Wood Talk | Woodworking

Can AI Change How Woodworkers Design Furniture?Welcome to Wood Talk #618! On today’s show, we’re talking about finishing a squatty potty, troubleshooting planer dust collection, Russian birch, and Sketchup alternatives.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft! Stop by your local store November 7 and 8 to turn a pen for a U.S. service member. Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. (Can’t be combined with other offers, exclusions apply).Our show is also sponsored by the generous contributions of people like you. Support us and get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk. Thanks to our newest Patrons:Jordan GinebaughJames RobertsAndrei ZmievskiNews and AnnouncementsMarc: Released a new video on his walnut dining table build and angled joinery.Matt: Launched his Built-in Breakfast Nook Bench course.KickbackLarry: Shared the story of a blanket rack project he started in 1992 that he's still working on!Group DiscussionThoughts on Sketchup alternatives for designing furniture, including Hew and IngeTrazo.QuestionsJohn: What finish would you use for a squatty potty?Scott: Planer keeps bogging down and leaving huge piles of chips on 12-inch wide 10/4 walnut slabs. Is it a planer issue or a dust collection issue?Bob: How is Baltic birch currently getting out of Russia?Links and ResourcesHew 3DIngeTrazoTurn for Troops DetailsWoodcraft Events and DealsTurn for Troops (Nov 7-8): Turn a pen for a U.S. service member. Woodcraft provides the equipment and instruction for free.JessEm Demo Days (Nov 13-14): 15% off JessEm products in-store, tool demos, and a sweepstakes.Local Woodcraft Events and ClassesTurn for Troops (Nov 7-8): At stores nationwide.Alex Snodgrass Tour: Nashville (Nov 5-7), Chattanooga (Nov 8), Baltimore (Nov 13-14).Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone at [email protected] can find us individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bandsaw Mill CuriousWelcome to Wood Talk #617! On today’s show, we’re talking about a cutting method for small parts, a faster way to make picture frame stock, and annealing steel.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft! Woodcraft is your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. (Can’t be combined with other offers, exclusions apply).Our show is also sponsored by the generous contributions of people like you. Support us and get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk. Thanks to our newest Patrons:BarrDylan ElderBC SpearNews and AnnouncementsExplanation of the last show.We raised over $25k for the PHP!What’s on the BenchMarc: Filmed Dave Boyt and Norwood Sawmills.Matt: Not much.Shannon: Wall shelf.KickbackVon Welch: Finished his workbench.Eric Pellerin: Found purpose in a local makerspace.QuestionsTom: What size dumbbells to use for adding weight to large glue-ups?Joseph: Safe ways to cut small, thin parts on manual miter saws.Mitch: How to speed up cutting rabbets and roundovers on picture frame stock.Stephen: Advice on annealing and re-hardening steel for hand tool restoration.Links and ResourcesHarvesting Backyard Exotics with Dave BoytHorn Dog MapsWoodcraft Stained Glass CollectionLocal Woodcraft Events and ClassesMinneapolis, MN: Electric Guitar Design (Oct 20).Salt Lake City, UT: Halloween Carving Classes (Oct 22, 24).Orlando, FL: Fall Extravaganza (Oct 30-31).Lexington, KY: Stained Glass Pumpkin Workshop (Nov 1).Alex Snodgrass Tour: MN, WI, IL, and WV dates between Oct 22-31.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone at [email protected] can find us individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wood Talk #616, Should I Buy a Jointer?On today’s show, we’re talking about whether you should buy a jointer, glue-up strategies, and shop walls.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.This week, we thank:Stephen StriblingKatherine SanbornMichael BatemanJordan NeedlesSign up for the Wood Talk Newsletter.What’s on the BenchMarc decided to go with the two-saw setup and is trying to make that happen.Matt is working at the sawmill.Shannon took a New York trip and saw expensive stuff.KickbackChris at Lazy Gretl Wood Works follows up on the metric vs. imperial discussion and points out that relative measurements do a lot of the precision work in a project.Jonathan P. Szczepanski writes in to thank the guys for the talk and levity during a rough morning.Chris Williams suggests that someone who uses both metric and imperial in the shop should be called a hybrid woodworker.Philip writes from Northern Ireland as a proud imperial user, even though he learned metric in school and still uses metric when needed.QuestionsBrian asks whether he should use drywall, plywood, or something else for the walls in his new walkout basement shop.Jason asks whether he should buy a jointer, cram in a jointer/planer combo, or keep using his planer sled, track saw, and table saw