Will Epoxy River Tables Age Well ?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Welcome to the Shop! You can help support my show by purchasing some merch here. jonpeters.com/collections/merch or building your next project with my woodworking project plans jonpeters.com/collections/plans Thanks for Watching! Jon

[@jeffbaker8808]

Longview Woodworking videos are amongst the most engaging ones out there. Chock full of the art of design, "how to", wisdom and experience. At the very least, they are informative and instructional. In reality, they are inspirational.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Jeff , I appreciate that!

[@markbryan9989]

John, for what it is worth, I don't find any of your videos boring! They are informative and your easy going approach to the presentations make them among my favorites. Happy Holidays.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Mark! I really appreciate it! Happy holidays to you too.

[@williamellis8993]

I'm with you - they definitely aren't boring!

[@BruceAUlrich]

I don't think your videos are boring at all. And your craftsmanship speaks for itself!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Bruce! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@stanleysmith8984]

Never bored watching your videos. I only hope that I can get to your level in making stuff that last. I believe you are one of the best on KZbin.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Stanley! I appreciate it!

[@warrenwerks]

I think your videos are timeless similar to the furniture you build. I’ve always thought you were a great teacher with a really solid approach to woodworking. I’m not sure I’ll feel the same way about epoxy table build videos in 10 years

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thank you Warren, I really appreciate it.

[@jeffhesse8415]

Nice piece of furniture, John. 1984, my sophomore year in high school, I built a coffee table out of solid hard maple. My mom still uses it, slightly different shade over the years, but no cracks! It's pretty cool seeing something I made 40 years ago still in use. Not sure how those epoxy river tables are going to hold up either. As always, I enjoy your videos and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

That’s awesome Jeff! Hard to believe how fast 40 years flies by… Thanks!

[@marcofaieta4967]

I follow you from Italy since years. I've never found your video boring. On the contrary, I think that they are not only helpful and interesting but I also learn a lot of new idiomatic expression as I listen to you! Thank you very very much!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Marco! I’m really happy to hear that!

[@billj5645]

I've never thought your videos were boring. Of course I watch them to try to learn things and see how it is done, but I watch some of your videos on items that I don't think I would build just for the entertainment value. You have a good way of explaining things and you edit out the repetitive steps enough that you remove the boring aspects. It was also interesting to see how a handmade project could be refinished after some time.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Bill! That’s the nice thing about a wipe on varnish… it really doesn’t take much to freshen it up.

[@charliehorse1967]

Your videos are far from boring. You are easily the most malicious woodworker on KZbin and your veneer content gave me the knowledge and confidence to add a formica laminate to a project.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

That’s great to hear! Thanks Charlie!

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Your videos aren't boring at all. They're very informative. I never understood the craze with epoxy tables - they just end up in the landfill within 5 years. This table will last 30 years.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Eric! I’m with you

[@RoseAnneLivao]

Incredible work! It’s inspiring to see how you’ve restored this cherry coffee table to its former glory! Thanks for sharing your expertise, Jon! 🙂

[@JonPetersArtHome]

@@RoseAnneLivao thank you Rose!

[@RoseAnneLivao]

​@@JonPetersArtHome You're welcome, Jon! I'm looking forward to discovering more amazing content from you! 💯

[@yoseflugashi9820]

Looks amazing after 11 years. I am excited that you said you will be building some more with cherry in the new year.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks! I’m looking forward to picking up a big bundle of cherry in the new year

[@philshock3805]

Your videos are never boring, Jon! You have one of the best channels for clean and classic design that are doable for most beginner to intermediate hobbyists. I'd love for you to build a longer TV bench/credenza. I just got a 77in Tv and I'm having a hard time finding a design I like. I know you did that TV lift table a few years ago but that's not what I'm looking for. Something long and lowish. C'mon, Jon ... your subscribers are clamoring for it! lol Just kidding ... I may have dust off and relearn Sketchup again. 😂

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Phil! That’s a great project idea… maybe I can come up with something in the new year

[@tonyb2760]

Your videos are not boring, I have picked up quite a few good tips and techniques over the years. Thanks for sharing

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Tony! I’m really glad to hear it

[@Wordsnwood]

Nothing boring here, Jon. When the video started I was worried about that huge scratch in the middle, but it's completely disappeared! nice refresh job on that finish!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Art! It’s not perfect but pretty good… that’s the nice thing about solid wood.

[@jodiepalmer2404]

I remember your old videos from years ago and they helped me to improve my skills and thoughts on making furniture.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

That’s really great to hear! Thank you!

[@timothyzaporzan863]

Beautiful workmanship and clear explanation. I appreciate your craftsmanship. My first time watching any of your videos. It will not be the last or only one I watch. Merry Christmas

[@JonPetersArtHome]

@@timothyzaporzan863 thank you Timothy! Merry Christmas!

[@markraisner9000]

I'm never going to build a piece of furniture, but I enjoy your videos. Thank you, Have a great holiday.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Mark! I appreciate it!

