# STL 89: Workbench Wisdom

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2015-07-17
- Length: 52m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.libsyn.com/stl-89-workbench-wisdom

## Summary

Ed Vernick and Matt Kenny from Fine Woodworking discuss workbench design, specifically recommending twin-screw vices over leg vices and detailing how to build a homemade version using wood screws or a bicycle chain mechanism. Kenny shares his experience at the Lee Nielsen factory open house and explains how he adapted a low-angle block plane with a high-bevel blade to function as a smoothing plane for small boxes. The hosts also address listener questions on squaring bench legs with hand tools, choosing between a bandsaw and a joiner/planer for a new shop, and the efficacy of sharpening tools with leather wheels versus stones.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=6) Introduction and Lee Nielsen Event Recap
- [8:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=516) Workbench Vice Advice and DIY Builds
- [17:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=1066) Bench Materials and Construction Tips
- [19:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=1159) Smooth Moves: Workshop Mistakes
- [27:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=1629) Squaring Bench Legs with Hand Tools
- [30:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=1854) Shop Tool Recommendations: Bandsaw vs. Joiner/Planer
- [36:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=2198) All-Time Favorite Tools: Joiner and Block Plane Hack
- [44:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom#t=2667) Bandsaw Drift and Sharpening Techniques

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Lee Nielsen (company)
- Veritas (company)
- Laguna (company)
- Stanley (company)
- Tim Maney (other)
- Scott Landis (other)
- Tim Rousseau (other)
- Andrew Hunter (other)
- Michael Fortune (other)
- Asa Christiana (other)
- Mike Pekovich (other)
- Ed Vernick (other)
- Matt Kenny (other)
- CMI (company)
- Wood River (company)
- Delta (company)
- Rigid (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [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)
- [Episode 235: Dreams of Modified Tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2019-11-01-episode-235-dreams-of-modified-tools) (Making It)
- [Episode 332: Plywood is good](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-11-27-episode-332-plywood-is-good) (Making It)
- [Episode 032: Listener Questions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-08-13-episode-032-listener-questions) (Making It)
- [Episode 297: I’m not sick, just 53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-02-26-episode-297-im-not-sick-just-53) (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/2015-07-17-stl-89-workbench-wisdom. 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.