workflow.Mick asks about keeping parts aligned during glue-up and how to handle squeeze-out when clamps are in the way.Links and ResourcesWoodcraftWood Talk NewsletterWoodcraft Events and DealsOctober 9 and 10, in-store Woodpeckers event: Tool demos and 15% off Woodpeckers products in-store only.In-store sweepstakes: Prizes include an Adjusta-Joint Box Joint Sled, an in-DEXABLE Miter Sled with Drop Zone, and a Woodcraft gift card. No purchase is necessary.Local Woodcraft Events and ClassesLexington, Kentucky: Free Turn-N-Learn demo, Thursday, October 8, from 4 to 6.Boise, Idaho: Woodpeckers tool demo, Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 2.Pelham, Alabama: Free Turn & Learn demonstration, Thursday, October 15, from 4 to 6.Charlotte, North Carolina: Cheese slicer and cutting board demo, Saturday, October 17, from 1 to 2.Store Classes and Events: Check your local Woodcraft store at Woodcraft.com.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show, we’re talking about whether it’s finally time to go metric, using live oak for a workbench and dining table, and the Jointmaker Pro.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.This week, we thank:John EmersonChrisTim DahlSign up for the Wood Talk Newsletter.What’s on the BenchMarc has been working on maker space upgrades and PM2000 fixes.Matt is getting ready for sawing.Shannon is doing fall cleaning, and his air filter finally gave up.KickbackKyle follows up on the smoke detector question from episode 614. He installed a flame detector in his garage because he has lawn care batteries, two EVs, and a whole-home battery backup in there. It detects actual flame instead of smoke, and it sends him a phone notification.QuestionsMick Monahan asks whether it’s finally time to switch woodworking over to the metric system.John Emmerson asks whether California live oak makes sense for a Roubo workbench, a dining table, and whether its density affects the finishing plan.Lars asks Shannon when he actually uses the Jointmaker Pro and whether it earns its keep in a shop that already has a full set of tools.Links and ResourcesWoodcraftWood Talk NewsletterFlame DetectorWoodcraft DealsAll Rikon bandsaws are 10% off through September 30.Starrett bandsaw blades are 20% off through September 30.Local Woodcraft Events and ClassesSeptember 18 and 19, participating Woodcraft stores: Kreg Demo Days.September 19, Richmond, Virginia: Art of the Blade Festival.September 24, Columbus, Ohio: Turning a Fishing Lure.September 25 through 29, New England: Alex Snodgrass continues his Maximizing Your Bandsaw tour.September 26, St. Louis, Missouri: Woodcraft’s Maker’s Resource Event with Marc Spagnuolo, the St. Louis Woodworkers Guild, and local makerspaces.Store Classes and Events: Check your local Woodcraft store at Woodcraft.com.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show, we’re talking about smoke detectors in the shop, whether it’s worth upgrading dust collection ducting, and double-sided tape.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.This week, we thank:Levi McNettJim at the.accidentalwoodworkerSooner WoodworkingNews and AnnouncementsSign up for the Wood Talk Newsletter.The Guild Back to School Sale ends September 4.All episodes are now on the website.SawStop has a bandsaw.Harvey has the Dream Saw.What’s on the BenchMarc pivoted from Ava’s bed to the laundry room.Matt is working on a coffee table.Shannon is selecting veneer for a tabletop.KickbackVon Welch tested the advice about not running an air filter until leaving the shop. His air quality meter showed the air got worse for about a minute, then quickly improved. He now runs the air filter while making dust and leaves it on a timer after he’s done.QuestionsVaibhav asks how to handle smoke detectors in a garage shop when sawdust can set them off, but fire risk from lithium batteries and oily rags is still a concern.Chris asks whether upgrading from HVAC ductwork to Nordfab ducting is worth it for a new shop with a 3HP Oneida cyclone and several large machines.Keith asks what brand of double-sided tape to use for templates.Links and ResourcesWoodcraftWood Talk NewsletterWoodcraft 2" Double-Sided TapePermacel Double-Sided TapeLocal Woodcraft Events and ClassesSeptember 9, Allentown, Pennsylvania: Alex Snodgrass presents his Maximizing Your Bandsaw seminar from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.September 12, Sacramento, California: Woodturning, Segmented Screwdriver runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.September 12, Parkersburg, West Virginia: Beginner Leather Keychain class runs from 10 AM to 1 PM.September 13, Minneapolis, Minnesota: Tiny Dwellings, Beginning Bark-House Carving runs from 10 AM to 4 PM.September 14, Downingtown, Pennsylvania: Alex Snodgrass brings his Maximizing Your Bandsaw seminar to Downingtown from noon to 1 PM.Store Classes and Events: Check your local Woodcraft store at Woodcraft.com.