-less river table. Everything from the legs to apron to tabletop looks incredible.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you!

[@goldbook3313]

Except the cnc cut “river.” I love how popular it is to bash on “plastic” joints and features. It’s a binding fluid, filling in a natural form. Ya know, like wood glue. Sure it’s often hidden (wood glue for example), and sure it can be featured (in the case of epoxy) in bad taste. But so can an out of place bevel, a drastic undercut, or any other shape you use as a tool of design. I think the piece came together very beautifully as a whole, and there are a lot of amazing features and design considerations that + + +‘sed the finished piece. But I’d much rather have seen a more “cliche” natural feature bring the center of the table top together. I loved the idea of bringing the two edges as close together as possible, but I really dislike the “traced, vector looking, Adobe illustrator” joint right through the main feature from a human level.

[@josephlaverty4303]

I love the way this turned out. The separation of the top from the base adds a lot of visual interest. Very well done.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it!

[@ElCidPhysics90]

OMG. That first view of the table after the top coat! I literally said “wow” out load. Stunning.

[@Gazman299]

Woodworkers Source is very convenient, but it's almost a month out to even get plywood to my front door. I use it because I don't own a truck anymore, and the selection at the big box store is terrible to put it mildly. I was buying plywood from Lowes for years and they were always nice enough to cut it down for me, but their blade was always so dull that it all had to be cleaned up sometimes losing an 1 1/2 of material from their cuts, so I'm done with that. Woodworkers Source is expensive, and the delay in receiving it is maddening, but overall worth it. Everything I've received from them has been cut square and with zero tear out, so I'm very, very happy. Shaun, you are my favorite woodworker to watch and listen to. Outstanding workmanship to watch, and soothing to listen to. Thank you for all the great content. ( No more talking about Woodworkers Source from now on, okay. We don't need them any busier than they already are ;-)

[@dougggiereid]

A couple of things: I love your comment about a piece wood floating among pools of plastic not looking that great. I totally agree. For me, epoxy used to fill knot holes and cracks to keep it off the scrap pile is the only legitimate use of epoxy in woodworking. Your idea of flipping the live edge in on each other is brilliant. I love it. Did you mail it? Hell yeah!!! Lastly, as always, brilliant video production in all aspects❤

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! Just like in most things, there's a fine line between doing something well, and overdoing it. Glad I could find that sweet spot (it doesn't always happen)!

[@sgsax]

I really like the gentle curves of this one, and the "overlapping" configuration of the slab pieces looks really cool. Emphasizing the overlap by rounding over the matching edges is a nice visual touch too. Thanks for sharing!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@jankuting9217]

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[@jankuting9217]

'."m,

[@jankuting9217]

,,1,,

[@jankuting9217]

,11,,

[@alstonrw]

24 minutes, 50 seconds of my life well spent. One of my favorites to date.

[@crimsunred]

It’s my first time checking out a video from you and I’m not disappointed. I think what was really nice about it was you didn’t use a meme or a movie clip every 2 seconds or for every reference. It was a like a breath of fresh air

[@ChrisHornberger]

Dude, that is one of the most satisfying and beautiful pieces I've seen yet on ANY channel; I love how you broke down and reassembled the slab parts. Beautifully done.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! Glad you dig it!

[@ChrisHornberger]

@@happamiatkettu ok

[@Sgt__Hawk]

This is the most beautiful slab-top(?) table I've seen on KZbin. It is looking so elegant and almost delicate it makes you not even see how sturdy and probably heavy it is. I was actually kind of shocked when you lay down on it expecting it to wobble or break, but of course it would easily hold 3 or 4 times your weight.

[@balazslakatos9817]

finally a wood/epoxy project, these are so rare nowadays.

[@jimwampler6210]

Nailed it. It turned out looking nothing like what I expected at the start. Very well done.

[@ChrisFranklyn]

Totally nailed it! With tonnes of design details I'd have never considered.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Happy to hear that! Thank you!

[@joelwilliam6216]

I've watched both you and Chris for about 5 years now and as a fellow woodworker - who specialises in tables in particular... This is absolutely unreal. I think it's the legs and the process that went into them to tops it off for me. Those joints coming together so sweetly is one of the most satisfying feelings you can get.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it!