[@alanmcwilliams4264]

Never find these videros boring, there are always a tip or trick to help us in our builds. Now I'm wondering about my past projects that I used epoxy to finish them. I never got any feedback except one that the epoxy yellowed over time

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Alan! You’re probably OK with a thin coat. I’m mostly referring to thick pores that are meant to bond two large pieces of wood together.

[@tintansigloXXI]

Tus videos no soy aburridos, son educativos, aprendo mucho, gracias por los consejos, siempre los veo con un café o una cerveza. Siempre útiles

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Gracias! I really appreciate that

[@albertm8576]

As usual Mr P, excellent video. I love the simplicity of the design and you are correct, I sincerely believe your coffee table will outlast the epoxy ones. Just my opinion. Great video

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thank you Albert!

[@OutOfNamesToChoose]

You always seem to have a knack for picking the perfect wood to suit your style of projects. They age very gracefully, and I love the darkening of the cherry. I agree with you on epoxy. I can see your furniture being very desirable even a century from now, whereas the look and long-term durability of epoxy has yet to be proven.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks! I really appreciate that.

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Jon! Wonderful piece of furniture! 😃 Merry Christmas! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@williamellis8993]

Good video, Jon. I was wondering if the wrong one was posted but your explanation was spot on. Merry Christmas. Bill

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Bill! Merry Christmas!

[@brendo1000]

Nothing boring about your videos, Jon. You have such a great presenting style. Possibly stupid question - wondering if you have any tips on selecting drawer pulls. Yours always match so well - I stew on the selection for ages and not sure I get it right.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thank you! Not at all I often have a difficult time with drawer pulls too. Funny… I usually make two simple examples and then ask my wife 😂 that’s true.

[@brendo1000]

@ ha that’s great, good plan

[@Llamadosalvaje]

HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎉🎉🎉 I AM AN OLD TIME SUBSCRIBER. THANK YOU FOR ALL WONDERFUL KNOWLEDGE AND PROFESSIONALISM! BIG HUG FROM CHILE 🇨🇱

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@sapelesteve]

I have always enjoyed watching your boring videos Jon. Hands down one of the very best woodworking channels on YT! Happy Holidays to you and your family! 🌲🌲👍👍

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Steve! Happy holidays!

[@robertheagy925]

I dont beleive most epoxy tables will stand the test of time, what I like about the craft is to take a interesting piece of wood that just simply couldn't be used in a normal build and save it with epoxy.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

In some cases, I agree… Like filling large voids. But joining two boards with a large river of epoxy in the center seems like a recipe for disaster… both in design and structure.

[@Papa_Chad]

Half way through the video before my eyes finally saw it. Amazing what can hide in the background in plain site. 😀

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Hiding right there in plain sight! Merry Christmas Chad!

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you Jon.

[@NickGranville]

I’m inclined to agree about epoxy river tables. I can’t help but thinking the epoxy will not expand much and the wood is bound to, so with time it’s going to a problem in the future for some folks

[@JonPetersArtHome]

That’s been my experience, I filled a large imperfection with epoxy and sawdust on a project about 20 years ago and there are small hairline cracks surrounding the fill. It’s not very noticeable because it’s an obvious repair… but I think if it were where a dick pour of epoxy meets a solid slab, it would stand out

[@brantleydouglas1039]

Another great informative video love your content and your wisdom as your wit keep up the great work sir

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks! Really appreciate it.

[@David.M.]

Thanks

[@danyodice1048]

Nice video Jon. I need to get back in the shop I like your projects they're seem good for beginners...🤘🤘🤘

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Dany! Yes I’m focusing on beginner to intermediate projects.

[@fcmartinstube]

I was admiring the legs and thinking of using their design in a bookcase just as you mentioned that you don't like them 😂 Any reason to make them using two pieces of glued wood instead of cutting the notches in a single piece?

[@andrewbrown8148]

That's a really nice piece, Jon. I just hope that the furniture that I produce will be something that my kids keep around for a long time...and hoping that they stand the test of time. I have several of your plans that I'll be building for them. For the one in this video, I especially like the way that the back panels attach separately, as I've not seen that before. What inspired you to do it that way? And BTW, your videos are anything but boring. I greatly appreciate all of the content that you put out and am always looking forward to what's next~! As for the dutchmen, the only person that I could think of that I've seen do that before is Norm, but he wasn't KZbin, so my vote is for you being the first. 😉

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Andrew! That’s awesome… send a picture when you finish them. To be honest, it was just an easy way to attach the back… That was the first time I did it and I was wondering how it would turn out. 11 years later I think it’s all good.👍

[@andrewbrown8148]

@@JonPetersArtHome Yes, it definitely works...very unique, custom, etc... I'll be sure to send a pic or two upon completion. Thanks for the comeback~!

