Episode 025: Woodworking Dreams

We want to thank our top Patrons, Tracy Alexander, Stu Morrison, Scott McWilliams, Elliot Trent, Michael Schuler, and Matt Kummell!  You too can support the show by purchasing a T-Shirt, donating, or become a monthly patron as well.  If you choose to become a patron you can get the show’s pre-release, or monthly group or individual hangout with us.

Thanks to Marshall Toy, Scott Haun, and Sebastian Ollari for your support on Patreon as well.

Check out the new page for the Bench Build-Off kicking off soon.

What’s Going On In The Shop

Kyle –  Dovetailed the table legs, made some coffee tumblers, and Michael Morley in the shop for a visit.

Sean –  Made a scratch stock (video below), refinished the panel for the bed, refined the shape of the crest rail, made a few bird houses, and built the kids Nicholson bench with his oldest son, Vinny. 

Brian –  Went to the National Maker Faire in D.C..  Made progress on the credenzas.

Main Topic – Our most/least enjoyable process.

Listener Questions, Email, and Comments

Guest Questions:

Tom Balzamo – Asks about repairing the lead screw on an auger bit. Check Tom out on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.

Email/Comments:

Neil Dorin – I’ve been binge listening to the podcast over the last few weeks to catch up since I just discovered it recently.  Love the podcast.  I love how relaxed you all are and how you’re all so willing to share your triumphs and mistakes!

I hate sanding and prefer to use hand planes/card scrapers to get a finished surface wherever possible.  When I built the panel top for the table, I used dominos to align the boards and it was so flat I was able to quickly scrape the glue lines and then use my Veritas low angle block plane with handle/tote accessory (basically it’s a #3 smoother) to smooth the top and it worked incredibly well.  I planed the breadboard ends smooth as well, but of course once they were installed there was slight variance in alignment between the panel and the breadboard end along the joint.  Because that joint has grain perpendicular on the panel to that of the breadboard, planing or scraping it is virtually impossible without running a blade across a board perpendicular to the grain which obviously causes some tear out

Any tips or tricks other than busting out the orbital sander (which is what I ended up doing)?

Shane Smith – I love using the bandsaw for everything, but the only one I have now is an ancient Craftsman 10″ three-wheeled one.  I would love to get a larger one with a fence and the ability to use blades past the Craftsmans’ 1/4″ max.  What would you recommend for someone on a budget?  Let’s say, $500 for example (no idea if that is reasonable or not). Advantages and disadvantages at various price points?

CardsFan_270 – 5 Stars – Real Dudes. Real Talk. – As a woodworker, start here.  Brian, Sean, and that other dude give honest, down-to-earth takes on woodworking in 2016.  Not just how to make stuff, but how to approach being a maker and woodworker.  Do yourself a favor and go listen.  Then, when you are done, go support them on Patreon.

If you have comments, questions, or suggested topics for future shows you can email us at contact@thedustylife.com.  Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram @thedustylife. You can support the show by purchasing a t-shirt, clicking the donate button for a one-time donation, or become a patron to help us keep this bus rolling.

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Author: Spunjin

I am a woodworker, maker, and DIY enthusiast. View all posts by Spunjin