Hardware Podcasts

STL227: Tom McLaughlin is serious about square

Shop Talk Live · 23 Oct 2020 · 1h 20m

What this episode covers

Tom McLaughlin, a custom high-end furniture maker and member of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters, joins Mike Pekovich and Jeff Miller to discuss finding one's style in furniture making, emphasizing deep study of specific periods like 18th-century or Arts and Crafts. McLaughlin details his '3-cut method' for squaring a cross-cut sled using only a feeler gauge, and offers troubleshooting advice for misaligned drop-front desk hinges and concave joints on 7-foot tabletops. The conversation explores how commission work and exposure to diverse makers at Furniture Masters exhibits helped McLaughlin develop his unique voice, blending Shaker roots with Art Deco influences.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Fine Woodworking
Also
New Hampshire Furniture Masters, FurnitureMasters.org

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 56m

    438: It Feels Like a Big Boy Saw

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects and the social dynamics of interacting with fans at maker events. David Picciuto details the engineering challenges of building a tapered wooden bucket, explaining how he used iterative prototyping and jigs to solve complex stave angles. Bob Clagett describes building a custom table saw station to improve ergonomics, while Jimmy Diresta explains his strategy for compressing his workshop by using mobile tool carts to maximize floor space. The hosts also address a Patreon question about etiquette at live events, sharing anecdotes about long lines at Maker Central and the importance of respecting others' time.

    Materials & manufacturing processesFactory operations & automation
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 18m

    436: In Case I Saw A Witch Fly By

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the challenge of having more hobbies than time, with David detailing his development of a new shellac-based wood finish and Jimmy building a utility cart and acquiring a massive 1880s Fay & Egan band saw. The conversation explores the psychological pressure of serial learning, the impact of social media algorithms on creators, and the importance of prioritizing deep work over broad consumption. They also share recommendations for other creators and artistic content.

    Validation & product-market fitMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 09m

    498: I’m Like a Dog

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent attendance at the Making It 500 live event, reflecting on the community impact and the hosts' personal struggles with routine disruption. Bob details the technical challenges of turning his 11th porch pole on a lathe due to moisture imbalance, while David explains his process for building a Danish modern chair using only a laser cutter. Jimmy outlines his upcoming construction of a pool house shed and his management of multiple concurrent projects, including an NDA-bound electronics build.

    Prototyping & iterationMaker community & events
    7 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 03m

    Episode 297: I’m not sick, just 53

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their distinct approaches to sketching, prototyping, and using physical tools. Jimmy details his kitchen renovation, including the decision to use rough-cut planks instead of plywood for his barn, while Bob describes building a custom barbecue smoker and leather-bound Field Notes. David explains his workflow using McMaster-Carr and his strategy for building an emotional connection to his tools, specifically a pocket pencil, to enhance creativity.

    Industrial & consumer product designMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 19m

    503: It’s Made Me a More Fearless Maker

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Making It podcast, reflecting on how the maker community and technology have evolved. Jimmy discusses hosting a new Test Equity series at Henkel's Loctite labs, while David shares his experience at a Klingspor woodworking event and his progress on a hand-carved marble table and a leather-and-steel chair. Bob details his shop setup, a rental property renovation, and his shift toward artistic projects like blacksmithing and laser cutting.

    Careers & educationMaterials & manufacturing processes
    7 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.