Matt's Basement Workshop - Audio

Finally returning to our discussion on hand planes we pick back up by talking about the roughest planes on the bench. The Jack Planes! This class of bench plane falls between the large jointers and the smaller smoothers, but they're the perfect size for doing rough work without wearing out the user. In the Stanley-Bailey numbering system the Jack Planes are the No.5's, No.5, No.5-1/4, No.5-1/2. But in case there's no number or it's a wooden bodied or you're just not sure, the Jack Plane is easy to identify by its size - approximately 9-12 inches in length. Again, not to long, but not to short! The Jack isn't a plane built for beauty, so if you're picking one up second hand don't be surprised if it's really, really beaten up. But don't worry, it'll work amazing. [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-433JackPlanes350.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Video FileDownload Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

Today's "Try it Tuesday" is all about my shop apron, more specifically the Leather Apron from Highland Woodworking. With it's generous proportions, it's deep flap covered pockets and it's really comfortable feel (once it's properly broken in that is) this is a great apron for any woodworker. Why would you need a shop apron? With all the little things you have laying around your benchtop, or on top of your stationary tools it's great to have a place to put them where they can be reached quickly and easily. That's exactly what a good shop apron will do. Not to mention protecting you from flying debris and keeping you from being caked in sawdust. Regardless of whether it's leather, canvas, cotton or polyester? A good shop apron will pay for itself in no time, especially when you don't have to search for your pencil or square. [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-431ShopApron339.mp3.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Video FileDownload Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

WOODWORKING IN AMERICA 2010 has opened the doors for would-be attendees to register and plan their schedules for the upcoming October 1-3, 2010 conference. As someone who's had a chance to attend two of the Woodworking in America events I wouldn't hesitate to suggest people sign up and come out to see what it's all about. This year's Woodworking in America is in the backyard of the crew making it all happen, Popular Woodworking Magazine, and they've added some more bells and whistles to make it even bigger. But rather than listing it all here take a listen to what Megan Fitzpatrick, Managing Editor of Popular Woodworking Magazine has to say about ALL the festivities you'll find when you attend. For more information, visit www.woodworkinginamerica.com. [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-430WIA2010Preview929.mp3] Click to Play Download Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

It's another Tuesday and that means it's time for another "Try it Tuesday". This week we have the Kreg Multi-Mark, a great little multi-marking tool for a wide assortment of jobs in and out of the shop. With three possible blade positions for quick measuring and marking the Kreg Multi-Mark is a handy tool for setting up your blades and bits or creating relief lines around doors and windows for carpentry jobs. And that's just the start, I'm sure you'll find more jobs in your own shop. Checkout one today at either Woodcraft.com or at Kregtool.com. [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-429KregMultiMark251.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Video FileDownload Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

We're close to wrapping up SAFETY WEEK 2010 and I stumbled across a great article at WOOD Magazine's website. Not one to let a good thing slide by, I asked the folks at WOOD for permission to share it with all of you. Thankfully they said yes! Today's episode is based on the 12 point checklist mentioned in Shop Safety Checklist. It's a great read and something worth checking out to make sure you're working safe too. A huge thanks to WOOD Magazine for permission to share this with all of you! [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-428ChecklistForSafety878.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Video FileDownload Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

The GRR-Ripper on MBW

We start May out with a visit from our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju of Passion for Wood. This month's topic is "Starting a Woodworking Business" and we received a number of great questions from all of you. It's no secret many of us hope and dream of a day when we can hang a sign and spend our days in the shop designing and building custom pieces of furniture for customers who can't get enough of our craftsmanship. But what does it take to get a shop up and running and how do you deal with the "out of shop" stuff? Many of these questions were sent in and Hendrik did his best to answer them as thoroughly as only Hendrik can. And in case you have more questions about this topic, coming up on June 5th, 2010 Hendrik has an all day seminar at his own shop covering this discussion. Attendees will of course have access to ask Hendrik specific questions maybe not covered in today's show, or to ask him for more details on specific topics we did. Not to mention each attendee gets a copy of his book "Starting a Woodworking Business", which is available at his website, www.passionforwood.com for those who can't make it. Thanks to everyone who submitted their questions! [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-426167.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

There are times when I just want to make something for fun and I don't want to spend a lot of time worrying about all the details to make it right. Of course, I do want to make sure it's something I don't mind my name being associated with too! One type of project that's fun and can make a great gift for a loved one is a custom wooden sign. Whether it's an address plaque so the pizza delivery person knows NOT to miss my door once again or so help me I'll...or a humorous expression for reminding guest they're welcomed to visit but don't plan on staying long. Custom wooden signs are great projects. To make them even better and easier to knock out in your shop, Milescraft created the SignPro kit. In the box is everything you need to make a wide variety of wooden signs, from horizontal to vertical...letters to numbers...large or small. All you need is some wood and maybe a dictionary so the neighbors don't shake their heads in disbelief, again. For the typical signs I've created with the SignPro, it's taken only minutes to have everything laid out and ready to route. Quick, simple and time well spent in the shop! [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-425758.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Video FileDownload Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

It's time for another visit from our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju of Passion for Wood. This month we were discussing more about wood science and movement. We had some questions come in from listeners, and as usual the conversation headed off in many directions. So hopefully we'll cover something you were hoping to hear the answer too. If you've ever been interested in starting your own Woodworking business but wasn't sure how to get started or what to expect have we got a show for you! Coming up soon is Hendrik's annual "starting a woodworking business" seminar. Too get all of you ready for it, we'll be talking with Hendrik about his life before being a professional woodworker. Have any questions you'd like to ask Hendrik about getting started? Drop us a line, EMAIL US with you're question. [dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-424878.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Audio File Don't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.

We all want to kick the tires before we buy, but when it comes to certain things in life it's not always possible. Thankfully the folks at Lie-Nielsen understand this and travel across the states and into the great white north to give every woodworker an opportunity to man handle their planes, saws, chisels and more. While the events are slightly different from venue to venue, they're a lot of fun to attend!!Thanks to everyone who made it to Jeff Miller's in Chicago for the show. It was great to meet all of you and thanks for saying HI, Aiden couldn't believe people actually knew me LOL!![dewplayer:http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-423911.mp3]Click to PlayDownload Video FileDownload Audio FileDon't forget to enter for free Schwag and please support our sponsors by visiting their links here on the website.