Hardware Podcasts

STL 142: Live from AWFS with John Ratzenberger and Rollie Johnson

Shop Talk Live · 21 Jul 2017 · 43m

What this episode covers

Host Tom McKenna and editors Ben Strano and Matt Kenny interview actor and trade skills advocate John Ratzenberger about the decline of shop classes and the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, such as welders and plumbers, in the US. Contributing editor Rollie Johnson joins to answer listener questions, recommending basswood and white pine over poplar for secondary woodworking tasks and offering advice on milling large logs for furniture. The episode also covers new tools seen at the AWFS trade show, including Veritas and MicroFence products, and discusses sharpening strategies for beginners, emphasizing the value of good stones over cheap grinders.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Veritas, MicroFence, Lee Valley, Narex, Walker Turner, Wingnut and Sassafras
Also
Audible, Christian Bexpert, Nick Ossa, Mike Pekovich, Joe Moskowitz, Baldor

Related episodes from other shows

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.

    Mechanical engineeringSourcing & supply chain
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 01m

    Episode 141: Jimmy Two-Shows

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the details of NBC's new show 'Making It,' including Diresta's role as a shop teacher and the negotiation to license the show's name. The hosts also provide advice for beginners in woodworking, recommending specific tools like bandsaws, track saws, and hand planes, while emphasizing project-based learning over buying a full set of tools upfront. They share personal anecdotes about shop renovations, building guitar stands, and recommend other maker channels like Brett's Skull and Spades and The Oddlings.

    Starting a product companyFabrication & craft
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 05m

    Episode 033: More listener questions

    Hosts Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto answer listener questions about woodworking materials like walnut and teak, safety protocols after Jimmy's table saw injury, and the business of making. They discuss the drivers of the maker movement, including TV shows and YouTube, and offer advice on sourcing reclaimed wood, managing shop fatigue, and starting electronics projects with resources like Adafruit and SparkFun. The conversation also covers dealing with difficult customers, the saturation of YouTube channels, and the importance of community among makers.

    Materials & manufacturing processesDebugging & failure analysis
    15 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 05m

    528: Grippy Bits

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's restoration of a 1920s carnival crane toy and his go-kart build, Picciuto's creation of 3,500 wooden chopsticks for an art show, and Clagett's construction of a home climbing wall. The hosts then explore the value of apprenticeships and mentorship in learning new skills like upholstery, pottery, and mechanics, contrasting the intimacy of in-person guidance with the limitations of YouTube and formal education. They also share recommendations for channels like Spark Cycle Works and discuss the importance of slowing down rather than optimizing every task.

    Careers & educationPrototyping & iteration
    9 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

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.