[@ZeroneAngel]

Hey, Shaun! Absolutely love your builds! Just a small, maybe insignificant tip: When I hade the exact same issue with ahving to rout A LOT of material for a similar project, I used a few strips of 1/8 plywood that I fixed to the "template" (In your case, the table base). That way I could let the router bearing ride on the plywood and remove the strips one piece at a time to gradually rout down the material. Worked like a charm.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! And that is a great tip! Wish I had thought of that when I was struggling through this one. I'll definitely remember that for next time.

[@glittalogik]

Template veneers! Genius 😁

[@richs5422]

Or swap the bearing for a larger one. Whatever works.

[@jeremyspecce]

@@richs5422yes, this is a good move👍🏻

[@garytorres1435]

I really like this table. The shape of the legs and how the top curves onto them is just perfect to me. Even how the base has a curve in every corner and makes it look modern and classic at the same time. Yep im loving this one. Great work

[@AquaPeet]

Oh, man... that actually turned out really good!

[@paulbombardier8722]

Nailed it good and hard! It is a beautiful piece, the wood color and grain, the finish...just wow. Keep it going.

[@MushBeanz]

Mentos song 11:26 🎉🎉

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Got it!

[@Tr1sh4Lynn]

Yeah! I was hoping that there was a comment confirming that you were whistling the Mentos jingle. Also, you nailed it !

[@metatechhd]

You've brought a breath of fresh air to the woodworking scene with your unique and captivating approach! 👏🌳 It's refreshing to see a different take on the river table concept, showcasing your creativity and craftsmanship. The intricate details and complexity of your work are truly impressive. As a fellow woodworker, I appreciate the innovation you bring to the craft. Keep pushing boundaries and inspiring others! 🪵✨

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate all of that! Thank you!

[@laurswoodwork5942]

Finally something that slaps the heck out of resin tabletops ! This is how solid wood tabletops have to be , and it will catch on and we'll forget all about resin once and for all! Great job dude!

[@michaelfmarcos]

I have to say, I really like the idea. You and Chris always have awesome designs and ideas, but I've never seen to much emphasis on tying a slab into the base before. It turned out awesome, and true to your vision, the whole of the piece is better than the fact that it's a beautiful slab.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Happy to hear that! Thank you!

[@paulhopkins1905]

That is so much nicer than any ridiculous river table

[@MrSpenceryoung]

The left hand bit of the slab should have been carved into an angel. The table looks stunning and want to try to make my own

[@masonball1621]

every single time i watched this channel or four eyes the conversation is always unnecessarily deep

[@cafecybernz]

You've nailed it! Why? No sharp corners. All soft and rounded. A perfect "neotenic design" shape. The same that has been at play in architecture builds and car curves over the last few decades. If your previous mid-century modern furniture was a 1963 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, now you've matched the contours of an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 🙂

[@user-cb6vr6px8z]

You did nail it, it's beautiful. I have not attempted a slab table or desk yet. It will be a high priority project for me very soon.

[@msbinstallers1935]

I’m glad to see that you didn’t let this build get to you. You stayed fresh and stayed cool. Nothing really ever gets to you because you’re full of life. The freshmakers.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Alright, you nailed it on this one!

[@jeffmackdesigns]

This was a great watch! Nice job.

[@mateomatt5137]

Nailed it! Best project yet. Keep up the good work, Shaun.

[@flipperspot]

That is the most beautiful piece of furniture I have ever seen. Stunning

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate that! I'm pretty stoked with how it turned out!

[@lovelifedrawing]

Wow incredible job Shaun!

[@guyhale4941]

Your instincts served you well. That is a great build. It's beautiful

[@russianbear2]

Hate epoxy with a passion and I think this build is your best designs up to date. That relief strip between top and base is genius.

[@kurt2rsenjazz]

What a refreshing design for slab table tops. Great job Sir. I knew you and Chris would find new and interesting ways to work live edge slabs and epoxy

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Always looking for new directions to go! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@xedasxedas]

It has some qualities that normally don't go together. Amazing.

[@joshuagiovanoli8290]

One of the most beautiful tables I've ever seen.