[@Marman56-k5f]

I find your videos informative, never boring. Keep it up in 2025!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks for watching! Will do 👍

[@averagejoesworkshop]

Hey Jon. When you originally built the table, why did you opt to only attach the back panels with screws rather than glueing them in?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Just kidding the project simple… that was the first time doing that and I had some reservations… but it worked out pretty good 👍

[@Patrick-en2rv]

❓Why did you only attach the backs with screws?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Just keeping it simple and no problems in 11 years

[@crs1012]

Sorry if i missed it in the video - what type and brand of finish did you use?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

No problem, the finish is water lox original… basically a wipe on varnish

[@lancekoller5284]

Wait ... what kind of finish did he use? Did I miss it somehow?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

The finish is Water Lox … an oil based wipe on varnish

[@robbonacci7]

Hey Jon, beautiful piece. Quick question about the Kepax miter saw. Do you still like it after using it for a while, and do you think it’s worth the investment? I’m about to pull the trigger on one and would like your feedback. Thanks.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Rob! The Kepax is great! I love mine. definitely go for it.. worth the environment 👍

[@GeneralGeorgeWashington1]

I’ve stayed in hotels with large epoxy tables. They always have cracks and the epoxy separates from the wood. I think the epoxy tables will completely disappear in a few years

[@JonPetersArtHome]

I’ve seen a few here and there as well and they always seem to have cracks. Some definitely worse than others.

[@hdwoodshop]

You’re right about epoxy. Wood expands 7-8x more than epoxy. Splitsville if you ask me. Just a matter of time.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

That’s definitely how I feel too

[@slashbrackets3397]

I dunno....I kinda like the legs, keep it as is. :)

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks! Will do… maybe something different on the next one

[@daviddiehl2843]

Hey John I totally love watching your boring videos. I am an old guy but I want to try and sell a few things that I make on Facebook. I want to buy your plans and build them to sell. Would you be ok. 😊 unfortunately I don't have the creativity to design my own furniture.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks David! Absolutely, go for it 👍

[@TheFrogmanTV]

I thought one of the complaints about resin is that it lasts forever. Literally. In what way do you think they won't last? And have you seen any evidence of this? There has to be epoxy projects that have been around a while now. I'm not trying to refute you, it's just that what I know of epoxy is that is does not break down over time. And people 10,000 years in the future are going to be wondering what the hell to do with all of these river tables.

[@jeffbaker8808]

I think what he was getting at was the difference in expansion/contraction of a resin versus wood. And when two different materials are connected at a joint, how is that joint going to behave after seasonal cycles. Or, what if the wood is constrained in some way, and it is not allowed to move.

[@km343]

I’ve always enjoyed your longer format woodworking videos. Keep’em coming!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

No problem… I think the main problem is that most of these table tops are going for a very high polished perfect surface. I predict there will be cracking between the wood and epoxy connection… Because the surface is intended to be so perfect. The slightest hairline crack will be noticeable, causing the entire project to be a failure.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Will do! Thanks!

[@branchandfoundry560]

Epoxy runs lengthwise, not cross-grain in river tables. So, I don't see them failing from contrasting expansion/contraction rates. But society will roll their eyes at all these bowling ball/tree love child tables in a few years & groan, "Ugh, remember that fad? Thank goodness we don't do that anymore!" Landfills & thrift stores will be full of them.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

@@branchandfoundry560 good point Andrew… remember that most of these tables are at least an inch and a half thick . Just the wood, expanding and contracting in thickness will create hairline cracks where the epoxy meets the solid wood.

[@branchandfoundry560]

@@JonPetersArtHome You're right, Jon. Of course, I didn't consider the thickness. Some of these monstrosities run 2-3" thick, hence the use of "Deep Pour" epoxy. This reminds me of a conversation I had with Taylor Forest at Maker Camp a couple years ago. We agreed 'Best Practice' is design & make things we like and ignore fads. Focus on clean lines & proportion. She's the Queen of 'Less is More' design.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

@ 💯agree 👍… also… all epoxy yellows and not in a good way.

[@nickminchin9932]

Erm, what's this got to do with epoxy River tables??

[@JonPetersArtHome]

I’m simply stating that if you’re going to go through the trouble of building something you may as well build it to last. Epoxy river tables won’t last.

[@johnsrabe]

Your videos are only boring when you’re drilling holes. But seriously - whether or not epoxy pour furniture will hold up physically overtime, I think it will look like a dated fad in a few years. Simple wood furniture, like your coffee table, will not.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Lol thanks John! I totally agree… my feeling is… if you’re going to make it make it to last.

[@johnsrabe]

@ the real test is: can you put your feet up on it when you’re sitting on the couch?

[@howardappel3596]

NOPE

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Agreed 👍

[@VineV-Dutch]

Misleading title. And an opinion based on nothing but your feeling. How about you actually track down someone who has experience with resin tables on the long term??

[@JonPetersArtHome]

The title has to do with making things that will last. Epoxy River tables failed twice… First, by design they will fall out of favor if they already haven’t. Second by structure… they will develop cracks where the epoxy meets the wood. This is a fail in a highly polished surface. The simple fact of Wood Working is… wood moves, and there’s nothing you can do about it but work with it.

[@VineV-Dutch]

I think Blacktail Studios has a different opinion about resin. He always claims his tables and fire place mantle pieces stay in good shape. Maybe worth making a video about it together with him...🤔