Category: Podcast Episodes

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Guys Questions:

1) I’ve always valued the information y’all share on the podcast and this one popped into my head.

Sitting at work today as I was looking for the end of the internet I went down the rabbit hole of different wood glues. After going down the rabbit hole there was a lot of things that actually made sense for using different glues for different applications. I have always just used titebond 3 because it just seems like the most versatile of any other glue out there. It’s water resistant and food safe so why have 15 different glues for 1000 different applications. As I grow more and more into the trade it leads me to wanting to move more toward the more tried and true methods that some of the most reputable woodworkers have proved to be the best practices for certain applications. Leading into the question, (minus brands if you don’t want to go there) What types of glues do you migrate to the most and what is the reason for that? Is it a certain type of glue for a certain application or do you sort of do like me and stick with a particular glue for any project you make? Would you design a project and decide that you’re going to use a certain type of glue for it over another?

Thank you for your time and please keep up the absolutely wonderful work y’all are doing on the podcast and your shops! The information y’all share is always spot on!

Thanks,
Brent Jarvis
Clean Cut Woodworking

2) Re: your pick for the ETS125 – is that just a smaller Rotex 150 basically? Why not use RO150 to cover more area? I only have the RO150 and the triangle shaped one… DTS?? JJ

Seans Questions:

1) I’ve got a large hole in a piece of ash. I’m not sure what to do with it. Other than. Fill with a black epoxy because the top will be stained pretty dark. I’m just worried it will be a really dark spot -Casey

2) Hi Guys, 
I am working on an entry table with through mortise and tenon joints with the tenon as a show feature. I am cutting the mortises using a drill press and cleaning up with chisels. I tried a sample piece and it does not look great. Is there a good technique to get a near perfect joint? Or will I be okay filling in the cracks with sawdust/glue filler trick? What do you recommend?
Thanks for the advice. Keep up the great podcast!
Thanks,
James

Huys Questions:

1) My son had a black walnut cut down last October. The arborist also had a portable mill so he milled up a number of slabs for me. I have kept these slabs in my garage since then. They are stickered and I put three ratchet straps around the pile to hopefully keep them flat. When is the right time to move them into the house? Is it ok to keep them in the garage? Have you guys harvested any lumber like this? I know Cremona has a process but I want to know what normal people do! JK! I love Cremona

I’ve really enjoyed the format of the podcast. I listen to a number of them and I have to say this is on the top of the list.

David

2) I’ve been commissioned to restore a round oak table with several leafs and 6 chairs….built in the early 1900’s!

I’m excited for this project but restoration is still somewhat new to me. The table does have some water marks and other blushing on the finish, it I still don’t know what the finish is. I’d like to stay away from heavier solvents to avoid damaging the wood.

Would going straight to an orbital sander or by hand with 120 be my best bet to get through safely? And if I wanted to try and remove a layer with a stripper of sorts, would I just guess between the mineral spirits or alcohols?

Would love to hear your thoughts on this!
Joey from Winter Wolf Woodworking

Our Social Picks:

Huy: @plakotoris_studio

Guy: @stenewoodwork

Sean: @MrCabinetMaker

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Guys Questions:

1) Do you believe a grounding wire is required for home/hobby dust collection systems ? Eric

2) Hi Guys, love the podcast. I have a question on pricing / bidding your work. Do you have a standard formula, eg. 4x material? Do you ask the potential client how much they’re looking to spend and see if you can do it profitably? Any banter and guidance on the subject would be appreciated. Hope to make it into the podcast. Best, Will

Seans Questions:

1) Hello guys, first of all great podcast, the questions are always my favourite part of any podcast so I really love your format. My question is regarding a standard drum sander vs. an orbital drum sander. I have seen a few on Craigslist for sale- the one I’m considering is a 2010 Jet 22-44max for $400. In doing research I see a lot of the new models are random orbit. Will this make a huge difference? I’m on a budget so a new machine isn’t going to happen and I haven’t seen any used random orbit models for sale. -Travis

2)Hey Guys!!!! A big fan of all 3 of you and love the show!!!!
Question for all of you…What brand of router bits do you prefer? With there being tons out there, which one is your go-to brand of bits? Whiteside, Freud, Amana, CMT, Irwin, etc… I hear lots of tool reviews out there, but never a really lot on router bits.
I would love to hear your thoughts on it and see which ones you guys like.
Keep the podcast coming!!!!

Nick

Huys Questions:

1) Not liking the end of day cough, I’ve been investing in dust collection. I use a Festool dust extractor for small tools. I run a WEN air filter. I have built a DIY cyclone separator out of an older JET 30um bag collector. The one tool that still throws dust all over me and into the air is my Sawtop table saw. I’m thinking of investing in ovehead dust collection, but I’m wondering if it is practical, effective, and worth the investment. As I think Sean has the sawstop dust collection guard, I’m wondering how well it works or if there are better alternatives. What is your experience?

