# STL 163: The Unspoken Rules of Woodworking

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2018-05-11
- Length: 1h 05m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking

## Summary

Host Ben Strano, along with Fine Woodworking editors Mike Pekovic and Anissa Capsalis, discuss the philosophy behind woodworking techniques, specifically debating what constitutes a 'hand-cut dovetail' when power tools are involved. They analyze Christian Becksvoort’s dovetailing mastery, the proper use of card scrapers to avoid tear-out, and practical solutions for installing half-mortise locks and cutting large dovetails. The conversation highlights specific tools like the Ron Hawk knife, Porter Cable router jig, and Verathane finishes, while sharing personal 'smooth moves' involving CA glue mishaps and layout errors.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking#t=7) Introduction: Matt’s 52 Boxes and the Nature of Craft
- [9:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking#t=573) Defining Hand-Cut Dovetails: Mike Pekovic and Anissa Capsalis
- [21:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking#t=1278) Card Scraper Technique: Avoiding Impressions and Tear-Out
- [28:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking#t=1690) Smooth Moves: Ron Hawk Knife Accident and CA Glue Disaster
- [44:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking#t=2681) Layout Errors and Half-Mortise Lock Installation
- [57:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking#t=3433) Cutting Large Dovetails: Ladders, Sleds, and Chris Becksvoort

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Fine Woodworking (company)
- Matt’s 52 Boxes in 52 Weeks (product)
- Christian Becksvoort (other)
- Mike Pekovic (other)
- Anissa Capsalis (other)
- Ben Strano (other)
- Ron Hawk knife (tool)
- Porter Cable router jig (tool)
- Fine Homebuilding Festival (other)
- MH Woodworker (other)
- Philip Morley (other)
- Inca (other)

## 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 064: Pat the bushes of my brain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-03-25-episode-064-pat-the-bushes-of-my-brain) (Making It)
- [Episode 160: The Cadillac of trailers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-03-16-episode-160-the-cadillac-of-trailers) (Making It)
- [Episode 157: Wizard Robes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-02-23-episode-157-wizard-robes) (Making It)
- [Episode 332: Plywood is good](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-11-27-episode-332-plywood-is-good) (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/2018-05-11-stl-163-the-unspoken-rules-of-woodworking. 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.