DIY Podcast Desk for Less than 100$ | Builds

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Who'd of thought you could make 2x12s look this good? Anyways you can and you can get a 10% discount too...Save 10% on your first purchase from vermontnaturalcoatings.com/ with code WOODWORKLIFE1 at checkout. Really good stuff that's safe for you, and the environment.

[@wmwalkerco]

When you flipped the table. Graceful. Like a Swan.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I am one with the earth, she feels my inner rhythms...then I trip over them

[@kcjones679]

It was nice. Like a pile of swans.

[@Sfyre]

Just a helpful tip, when you're routing out an area like that, if you start in the center and work your way out you'll always have material for the router to rest on.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Good point, I knew that...but I don't do it often, so by the time I remembered I was in too deep

[@johnr.deszell2136]

I love that you let your daughter help. That’s how I learned my way around a shop. People are amazed at what I know and can do. Good job dad!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I didn't have that experience growing up. No one around me was handy except my uncle and he lived out of state. I want to pass on what I have learned to my daughter. It was really fun 3 years back I the honor of having my dad in my shop as a shop-hand building a built-in for their living room. He may not have been able to teach me, but I can still teach him. He was boggled by how much patience and precision it took.

[@johnr.deszell2136]

Wood.Work.LIFE. It’s not clear but I am not John. I am his wife, Jannette. My parents finished our house when I was little. I was in charge of sanding baseboards. I was helping to hang drywall when I was 7. My husband is a great woodworker. I am a seamstress. I’m ready to downsize. I think we need a pole barn to live in. Or a he shed/she shed/we shed!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

That would be amazing. My brother had a pole barn and I imagined a lofted finished space over a beautiful workshop (you can tell where my head goes.). I think wifey and I will go tiny house and travel the country once the kids grow up. Not sure how I'll continue woodworking ok the road, but i'll have bigger fish to fry.

[@isaeagle4031]

Best part is your shop help. Love having my kids with me when I'm working.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I get her in there whenever I can...she's 5 Soni have to catch the right mood

[@mrlim282]

Great father daughter team!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

She's a great helper.

[@JosephPuplava]

Love how the father includes his daughter to learn woodworking. Well built desk.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

gotta keep your priorities straight

[@mgacy2957]

What else was he going to do? Tell her to piss off?

[@terryhatziieremias]

Amazing

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks!

[@greatgreen1210]

"I made these marks with a pencil, because I'm lucky enough to have a pencil in my shop."

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Lol, hey people are always like "I could do that too if I had a billion dollars of tools" I use them because I've got them. But I did it without em for a long time.

[@Caparico]

That's hilarious!

[@JohnyKnox]

@@WoodWorkLIFE It is easy to point a finger at the several thousands of dollars worth of Festool found in this video. A cheap biscuit jointer would do almost as good. Especially if it is just a DIY project.

[@TheAndrew1969]

Wood -$100, Tools-thousands

[@PandorasFolly]

Holy shit. This. Also glues, liquid stabilizers, etc. Lol as I type this he breaks out a spray gun.

[@toddzino58]

Was just going to comment on that. Exactly right.

[@dvsskunk]

Can afford all those tools and not a stable work area

[@amac5875]

brutal click bait.

[@Tychohuybers]

I'm pretty sure it's only natural for a woodworking channel to assume its viewers have some basic woodworking tools. The point of this video was to show you how to make really cheap pine look pretty nice, not a step-by-step tutorial on how to build a desk for 100$ with no tools.

[@LetsBuildThatApp]

Very nice, would like to see this desk outfitted with multiple monitors and other studio related equipment. The size of this table top will be excellent to hold all the gear.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

That was the idea...my actual productivity setup doesn't look as pretty in a thumbnail though :D

[@BYOTools]

Love the desk man. Nice work and keep up the great work on KZbin.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks so much!

[@volaeo]

wow you are legit. beautiful desk

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks so much!

[@My-NaMeS_jEfF]

Knotted pine so beautiful 😻

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Couldn’t agree more. Especially for a desk.

[@NewWorldCT]

Aw, your child is adorable. Thanks for the build guide, bud.

[@uptonfilms95]

This video is literally so satisfying to watch. I love it. I’m subscribing and liking 💜

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

So cool, made my day. I really appreciate you coming by and watching my video.

[@DonLemke]

I'm looking at building a desk for my 2nd bedroom to make it an office. I like your ideas. Thanks.

