As for the beadlock, if it works for you I say have at it. I only used it a few times and I didn’t particularly like it. Generally, I use traditional mortise and tenon joints when I can. This particular video was the exception as I usually don’t build solely with the Domino.

First off great show. I am a college student and worked the past four or five years in construction over the summers and have recently gotten in to woodworking. I have built an “arts and crafts” style coffee table, end table, and entertainment unit out of oak and used a lot of tips from your show. They turned out very well and am excited to dive into some more complex designs. I have two questions. First, what pieces of equipment do you think are most important? I am on a budget and will have to build slowly. I have a table saw, miter saw and drills clamps etc and an orbital sander. I’ve had to make do with that for now. Second, I used the Beadlock system from Rockler and was wondering your thoughts on it. It worked very well for me. Thanks for your time.

Chris

Really its all about good stable kiln dried stock, good milling practices, and proper clamping.

Good advice, all of which I try to implement on all of my glue-ups. One question though. I didn’t notice if you mentioned or showed a view of the end grain in the glue-up of the tabletop, alternating the growth patterns i.e. smiley face, frown, smiley face, frown, etc. I have heard different schools of thought on this. My feeling is that if you pay attention to the basics of stable stock, good milling practices, and proper clamping this really isnt an issue. I like to concentrate more on the best sides of the boards to show, regardless of the grain patterns. Obviously I will alternate what I can, but it’s tough to flip that really popping grain to the underside just to maintain the alternate grain theory. With such long pieces do you focus more on alternating or display?….Whats you thought on this?

As always…..great show.

Dave