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show, we’re talking about finding a woodworking mentor, leaning bench dogs, and turning riven oak into boards.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.This week, we thank:Ben DadoverDick KnottsPhil McCrackenSign up for the Wood Talk Newsletter.What’s on the BenchMarc started messing with Gridfinity and is wondering whether that was a mistake.Matt is between things.Shannon shellacked his chest, and now the girls all swoon.KickbackAlexander Hähnsen asks whether the best Wood Talk listening experience is to keep working backward from newer episodes or go all the way back to episode 1.Kyler Goodwin and Dave suggest using an ozone generator to help remove the odor from Shannon’s chest of drawers, with the warning that ozone needs to be used carefully because it is harmful to breathe.QuestionsBrandon asks how to find a woodworking mentor, how to avoid asking for too much unpaid time, what a developing woodworker can offer in return, and what a healthy mentoring relationship looks like.Josh asks how to turn split, wedge-shaped oak log sections into straight boards when there’s no flat reference edge and no way to get the logs to a sawmill.John asks whether old Wood Talk episodes are still available and whether round bench dog holes for a Benchcrafted tail vise should be drilled at a 2-degree angle.Links and ResourcesWoodcraftWood Talk NewsletterKreg Edge early access through WoodcraftLocal Woodcraft Events and ClassesCincinnati: Intro to Scroll Saw workshop, Thursday, August 20.Washington, DC-area Woodcraft: Date Night, Friday, August 21.Harrisburg: Free Easy Wood Tools demo with Dave Schell, Saturday, August 22.Columbus: Fall meeting of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers, August 22 and 23.Seattle: 8th Annual Tool Swap, Saturday, August 29.Store Classes and Events: Check your local Woodcraft store at Woodcraft.com.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show, we’re talking about whether subscriber numbers matter anymore, cutting long miters, and pressing veneer without a vacuum bag.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.This week, we thank:Eric PellerinPeter KulupkaSign up for the Wood Talk Newsletter.What’s on the BenchMarc started a repair job for his mother-in-law on a 23-year-old project.Matt is working on a workbench base.Shannon is doing chest of drawers remediation.KickbackGary writes in with criticism of the discussion around Shannon’s use of “off the reservation.”Michael Johnson writes in to thank the guys for that same discussion and shares why those words carry weight for many Indigenous and First Nations people.Anthony from Grey Design Workshop shares his experience using Accoya and Tricoya for exterior cupboard doors in southern England and asks whether the material is easy to get in the US.QuestionsJean-Luc Desselle asks whether YouTube subscriber count still matters and whether milestones like 1 million or 500K still mean anything to the guys.Tom asks how to cut large, long miters for mitered casework that exceeds 24 inches in width or depth.Drew asks about pressing veneer without a vacuum bag, including larger cauls, screw presses, and whether multiple panels can be pressed at the same time.Links and ResourcesWoodcraftWood Talk NewsletterFormaligna StudioGrey Design WorkshopLumber Update, Modified WoodsLumber Update, AccoyaLocal Woodcraft Events and ClassesWest Springfield, Massachusetts: August 8, hands-on Festool cordless-tool demo with a factory representative.Dayton, Ohio: August 13, free CNC Users Group meeting for CNC owners, new users, and anyone who needs help with Vectric software.Minneapolis: August 14 and 15, Mystery Envelope Secret Sale, with chances to save 15% or 20% on a purchase, or 25% on one item.Store Classes and Events: Check your local Woodcraft store page.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show, we’re talking about why workbenches are better than the floor, managing customer expectations, and thick, thick workbenches.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk.This week, we thank:Kenneth ButzZachary GourdeZane ClarkDave 4CTyler AguirreMike at WorkshopFloorplan.comSign up for the Wood Talk Newsletter.What’s on the BenchMarc talks about the recent open house, the final stages of the dining table, and the loss of Duggee.Matt is rehabbing a bandsaw.Shannon is doing some flea market flipping.KickbackJanae writes in after watching episode 609 and hearing Alex Snodgrass talk about bandsaw blades that break at the weld. Less than two hours later, her new-to-her Grizzly bandsaw made a loud pop. Because of the episode, she calmly shut down the saw, confirmed the break happened at the weld, and contacted the manufacturer.Kaylin asks why more cordless tool platforms don’t offer AC adapters like Metabo’s 36V line.Joshua shares his experience upgrading to a premium Milwaukee cordless set