Bi-Weekly Podcast Focused on the Craft of Woodworking
Episodes
Thursday Feb 28, 2019
Thursday Feb 28, 2019
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife
Guys Questions
1) I've been enjoying the podcast and all the content you produce on your YouTube and Instagram accounts. I wanted to ask a question about plywood. I'm wondering what's the best way to make sure the that plywood is square before breaking it down to more manageable pieces for the table saw? I know you shouldn't really trust that the factory edges are square so I'm just a little confused on how you get the sheet square if you don't have a reliable edge to reference off. I don't have a track saw in my tool collection yet so I'm using a circular saw and a straight edge. I might be over thinking this and confusing myself but if you can provide some insight or a good way of accomplishing this task that would be awesome. Thanks for the great info you guys provide!
2) What's your favorite wood species to work with and why?
Seans Questions
1) Hey guys, podcast has been great but it feels like forever since there was a question about finishing :) My question is about what kinds of finishes you guys use on drawer boxes. Specifically, for something like a kitchen cabinet, a shop cabinet, and a drawer box in a furniture piece like a dresser or a nightstand. I know there are concerns about off-gassing of oil based finishes inside cabinets. Curious about what you recommend.
2) Give me a 101 level primer in getting started in spraying finishes. What type of machine should I buy and what kind of finishes/paint should I spray?
Huys Questions
1) Huy mentioned last week some tips regarding wood movement and the process of keeping a table top flat, and that the 2 most important aspects were to allow the wood to acclimate to your shop, and to properly mill the wood. I was wondering if you guys could speak a bit more to that.
For example, how long do you allow the wood to acclimate to your shop? And are there any tips you'd be willing to share, or give examples of your process in regards to milling? How long is it okay to wait after the first milling to take it down to final dimensions? My shop currently is a non-insulated detached garage outside Chicago, where weather/humidity can change rapidly from one day to the next.
I really value the work you guys do and the information you give out each episode. Thank you for getting right into the Q&A and mostly for taking the time to share your skills and knowledge with those of us still learning.
2) Question about workbench tops. I’m planning to build a workbench in the near future. I’ve seen plenty of dog holes and understand the basic pros and cons but I’m considering a t-track top. Your thoughts on this are appreciated.
Thursday Feb 14, 2019
Thursday Feb 14, 2019
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife
Guys Questions:
1) Hey guys. Love the pod! I have I think an easy question. This is my first project with hard woods other than poplar trimming. So here it goes...
I am making one of those balancing wine holders as a birthday gift but I want to dress it up a bit. I have a piece of hard maple. I want to frame the maple with a .5” -.75” strip of Purple Heart around it, mitered in the top corners. The overall dimensions will be about 15” x 5.5” My question is this. The top piece of Purple Heart would be running the grain perpendicular to the maple. Is this a bad idea? Should I cross cut that strip of PH so all the grain is running the length of the piece? -Jonvigorito
2) Thank you so much for putting out this podcast, it's made my boring commute to work a whole lot more enjoyable!
My question is, what are your thoughts on using the Metric system in your shop? As an American woodworker, I primarily use Imperial units for measuring, but have found it easier to switch to Metric for certain tasks like dividing a space by an odd number.
Thanks again,
Justin
Seans Questions:
1) Wondering what you guys recommend for a good doweling jig, that can do both wide and thin stock? Also your opinion on the Triton Dowel jointer. - Christopher
2) Hey guys just started listening to your show, I’m new to woodworking and every episode I’ve learned something new from you guys. Love the show. I’m starting to work with hardwoods for the first time, been wanting to make cutting boards, coasters, cigar ash trays etc. looking into Thin Kerf blades but don’t know much about them. So my first question is are they necessary, and secondly which ones do you suggest(more on the low end of price) I’ve looked at Freud 10” 24T Ripping Saw & Amana Tool Mamba Series MA10024 Thin Kerf Ripping 10-Inch x 24 Tooth. Thanks in advance - Tom(Tom_the_Builder_17 on ig)
Huys Questions:
1) Hey guys! I have a question regarding hand planes/Electric hand planes...
