Hardware Podcasts

STL196: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Planer

Shop Talk Live · 16 Aug 2019 · 1h 06m

What this episode covers

Mike Pekovich and Ben Martin discuss upgrading a 13-inch Hitachi planer, recommending a segmented cutter head for DeWalt or Grizzly models to reduce tearout. Barry York and Ben Martin review SketchUp for design, Suizan Japanese saws for precision, and DFM dowel plates for joinery. They address errors in low-end contractor table saws, such as arbor runout and fence alignment, and debate the utility of Lee-Nielsen rabbeting block planes versus adjustable mouth planes for tenon sizing.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Grizzly, DFM, Lee-Nielsen
Products
Hitachi, DeWalt, Suizan, Delta
Tools
SketchUp

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 05m

    Episode 219: Really? Plastic? Really??

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's Apollo 11 hatch replica and Picciuto's Nintendo build, while addressing the challenges of manufacturing complex parts. The hosts then pivot to a detailed discussion on how they purchase tools, contrasting brand loyalty, personal recommendations, and the frustration of assembling cheap or poorly designed equipment. They highlight specific pain points with modern tools, such as plastic gears in Ryobi planers and the notorious unreliability of the Tipman Boss sewing machine, before sharing recommendations for educational content and community creators.

    Materials & manufacturing processesHiring & workforce
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 06m

    361: It’s complicated

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent personal projects and industry observations. Jimmy details a failed attempt to cool his attic using ridge vents and the resulting HVAC issues, while Bob recounts the success of his 'Jimmy Speedway' go-kart event and the sudden death of his Festool miter saw. David shares his vacation experiences and the high cost of materials like Baltic birch plywood, while the group discusses Japanese tools like Otoro clamps and Toyo Steel toolboxes.

    Manufacturing partners & offshoringPricing, margins & unit economics
    8 chapters

  • 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.

    Maker community & eventsFabrication & craft
    8 chapters

  • 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.

    Mechanical engineeringFabrication & craft
    9 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.