On today’s show, we’re talking about small shop organization, how to use a push stick with the JessEm guides, why are there always mistakes?! 

Our show is also sponsored by the generous contributions of people like you! Thank you!

If you want to help support the show, you can do so by going to Patreon.com/woodtalk and signing up to become a patron of the show. We’d like to thank

Almost Perfection

What’s on the Bench? 

Marc: Started MCM table for friend of his

Matt: Finished the breakfast nook

Shannon: teaching sawing and chiseling

KICKBACK

Jeremy - Has some thoughts on losing a job and relying on the shop.

Bryan - Tells us his thought process behind using toothpicks.

Paul - I was wondering since Mother’s Day is so close and I’m not ready for it if you could put it off a couple of weeks so I have time to make a picture frame for my wife.

Questions!

David - I use the Jessem Table Saw guides and noticed Marc uses them also. I find that using a push stick with them isn't easy. The only one I find useful are the long stick type that is included with table saws. Which push stick do you use with the Jessem guides.

https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101642234-13817089?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodcraft.com%2Fproducts%2Fjessem-rip-stick-for-ts-and-sts-stock-guides%3Fvariant%3D47228246360202&cjsku=196955

Brandon - Over the years, I've made many things I've eventually been proud of, but it seems like with every project, no matter how hard I try, no matter how careful I am, no matter how much planning I do, I mess up something smallish that I didn't need to. Examples (feel free to edit): I'll cut dados for shelves, and all but one of them will be nice and tight, but one of them will be a tiny bit oversized and have a visible gap. I'll carefully clamp pieces of a lumber cart together while gluing-and-screwing it, only to realize that one of the shelves is noticeably crooked when I finish. I'll drop a piece off the table saw or workbench, denting a corner that really needed to be crisp and sharp. I'll go to put my name on something with either my iron or my laser, but the placement will be slightly off or the iron will be too hot. Etc. Etc. Etc. Something like this seems to happen on almost every project. Sometimes it's my fault, sometimes it's just a random accident.

My question for you guys is this: When/how do you determine when a mistake/accident/major screw-up is significant enough to warrant repair vs. redoing vs. just giving up? Do you have a rule for your own work for when you ignore a mistake and just keep going, or are you all so awesome that a question about mistakes is alien to you? 

Silas - I love listening to the show I'm a teenager worker.I've only been woodworking for around a year now.I have a small job site table saw and a small lunchbox.Plainer , that's really it , I'm hoping soon to start building a small shed for my workshop.It will only be around sixteen by twelve I Want to know If you guys have any ideas on storage or anything, I'd love to hear like I said, I'm a beginner so I don't know that much.

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It’s show #605 - On today’s show, we’re talking about, woodworking as therapy, is my wood dry enough for a workbench?, dealing with oil stains on plywood.

Use code WT2026 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.

• Marc did some finish tests and packed up a bunch of boxes of Preppin' Weapons.
• Matt installed the breakfast bench.
• Shannon did a french polish on a ring box.

• Von has now listened to all the show and he tells us what all the people in his life thought about this feat.
• Joel took our advice and bought a planer and thanks to a deal on Amazon got a DW735 with extension beds and extra knives for less than the list price of the planer.
• Wayne reponded to our inquiry about sanding at the table saw and he uses the Mike Farrington disc with a 10 degree taper.

• Hamilton asks about getting into the shop when going through tough times.
• Mike has a White Oak log sawn into boards with his new Roubo bench and asks about building it green vs letting the wood dry a bit.
• Steven is building a painted wall light box that has an oil spill on the plywood. He asks about cleaning it up vs just getting new plywood.

Store Specific Events:

• Mother’s Day Street Market – May 2nd , 9am-2pm – Greenville, SC
• Meet local Makers & Creatives showcasing their skills and treasures.

Classes

Atlanta, GA: Mother’s Week Classes – May 2nd-7th

• Bud Vase, Colorful Coasters, Small Bowl, Sushi Set

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #604 - On today’s show, we’re talking about epoxy as a filler, Carter bandsaw guides, and pegged moretise & tenons.

Use code WT2026 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.

• Marc only sells merch now, no more content so get your preppin' weapons and glue rollers at TWWStore.com
• Matt finished the breakfast table and has moved on to the bench seat.
• Shannon is struggling with the accuracy OCD that comes with industrial machines.