[@dennisbaltazar]

After watching your video, you inspired me to build my dream workstation table and hopefully to do a table like your table. Thank you.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Please share when it's completed. Would love to see it.

[@dennisbaltazar]

@@WoodWorkLIFE will do. Thank you

[@Bolo908]

I need a custom desk like that. Very nice work

[@kennethgoforth809]

I had planned on using a table saw to make a sort of a tongue and grove pattern to build a counter top for the sink but I'm glad to see this video now I think I'll go with dial pins thanks.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

What are dial pins?

[@kennethgoforth809]

@@WoodWorkLIFE lol those round wooden peaces you used to hold the boards together, I saw you drive the board with the hammer which for me is good being I'm legally blind and don't see much lol but hey I've been blessed my eye doc's told me I'd be blind between 25 and 30 I am 56 now.

[@builditwithbutter]

I'm making a desk now out of 2x6s and a sheet of plywood. I like the choice of stain too.

[@BryanBuilt]

Awesome desk ! thinking of making myself one

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Go for it!

[@andrewluchsinger]

I love that table. It gives me some great ideas for my studio. I do a lot of wood working as well. After the kitchen table my wife wants is built I will have to make a desk close to what you made. I love your idea for making a space for your mixing board. I just used some high strength Velcro to hold it in place. It sure makes things easier when your mixing board does not move around. Most of my work is for the broadcasting company I work for as well as recording a few books.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Very cool, let me know if you do go through with it.

[@andrewluchsinger]

@@WoodWorkLIFE I will do that.

[@julietphillips1991]

That came out so nice! Minimalist and modern, just the way I like'em.Thanks.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks! I love it too. I don't normally work with pine but as Mark says #pineisfine

[@matthewshannon6946]

Nice looking job! Surface prep is indeed EVERYTHING. I might add a couple of 1/2" thick by 1 1/2" or so strips under the top below the soundboard for support. Put a nice bevel on the edges and finish to match and they should not be obtrusive at all and will prevent the board from blowing through the bottom one day and really pissing you off. Nice one!!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Ya, I will probably just put some 1/2" ply under there to prevent rage smashing the whole desk.

[@matthewshannon6946]

@@WoodWorkLIFE 😂😂😂

[@jamespeelecarey]

Thanks I enjoyed the video. Great tips on finishing especially raising the grain. I think it is important to alternate the direction of the growth rings when you lay up a table top to minimize cupping long-term. I glue up the tops just like you do but I put masking tape over the down side pipe clamps to keep the pipe clamp dirt off of wood and the glue off of the clamps.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks goodie, glad you liked it.

[@sut2910]

Nice looking desk. I have used a mix of turpentine, linseed oil, and Spar varnish mixed together in equal proportions and rubbed on several coats. It gives you a really warm looking finish on pine. It darkens a bit as it ages for a really nice patina. It does take longer to dry than the modern finishes.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks for the tips! I was trying to knock down the yellow color a bit to make it look warmer instead of yellower. This finishhas some UV protection but should patina fairly well. I love pine for the way it Patinas.

[@tombuck]

Wow, I learned a ton from watching this, and the table is gorgeous. At first I was wondering if the legs were too thin, but it seems like everything holds up really well. Great work!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Glad it was helpful! Hairpin legs also help to avoid the table from rocking.

[@sgsax]

That table looks great! I'm most impressed that you were able to find 3 2x12s that were that straight. 😁 Thanks for sharing!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Even at Home Depot which usually has decent stuff, I had to go through half the rack to find 3 with the straightness and grain I was looking for.

[@RyanStandeven]

I'm currently making an entertainment stand using spf 2x4's and EMT because I'm cheap... When i started, I didn't really have any tools other than a cordless drill, but you just keep going and try not to make any excuses for yourself, like... "Oh, i can't do that because tool x would make it that much easier" This fellow obviously has the tools because he also has the interest... but you can do a considerable amount of things by hand. I justify my tool purchases because my spouse was tired of me talking about all these wood working projects I wanted to tackle but kept hearing me talk myself out of buying them. She could see I had a serious interest in it before I did. The other thing I'd say is that like most things in life... expect to really suck at it initially.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I buy one tool per project, its always been my rule of thumb...I have obviosuly done a lot of projects

[@PandorasFolly]

I like the 3 2x12 joined together.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

me too, it turned out way nicer than I thought it would.

