Wood Talk | Woodworking

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)Sponsored by :Use code WT2026 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.What's On the BenchMarc finished the book press.Matt is applying finish to the breakfast table.Shannon taught a bunch of 7th graders how to build stuff.Kickback and StuffAndy 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.Listener QuestionsTech 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.Selected Woodcraft EventsApril 10th - 13th Spring Shavings Sale (15% off STOREWIDE)Store Specific Events:Tool Sale – Saturday April 4th 9am to 3pm – Richmond, VARichmond Antique Tool Society will have a great selection of antique andvintage tools for sale. Also, demonstrations and assistance on repairing and sharpening so bring your old hand planes and chisels!▪ https://www.richmondantiquetools.com/ClassesRockville, MDKids Workshop – Candy Dispenser – April 18th 2pm-4pmTeens Workshop - Outdoor Planter - April 19th 10am - 5 pmBoise, IDTusk Tenon Wall Shelf – April 9th 4:30pm - 9pmKansas City, KSSquare Edge Bowl – April 12th 12pm-4pmAsk Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

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.Sponsored by :Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.What's On the BenchMarc 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.We Did PodcastsAll 3 of us cheated on WoodTalk and appeared on another podcast. Well Shannon didn't, he just hosts another one is a constant dirty cheaterMatt was on the Woodturners JourneyMarc was on the Modern Woodworkers PodcastShannon hosts The Lumber Update Podcast always...the cheaterKickback and StuffGreg 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?Listener QuestionsYukiki 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.Selected Woodcraft EventsStore Specific Events:March Mania – March 14 & 15 – Parkersburg, WV, Cincinnati, OH, Roanoke, VA: 15% Off Almost Everything and Demos all dayDemosTable Saw Tune-Up - Saturday, March 14th, 1pmKeeping 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, 1pmA 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.ClassesRockville, MD: Teens Workshop – Bandsaw Box - Sunday, March 15, 10 AM - 5 PMRichmond, VA: Marquetry: Cutting, Assembly, And Veneer Fundamentals - Saturday, March 7, 9 AM - 3:30 PMChattanoga, TN: A variety of Jess Crow Resin classes from March 6th through March 10thAsk Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

It’s show #601 - On today’s show, we’re talking about sharpening hand saws, making a bowl without a lathe, and woodworking design resourcesSponsored by :Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply.What's On the BenchMarc 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.Kickback and StuffLee 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.Listener QuestionsNate 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.Selected Woodcraft EventsStore Specific Events:March Mania – March 14 & 15 – Parkersburg, WV, Cincinnati, OH, Roanoke, VA,15% Off Almost Everything and Demos all dayLocal Store Anniversary Celebration – March 7th – Rochester, NYDemos, Food, Giveaways, Special SalesDemosTable Saw Tune-Up - Saturday, March 14th, 1pmKeeping 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, 1pmA 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.Ask Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

It’s show #600 - On today’s show, we’re talking about color matching, tigerwood workbench, and wood on a metal lathe.Sponsored by :Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply, valid until Jan 31st 2026What's This Sh&%t[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.What's On the BenchMarc 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!Kickback and StuffPaul 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"Listener QuestionsBob 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.Selected Woodcraft EventsStore Events:Don’t miss Alex Snodgrass’ Next Cut Tour:2/20-2/21 - Orlando2/22-2/23 - Clearwater2/24-2/25 - Birmingham2/26-2/27 - AtlantaWoodcraft often has local club meetings in their stores too!Virginia Beach, VA: Tidewater Woodworkers Guild Meeting Monday, February 23Dayton, OH: Miami Valley Wood Carvers Carve-in, Tuesday, February 17Ask Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

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 spaceListener QuestionsJohn 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.Ask Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

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.Sponsored by :Use code WT2025 for 10% off - Exclusions apply, valid until Jan 31st 2026What's On the BenchMarc 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.Kickback and StuffPaul 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.Listener QuestionsJoel 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.Selected Woodcraft EventsIn-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 4January 30th – DATE NIGHT: WINE & CHEESE, Turn a bottle stopper and cheese planeAsk Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

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.What's On the BenchMarc 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 clampWoodTalk Bike CornerShannon 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 fistKickback and StuffHans 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.Listener QuestionsDianne 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.Selected Woodcraft EventsIn-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, WVLots of sales. Demos throughout the day. Chance to win prizes.16th Annual Woodworking Expo – January 24th at Phoenix, AZVendor 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 openerJanuary 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.Ask Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

It’s show #596 - On today’s show, we’re recapping some of our favorite things of the year and answering your questions.End of Year WrapIts our last show of the year so we spend some time talking about our challenges, new products, and specifically stuff we got from our sponsor, Woodcraft.Kickback and StuffShoutout to Hamilton Ward on his birthday. His wife wrote in and asked us to recognize him.Ryan's comic display worked out great but he asks about when to prefinish and when to skip it.Von likes the bicycle talk, in fact when he listened to our back log he got Peloton bike ads.Listener QuestionsMatt is milling parts for his Guild project tableShannon used a power tool to cut up a live edge slab for an architect.Marc bought a new bike then lots of NYC pizza.Woodcraft Store EventsRockville, MD - 10 Ways to Cut Dovetails with Bob Van Dyke -Saturday, November 29 and November 30, 10 AM - 5 PM Walpole, MA - Volunteers needed Wooden Toy Truck Build for "Toys-for-Tots" Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:30 AM - 3 PMAsk Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker

Sponsored by :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.It’s show #595 - On today’s show, we’re talking about what to do when your workbench sucks, Is wood acclimation BS, and running a lathe backwards.Woodcraft GiveawayCongratulations to Matt Croyle who won the tap room cutting board kit.We also heard from Joe, last months lathe tool giveaway and he does actually have a lathe and has already put his new tools to use.Black Friday SalesWood Whisperer Guild Save 40% with code BlackFriday40BackSide Sandpaper, Wood Whisperer Specials are 20% off!Hand Tool School 50% with code HTS50for15; black friday but 15 yr anniversary.Matt Cremona - Free shipping on Chair Kits and some discount on everything elseWhat's on the BenchMatt is milling parts for his Guild project tableShannon used a power tool to cut up a live edge slab for an architect.Marc bought a new bike then lots of NYC pizza.Kickback   Listener QuestionsVon asks how much wood actually acclimates over the course of a few weeks and if that is a myth.James asks what to do after he built his workbench and then feel inadequate about it after watching hundreds of videos.Joe asks why he would run his lathe backwards because his lathe motor runs both ways.Woodcraft Store EventsNovember 7th and 8th Kreg Demos at every store nationwide.November 8 & 9th- Turn for the Troops events nationwide.Local Store events: too many to list here this time...wow...Goooo Woodcraft! Check your local store for detailsAsk Us a QuestionOur 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 woodtalkshow@gmail.comFinally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker