# Shop Talk Live 3: Diminishing Returns

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2012-03-30
- Length: 57m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.libsyn.com/shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns

## Summary

Fine Woodworking editors Asa Christiana, Matt Kenney, and Mark Schofield discuss the philosophy of 'diminishing returns' in woodworking, ranging from the inspiring visit to George Nakashima’s compound to practical tool advice. They debate the utility of complex jigs versus simple fixes, explain how to use TransTint dyes to enhance Tiger Maple figure, and provide techniques for removing old lacquer from kitchen cabinets. The episode concludes with tool recommendations, including the FastCap FlatBack tape measure and Oneida Dust Deputy, and shares personal 'smooth moves' (mistakes) made in the shop.

## Chapters

- [0:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=13) Introduction and the Nakashima Compound
- [10:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=606) The Philosophy of Diminishing Returns in Jigs
- [12:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=740) Shooting Board Fences and Dovetail Blades
- [18:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=1092) Workbench Joinery Debate: Utility vs. Craft
- [23:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=1430) Finishing Tiger Maple with TransTint Dyes
- [28:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=1719) Removing and Refinishing Kitchen Cabinet Lacquer
- [33:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=2000) Favorite Tools: FastCap Tape and Dust Deputy
- [40:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=2431) Cutting Dovetail Keys and Bandsaw Tension
- [50:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns#t=3008) Smooth Moves: Shop Mistakes and Injuries

## Topics

- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- George Nakashima (other)
- Mira Nakashima (other)
- Wharton Esherick (other)
- Sam Maloof (other)
- FastCap (company)
- FlatBack tape measure (product)
- Oneida Dust Deputy (product)
- TransTint (product)
- Rockler (company)

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- [436: In Case I Saw A Witch Fly By](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-03-29-436-in-case-i-saw-a-witch-fly-by) (Making It)
- [Episode 163: Live Edge Bowling  Ball](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-04-06-episode-163-live-edge-bowling-ball) (Making It)
- [Making It #010: If it looks straight….](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-02-26-making-it-010-if-it-looks-straight) (Making It)
- [466: This is My Workshop Trumpet](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-12-19-466-this-is-my-workshop-trumpet) (Making It)
- [Episode 179: It’s a napkin holder… WITH A LASER.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-08-17-episode-179-its-a-napkin-holder-with-a-laser) (Making It)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-03-30-shop-talk-live-3-diminishing-returns. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Shop Talk Live.