STL 48: Guitar God Mike Pekovich
Mike Pekovich, Fine Woodworking's executive art director and former indie rock musician, joins editors Ed Burnick and Asa Christiana to discuss woodworking for profit and technical tool selection. Pekovich explains the distinction between hobbyist and professional tools, emphasizing that while pros prioritize speed and durability, serious hobbyists can achieve equal quality with more time. The conversation covers specific technical decisions, such as grinding table saw blades to 7.5 degrees for dovetails and managing slurry on 8000-grit waterstones. Pekovich also details his strategy for securing commission work through word-of-mouth and a curated Squarespace portfolio, noting the high cost of lumber and the importance of personal connection in sales.