A Modern Dining Table Built for the Ages

Here is how I go about building a large dining table.

[rhettbh]

these videos are some of the best on youtube. no nonsense. no crazy claims. no narcissism. just good old fashioned, highly skilled woodworking

[Maker]

Mike, if it’s a tool and I can make use of it, I’ll automatically love it, I am a lover of tools new and old, my dad died a couple of years ago and left me his tools, every so often I thank him, because I find a use for all of them from time to time, he had things I did not and thought I would never need, but he proved me wrong. Keep up the good work, I love your vids.

[leahanna]

I love how you talk over the video while you’re working. It’s a smooth touch to ur videos. Also because you have have an extremely calming voice.

[markharris]

I'm a newbie and I'm just setting up a very small hobbyist shop, and I'm buying a mixture of new and second hand. I bought two Marples morticing chisels off eBay recently. It’s not where I would normally buy tools but it was £8 for both and even if they were rubbish it was no big loss. When they arrived they were far sharper than I could get, so I messaged the seller to find out the back story. They were the seller's late father's which gave me the opportunity to promise to look after them.

That is a beautiful table, I really like it’s clean look and some brilliant tips along the way.

Another great video, thank you.

[watsoncopier]

My grandfather was a carpenter his whole life. i used to love driving around the small town we live in while he would point out the houses he and his fellow carpenters had built. And then have him explain how they did it with no electricity amazed me. Folding wooden rule, hand augers and drills, two man cross cut saws, draw knifes, plum bobs etc. I was fortune enough to be given most of his tools when he passed, some very useful and some sentimental. So to answer your question, i would definitely say Old Tools.

[ssmith]

Really nicely done! Dark finish wouldn't personally be my choice but the form and build of the table give some great ideas! Thanks for taking the time to make this, and loved the shots of the mountains mixed in.

[texasbuckeyeworkshop]

MIke: To answer your question on Tools, I prefer used when possible, I have a good used cabinet saw, band saw and Jointer . The best deal was a free full sized drill press that needed a new spindle shaft. Im a hobby woodworker so I haven't invested in some of the more expensive tools like a domino etc. I think that for a Pro like yourself or even a part-time Pro those tools are huge time savers. Inherited tools like some planes I have that were handed down from my dad have a special meaning. I enjoy your channel, You are a true Pro. Cheers Jim

[paulsworld]

My late step father was a rough carpenter. To this day I have a handful of his hand tools in my shop that are still my go to items to use. Kind of like your 100 year old plainer. There's a reason it's still around at 100 years. Because it was built very well and it works. I don't mind purchasing new tools but I always look for the old ones when time permits because like you said "better tool for less money". Beautiful table by the way.

[raymondpontremoli]

Every big tool I own is used. I buy used high quality tools and then refurb them with new bearings or whatever they need. I totally agree with you. I have a bad back too..so I sympathize.

[Splash]

Thank you for no corny music. Well demonstrated video, well documented narrative. Straight to the point. New subscriber because of that !! God Bless you.

[aristosandreou]

Lovely build! Broke my heart when u stained it black!

[j-bdekker]

I just love all good tools, standing powertools i prefer to buy new if i can afford them but i have bought a lot of used stuff too. Handheld powertools i just buy new, i'm 24 years old and figure that the festool stuff i buy today will last me until i'm 50 years old... i love your channel by the way!

[Mikemalone]

Thanks for bringing back the biscuit and for not making obligatory negative comments about sanding. Great Work! No need to apologize for being spot on about John Denver.

[soberlivingwithbrianfrankl]

I'm a hand took woodworker, I love the old vintage tools. I think things 2as built better back then, or at least took pride in what they made. That's what got me in to hand tool work. It was so nice to to you bring out the hand plane. Great video

[mgbwoodwork]

Your video style is very easy to watch. And your craftsmanship is spot on also. It won't be long and the grain in that table is gonna show through. Nice job.

[builttolast]

Thanks for the video, I’m about to start my first dining tabletop in Cherry, so was looking for hand-planing tips.

Will be using my Stanley 8C. Love this one; paid $35 at a yard sale about fifteen years ago. Great condition with gorgeous patina; no rust and appeared to still have the factory grind.

I’m a hybrid woodworker with STRONG leanings toward hand tools. New or used makes no difference, as long as it’s a quality user at a good value.

[robertgallagher]

Great build! I am with you on owning good tools, if they happen to be old, even better. I have a Delta 6" jointer that was made in 1939 out of cast iron. Thing is a beast and finding blades for it is a pain, but fun to think about what projects were made on it long before I got it. I also have four hand planes that belonged to my great grand father are at least 100 yrs old.

[anthonysmith]

Gret job.
Used tools are fantastic as long as they were maintained and not abused.
My everyday tools are new, drill, impact driver, grinder, jig saw....the regular stuff

[mr.coffeecreations]

Nice!!! About the new and used tools... I like new stuff but I would be very happy if I found something that has being working for 100 years and it can still work twice as that!

[budigunawan]

I always watch the making of tables, cabinets and so on with sophisticated equipment. I always imagine when I could be like you who can use this great tool. if you want to give away used equipment😁