I am looking at buying an electric hand plane (likely the Triton 3 blade unlimited rebate planer) instead of a nice Veritas low angle plane. I don't finish with a card scraper or smoothing plane as I haven't had enough practice, yet I am very pleased with the results I get sanding. Am I crazy to think that an electric hand plane will do a great job at taking down high spots, to flatten a table top over a finely tuned hand plane? I'm finishing by sanding, so I don't need the plane to leave a glassy smooth surface. I need the high spots gone and gone quickly. I ask because I don't see many other woodworkers using this method, but in my mind it seems much more efficient (if finishing by sanding). I'd love to hear your response on the podcast. Nobile builds
2) Hey guys, I'm expanding my sharpening set up, and looking to add a grinder for initial squaring and hollow grinding. I am looking at cheap options and I'm torn between a slow speed 8 inch grinder, or the cheap wet grinder made by WEN. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions? Zacs wood studio
Thursday Jan 31, 2019
Thursday Jan 31, 2019
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife
Guys Questions:
1) Hey one of you guys said you wouldn’t buy a saw stop saw, that there are great saws for a lesser price. I also don’t fear cutting my hand as much as kickback. I was wondering what are some other saws on the market you would suggest over sawstop . -Christopher
2) Hey guys, I’m really enjoying the
podcast—very informative! I’m finally in a position to buy my first Festool tools, and I plan on buying the Domino, Track saw, and dust extractor. My question is: should I buy the TS 75 and the DF 700 (with the Seneca adapters for smaller cutters) or go with the smaller models? Currently, 95% of my work could be done with the smaller versions, but I can see needing the bigger versions in the future. I live in Portland Oregon and can throw a rock out my window and hit someone selling a slab. Also, I can see myself purchasing an MFT style table, and I’m not sure how well the 75 would work on it.
Thank you,
Ryans rough cut woodworking
Seans Questions:
1) Hey guys, I had another one for you. I heard in a previous episode about how you guys struggled to get your bandsaws working after the riser block was installed. That bummed me out 😅 because I’m planning to get one for my Powermatic PWBS-14CS. I got the saw and mobile base for $700 on Craigslist, it’s in perfect condition because the elderly man who bought it sadly passed away soon after. It’s got the Carter tension deal and killer guides, lots of cast iron...etc... my question was whether or not you feel like I’d get better results using the Powermatic riser block on a Powermatic bandsaw . I’m a luthier/aspiring woodworker and would love to be able to resaw smaller panels for guitar tops/backs/sides. I wouldn’t be asking too much of it in terms of huge boards run through it. I only foresee resawing 7”-9” wide boards for now and while I’d love to get Guy’s 15”, I wonder if the $120 for the riser could get me by for the next year or two until I could swing for something with greater HP -Jonathan
2) Hi Guys, the podcast is great and I'm loving the format of Q&A. I had two questions below for the podcast, keep up the good work!
1. How do you guys handle machine noise and neighbors? I'm currently in the process of building a shop and have neighbors pretty close on all 3 sides (15-20 ft away). I think my best option is to go with 2x8 plates with staggered stud wall with Rockwool weaved in-between the studs and 5/8" drywall. What other options do you guys use to reduce noise?
2. Dust collection in the floor? Yes or No. I was thinking maybe one 6" line coming where the table saw will be located and everything else located on the perimeter walls.
Thanks,
Jesse
Beechland Furniture
Huys Questions:
1) I'm looking to do my first dining table and set of chairs. I love mission style/arts and crafts furniture, and would like to design my own rendition in a similar style. My main questions are around proper chair and table proportions, expandable table hardware, keeping table tops flat, and how to create comfortable chairs.
Are there any great books or resources you would recommend? -Jake
2) Thanks for all of your insight into the world of woodworking. I’ve got a question regarding the differences between a 12” disc sander (Rikon 12 inch $299) and a oscillating edge/spindle sander (Rigid $249). What are the benefits of each? What do you guys prefer? It seems like the Rigid has more capability and is cheaper but am I missing something? Any other thoughts on them or similar machines?