[@PandorasFolly]

@@WoodWorkLIFE kind of reminds me of butcher block countertop. I see a lot of people buying the butcher block and wood countertops from home depot, lowes, and ikea and using them as desk tops. I think a 2x4 style with the 4s running vertical would look very nice. Especially if you did an alternating stain on them. Hardest part would be searching the stacks for enough 2x4s to make it worth it. Also if you want something different there are some metal working shops on etsy.com that make some really cool table legs.

[@natebolton9385]

Very nice! I may add something like this to my project list

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Go for it! Show me it when you're done

[@BruceAUlrich]

I like the old look you gave it like an old joist. Nice job!

[@kubatacapoeiraantiga8455]

Cool stuff! Will be using this idea to build a drawing desk. No power tools so it may not come as smooth as this.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

hand planes and a lot of sweat but you'll get there. Pine is super easy to work with.

[@BHiemisch]

I'm sure that this project would not have come true without your daughter's help! Greetings from Germany 😉

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

She's the best woodworker I know.

[@johnelias2283]

Great minimalist design with a diminutive price tag. I do wish my shop helper had hands instead of paws, but I make do. Nice choice of mixer too.

[@terrytillstrum1712]

Could you advise on your finishing technique on pine especially how to avoid blotching. Thanks

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Ok so, sand progressively popping the grain with water between 150-180-220 then apply pre-stain treatment or a soak coat of stain. Apply two coats of stain evenly wiping off according to manufacturer instructions. Let the stain dry all the way then seal coat.

[@okamidavid1707]

Great video. Was searching for inspirations, what is the mic mount that you’re using?

[@BrendanEvan]

Just found the channel on my home page under suggested videos. Enjoyed watching and subscribed. In lieu of domino's would you suggest standard dowels?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Dowels, biscuits, double biscuits...anything to help with alignment.

[@SummitCityStudios]

Just found this video a few days ago while looking for inspiration for a set of desks for a new studio. Loved it and made 2 desktops this weekend. I’m curious, as heavy as the desktop is, how have the legs you used held up over time? Also, I know many have mentioned all the tools, which certainly would speed the process up but I managed it with my circular saw, drill, cargo straps (instead of clamps) and a belt sander I borrowed from a friend. Even managed a straight edge by temporarily securing a yard stick to the table to use as a guide for the saw. The only other thing I did was add a mahogany trim and rounded the corners with a rotozip and a router bit. It can be done. Thank for posting!

[@codysmith1915]

Can you do this with out a jointer. I did one similar and the joining process was a pain with out one

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

You can use a rip blade in a circular saw and a straight edge. At that point you're solid.

[@codysmith1915]

@@WoodWorkLIFE Do you have any videos where you give some solid advice on doing this? I am new to wood working and have been trying to get that method right and with out a track I keep getting bad cuts

[@HellRezaAudio]

You mentioned that looking back you would've sawed the recess instead of using the router. I'm using this video as a template for my desk build and I'm also trying to recess a control surface mixer into the desk. If you don't mind, could you elaborate on what you would've done differently to accommodate that?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Sorry for the late reply. I would have cut out the slot all the way through with a jig saw, then glued a piece of 1/4" plywood underneath.

[@Todd66]

Looks great

[@jermainemarshall6819]

Why no threaded inserts to screw in the legs?

[@weekendhomeprojects]

A certified banger. Nice desk.

[@vintyprod]

Your kid whacking the two by four was the most adorable thing I've seen all day ❤️

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Glad you enjoyed it. Everytime she sees the desk now she's like "I made that"

[@TrailTape]

You actually found warp-free 2x12s at Home Depot? I feel like I hit the jackpot when I get a somewhat straight 2x4...

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I had to go through quite a bit of the stack.

[@andreus_777]

What kind of wood did you use?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Southern yellow pine 2x12s

[@builditwithbutter]

great job.

[@smicksmookety]

Keep your planer blade guard spring engaged.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

It was...:)

[@reyjurado5945]

Hey! amazing stuff! What is that mount you inserted on the table holes you made from rode? I can't find that accessory online? Thanks

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

They came with the mic stands, you may need to call rode and get it out of their parts catalog.

[@FennahMakes]

Awesome build! Dominos are not a necessity but they make life so much easier. Am going to get one myself for my next build! Gonna make furniture for a church with epoxy rivers! Thanks for the tips in the video! Great work!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Using a domino joiner feels like a cheat code...

[@DaveGamesVT]

Gorgeous desk!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thank you! 😊

[@khawarizmyana]

Great! Thanks!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

You're welcome!