John from AZ

2) Are there any pieces of furniture that are in your home that you wish you had not bought/made? I often look at the furniture that I bought from a certain Swedish brand and wish I had the time to make something nicer/better. Thanks guys, love the pod and keep up the great work. Paul

Social Picks
Sean@markbuildsit
Huy@lesliewebbdesign
Guy@satansdogg

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Guys Questions:

1) Would also like to get either an Incra Miter Sled or Miter Gauge. I see they have a sled/gauge combo or a sled with an integral miter gauge. Can you discuss the pros and cons of each option? – David

2) For Router table use is there really a difference when using a pattern bit vs a flush-trim bit when you want to flush an edge up with a template? Does riding the bearing on top vs on the bottom cause any safety concern? Does one leave a better/worse edge or does it even matter? Thanks, Ryan

Seans Questions:

1) Hey guys, love the podcast. Especially listening to guy, because I feel like I’m listening to myself from the future. In response to your recent call for more questions, I have one about tool sharpening. Specifically, what kind of honing jig to buy. I see there are a lot of them out there, but do you have any recommendations on a specific one to get. I’m getting into more hand tool work, and I want to be able to maintain my own chisels, as well as restore some old hand planes that I have. Any advice you may have is much appreciated. Thanks again for being willing to share your knowledge and experience. -Tavis

2) You’ve mentioned some of the books you’ve relied on, and I appreciate that, since I’m a green-as-grass beginner, and benefit from any source of information I can get. I’d also like to hear you talk about what mentors or teachers you had who helped shape your skills. Have any of you taken formal classes or gone to woodworking schools? I know that the best way to develop skills is by building furniture and learning from mistakes, but I also hope to participate in a class sometime, if only to find an active woodworking community. – Martin

Huys Questions:

1) I’ve recently bought a good planer/jointer combo machine. It uses 3 planer knives in the cutter block. I won’t be using it enough to consider an upgrade to some sort of helical cutterhead. So I’ve been thinking about a practical way to sharpen the knives. I’ve come to a jig, some sort of wooden block with an insert for one knife. The top surface of the block is tilted in such a way that my water stones have support for the correct angle when I use them to sharpen the edge.
The jig works, but I wonder if there is a more practical (faster) way to sharpen. I see that Tormek sells a sharpening system that does this, but since it costs more than the helical cutter block, I find that too expensive.
My question: do you know of an affordable sharpening system for planer knives (mine are 10″ long)? – Bart

2) Looking at finishing the top I was going to use epiphanies spar varnish but was wary of using this finish because of UV resistance. Would this inhibit the natural darkening of Cherry? My other option was General finishes ARM R seal or Waterlox. I don’t have way to spray so conversion varnish is out of the question.

My other thought was to dye the slab with Lye and use the Epifanes.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks
Jesse
Beechland Furniture

Social Picks

Guy: @kingposttimberworks

Sean: @hawthorne_fine_boxes

Huy: @affinecreations

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Guys Questions:

1) Hi guys love the show. I have a question about finishes. My generation (millennial) is into natural products. So I would like to have most and if not all my products that I have lined up ready to be finished to be natural. I’ve thought about shellac but for the projects that will be around alcohol, shellac is basically out of the picture. But I was wondering if I could put wax over it and that would help with the sealing or if I have to try something else? If I have to try something else what would you suggest that’s a natural sealer? Some of my projects include a tabletop and beer caddy. Have you ever heard of the safe coat as a sealer? -Paige

2) Absolutely love the podcast guys, keeps my long drives to and from work educational and also tolerable.

I know finishing has been covered a lot, but I can’t recall if the technique was ever covered. And also technique specific to the type of finish. I would love to spray everything, but as my shop is also my garage that isn’t always an option. What have you found easiest for applying different finishes? Natural bristle brushes, synthetic/polyester bristle brushes, foam brushes, plain old wiping on with an old t-shirt, spit shine, etc….I’ve also noticed I’m finding myself putting 2-3 coats on and then sanding back a coat instead of doing the light sanding with every single coat. Seems to work, but am I just wasting finish due to impatience? And Guy always talks about his famous BLO, poly, naphtha wipe-on varnish. I’d love to try that, how is it mixed and what is the amount of each product in the final mixture?

