Hardware Podcasts

STL 75: Return of the Tool Bomb

Shop Talk Live · 30 Dec 2014 · 57m

What this episode covers

Fine Woodworking editors Ed Burnick, Mike Beckovic, and Asa Christiana discuss woodworking tools and techniques, including a comparison of SawStop table saw models and the use of thin-kerf blades. They share personal 'tool bombs' like a useless miter clamp and a Veritas block plane, and debate the best methods for clamping miters and setting router table fences. The episode also covers the viability of 15-year-old shellac flakes and the performance differences between high-angle frogs and back-beveled blades on bench planes.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Fine Woodworking, Lee Valley
Products
SawStop, Veritas, Delta, Porter Cable, Unisaw, Unisof
Tools
Paper 53

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 47m

    Making It #010: If it looks straight….

    Hosts Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss listener questions, starting with Diresta's potential action figure campaign through Toy Backer and Clagett's silicone mold making using Smooth-On materials. The trio debates the value of cheap versus expensive tools like those from Harbor Freight and DeWalt, and compares sharpening systems such as the Veritas MK2 and Workshop 3000. They also offer advice on managing workshop space, comparing radial arm saws to table saws, and navigating client relationships in custom woodworking.

    Mechanical engineeringSourcing & supply chain
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 10m

    Episode 235: Dreams of Modified Tools

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent activities and brainstorm ideal modifications for workshop tools. David Picciuto details making wedding rings and preparing for go-kart racing, while Bob Clagett shares stories from the Good of the Land Fest and his bandsaw sword-cutting antics. The hosts then engage in a fantasy brainstorming session, proposing improvements for bandsaws, routers, table saws, and welding equipment to solve specific pain points like blade tensioning, cord management, and quick-change systems.

    Mechanical engineeringFabrication & craft
    9 chapters

  • Making It · 48m

    Making It #009: Fears and Doubts

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the fears and doubts associated with using powerful shop tools and creating content. They cover specific safety concerns with milling machines, lathes, and router tables, sharing personal injury stories and techniques to mitigate risks, such as using SawStop table saws and specialized router bits. The conversation also touches on the psychological fear of failing to pass on curiosity to their children and the anxiety creators feel when branching out into new mediums like leatherwork or metalworking.

    Maker community & eventsFabrication & craft
    9 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 06m

    Episode 157: Wizard Robes

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss various woodworking projects and tool usage. They cover building a large walnut picture frame using half-lap miters, creating a dog station feeder, and experimenting with foam core veneering. The hosts also provide detailed safety advice and beginner project suggestions for lathes, bandsaws, routers, and CNC/laser tools, emphasizing proper technique and safety gear like face shields and tool rests.

    Mechanical engineeringSensors & measurement in products
    10 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 08m

    Episode 332: Plywood is good

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss recent projects, including Jimmy's construction of a two-stage blacksmith bellows using plywood and his design of a car rotisserie utilizing farm jacks and steel tubing. The hosts debate the value of modern tools like CNC machines versus traditional hand skills, using a Looney Tunes analogy to illustrate how technology prioritizes speed over quality. They also share personal updates, such as David's popcorn bowl experiment and Jimmy's installation of a treehouse zip line, before reflecting on their gratitude for their audience and community.

    Materials & manufacturing processesFabrication & craft
    8 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Shop Talk Live. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.