[@jaysamples7165]

great job! Where do you buy cool table legs like that?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Amazon. Links in the description

[@thelastleroy_official]

Good day, I was wondering where did you get the Mic stands you put into the table? Thank you.

[@deadf7385]

showed up as recommended, really enjoyed this. And involving the kiddo's that's a good father there

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks Rick...good name BTW. Glad KZbin occasionally recommends my videos.

[@ernstryan1]

What does "pop the grain" mean? Are you pouring water on it to make the grain puff out?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

After you pour water into the wood the grain pops up if isn't totally adhered to the rest of the wood. This makes it easy to knock down the last little bit of roughness of your surface. Uneven grain also takes stain unevenly.

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Great job

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks!

[@jestes7]

where did you get that flush mount for the mic stand?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

It comes with the RODE podcaster setup, you can find it on bhphotovideo.com

[@eticket70]

The desk turned out great...very nice and thanks for sharing ideas and tips...I am upgrading my office desk and the video gave me a lot of good ideas!!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I tried to challenge myself with the design and work with construction pine. I like the way pine patinas and looks better as it gets worn down. I wanted to challenge myself to get a nice looking modern finish on it.

[@bunnyultima1875]

Okay but where did you get a power bar that has VCR AND DVD pre-labels?

[@rtang10005]

WOW amazing! beautiful work!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks so much!

[@troys.channel]

What do you mean by "made the grain pop several times". How did you make it "pop"?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Put water on it, let it dry, then sand.

[@maxamsg]

My first time watching your channel. The table came out great and you dropped some good ideas during the video, thank you !!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks for watching, welcome to the channel. I hope you like some of my other videos too.

[@mechafan180]

What happened to slabripper, also I'm worried about how much those 2 x 12's will cup or if they will at all over time.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Slabripper is dead...long live the podcast desk :). I oriented them in opposing directions so the cup should somewhat cancel out. They are southern yellow pine and we're reasonably dry should be ok. The hairpin legs will also allow for some cupping.

[@jbthomas2592]

Nice looking desk! Thanks for the video.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

You bet! Another video coming today adding the shelves.

[@AndreiIR000]

04:43 what is the mask on for, while hand planing?

[@pogo-short-tips]

corona

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

lol, I had just been sanding and busted out the handplane so I didn't take it off...laziness??

[@AndreiIR000]

@@WoodWorkLIFE I thought so :)) Happens to me..

[@nayheem]

Great to see the skills begin passed to the next generation 😊

[@TracksWithDax]

It's funny, I like pine because it's cheap and reasonably easy to work with (on a general scale... yes it's super-soft and like to chip out like crazy and is honestly kinda stringy), but the amount of work to do on home center SPF lumber to get it to LOOK as good as a hardwood, it's almost as if where you save all that money you pay in labor that YOU have to do. Not complaining of course, it's all part of the fun and mastery of woodworking. SPF can look really good and is honestly a great material if one takes the time to work with it in a way that makes it work for them.

[@TracksWithDax]

I probably should go-ahead and say - it came out amazing!! Very clean, simple design with both antique and modern aesthetics merged beautifully. Really cool, esp considering how most of the hard work looked like it was the stuff with the router

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks man, ya I normally work with hardwoods but I want this thing to get beat up gracefully. I purposefully finished it with no UV protection so it will darken with age. I think pine has its place in utility furniture and stuff not meant to look super refined. This was more of a challenge to my own preconceptions about what construction lumber can look like. Yes, I also put hours into getting it ready to finish instead of minutes, time is money.

[@junns]

Nice build cute assistant lol I'm on amazon now sourcing those legs

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I have a link in the description, did it go dead?

[@junns]

@@WoodWorkLIFE Nope got em in my cart now from your link Thanks!

[@taylordalton5492]

what adhesive did you use for the cable management on under side?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I used 3m mounting tape

[@SouthernStyleDIY]

Looks so good! Pine is perfectly fine

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Gets the job done

[@flippinthrough]

What is the grommet thing you installed into the table for your mic? I have been searching but have notbeen able to find anything like that. I really do not like the clamps that came with my boom arm.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

It comes with the Rode mic stand as a mounting option...amzn.to/30BmY6A

[@jacksmiles47]

Hey brotha, nice job. Thanks for the Vid. Tip for next time ya need to route our a big piece like that (which I'm sure you've alreadyfigured out): start in the middle and work your way towards the marked edge so you always have something to keep the router on. Solid work 💪 👌 👏

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks for the tip

[@RandallCantrell]

How do you "pop" the grain? Pour water on it?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Yes, you just use water and let it soak in. You can use anything water based I suppose. Might be a way to inject color in an interesting way???

