Making It · 18 Apr 2025 · 1h 01m
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's review of the new Harvey Intelligent 15-inch bandsaw and Picciuto's work with the xTool MetalFab on the Ghia. The hosts then engage in a philosophical debate about the concept of 'The One'—whether a perfect, final tool or product exists—and the psychology of consumerism and contentment in the maker community. They touch on personal anecdotes, such as Diresta's acquisition of vintage machinery and Clagett's experience with an A-frame cabin, to illustrate that the search for perfection is often more about the journey than the destination.
makers and hobbyists
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Hosts Tom McKenna, Mike Pekovich, Matt Kinney, and Ben Streno answer listener questions on sharpening stones, budget vices, and fretsaw blades before welcoming guest Vic Tesolin. Tesolin discusses his 'tool bombs,' specifically a useless compass plane and an unused disc sander, while the hosts debate the utility of tool cabinet doors and recommend books like 'The Book of Shaker Furniture' and 'The Unknown Craftsman.'
Host Ben and guests Owen and Amanda discuss their current shop situations, with Owen moving into a small detached garage and Amanda navigating a temporary workspace without a vehicle. They debate the merits of small shops, the necessity of specific tools like bandsaws and CNCs, and the aesthetic appeal of brands like Inca and Martin. Owen shares a 'smooth move' involving a walking fence on a router table, while Ben highlights the utility of small electric screwdrivers and the Milwaukee M12 drill.
Joe Taylor, Director of Sales for Rikon, presents the Model 10-326DVR 14-inch Bandsaw with Smart Motor DVR Control and the Model 70-800 4-Piece Woodturning System, explaining their variable speed and tool-changing features. Nancy Hiller discusses the aesthetic value of fine furniture versus cabinetry, arguing that built-ins can have equal aesthetic merit through function and touch, and emphasizes her preference for the tactile satisfaction of making things. Christian Becksvoort shares his finishing philosophy, advocating for spot-repairable oil and varnish mixes over hard finishes like conversion varnish, citing a failure with a client's cherry table as a cautionary tale. Vic Tesolin advises new woodworkers to prioritize practice and muscle memory over expensive jigs and extreme accuracy, while detailing Lee Valley Tools' rigorous prototyping process for products like the combination plane.
Ben and Amanda are joined by Phil Huber from the Woodsmith Shop to discuss woodworking tools and techniques. They debate the utility of edge sanders versus jointers, the effectiveness of downdraft tables for dust control, and whether bandsaw blades need to be de-tensioned between uses. The group also shares their all-time favorite tools, including thick-kerf grooving blades, Optivisor magnifiers, and specific double-sided tapes.
Vic Teslin and Steven Der-Garabedian discuss how subconscious processing and 'dream solutions' aid woodworking problem-solving, illustrated by Steven's anecdote about finding a glue-up fix while talking to Baker Bob. They identify the block plane as the most impactful tool for Steven, while Vic highlights the Festool Domino and high-quality marking tools like Peak pencils. The hosts also provide practical advice for a listener lacking a table saw, suggesting track saws, circular saw jigs, and bandsaw sleds for cross-cutting large panels.
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