Hardware Podcasts

STL 125: Don't eat the shellac

Shop Talk Live · 25 Nov 2016 · 56m

What this episode covers

Host Tom McKenna and editors Mike Pekovic, Matt Kinney, and Ben Strano discuss non-toxic wood finishes, debating the safety of milk paint, shellac, and linseed oil. They share their all-time favorite Fine Woodworking articles, including pieces on Shaker furniture history, Michael Fortune’s steam bending techniques, and the Haramu knockdown workbench. The team also answers listener questions about building a Shaker workbench with a Festool Domino, choosing between standard and thin-kerf blades, and constructing a massive 11-foot oak dining table.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Find Woodworking Magazine, Highland Woodworker
Products
Haramu Workbench
Tools
Festool Domino
Also
Michael Fortune, Kelly Dunton, Chris Bexford, Andrew Hunter

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 1h 18m

    436: In Case I Saw A Witch Fly By

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the challenge of having more hobbies than time, with David detailing his development of a new shellac-based wood finish and Jimmy building a utility cart and acquiring a massive 1880s Fay & Egan band saw. The conversation explores the psychological pressure of serial learning, the impact of social media algorithms on creators, and the importance of prioritizing deep work over broad consumption. They also share recommendations for other creators and artistic content.

    Validation & product-market fitMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 11m

    Episode 162: An eyeball, tongue, ear and 2 big thumbs

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss a variety of maker topics, starting with Jimmy's home renovation struggles involving asbestos and lead. The conversation shifts to David's blacksmithing workshop in Montana, where he learned to use power hammers and forged tools under the guidance of Brent Bailey. The hosts then dive into a detailed technical discussion on wood finishing, comparing sanding grits, polyurethane, shellac, and spray paints like Montana and Rust-Oleum.

    Materials & manufacturing processesFabrication & craft
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 01m

    430: I Want This Finish To Be Drinkable

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's experimentation with fake neon LED signs and Picciuto's development of a drinkable, all-natural wood finish for his stereo stand. The conversation explores the challenges of sourcing materials and formulating products, with Diresta encouraging Picciuto to commercialize his finish. They also reflect on the digitization of old home movies and the value of personal archives, before sharing recommendations for videos about aviation safety, music production, and miniature craftsmanship.

    Materials & manufacturing processesPrototyping & iteration
    8 chapters

  • 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 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

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.