[@theSilvioRoesler]

Looks fantastic, thanks for sharing

[@JohnLaudun]

Is that Varathane Golden Oak stain you used? I think it's just about the right color. I've used their Honey Maple and been pretty happy with how it comes out.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Yup, it does just enough to neutralize the yellow of the southern yellow pine.

[@misscreant]

Pine is beautiful but soft. How has your desk held up to damage over time?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I used pine because a desk inevitably gets beat up. Pine is the wood that takes this abuse most graciously. It has Knicks and dings but they look good on it. Someday I’ll run some darker stain overtop of it to emphasize the imperfections.

[@galacticdeep]

90 degree drill attachment! I had no idea this existed and I must have one now!

[@RandyGardnerJr]

Beautiful job!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks man

[@smatherton24]

Can you send me a link to the thing you attached your mic stand into?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

It came with the mic stand from Rode. Let me see if I can find it.

[@fraysmariano9079]

12:54 where can I buy this?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

It comes with the Rode mic arm amzn.to/30BmY6A

[@fraysmariano9079]

@@WoodWorkLIFE thanks

[@iceweasel2199]

Here's how you build a desk under $100 with these $2000 tools... great stuff.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

indeed.

[@brainstormfilms1113]

Indeed

[@bobmusket2990]

@@WoodWorkLIFE I built the same desk with hand planes a cheap table saw and clamps and a few other cheap tools

[@chriskennedykri]

Hey enjoyed the video just curious, what was the over all length of the desk?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

~8 feet, and 30" deep. Basically dining room table size.

[@one234569and10]

Where did you get the Rode mic stand socket? Was that part of the stand or did you buy that separately. I been wanting ot pick up the clamp on Rode stand but I like the socket.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

It came with the rode friction arm, it's really nice

[@mattjackson]

Table looks fantastic. I do love these "DYI under $xx" videos that use hundreds if not thousands of dollars in tools. :-/

[@MarcoSilvaZ]

What tool makes the holes to join each table to form the whole desk ?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

That is called a Festool Domino, however for the purpose of that particular joint a biscuit joiner would've worked just fine.

[@Struthio_Camelus]

There's a nice section view of the domino in action at 5:40... we don't see that angle again, so I don't know how the finish reacted with it.

[@mellowrebel4618]

As you came out from the desk I imagined you at the emergency room and the Dr ask what happened son. Well doc my new desk kick my butt!!! You almost went bang but recovered well. Nice project. I had wondered about the legs on amazon and may use them on my new desk!!!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I bought another set and made a deal for my MIL

[@mayraacosta5204]

i love it , and im going to copy it . thank you!

[@ZeeroDubs]

Could you explain "pop the grain" for those of us who've never heard the term? Does that just mean to wet the wood so the grain swells a bit?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

After the wood dries the "fuzzies" are standing up or "popped" this allows you to get a smoother more consistent surface.

[@ZeeroDubs]

@@WoodWorkLIFE oh nice. Thanks for the response. I've actually never of this. Good to know.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Wood.Work.Life podcast coming?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

We'll have to see? Maybe...I have the gear now

[@eeeeefffff]

Wow, you bought all the material and tools you used for just 100$, must be wanderland!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I have accumulated the tools over years, but ya materials were less than $100. You could build this table with a simple starter set of tools though it just might be a bit messier and take more time.

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

Really enjoyed watching this one. 😊

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

So glad you liked it!

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

@@WoodWorkLIFE hi guys have you been hacked? Seems everyone has won a competition?

[@FunDumb]

Hey, where did you get that glue roller? hd?

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Rockler

[@zvuk]

There is an optical illusion at 1:07. The play bar of the video looks curved right after the red part. :-o

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I tried to find it...

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Rick! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Thanks Fred, pretty sure you are one of like 5 people to have seen every one of my videos.

[@justangvano]

Excellent video! Looking forward to following your channel.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Welcome to the WWL family, how did you find my channel? This video?

[@illestofdemall13]

Great helper. She's gonna be a good woodworker when she's older.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I get them into the shop when I can

[@cweagans]

Not at all related, but what are those tiles on your floor? Have you found them to be helpful? I'm looking at some options for my shop floor and I'm not sure what direction to go.

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Yes, they are awesome. Check out mancaveflooring.com GREAT STUFF!