Crwoodshop
Thursday Jan 17, 2019
Thursday Jan 17, 2019
Guys Questions:
1) Loving the podcast gentlemen, listened to all 10 episodes in the last 2 days. Now for my question:
I know all three of you do a lot of your sanding using the drum sander, but for us without the room for one what is your recommend sanding procedure. Hand sand vs. random orbital sander? Grit progression? ROS preference? Just give me all that great knowledge you have!!
Thanks again guy! -Project Build stuff - Brad
2) I'm in the market for a router table and lift. All of the router lifts appear to be more or less the same, many being produced by Jessem. Router compatibility isn't a concern, as I'll mount the ubiquitous PC 7518. Can you talk about the Kreg PRS5000 and how it compares to the Jessem (and thus Incra) lifts, woodpeckers PRL-V2, etc? I haven't found much info out there. They all seem to feature above-table bit changes, micro adjustment, etc. Is there any actual difference between all these, or should I just pick my favorite color? Thanks! - Kevin
Seans Questions:
1) Hey guys, I'm really enjoying the podcast. I have a question for you. When starting woodworking a block plane always seems to be high on the list for "must have tools". I purchase one and agree it is extremely usefully. However several times I'm need the rabbet block plane instead. I know I loose that function with a standard block plane but If I had purchased the rabbet block plane instead what functionality would I have sacrificed? Keep the saw dust flying. Josh
2) What concerns should I have with my jointer and planer being at my father in-law's shop; due to spacing and budget. Should I mill it and let it acclimate there or bring it back to my shop to let it acclimate? Could I get by with hand tools at my shop if there's any additional movement after acclimating at his shop?
I should add that our planer is a DW735, so that is portable between the shops. Also, I use kiln dried lumber and my shop isn't yet heated but his is and more climate controlled.
-Nik
Huys Questions:
1) Alright my question is all about hand tool cabinets/hand tool walls. What are your most reached for items? What were the thoughts on tool placement and ergonomics when you built yours? Have you had to rebuild upon acquiring new tools or remodel to accommodate shifts in your preferences?
To be clear I’m not looking for the “these are the top five tools to get first when on a budget” kind of thing when I ask about most reached for. I’m trying to plan ahead and build something a bit “future proof” with the ability to expand as I acquire new tools. So don’t feel bad talking about “x” high-end thing that you love and reach for often. I’m excited to hear about what those items are, regardless of price point. Because that will be something I can weigh in on whether or not it’s a tool I could see myself getting down the road and would consider saving some space for. Love the show, keep up the great work! -Jonathan Scott woodworks
2) Very much enjoying your podcast and it’s focus on woodworking questions and techniques. I’m in the process of building and designing a new workbench for my shop. I have the Rockler quick release face vise but I can’t seem to find a solid answer as to how to install it. Should the inner face of the vise be flush with the workbench top, or should I install it so that the inner face is a separate piece from the workbench top? Curious as to your opinions on this matter. - Dustin
Friday Jan 04, 2019
Friday Jan 04, 2019
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife
Guy's Questions:
1) Here’s a question for you. I need create a buildup for a mantle top. Will be painted finish. 6’ wide x 10” deep x 1-1/4” thick. I was going to glue up a piece of 3/4” maple ply and 1/2” mdf. Then will edge band with 3/4” thick soft maple. Do you guys think I will have issues with the top due to gluing to dissimilar materials? Thanks!!! Alan
2) I have listened to every episode so far and love them all. I would to hear your guys setups for your sprayers. I am trying to decide if it makes more sense to buy a large 60 gallon plus compressor to run hvlp guns off or to buy a stand alone unit like a earlex or Fuji. It will be used for a little bit of everything. The wife likes some stuff painted but I get away with just shellac from time to time as well - Kyle
Sean's Questions:
1) Good evening, Sean! I know you guys are getting a ton of questions for the podcast, but I wanted to add one more. I've been eyeballing the jointer/planer combo machines and was curious on yours, Huys, and Guys opinions on them. - W.B. Designs
2) Question for you guys: I am making a coffee table that will essentially be a square box (36”Lx36”Wx17”H, 3/4” stock)with an opening lid on top. The client (my wife) wants beveled / mitered corners. My question is what is your preferred method for cutting the 45? Table saw, router table, track saw? I just made a small box using the table saw with a digital angle finder and checked with a square to ensure 45. It came out close but still seems a few thousands off. Maybe I’m expecting to much? This seems so simple yet it is hard to achieve. - Circle City Woodworking
Huy's Questions:
1) Love the podcast guys. I was someone who made a living at woodworking back in the day but am back to working out of my garage where I started 30 years ago. Having said that, what advice can you give about dust collection, given the garage shop environment is so confined. I’ve got at Jet 2 micron collector but am looking to get something specifically for the chop saw station. Thanks for your input and sorry for the long question
- Mike
2) As a follow up to my bandsaw blade question: I made a lazy mistake on a set of boxes this past weekend. The boxes are mitered corners, with top and bottom panels captured in respective grooves. I glued up the boxes and was set to cut off the lids. Didn't change out the 3/16" 10 TPI blade in the bandsaw. The 5" height on the zebrawood box had the blade wandering off the line at the beginning of the cut. So I have an unintentionally curvy intersection between lid and box. (continued...)