[@skaylesh]

That is a thing of beauty. The bevelled live edge really stands out.

[@thismanjack8224]

Still one of my favorite tables on KZbin

[@ChrisHornberger]

Rewatched. Still awesome. Yep, nailed it. This take on a river table is just... ** chef's kiss **

[@phof4593]

The base is most excellent. Serious, fantastic. Of course the top is great too, but given the slab and your skill level….that was almost a given. Great table and very enjoyable video.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! I really wanted the base to be able to shine on its own, so I'm glad to hear that.

[@elizabethalferd4247]

Amazing table, saying nailed it is an understatement. You killed that table!

[@maureendeloffi]

The most beautiful table I've ever seen in my whole life. Not even exaggerating. Wow.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate that! Thank you!

[@jtotheb-ip2hh]

at 23:26 you give us the first real glimpse of how the grain sort of overlaps, like wooden ribbons or something. lovely work, Sean. can't wait for the next one.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! It was pretty awesome to see them come together!

[@Lowsideslide]

Dude! It's really cool to watch the evolution of your designs.

[@julyenpinder6253]

Hearing Shaun talk about his procrastination and perfectionism duality when it comes to his projects gave me PTSD flashbacks to past Architecture Finals

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

I love that surface. So fascinating with the black swirls and the natural grain, the tiny gaps along the split and all being so ... in movement. NICE.

[@margru8207]

Nailed it Shaun. Beautifully elegant piece. Chapeau!

[@CarlYota]

The beveled ‘overlap’ on the tabletop is super cool. I might have to steal that idea.

[@calvo.generico]

I believe that's the nicest table I've seen, period. Congratulations, it looks amazing.

[@ediii89]

Shaun you SOB!....you f*****g nailed it! The prettiest table i have ever seen on KZbin 😍👍

[@FieryJack0266]

Oh man... that actually did really turn out good! That's a table you'd proudly keep in a family for generations.

[@redridgemillwork4188]

Yes …. U nailed it. It’s not just another slab dude…it’s unique and IMHO very cool!! Cheers Greg

[@catgynt9148]

I know you posted this a couple months ago but I wanted to watch it again after this week’s cabinet build. What a terrific build. The small design points, light wood between top and base really pops out. Similar to the brass inlays that you have used in prior builds. Trusting that your moves have gone well and that all is well with your family. Wishing you and them a blessed week filled with gentle seasonally appropriate weather and restful evenings together. Peace brother

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! This was a fun project. Thanks for watching (again)!

[@Gazman299]

You nailed it. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@ntermeer]

YOU ABSOLUTELY NAILED IT.

[@utehill1141]

absolutely nailed it! This deceptively simple looking build looks like it should be one of your courses, with a slab, and no slab option top. Gorgeous!

[@fibienn250]

I think that just might be the most beautiful table I’ve ever seen. ❤

[@mattrockett9443]

I think I need to listen to your voice / videos when at work to keep me calm. There is something very calming about your content!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Happy to hear that! Most of the time I can't stand the way I sound haha!

[@cam-asherbond5316]

Dude, the overlap ACTUALLY TURNED OUT REALLY GOOD. Yes, you nailed it.

[@dani.mendez]

The most beautiful "slab" table I've ever seen!! Congrats Shaun, you definitely nailed it!!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate that! Thank you!

[@catfifer9156]

You ABSOLUTELY nailed it!

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

Thanks for the shoutout Shaun, this is my favorite river (ish?) table!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Appreciate you guys supplying such great material!

[@cuebj]

Brilliant comment - making slab table not to look like a slab top with a display stand. You nailed it

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Happy to hear that! Thank you!

[@hn9598]

Only found this channel and four eyes yesterday and I'm hooked. So refreshing to see some smart design inspired joinery. And the fact you hate river tables is great. I'm a joiner based in England and and have spent so much time sketching by hand to get proportions right(or try) and have always made templates from 9mm mdf for the exact reasons you state I've been working and saving for years and now at that stage where I'm seriously thinking about taking the leap and investing in premises to rent and stationery machinery especially after my van got virtually cut to pieced to steal my hand power tools. I'm really interested in how you produce everything and how you produce those cool looking drawings Loving the channel.👍

[@GabeSchultz1]

Now, that is a table! Super impressive!