and how much better it has been for drilling, fence work, concrete, mixing mud and paint, and property cleanup.We also get a list of Ten Reasons I Hate Marc.QuestionsJoel Bjornstad asks why chisel work improved so much after moving from the floor to a Roubo-style workbench. Is it posture, physics, or woodworking magic?Monte Bell asks how to manage customer expectations when commissioned furniture takes longer than expected.Emil built a 6 1/4" thick southern yellow pine workbench top and wants to know how thick a top can be while still working with vises, bench dogs, and holdfasts.Links and ResourcesWoodcraftWood Talk NewsletterLocal Woodcraft Deals, Events, and ClassesJuly Deal: 15% off Crown M42 Cryo Turning Tools.July Deal: 40% off WoodRiver Toggle Clamps.July Deal: 40% off Brazilian Cherry / Jatoba.July Deal: 40% off Padauk.July Deal: 40% off Gaboon Ebony turning stock.Store Classes and Events: Check your local Woodcraft store page.Colorado Springs: Woodturning 101, Amazing Apple Project with Raleigh Lockhart, Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10 AM to 4:30 PM.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show, we’re talking about the pros and cons of cordless tools, using Blade Cote on a SawStop, workbench setup for a southpaw, and how our design sensibilities have changed over the years.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk.This week, we thank:Blakey LakeTommy EvansTom KrushRocky SmithScott MacIntyreAlexander H, SanyoWhat’s on the BenchMarc cut the big bevels on the table legs before heading out on vacation and is prepping the shop so it’s not awful to come back to.Matt is working on a coffee table commission.Shannon made a cheese slicer, because Woodcraft told him to.KickbackMichael Summer shares his experience with Mike Farrington’s sanding disc, especially the benefits of the taper, the clean edge it produces, and the ability to keep two grits loaded.Freddie also writes in about the Mike Farrington double-taper sanding disc and says it’s fantastic for casework, glue lines, sheet goods, cabinet parts, and sneaking up on final dimensions.QuestionsDavie Brown asks whether using Blade Cote on a SawStop blade could cause problems with the brake system or electronics.Rich asks how the guys’ design sensibilities have changed over the years and whether Matt has found a new kind of figure to fancy.Ed Lilla asks how a left-handed woodworker should think about bench workholding and vise placement.Links and ResourcesWoodcraftLocal Woodcraft Events and ClassesFree Demo, Stay Sharp: Saturday, July 11 at 1pm.Free Demo, Dust Collection Basics, Machinery and Accessories: Saturday, July 18 at 1pm.Store Classes and Events: For in-store classes and events, please check your local Woodcraft store page.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show, we’re talking about Alex Snodgrass. Like, the entire time. From his early days as a mustachioed little baby to today, as he’s in the home stretch of his Next Cut Tour.We’re recording live at the Woodcraft Vendor Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, which means this is the first face-to-face Wood Talk recording in years.Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, the leading authority in woodworking, making, and creating. They have the tools, supplies, expertise, and hands-on classes to inspire creativity at every level.Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk.What’s on the BenchThis week, the bench is all Alex.We talk about how the Next Cut Tour is going.We ask why Alex became so closely associated with bandsaws.We discuss whether the world has enough bandsaw reindeer yet.We get into small-shop and startup bandsaw setup advice.Questions for AlexMatt Parker asks how old Alex was when he first grew that glorious mustache.Tom asks how to deal with a 14" Powermatic bandsaw with a riser kit that refuses to track straight.Greg Batt asks whether upgrading a common 14" bandsaw from a 1 HP motor to a 2 HP motor is worth the cost and effort.Joe Lapolito asks how often a hobbyist needs to go through Alex’s full bandsaw setup process once the machine has been dialed in.Martin asks how to clean the blade and machine after cutting wet wood.We also ask why Carter guides over blocks or other bearing guides.And when a bandsaw blade breaks, what’s the first thing to check?Links and ResourcesAlex Snodgrass, The Next Cut TourLocal Woodcraft Events and ClassesMinneapolis: Summer Lumber Deal runs through June 20. Get a $20 gift card with a $100 lumber purchase.Minneapolis: Free Bandsaw Tune Up demo, Saturday, June 20 at 1pm.Boise: 3 Stone Cairn Lamp class.Greenville: Celtic Knot Rolling Pin class.Contact the ShowSend questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to [email protected] can find the guys individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.Thanks to Todd and Margaret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.