• Laura is heading up an exhibition of local woodworker's projects at the San Carlos, CA Woodcraft store. For details check out the Bay Area Woodworkers.
• Darren has had success bleaching turnings and wonders if this would be an option for keeping the natural white oak tone we talked about recently.
• Harold proposed and she said yes! While sitting in cool rocking chairs.

• Doug has questions about using epoxy to fill voids in Cherry for a table top.
• Bryan pegged some tenons with toothpicks and those picks have backed out 3/16".
• Bryan took the Alex Snodgrass class and asks for an unsponsored review on Carter bandsaw guides.

Store Specific Events:

• Tool Swap – Sunday April 26th 8am to 1pm – Sacramento, CA
• Find great deals on lumber, used tools, and other woodworking items. Or
• bring yours to swap!

Classes

• Columbus, OH
• Build a concert Ukulele – April 25th & 26th 3pm - 9pm

Alex Snodgrass Tour Stops in April

https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/alex-snodgrass-the-next-cut-tour

• Grand Rapids, MI

• Sterling Heights, MI

• Columbus, OH

• Cincinnati, OH

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #603 - On today’s show, we’re talking about our thoughts on avoiding sharpening, pole lathes, and what to do when you have too much footage (aka, a Matt problem)

Use code WT2026 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.

• Marc finished the book press.
• Matt is applying finish to the breakfast table.
• Shannon taught a bunch of 7th graders how to build stuff.

• Andy responds to our "what is the legends had modern tools and YouTube" by saying that it might get ugly considering Jame Krenov was known to have called Sam Maloof a "router jockey".
• John asks if any of us compete on our bikes or just ride for fun and leisure.

• Tech Support asks if any of us avoid sharpening certain tools.
• Matt asks how we manage extra footage when filming in order to get through loads of clips more efficiently.
• Andy wants to make a pole lathe due to his limited space and asks Shannon what he would recommend or do differently from his own lathe builds.

• April 10th - 13th Spring Shavings Sale (15% off STOREWIDE)

Store Specific Events:

• Tool Sale – Saturday April 4th 9am to 3pm – Richmond, VA
• Richmond Antique Tool Society will have a great selection of antique and
• vintage tools for sale. Also, demonstrations and assistance on repairing and sharpening so bring your old hand planes and chisels!
• ▪ https://www.richmondantiquetools.com/

Classes

• Rockville, MD
• Kids Workshop – Candy Dispenser – April 18th 2pm-4pm
• Teens Workshop - Outdoor Planter - April 19th 10am - 5 pm
• Boise, ID
• Tusk Tenon Wall Shelf – April 9th 4:30pm - 9pm
• Kansas City, KS
• Square Edge Bowl – April 12th 12pm-4pm

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #602 - On today’s show, we’re talking about what would happen if woodworking legends had access to today’s technology, a quick drying wood finish, anti-fatigue mats for the shop, and chisel types and you.

Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.

• Marc made some fancy Walnut garage steps.
• Matt is working on the breakfast table.
• Shannon is prepping parts for a middle school class project on Bluebird boxes.

All 3 of us cheated on WoodTalk and appeared on another podcast. Well Shannon didn't, he just hosts another one is a constant dirty cheater

• Matt was on the Woodturners Journey
• Marc was on the Modern Woodworkers Podcast
• Shannon hosts The Lumber Update Podcast always...the cheater

• Greg asks If Maloof, Nakashima, Krenov, Frid, and Carpenter had access to modern tools, like CAD, the Festool Domino, and digital conveniences, do you think their work would have been even better, or just different? And in this digital era, would they be revered legends still, or just another set of woodworkers on YouTube?

• Yukiki is leading a class on picture frames and asks about a fast drying finish that will allow her students to complete finishing by the end of the class.
• Tony's feet hurt and he asks what we put on the floor of our shops in the way of mats.
• David bought some bench chisels at Woodcraft and asks about the other types of chisels and why he would want and use them.

Store Specific Events:

• March Mania – March 14 & 15 – Parkersburg, WV, Cincinnati, OH, Roanoke, VA: 15% Off Almost Everything and Demos all day

Demos

• Table Saw Tune-Up - Saturday, March 14th, 1pm
• Keeping your table saw in top working order makes your project easier and safer. Stop in as we show you how!
• Joinery Jigs - Saturday, March 21st, 1pm
• A couple of boards and some nails might work, but they may not be the best solution to keeping your project in one piece. Join us as we review different types of joinery jigs to help you build a strong finished piece.