[@erwinvega2612]

This piece came out amazing. I enjoyed watching the process. Thank you for the narration.

[@glittalogik]

This is such a great example of a piece that rewards attention. Both for the maker - all that care you put into structuring your workflow, as well as trusting and following the math (which we all know doesn't always play well with IRL organic stuff like wood and humans) - and for the audience - from a distance it's "hey, that's a nice table" but the closer you get the more the individual details reveal themselves and each other with subtle curves, precise angles, perfectly flush joins, and creative flourishes that both enhance and respect the material. So yes, you absolutely nailed it. This is a gestalt showpiece that could only have been made by someone like you - both a master woodworker and a massive nerd 😉😁

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate all of that! Not sure I'm a master woodworker, but definitely a massive nerd. Thanks for watching!

[@saramarzoli9647]

Finally a wooden table that isn't light blue and transparent in the centre. I loved this, so much dude!

[@lancemillward2462]

it could have gone wrong in so many places, but somehow it didnt. You nailed it. Subscribed.

[@maddieadams75]

Wow Shaun it’s a very beautiful piece of art. ❤ The top is like no other design out there.

[@jenford7078]

That is an amazingly beautiful piece! Oh man, that really turned out good is RIGHT!!!

[@michaelhurley1812]

Wow, one of my favourite river table projects iv seen.

[@S7tronic]

Nailed it, glued it, domino'ed it, knocked it out of the park. What a fantastic table.

[@GlenDomulevicz]

I would almost say you nailed it. But, nails, you are woodworker creative craftsman. You hit a high mark. Really liked the way you created the top with the two main pieces married together in unison. I like it. Creative and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@sparksyeah9422]

Wow.. it's the little things that create the most beautiful impacts. What a stunning piece. ❤

[@divinenonbinary]

the most gorgeous slab table ive seen so far!!

[@Jantimsen]

Oh man, that… is a masterpiece! Beautiful design!

[@thomlipiczky9021]

Nailed it. (which is funny, cuz there's no metal fasteners in this...) As nice as the slab is (and I like the "overlap" a lot), the part that really impressed me was the leg/apron assembly. Once again, you've produced something really really nice and made a very enjoyable video to document it. Thanks, Shaun!

[@3rd_stall]

You Nailed It without using any Nails.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Can't remember the last time I used a nail!

[@3rd_stall]

I like you Betty. You’re a good egg Noonan.

[@ksoman953]

Many people here make great table tops. You made a great table.

[@AaronGeller]

Another great video. That roundover in the middle was a touch of genius

[@owenandlibbygower8471]

Nailed it. Love the ‘river’ top, under playing the original crack still being included as part of the jigsaw.

[@katietheskeptic8736]

I need that table in my life. End of story. I absolutely love everything about it

[@clemoniii]

So much better than a "river" table. Love it!

[@samuelcrane8686]

this looks great, love your design choices.

[@salvadordominguez5090]

I am no woodworker… but I do believe you nailed it.. I love all the care, attention to details and love you put into every piece you build, I mean piece of art.

[@iansmith9731]

You nailed it for sure. Plus, as a bonus the video was a pure pleasure to follow.

[@LeoMeisels]

I love this table, you NAILED IT!

[@chugaaa]

I think you nailed it 99.5%, only for those two holes on top that I don't think add anything, sorry just my 2 cents. Stunning, dramatic but simple, modern with conservative flair...kudos amazing work!

[@r.helmet4855]

I don’t usually comment on KZbin Carpentry but your design and implementation are on spot with this project. Kudos to you! 🎩

[@garylewis9803]

Absolutely stunning. Me thinks you’re a magician.

[@Hichamhasan]

You have every right to be proud of this piece, it definitely has the elegance factor

[@KyleBruns]

That table is Mentos fresh. Seriously, well done sir, you should be proud. It is stunning.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, perfect! Thank you!

[@KevnAle]

Absolutely gorgeous. You did, in fact, nail it.

[@ramsay2234]

Yeah, fair to say you nailed it. I love how the base has this kinda mid century look to it. I love the design idea behind it too - not making the legs look like the base for a slab.