# STL 84: One Big Problem with Helical Cutterheads

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2015-05-08
- Length: 52m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.libsyn.com/stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads

## Summary

Shop Talk Live editors Ed Fernick, Mike Pekovich, and Matt Kenny discuss the high amperage draw of helical cutterheads on lunchbox planers, mortise-and-tenon joinery for bed frames, and finishing techniques for walnut slabs and lacquered furniture. They also share workshop blunders, including routing the wrong side of a box and nearly injuring a finger, and detail the installation of a Lee Nielsen twin screw vice. The episode concludes with advice on tapering jigs and listener feedback.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads#t=6) Introduction and 52 Boxes Wager
- [6:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads#t=360) Tool Gift Recommendations
- [9:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads#t=588) Mortise and Tenon Joinery Advice
- [16:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads#t=974) Workshop Blunders and Finishing Tips
- [29:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads#t=1799) Helical Cutterhead Amperage Concerns
- [33:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads#t=1996) Installing a Twin Screw Vice
- [45:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads#t=2757) Tapering Jigs and Listener Mail

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Lee Nielsen (company)
- Freud (company)
- Infinity (company)
- Starrett (company)
- Stanley Sweetheart (product)
- SawStop (product)
- Rockler (company)
- McGuire's (product)
- Lee Valley (company)
- Veritas (company)
- Taunton (company)

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- [486: If I Had $300, I Could Do That Too](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-06-16-486-if-i-had-300-i-could-do-that-too) (Making It)
- [Episode 180: 50ish-esque](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-08-24-episode-180-50ish-esque) (Making It)
- [Episode 160: The Cadillac of trailers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-03-16-episode-160-the-cadillac-of-trailers) (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)

## 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/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads. 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.