Classes

• Rockville, MD: Teens Workshop – Bandsaw Box - Sunday, March 15, 10 AM - 5 PM
• Richmond, VA: Marquetry: Cutting, Assembly, And Veneer Fundamentals - Saturday, March 7, 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Chattanoga, TN: A variety of Jess Crow Resin classes from March 6th through March 10th

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #601 - On today’s show, we’re talking about sharpening hand saws, making a bowl without a lathe, and woodworking design resources

Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.

• Marc is cutting really big tenons.
• Matt is wrapping up his breakfast bench build for the Guild.
• Shannon wants to buy a pneumatic elevator and bought caning supplies.

• Lee from Regal Street Woodworks writes in to explain his end grain jointing process.
• David shares a tale of changed shorts when jointing end grain turned a cookie into a frisbee.
• Luke built a weekend project using "wisdom" from all 3 of us...but mostly his newly honed sharpening skills gained from a class at his local Woodcraft store.

• Nate asks us to list some design resources after our discussion about how design isn't covered much in woodworking.
• Dave is trying to make a bowl without a lathe using a hole saw and asks for advice to keep his bowl from flying across the shop.
• Tyler is tempted by used hand saws and asks whether to sharpen himself or send off to an expert.

Store Specific Events:

• March Mania – March 14 & 15 – Parkersburg, WV, Cincinnati, OH, Roanoke, VA,
• 15% Off Almost Everything and Demos all day
• Local Store Anniversary Celebration – March 7th – Rochester, NY
• Demos, Food, Giveaways, Special Sales

Demos

• Table Saw Tune-Up - Saturday, March 14th, 1pm
• Keeping your table saw in top working order makes your project easier and safer. Stop in as we show you how!
• Joinery Jigs - Saturday, March 21st, 1pm
• A couple of boards and some nails might work, but they may not be the best solution to keeping your project in one piece. Join us as we review different types of joinery jigs to help you build a strong finished piece.

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #600 - On today’s show, we’re talking about color matching, tigerwood workbench, and wood on a metal lathe.

Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply, valid until Jan 31st 2026

[caption id="attachment_49354" align="alignright" width="239"] Screenshot[/caption]

We saw this process shared on Powermatic's IG account and question the safety and missed opportunity to educate as a major power tool manufacturer. We would love to hear from the maker about the process he used and how it is working for him.

• Marc is making a book press.
• Matt is starting on his breakfast bench project.
• Shannon blew up his other knee while doing a sawing demo. He is OLD!

• Paul recommends FreeCAD as a SketchUp alternative that he finds similar to many of the higher powered solutions on the market.
• Hamilton gravitated to wax finishes due the safety and health aspects as he found so many other finish products had harmful VOC levels.
• Dick says, "yep that's actually my name", and "yes, its normal sized"

• Bob asks about using color and toning finishes as all his experience lies in clear coat finishes.

• Greg asks about the differences between metal and wood lathes and what will suit his needs.
• Amy has a bunch of Tigerwood 1x6 laying around and asks about using it for a workbench.

Store Events:

Don’t miss Alex Snodgrass’ Next Cut Tour:

• 2/20-2/21 - Orlando
• 2/22-2/23 - Clearwater
• 2/24-2/25 - Birmingham
• 2/26-2/27 - Atlanta

Woodcraft often has local club meetings in their stores too!

• Virginia Beach, VA: Tidewater Woodworkers Guild Meeting Monday, February 23
• Dayton, OH: Miami Valley Wood Carvers Carve-in, Tuesday, February 17

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #599 - On today’s show, we’re talking about finding yourself rudderless in woodworking, when to fire a customer, woodworking on an open-sided deck, woodworking topics that have been discussed too much and too little, winter shop strategies, and safety lessons for a maker space

• John needs to shift his product base as the market has dried up.
• Alex has a custom job that is going south and he is trying to figure out whether to bail or continue on.
• Hamilton is working in a covered porch space but with open sides and asks what he should consider with regard to tool maintenance as well as safeguarding his projects.
• Tomasso asks what woodworking topic has been talked to death and perhaps which ones haven't been talked about enough.
• Ed asks about winter strategies in the shop for keeping his tools in working order.
• William manages a maker space and asks about some safety training protocols.

