# STL229: The $1000 shop exercise

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2020-11-20
- Length: 1h 04m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise

## Summary

Mike and Barry from Fine Woodworking Magazine attempt to build a functional woodworking shop for $1,000, discussing the strategic trade-offs between power tools and hand tools. They compare their budgets, highlighting the necessity of a table saw, the debate over pocket screws versus traditional joinery, and the critical importance of accurate squares and sharpening systems. The conversation emphasizes that while $1,000 is tight, it is possible to start with used tools, basic hand tools, and smart compromises like using plywood or painted finishes.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=6) Introduction: The $1000 Shop Challenge
- [11:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=708) Personal Woodworking Origins and Mindset
- [18:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=1119) The Critical Role of Squares and Reference Tools
- [26:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=1572) Power Tool Strategy: Table Saws, Routers, and Bandsaws
- [36:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=2179) Hand Tool Selection: Chisels, Planes, and Saws
- [41:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=2462) Sharpening Systems and Workbench Options
- [46:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=2764) Clamps, Joinery Debates, and Finish Choices
- [57:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise#t=3457) The Planer Dilemma and Conclusion

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Shaper (company)
- Grizzly (company)
- Makita (company)
- Stanley (company)
- Veritas (company)
- Narex (company)
- Chris Schwarz (other)
- Peter Follansbee (other)
- Ben Nunn (other)
- Mark Spagnola (other)
- Harbor Freight (company)
- Johnson (company)
- Norton (company)
- DMT (company)
- Jorgensen (company)
- Festool (company)
- IKEA (company)
- Home Depot (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 063: $2000 to start over](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-03-18-episode-063-2000-to-start-over) (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)
- [Making It #015: Gilligan’s Workshop](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-04-02-making-it-015-gilligans-workshop) (Making It)
- [Episode 141: Jimmy Two-Shows](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-27-episode-141-jimmy-two-shows) (Making It)
- [Episode 120: We don’t have a toaster](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-05-19-episode-120-we-dont-have-a-toaster) (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/2020-11-20-stl229-the-1000-shop-exercise. 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.