I flattened the bottom of the lid with my drum sander. But the box portion is too tall to pass through the drum sander. How do I flatten the top of the box? Light pass through table saw (it would have to be two cuts)? Change the blade on the bandsaw and take a light pass there? I can't imagine the planer is a great idea because I'd expect tear out on the backside. Or would it work with super light passes? What would you guys do? Sunrise Woodshop
Thursday Dec 20, 2018
Thursday Dec 20, 2018
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife
Guys Questions:
1) Have you guys ever done a traditional French polish and if so how did you do it. Thanks and I love the podcast. Kyle
2) Gentleman, thank you for answering my question in Episode 7. Ive got a new question for you. Blade Cleaning versus Blade Sharpening. We all know it’s a good practice the clean blades regularly and personally I go with some warm water and simple green, it’s worked great for me. My question is, what are the signs I should look for when I’m beyond this simple solution and it’s time to get my blades sharpened. Thanks and keep up the good work! Hubbell Woodshop
Seans Questions:
1) Hey guys, wondering if you can recommend a table saw for me outside of a larger cabinet saw. Space is limited for me and being able to move it around my workshop is key. I own a track saw for breaking down sheet goods, but am lacking a saw to rip thinner pieces consistently. I’d like something with a good fence and miter slots to use some jigs I will make. Thanks for any help you may have! - RJ
Link Sean Mentioned: https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/head-to-head/best-portable-jobsite-table-saw-head-to-head/
2) Who came first, chicken/egg? So in your wood shop what comes first, jointing/planing? And what’s your process? Winter Wolf Woodworking
Huys Questions:
1) Got another question: When planning a project what factors do you consider when deciding between ordering thicker stock 8/4 (or thicker) or laminating thinner stock to thickness? It hard to find 8/4 white oak in my area even though 4/4 is plentiful. Are there any rules of thumb that say never laminate x parts? When is it not ok to laminate?
Josh
2) What bandsaw blades are you guys running for "everyday" use? I've mainly used timberwolf blades. 3/4" 3 TPI for resaw, 1/4" 6 TPI for general purpose, 3/16" 10 TPI for fine work. Not surprisingly, I hate changing blades. Wondering if I could at least get away with a decent compromise between resaw and "general purpose". Sunrise woodshop
Thursday Dec 06, 2018
Thursday Dec 06, 2018
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife
Guys Questions:
1) Love the podcast, keep up the great work. I am a moving along in my woodworking skills and just got a used Dewalt DW735 planer so I can work with some hardwoods. I was wondering what sorts of things I should check/verify before starting it up. It looks to be in decent condition. Thanks! - Dorian
2) Top three types hand planes every beginning woodworker should own? Brand recommendations are also welcome. Love the podcast fellas, keep it up! -Zach
Seans Questions:
1) Good morning guys. Loving the format of your podcast and thank you for answering questions with such detailed responses. I just picked up the super max 19-38 drum sander, can you guys speak more about what grits you primarily use and what grits do you always keep on hand ? Thanks guys and keep up the great work. Rustic grain designs
2) Being a new woodworker it’s easy to get lost in the realm of “easy” projects or the DIY type of work....what are some projects that you did early on you learned the most from? Or what are some projects you did later that you wish you had done earlier in your career/hobby woodworking? - Winter Wolf Woodworking
Huys Questions:
1) For building cabinet cases, what's your favorite joinery technique? Bill
2) How do you respond when someone asks you for a custom furniture piece to match a feux-veneer from a big box store? And how do you respond when they’re surprised at the price of craft-made furniture?