Finishing never ends and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Joey from Winter Wolf Woodworking

Seans Questions:

1) I’m in the market for my first Jointer. As usual, not a lot of money to spend. I am looking for a used Jointer and would like to know what I should be looking for, what I should avoid, and how to prioritize this list. The price range is up to $400. My project focus is furniture and jewelry box making. I have a small shop, under 200 sqft. Love your podcast and really appreciate all the information and tips you guys share. Thomas

2) I know this may be a bit of a loaded question as there are so many variables to consider but with the audience that is to be considered. I know what my particular practices are and they haven’t failed me yet. I believe it may be a good one for some of the “newer” woodworkers out there would really benefit from hearing it from some highly experienced makers as yourselves.

Hi fellows… I would normally say guys but well… we all know theirs only one Guy here. I wanted to know about glueing up a panel from several boards. When gluing up a panel at what point would you consider using something such as a dowel or a domino to keep the boards aligned? Is there a certain thickness, length, or even width that you’d feel that there would be a need for adding this type of structural support to the glue-up. I know that they help out a ton with alignment but I’d like to know what your thoughts are on this subject.

Thank you for your time and please keep up the absolutely wonderful work y’all are doing on the podcast and your shops! The information y’all share is always spot on!

Thanks,
Brent Jarvis

Huys Questions:

1) I’m in the process of revamping and improving my shop, and the next step is dust collection. I have a 1.5 hp Shop Fox dust collector moving 1280 cfm of air. My problem is always with the friction loss in the flexible hoses. I plan to install 6” pvc on the wall and snub shorter flexible sections to some of the bigger tools. My question is regarding the split offs. Are the stop gates enough to single out air flow to certain machines? And what is the best way to reduce this down to a hose for handheld power tools?

2) I would like to purchase a new dado stack. I have an old Craftsman set that is steel – not carbide tipped. What do you guys use? Can you recommend a brand that works for you?

Social Picks

Guys: @bearkatwood

Seans: @duncangowdy

Huys: @louis_fry_furniture

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/woodshoplife

Guys Questions:

1) Hey Guys, a question on when a breadboard end is needed on a table top. I’m making my first kitchen table with a 5/4 35” x 8’ oak top. My client didn’t like the look of a breadboard end so I’m a bit concerned about movement down the road. The top won’t overhang the aprons by more than 4” and I’m planning to connect it with those z clips with a couple of cross pieces to keep it rigid. Do you think I run a risk of cupping? I’ve thought about getting some of those c-channel iron to route into the underside but is that overkill?

Homarus woodworks

2) Hi guys, love the show. I have a would you rather question on finishing. Would you rather finish a whole large project or try and match a finish for a smaller project. My specific scenario is refinishing my basement bar. I’m going with dark cabinets and I know I’m going to have to make shelves and trim to match. Do I get unfinished cabinets and finish it all myself so they’re the same, or try and match prefinished cabinets? Thanks! Matt

Seans Questions:

1) Hi, I have a question for the podcast. I am about to start drawers for my dresser build and the sides call for 1/2″ material. Would you use 4/4 material making a lot of waste or would you go to a thicker material and resaw for the 1/2″ final dimensions hoping to cut down on waste? Would the type of wood you are using sway your decision as wood stability may cause the wood to cup/bow more than others? Thanks, Ryan.

2) Is there a special technique for sanding round overs? I’ve tried sanding round overs by hand, but end up with scratch marks long the “top” of the piece. When I try sanding with a random orbit sander, I feel like it eats away too much wood and it’s not a consistent round over anymore. Thoughts? Matt

Huys Questions:

1) I’m wanting to make a cross-cut sled for trimming the ends on boards that I’ve glued up. I want the cross-cut sled to have the most capacity that it can. So, I’m probably going to end up building something like Huy’s “Aircraft carrier”.

Any tips on making that thing as accurate as it can possibly be? Is there anything you’d do differently if you had to remake it?

Y’all are great! Keep the podcasts coming!!
Cory

2) My question for all of you is about ordering lumber and sheet goods online versus buying in person and being able to pick through and select boards.

Do you have experience ordering large quantities of sheet goods online? What about hardwoods? What do I need to know before placing an order for things like this?

Any tips for ensuring I receive quality plywood for cabinets? I’m relatively new to woodworking so any technical advice or terminology to use would be greatly appreciated. I know higher quality plywood typically has more plies, but I’m not sure how to even specify this or tell how many plies the sheets for sale online have.

Could you recommend any sources for ordering online? I’m located in the Tampa, Florida area.

I am tired of imposing on friends and family to borrow a pickup truck to pick up all the sheet goods I need and I don’t mind paying for the convenience of truck delivery if it’s an option worth considering. However, I do not want to waste money if I’m going to get all the crappy sheets that they can’t sell in person because they are all busted and warped with gaps in the laminations.

Thank you all for putting out such quality and informative podcast. I’ve enjoyed every episode so far.-Hunter

Our Social Picks

Guy: @tomfoolerywood

Sean: @mhwoodworker

Huy: @eastoakww