Category: Uncategorized

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!

So I recently built a farmhouse style kitchen table and bench for my cousin and her husband (photos attached).
I actually used Brian’s YouTube video on attaching breadboard ends with a Festool Domino and it worked fantastically.  However, once the breadboards were installed I ran into an annoying problem that I’m wondering if any of you have a solution for.  (To be honest I was listening to the podcast while building the table, but hadn’t put two and two together that Brain from the podcast was the same Brian from the YouTube breadboard video until I listened to the breadboard episode last night!)
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?

Keep up the great work on and off the air guys!
Shane Smith
 iTunes Ratings

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.

Check out our individual websites (mccauleysdesign.com, woodbytoth.com, and seanrubino.com), social media platforms, and YouTube channels, subscribe, and spread the word to friends, family, and coworkers.

Also, consider subscribing to The Dusty Life Podcast through iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Play, or the click the RSS on our homepage at thedustylife.com and please leave us a rating as it helps climb the ever growing podcast charts.

Episode 014: The Woodworking Show Recap

Thank you, Tracy Alexander, for your support on Patreon!  Purchase a T-Shirt or donate to show your support.

What’s Going On In The Shop

Kyle –  Made some Leo Coasters from Kingwood and black veneer.  Also went to Atlanta and hung out with his buddy, Sean.

Sean –  Went to Highland Hardware (Highland Woodworking) twice, Thursday with my long time friend, Kevin, and Friday with Matt Cremona and Bob Barrett (and more).  Sat in the partially finished Maloof Lowback Chair and toured the classroom area.  Hung out with everyone at the show.  Here is a quick clip of the shenanigans we got into at Highland Woodworking.

Brian – Worked on a table, tile, and an interior wall.

Main Topic – Recap of The Woodworking Show in Atlanta.

Listener emails/questions

Guest Questions

Mark Dolan – Mark calls in to say “thank you” for making content.  Check him out on Twitter.

Email

Johnny Tromboukis – Hey Dusty Life Crew!  I’ve been woodworking seriously for about a year now and finishing is something that has confused me for a while especially when it comes to cutting boards. I realize you need a food safe finish on a cutting board, that just makes sense, but there are so many options. I currently use a generic cutting board oil from a store and then I apply a beeswax, grape seed oil, carnuba wax mixture and I apply two coats of each. I’m happy with the results but I never tried anything else. I’m wondering if general finishes salad bowl finish is good for this situation.

These are cutting boards that I sell and I’ve made some custom ones for clients too. I’m wondering what the dusty life has to say about cutting board finishes.

Thanks guys, love the podcast!
Johnny Tromboukis

Jonathan Ficke – Good afternoon guys, I guess this question is mainly for Kyle because he’s the one that went to “school.” Did they have a curriculum like I had in college? Like required classes, prerequisites, textbooks, and stuff?

I’m self-taught (mostly), do you have suggestions for how to recreate some of the “school” if I’m unable to jet off to Boston for a stint at the NBSS? Any chance you have any syllabi you could share (if they exist)?
Jonathan Ficke
Braxton Wirthlin – Dear The Dusty Life Guys,

Where do you get off?!?!  Recently I attempted to show my support of your podcast by purchasing a t-shirt, only to be faced with the realization that you do not offer clothing options for the “full figured” woodworker.  I am not a minority!  I represent a large portion of this community and I am not alone when I say “we demand satisfaction!”  I will continue to support your fine podcast, but I will not be silent about this issue until you have righted this wrong, and put an end to this horrible injustice.
Yours truly,
Braxton “3 XL” Wirthlin

Tim Babb – Tim is hosting a Giveaway on his page.  Check that out here to win a Work Sharp Tools WS3000.

Head over to MMWoodStudio and use the coupon code “DLY” to save 50% on a yearly membership.

iTunes Ratings

JT Woodworks – 5 Stars – This has become my favorite woodworking podcast.  Sean, Kyle and Brian are great guys and fantastic woodworkers!

 If you have comments, questions, or suggested topics for future shows you can email us at contact@thedustylife.com.  Follow the show on Twitter @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.

Check out our individual websites, social media platforms, and YouTube channels, subscribe, and spread the word to friends, family, and coworkers.

If this sort of chatter is of your interest, consider subscribing through iTunes, Soundcloud, or the click the RSS on our homepage at thedustylife.com and please leave us a rating as it helps other listeners find us easily.