pretty_good_woodworks
Friday Nov 23, 2018
Friday Nov 23, 2018
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife
Guys Questions
1) What’s u guys! Loving the podcast so far. My question is in two parts. Hardwood suppliers in my area offer rough and S3S lumber - obviously at different price levels. What values do you see in each option. Secondly, I am trying to improve my wood selection keeping in mind grain pattern and unique pieces. Do you have any recommendations in selection particularly with regarding to rough sawn lumber? Thanks gents! -Hubbell woodshop
2) Hey guys I have a question about wood movement. I am currently designing a coffee table for a neighbor made from solid 5/4 walnut. I was thinking about joining the table top to the panels that will be the legs with 3 through, wedged tenons per leg. The top will be 24” wide with the legs being 18-20” wide. Would wood movement be an issue here? My thinking is that because they are similar widths and made sequentially (side to top to side) they would expand and contract at the same rate. If this is an issue what would you suggest as a way to join the top without seeing any fasteners?
Thanks for any help you could provide! Really enjoying the show thus far.- Ed, Atlanta, Ga
Seans Questions
1) Okay, semi odd question and a bit long. I stumbled across this tool last year called a “V-Drum Sander” it’s also sold as the “Flatmaster Drum Sander” Apparently it used to be sold as plans to make your own, but it claims to do way more than a drum sander and that it can act as a jointer and accomplish milling perfectly flat boards with sandpaper that floats around the spinning drum and never clogs up because of centrifugal force.
I know that all sounds nuts, I think so too, but I never hear anyone talk about it and the videos seem kinda convincing. Have you guys heard of this thing/do you think it would work as described? I don’t have tons of space and have been considering it as a useful multipurpose addition to the shop.
Thanks for starting a podcast based solely around the answering the community’s questions! -Jonathan Scott
Here’s a link to their site:
http://stockroomsupply.ca/shop/drum-sanders.html
Here’s a link to a video on it:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lgPLOnXCmdU
Video Sean mentioned during Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV--T8tDdlk
2) Hey guys, I'm loving the podcast. I listen to quite a few woodworking podcasts, and although I do enjoy hearing what folks are up to, sometimes I just want to hear some Q&A. I really like getting your perspectives on listener questions, because many times those questions are relevant to what I'm doing (or may do at some point). On this week's podcast you mentioned learning how to apply shellac. How do each of you apply it? -Sunrise woodshop
Huys Questions
1) Hey guys, I want to start out saying I really enjoy the podcast, it’s been very beneficial to me. I’m a beginning woodworker, mostly enjoyed as a hobby. As a beginner I’ve mostly used the kreg jig as my go-to, and would like to eventually get a biscuit jointer. Beyond that, what advice could you give me to graduate to the more complex joinery such as mortise and tenon, dovetails etc. Also, any tips and tools you use for your favorite joinery methods would be much appreciated! Keep up the good work! Thanks, Nate
2) This would be for anyone, although I think Huy would have experience as I’m about to have a similar space as him.
My wife and I are moving and I’ll be upgrading from a small one car garage in a 1950’s rambler to a much more modern 3 car garage. I have the go ahead to turn the third stall into my workshop, and I’ll be able to leave my truck in the driveway and basically have two stalls (weather permitting, I live in MN) to utilize.
My first real project will be shop set up and doing a project I’ve been really dreaming about for years, a real “woodworking bench”. I’m unsure if I will have this on locking castors for space saving or if I’ll keep it stationary.
My question is in regards to style for space and versatility. I see all sorts of table options from the French Roubo to the English Nicholson and every hybrid in between. And my projects range from small trinkets to larger furniture.
What would some of the pros and cons be of these benches being movable vs stationary given their styles. Would a larger assembly table style (like the wood whisperer’s circa 2007) be something that would make more sense considering in the winter I may be dealing with a few feet of snow shrinking my shop back to a single garage stall.