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #598 - On today’s show, we’re talking about safety lessons for a maker space, strategizing lumber for a workbench, helical heads in benchtop planers, cypress finishing.

Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply, valid until Jan 31st 2026

• Marc is bending and laminating to make the fanciest towel rack, and now has his new True Grip Clamp Pads for sale! 
• Matt is cleaning and sterilizing.
• Shannon took his architect training course on the road to California and admired trees.

• Paul teaches Fusion 360 at his local Woodcraft and shares what he likes about it over SketchUp.
• Joel comments on how Europeans make better plywood with a history lesson on wooden fighter planes in WWII.

• Joel wants a planer and wonders if a spiral head is worth it in a benchtop model.
• Von milled a Red Oak log into boards and is now about to build his workbench but asks if there is any particular grain orientation he should consider for the parts as he builds it.
• Jim is building Adirondack chairs from Cypress. He wants them to grey naturally and wonders if he should put any finish on them at all.

In-Store Classes are awesome. You should take some! Check your local store to see what they have going on.

Here’s just a sampling of what’s going on:

Store Events:

• Supreme Bowl Contests – Woburn, MA; Walpole, MA; Richmond, VA; Norfolk, VA; Portsmouth, NH (Separate contests at each store)
• Submit your bowl to be voted on in a variety of categories. Voting ends February 8th (submission dates and categories vary somewhat by location)

Classes:

• Kansas City, KS – Learn Resin Casting – Saturday, January 31st, 9 to 4
• January 30th – DATE NIGHT: WINE & CHEESE, Turn a bottle stopper and cheese plane

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s show #597 - On today’s show, we’re talking about making thin wood without a bandsaw, fixing sticky drawers, Tormek sharpening machine comparisons, and building a rocking chair.

• Marc can't move so he is scratching the itch by rearranging the shop.
• Matt just keeps turning...homemade 40 foot swing lathe in the future?
• Shannon broke his band clamp while making picture frames, Marc teases with an out of stock band clamp

Shannon rants about e-bike which are great for commuting and getting people into riding, but kids making fun of kids who have to pedal is outrageous. Plus, get some exercise you lazy kids!! shakes fist

• Hans let us know that the black MDF we talked about on a previous show is manufactured under the brand Valchromat and they make a variety of colors.
• Ryan compliments our restraint during Matt's hollow chisel mortiser experience.
• Darren shares a bushcraft video where they use wooden holdfasts.

• Dianne has some sticky drawers in a chest and asks for advice to address it.
• Seth is a building a Shaker cabinet that calls for tinner stock and asks whether to plane or resaw the material to thickness.
• Harold wants to build a rocking chair to accompany his proposal attempt to his girlfriend and asks about where to start with building it.
• Mark is look at the Tormek for sharpening both shop tools and kitchen knives and wonders about the differences between the models. Marc suggests a specific kitchen knife sharpener which is much easier to use and stays in the kitchen.

In-Store Classes are a great way to make a wonderful holiday gift. Check your local store to see what they have going on.

Here’s just a sampling of what’s going on:

Store Events:

• Cabin Fever Event - Jan 24th at Cincinatti, OH; Roanoke, VA; Parkersburg, WV
• Lots of sales. Demos throughout the day. Chance to win prizes.
• 16th Annual Woodworking Expo – January 24th at Phoenix, AZ
• Vendor demos, Manufacturer Representatives, storewide power tool specials.
• Supreme Bowl Contests – Woburn, MA; Walpole, MA; Richmond, VA; Norfolk, VA; Portsmouth, NH (Separate contests at each store) Submit your bowl to be voted on in a variety of categories. Voting ends February 8th (submission dates and categories vary somewhat by location)

Classes:

• January 23rd – DATE NIGHT: PIZZA & BEER; Turn a pizza cutter and bottle opener
• January 30th – DATE NIGHT: WINE & CHEESE; Turn a bottle stopper and cheese plane.
• Orlando, FL – Lathe Tool Sharpening Made Easy – Saturday, January 17th, 10 to 3.

Our questions primarily come from our generous Patrons. You can also send in questions via the contact form. Or you can hit us up on Instagram at woodtalkshow. And you can even send us an email or voicemail at [email protected]

Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.