This Technique Will Forever Change How You Build A Solid Wood Countertop

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

👋Hey there it's Wes. If you have a project or specific woodworking question you would like answered, I can send you a personalized video. Please go to www.woodworkingwithwes.com. I would love to help out...thanks.

[@davidroderickjr]

Great job on cutting the video down to just show the important things.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

You are so welcome...glad you enjoyed it! 😀 Wes

[@lainielooentertainment]

I have a quick question. I realize that the frame is underneath and won't really be seen but is there a reason that you didn't invert it so that the pocket holes would be up against the bottom of the solid wood top and, as a result, would then be completely hidden?

[@truckguy6666]

When was the last time you looked underneath your countertops in your kitchen?

[@lainielooentertainment]

@@truckguy6666 if you look at my question, I acknowledged that it wouldn't be seen. However, since it would have been just as easy to invert it, I was wondering what the rationale was for not doing so. In other words, trying to learn something.

[@EMWoodworking]

He could have flipped it either way. I probably would have put the pocket hole side against the top. But I thinks it’s just a matter of preference.

[@tom18410]

I like the idea of the frame. Thanks!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Great...thank you for watching, Wes

[@apembertonfowler]

Hi Teacher Wes. Would you explain how you elongated the screw holes? I understand the principle but not the technique. Thanks again for all your advice and help. ✌🏽🙏🏽

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

After drilling the initial hole (and with the drill still running) I just rubbed the drill bit up and down until it created an elongated hole. Thanks for watching! Wes

[@apembertonfowler]

@@WoodworkingWithWes Thank you so much. ✌🏽🙏🏽

[@johnchurchill786]

The worktop looks fabulous and a great technique for making it! Another great video Wes🔥🔥🔥🔥👌👌👌👌

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Glad you like it! Thanks, John

[@johnwilliams1091]

Hi Wes, great video. On all of my panels I stain and finish all sides before assembly to minimize any possible stability issues. I really appreciate that you demonstrate most techniques with average shop tools showing us all that high quality work depends on quality workmanship and knowledge as much as anything. Sure the fancy tools do save a lot of time if you’re needing to go fast, but it’s not always a requirement. A question for you sir: when I utilize my thickness planer to clean up panels after glue up, I’ve found that my surface is very crisp and I can go straight to 120 or 150 grit sanding depending on the medium. So far it seems to be very effective and saves the effort. Am I missing something by not going to 80 grit first always?

[@kizzy3356]

I know what you mean. It’s so smooth, I just want to slap on finish. But then you’ll have the problem of softer grain rising. So we make it rise ahead of finishing then start with 80 grit. It’s one of those things most of us know and when reminded, are like “oh yea, duh”. 😂 like myself. Hope Wes replies to you. I might be missing something.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

@johnwilliams1091 @kizzy3356 Hi...a quality planer would require less sanding. I include the extra step for those who need it. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@egorlisitsa4100]

Enjoy woodprix woodworking instructions.

[@walterhuth4975]

I really enjoy your videos, Wes. One of these days, I'm going to try a solid table or counter top ... don't have the 'guts' yet.🤣 One question for you ... this is the second time I have seen you use that electric sprayer. Are you really satisfied with its performance and is it REALLY easy to clean up after use? I want to get into spraying finishes on my work and don't want to mess with air. Thanks ahead of time for any counsel on this. Marty

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...I can't be more pleased with the performance and ease of clean-up. I think you would enjoy it! Thanks, Wes

[@truckguy6666]

That Alder is really grey! Here on the west coast we always use Red Alder, and I have never seen any other variants. That grain is unmistakably Alder though. Really a nice wood to work with. It sands/machines/glues really well. Sorta soft but thats OK. The real bear was getting a blotch free stain finish. 10 years ago Alder was really really popular here in new homes, and "older" carpenters couldnt believe it when they heard we were building custom homes/kitchens/doors out of Alder because it used to be the wood of choice for pallets. So they thought it was garbage.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Sorry the camera angle did not show the true alder wood color. Thanks for your comment. Wes

[@danyodice1048]

Cool video Wes...🤘🤘🤘

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you...I appreciate the comment! Wes

[@shortaybrown]

Question: Could you plane each individual board 1 at a time, and then glue them all up together at once? Would that give a satisfactory result? Great project! Thanks!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...yes, the boards can be planned individually, you would just have more seams to sand. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@kizzy3356]

We have hurricanes with power outages that last weeks. The humidity buckles the wood floors, makes the doors stick, and worst of all, causes the (even sealed) wood furniture to expand beyond what L brackets or figure 8 top attachments will allow. For me, this is brilliant. Powers out for more than two days, I’ll go under and loosen screws. May not save the finish but it’ll save the wood.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you so much for your comment....I am glad this will help. Wes

[@lainielooentertainment]

I'm curious as to why you leave the comment section open but you don't respond to questions.

[@JRJStacks]

Not enough glue

[@EMWoodworking]

How much is enough? As long as there’s a little squeeze out when you clamp it up.

[@augustwest8559]

That’s a just wrong the top will expand and contract across its width. Screwing it to the frame is bad construction. Not just Alder all woods need this consideration. The color looks awful . Alder doesn’t stain well. But Looks great natural.