- winter wolf woodworking
Thursday Nov 08, 2018
Thursday Nov 08, 2018
Guys Questions
1) I’m doing some veneer work lately and have heard that contact cement isn’t the best adhesive. Although I am using the paperback veneer and I’ve had decent success with it. What do you recommend? The panels are about 24x24. Oh and I do not have a vacuum bag. -Paul Gustafon
2) Love your podcast! I bought a Incra Miter express with 1000HD. I know you are fans of Incra products. I love this product as a cross cut sled, very accurate and repeatable. How do you set it up for angle cuts and cut with the same accuracy and repeatable cuts. Thanks! -Wayne Kempf
Seans Questions
1) Woodshop Life hosts.....Really enjoying the podcast as I’m just getting started (literally) with woodworking. Figured I’d ask all 3 of y’all a question on equipment.
So, mitre saws and what do you recommend. 10” or 12”? Sliding or non-sliding? Single or dual bevel?
Brand varies for each user kinda like vehicles, but I am looking at Dewalt, Rigid, Bosch.
Thank you for your time and keep up the excellent info with the podcast and social media.
-Kingdom Concealment
2) General finishes has been my go to finish ever since I quit using Minwax polyurethane. I would like to try other finishes (linseed oil, shellac, Waterlox) but I’m curious as to how well they protect projects compared to general finishes. Obviously it depends on what your finishes. I would just like to hear your all’s pros and cons for different finishes. Thanks so much, love the podcast
-Logan Gross
Huys Questions
1) How often do you come up with your own design for projects vs using or modifying a found plan to fit your needs? What helped the most with being able to design your own projects? Books, looking at actual pieces and “dissecting them,” other? Is there any part of a project that you routinely find difficult to design? I’m in the early stages of designing a storage bed for my kids and I’m not the biggest fan of a lot of them online. I want them to be more “fine woodworking” which would require heavy modification of an existing plan or starting from scratch. I’m interested in hearing how you guys evolved your designs.
Ryan @rcrich85
2) I follow all of you on IG and YouTube. Thank you for creating the podcast and for putting your content and knowledge out there for others, including me, to learn. My wife and I are expecting a baby boy in April. Family is my top priority and I also highly value shop time and working out, all of which my wife is very supportive. I know I will need to be much more efficient in the shop and may need to break things down into smaller steps. Huy, I know this is something you are experiencing now with a new baby. I’d love to hear how you all balance your shop time with other life priorities and how you make the most of the sometimes, limited time you have. Thanks guys! Keep up the great work! -Paul Goetz
Friday Oct 26, 2018
Friday Oct 26, 2018
Guy's Questions:
1) Sanding vs planing finish. Is there really a big difference? Submitter: aeumber
Marc's YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC45Cb-p89I
2) Concerning table saw safety. How wide should the board be before you stop using a push stick and start using your hands? Submitter:
Tabb Adams
Sean's Questions:
1) Everyone podcast has discussions of the woodworker’s favorite tool. But most of the answers are hundreds if not thousands of dollars (cough cough saw stop). Many of us do not have the means to purchase those tools. So, what is your favorite tool under $50? How does it excel and what are its limitations? Submitter: Rusty_Keyboard
2) Hey guys. I plan to buy a SawStop for my garage shop. I’d really want to get the 3hp professional model. I’ll also need to buy a dust collector, and I’m looking at the Oneida mini gorilla or Jet cyclone (to be connected by flex hose to one tool at a time, no duct work). My issue is that I only have a single 220 volt outlet. Should I get a the 3hp/220v saw with a 1.5 hp/110v dust collector or the 1.75 hp/110v saw with a 2hp/220v dust collector? Thanks for your advice. Submitter: David
Huy's Questions:
1) in reference to shop aprons/vests/tool belt/baby sling(ha, been there on that one) ?? What is the preference of each of you? Is it related to the task at hand or general comfort? I've gone to a waxed canvas tool apron, durable but still light. Just enough to hold a small tape, square and any marking tools needed at that time. Curious on how you all approach it. Thanks. Submitter: Wesley
2) where do you start? A keen interest but an empty (basic tools) garage/woodshop. Submitter: mcsegel