# STL223: Mike Mascelli knows more about finishing than you do

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2020-08-28
- Length: 1h 03m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do

## Summary

Mike Mascelli, a master upholsterer and finisher, and Bob Van Dyke, a woodworker and educator, discuss advanced wood finishing techniques, specifically the progressive abrasion of film finishes to achieve high gloss. They address listener questions regarding the shelf life and application of shellac in cold environments, the mechanics and benefits of offset router bases, and the chemical differences between various plastic materials like Lexan and polycarbonate. The conversation also covers the historical and chemical distinctions between oil finishes, varnishes, and lacquers, concluding with a discussion on precision measuring tools.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=7) Introduction: Mike Mascelli and Bob Van Dyke
- [6:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=401) Progressive Abrasion and High-Gloss Finishing
- [19:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=1181) Applying Shellac and Varnish in Cold Shops
- [24:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=1443) Shellac Shelf Life and Stripping Old Finish
- [32:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=1938) Offset Router Bases and Plastic Materials
- [44:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=2654) Choosing Between Lacquer, Shellac, and Varnish
- [50:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=3013) Chemistry of Oil, Varnish, and Danish Oil
- [1:01:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do#t=3673) Precision Measuring Tools and Starrett

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Fine Woodworking (company)
- Zinsser (company)
- Lexan (other)
- Plexiglass (other)
- Starrett (other)
- McMaster-Carr (company)
- MSC Direct (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 162: An eyeball, tongue, ear and 2 big thumbs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-03-30-episode-162-an-eyeball-tongue-ear-and-2-big-thumbs) (Making It)
- [436: In Case I Saw A Witch Fly By](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-03-29-436-in-case-i-saw-a-witch-fly-by) (Making It)
- [Episode 163: Live Edge Bowling  Ball](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-04-06-episode-163-live-edge-bowling-ball) (Making It)
- [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)
- [110: Mid-life Crisis Hobby](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-03-21-110-mid-life-crisis-hobby) (Thoroughly Considered)

## 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/2020-08-28-stl223-mike-mascelli-knows-more-about-finishing-than-you-do. 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.