STL 96: Tablesaws and Tool Tests

Shop Talk Live · 22 Oct 2015 · 54m

What this episode covers

Fine Woodworking contributing editor Roland (Raleigh) Johnson joins hosts Tom McKenna, Mike Beckovic, and Matt Kenny to discuss the magazine's rigorous tool testing methodology, specifically focusing on a head-to-head review of compact cabinet table saws. Johnson explains the technical advantages of compact saws, such as 1-2 HP motors and enclosed bases, and details critical setup issues like blade parallelism at 45-degree bevels. The episode also covers practical woodworking techniques, including using black and white photography for design mockups, modifying flux brushes for glue application, and creating circular box templates, alongside extensive advice on sharpening hand plane blades and chisels using honing guides versus freehand methods.

Mentioned

Companies
Fine Woodworking, Grizzly, Laguna, Bailey, General International, Veritas, Woodcraft, Dump Fees, Saulright
Products
SawStop
Tools
Tormac
Also
Roland Johnson, Tom McKenna, Mike Beckovic, Matt Kenny, Michael Fortune, Garrett Hack, Chris Gockner, Matt Sionce

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.

  • 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.

  • Making It · 56m

    438: It Feels Like a Big Boy Saw

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects and the social dynamics of interacting with fans at maker events. David Picciuto details the engineering challenges of building a tapered wooden bucket, explaining how he used iterative prototyping and jigs to solve complex stave angles. Bob Clagett describes building a custom table saw station to improve ergonomics, while Jimmy Diresta explains his strategy for compressing his workshop by using mobile tool carts to maximize floor space. The hosts also address a Patreon question about etiquette at live events, sharing anecdotes about long lines at Maker Central and the importance of respecting others' time.

  • Making It · 1h 06m

    Episode 120: We don’t have a toaster

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's move to a new shop in upstate New York and his custom plasma-cut knife display. They answer Twitter questions regarding tools they have a love-hate relationship with, such as Bob's jigsaw and chisels, and Jimmy's CNC machines, highlighting the frustration of setup errors and the need for checklists. The hosts also debate how to turn $100 into $1,000 by building farmhouse tables and discuss the evolution of their target audiences and content strategies on YouTube.

  • Making It · 1h 01m

    479: The One

    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.

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.