Hardware Podcasts

STL206: The best plywood for jigs

Shop Talk Live · 3 Jan 2020 · 1h 06m

What this episode covers

Hosts Tom, Mike, and Ben discuss woodworking techniques, focusing on the best materials for shop jigs, specifically comparing MDF and Baltic birch plywood, and debating the use of random orbit sanders versus hand sanding. They provide a detailed process for ammonia fuming white oak to mimic English brown oak, explaining how to manage color consistency and finish application. The conversation also covers practical shop organization, tool selection like joiners and track saws, and troubleshooting finishing issues with walnut sapwood.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Maverick Abrasives
Products
Festool, Makita, Briwax, Delta, Grizzly
Also
Fine Woodworking

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 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 08m

    Episode 332: Plywood is good

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss recent projects, including Jimmy's construction of a two-stage blacksmith bellows using plywood and his design of a car rotisserie utilizing farm jacks and steel tubing. The hosts debate the value of modern tools like CNC machines versus traditional hand skills, using a Looney Tunes analogy to illustrate how technology prioritizes speed over quality. They also share personal updates, such as David's popcorn bowl experiment and Jimmy's installation of a treehouse zip line, before reflecting on their gratitude for their audience and community.

    Materials & manufacturing processesFabrication & craft
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 57m

    Episode 064: Pat the bushes of my brain

    Hosts Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto brainstorm upcoming woodworking and electronics projects, including a Sam Maloof-style chair, a Death Star-inspired bentwood chair, and a custom guitar case. They discuss specific materials like door skin plywood and West System epoxy, and techniques such as laminating, CNC tiling, and using Domino joinery. The conversation also covers the hosts' experiences with YouTube engagement, managing email notifications, and finding inspiration through antique shopping and online communities.

    Industrial & consumer product designMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 59m

    Episode 163: Live Edge Bowling Ball

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the longevity of design styles, contrasting timeless clean lines with ephemeral trends like river tables and burnt wood. David Picciuto details a significant failure involving warped plywood in a large cabinet project, while Jimmy Diresta shares his experience at the Carolina Shoe Factory and his work on a live-edge puzzle. The hosts also debate the material properties of epoxy versus glass in river tables and the future of furniture design, including 3D printing.

    Industrial & consumer product designMaterials & manufacturing processes
    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.