Wood Talk | Woodworking

Matt talks about his new jointer and how much easier square stock makes his work, while Marc shares his thoughts on MagSwitch switchable magnets and their uses for featherboards, jigs, and other shop setups.

Listener questions cover the Work Sharp sharpening system, hearing protection, building face frames, adjusting jointer knives, and protecting cast-iron table saw tops. The main discussion asks whether a SawStop table saw is worth the added cost. Marc and Matt weigh the safety technology against comparable saws, discuss cartridge replacement costs and the risk of becoming too dependent on safety features, and share their views on whether the added protection justifies the price.

They wrap up by talking about how they learned woodworking, the projects that pushed their skills forward, and why taking on work slightly beyond your current ability can be one of the best ways to improve.

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Matt talks about buying a 6-inch jointer and how it might fit into his mostly hand-tool shop. Marc shares his latest project, a large assembly table built with FineWoodworking.com, and they discuss the woodworking shows available on television.

Listener questions start with choosing rough lumber and whether it is acceptable to use a block plane at the lumberyard. Marc recommends buying extra stock so you can match boards at home, while Matt suggests asking before taking a plane to the merchandise.

A bandsaw problem involving blade drift, a thrown blade, and sparks leads to a discussion of proper setup. Marc points listeners to his Bandsaw Setup/Tune-up. They also cover milling long rough-sawn boards without a jointer. Matt suggests a jig or hand plane, while Marc recommends crosscutting long boards into manageable pieces first and refers to The Jointer’s Jumpin’.

Marc then tackles a checkerboard tabletop made from red oak and mahogany. He explains that freshly sanded mahogany will darken again with time and recommends using a cabinet scraper before sanding to level uneven surfaces. Marc and Matt also offer ideas for a first workbench or shop work surface.

After a brief debate over Band-Aids, they recommend several finishing books. Matt suggests The Wood Finisher’s Handbook by Sam Allen. Marc recommends books by Jeff Jewitt, Bob Flexner, Michael Dresdner, and George Frank, along with Finishing: Methods of Work.

They also tackle the awkward problem of family members buying you duplicate, lower-quality, or unwanted woodworking tools. Their advice is simple: be clear with family that woodworkers tend to be particular about their tools.

The episode wraps with spray finishing. Marc recommends a self-contained turbine sprayer rather than relying on a compressor that cycles constantly. They discuss spraying near neighbors, respirators, goggles, shop safety, and why Matt often looks to eBay and garage sales for older hand tools.

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What do you do when you need flat lumber but don’t own a jointer or planer? Marc and Matt discuss several options, including using a router sled, having your lumberyard surface rough stock, and finding access to machines through other woodworkers or local clubs.

They also cover HVLP spraying and spray booth safety, soundproofing a basement workshop, design software such as SketchUp, routing and filling softwood, tools for a new woodworker, and upgrading hand plane irons. Along the way, there are a few shop-safety stories and the usual detours.

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In Wood Talk #2, Marc and Matt dig into what to do with old woodworking tools that have been handed down through the family. Can a rusty hand plane be brought back to life, and when is an old tool better left on display?

They also talk about lumber storage, dealing with woodworking clients, nails versus screws, upgrading shop lighting, choosing between a 6-inch and 8-inch jointer, and a router-table close call that serves as a good reminder to wear eye protection.

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

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