# STL 96: Tablesaws and Tool Tests

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2015-10-22
- Length: 54m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.libsyn.com/stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=6) Introduction and Show Housekeeping
- [1:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=72) Design Mockups with Black and White Photography
- [3:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=196) Modifying Flux Brushes for Precision Glue Application
- [5:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=351) Routing Circular Templates for Box Making
- [13:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=809) Using Blue Tape for Negative Space Design
- [16:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=979) Sharpening Hand Plane Blades: Camber vs. 90 Degrees
- [21:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=1313) Roland Johnson on Compact Table Saw Reviews
- [40:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests#t=2404) Honing Guides vs. Freehand Sharpening Techniques

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Fine Woodworking (company)
- Roland Johnson (other)
- Tom McKenna (other)
- Mike Beckovic (other)
- Matt Kenny (other)
- SawStop (product)
- Grizzly (company)
- Laguna (company)
- Bailey (company)
- General International (company)
- Veritas (company)
- Tormac (tool)
- Woodcraft (company)
- Dump Fees (company)
- Michael Fortune (other)
- Garrett Hack (other)
- Chris Gockner (other)
- Matt Sionce (other)
- Saulright (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)
- [438: It Feels Like a Big Boy Saw](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-04-19-438-it-feels-like-a-big-boy-saw) (Making It)
- [Episode 120: We don’t have a toaster](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-05-19-episode-120-we-dont-have-a-toaster) (Making It)
- [479: The One](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-04-18-479-the-one) (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/2015-10-22-stl-96-tablesaws-and-tool-tests. 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.