Carving Two Tables to Make $1000

I try and anonymously make a project with less than $100 of material and less than 10 hours of work, then sell it for $1000 profit. Oh, and I don't use any of my social media channels to help sell it. I create a brand new alias Etsy page with zero history/reviews and see if it is possible for me to make a big sale.

0:00 Intro
1:59 First glue-up
2:28 Building a round tabletop
3:40 How to cut a perfect wood circle
5:36 Edge roundover bits
6:30 Power carving the table base
8:44 Sculpting the base with a spokeshave
10:20 Keeping the base flat
11:13 Applying the finish
12:44 Attaching the top
13:35 The sale process/results

Items used in this build:

[nicholasem]

Just wanted to follow up on this post. I watched this video when it was first released and posted that it motivated me to give it a try. I’m happy to report that I made a pair of these tables and posted them to Etsy. They sold yesterday after being on there for about a week and a half. Thanks for the motivation.

[milod]

It's really nice to see someone talk about the business aspect of woodworking. It adds a level of realism and motivation that is much appreciated.

[DamirSK]

I just wanted to say, I love your response to that comment at the end of the video. But honestly, being someone who does woodworking as a hobby and a side hustle, the tools come as you go. Start with the basics and work your way up. Its not going to be instant but you can slowly make some sales and eventually pick up some of the more critical tools to better your product. Oh and I prefer the voiceover. I don't understand why people complain about that.

[growingreens]

Hi, ceramic wheel turner here- in addition to cutting a "foot" ring into your base you can also cut it into three sections. Three feet is the most stable and reduces wobbling. Love your videos

[GrandOldDwarf]

"All those tools. Must be nice." You: "It sure is!" That's the perfect response dude. Yes, it is really nice to work your tail off and get the really nice tools. If this is your passion, if this puts food on your table, then invest in it!

[Kojo]

Regarding "water-popping" the grain: I've tried skipping it when I work on my cutting boards, and it DOES make a difference. It's not that it sands any smoother initially, but it prevents the grain from popping days or even weeks later when it absorbs humidity. The idea is to preemptively pop the grain while you're already sanding so you don't have to re-sand it later. I live in a desert but I still get enough moisture that I can feel the difference between pieces I did and did not wet. Hope that helps!

[JayBates]

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” - Henry Ford

[JohnsJunk]

I like it when people say "must be nice" like they think you hatched fully formed with a full shop and client base. Hard word and sacrifice aren't in their lexicon. Or as my buddy Jake says: It's amazing how luck looks like hard work paying off.

[granthattendorf]

I’m 21 and live in an apartment, I do most of my woodworking on my balcony, so there’s no excuse if woodworking is something you enjoy. This is my favorite type of video since it’s more affordable and tangible for someone like me. Great work, and I love all the content!

[cobalt]

Your videos have helped me get over my paralyzing “I can’t do that!” attitude about woodworking. Not creating my own pieces, but happily fixing stuff around the house (including cabinets and furniture). Thanks, Will Forte!

[wjhmsme]

Cats to own, dogs to live next to. Beautiful tables and great response. I sold off a lot of my large tools when I made a cross-country move. I miss them but if I am being honest I had more ambition and tools than I had talent. Starting simple and getting good with lesser tools makes you a better woodworker in my opinion. I am slowly getting back into it and I might give a couple of tables like this a shot. Great video - thanks very much for the instruction and inspiration.

[adrianharris]

I've been working as a cabinetmaker for a couple years now and started to forget why I got into this industry after making so many kitchens and not taking the time to build projects that actually excited and challenged me. But this has been a very inspiring video and has lit that creative spark in me and I cant wait to get started and give it a shot cheers mate

[sheelshox]

Cats all the way

I was firmly in the "I've already got a job and I don't want woodworking to become another one" camp, but this video is making me reconsider. Two or three sales like this per year would go a long way in subsidizing my hobby. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[VoidDesign]

I'd love to see another video on selling these types of projects, that focuses more on how you go about the packaging and shipping process. I feel there arn't really many great videos on the subject that go into detail of how to support/ protect the piece so it doesn't get damaged during shipping.

[michaelkozak]

I was a dog person until my precious Dewey was killed about 5 weeks ago and 3 days later I became a cat person when Cassie came into my life. That being said, I love your videos. I live in a small rural town on the Northern California coast in a tiny place with no garage or shop space. I have the most rudimentary carpentry tools and loads of driftwood across the street. When I was 5 I used to sit in my grandfathers shop and watch him make master craftsman level wood furniture. It’s in my blood. I’m going to step out and talk to a few friends with shops or garage setups, hoping to begin my own woodworking journey. Thank you for your videos and the sharing of your knowledge and skills. You and a few other guys really inspire and Ebert give two thumbs up!👍

[priyanirgude]

I like how you say how much stuff costs and what it sells for and how long it takes. As an armchair woodworker I have absolutely no idea but these are the first questions I ask, so thanks!

[drewstinson]

I am neither a dog or a cat I'm just a beginning wood worker. Just recently found your YouTube page and really appreciate the stuff that you're doing. Never considered myself someone good enough to do the carvings like this but after watching what you did I think it's pretty dang cool and I'm more likely to give it a shot now. Thanks again for what you do this is awesome.

[lanceb]

I just found your channel, watched several videos. I really like the talking and explaining. It also shows me why good furniture is so expensive. I got a table $700 that I thought was outrageous in price. Now I see that it really was the steal the woodworker said it was. Thanks

[ModernTechnology]

I am a metal worker/welder/fabricator with 40+ years of experience. I just discovered your channel and videos. I absolutely love watching them. Please don't change them. I find your commentary very helpful to know what and why you are doing! I am a new subscriber and eagerly awaiting your next project. Thanks for sharing your craft!

[susanmatteverett]

Both! And my dog and cat love each other…bonus! With your encouraging guidance and advice, I am just finishing a maple and epoxy dining table in time for Thanksgiving. Your tutorials, with all your tips and product information, made it possible. I live an hour away from Portland, and yesterday was my first visit to Creative Woodworking NW for sanding and trimming. What a cool shop! Thank you so much for all your knowledge and experience-sharing. I wonder what my next project will be…?