# STL231: Fancy router tables vs. plywood with a hole in it

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2020-12-18
- Length: 1h 13m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it

## Summary

Hosts Mike and Ben discuss woodworking techniques, focusing on panel glue-up strategies like slip matching versus book matching, and debating the value of dedicated router tables versus simple plywood setups. They address listener questions regarding the workability of hickory and butternut for furniture, offering advice on grain orientation and material properties. The conversation highlights the balance between complex engineering solutions and simple, effective shop practices, referencing tools like Festool dust collectors and DeWalt routers.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=6) Introduction and Shop Talk Live 2020 Recap
- [4:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=244) Dust Collection and Sawdust Disposal Ideas
- [7:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=444) Panel Glue-Up: Ripping, Flipping, and Grain Orientation
- [14:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=880) Slip Matching vs. Book Matching Explained
- [29:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=1762) Router Table Debate: Dedicated vs. Plywood Setup
- [44:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=2649) Fixing Wipe-On Poly Drips with a Razor Blade
- [51:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=3077) Dadoing Small Parts with Tape and Sleds
- [1:00:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=3607) Working with Hickory and Butternut Wood
- [1:10:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it#t=4259) 3D Printer Recommendation and Closing

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Festool (tool)
- DeWalt (tool)
- JessEm (tool)
- Porter-Cable (tool)
- Makita (tool)
- Harbor Freight (company)
- Thingiverse (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 332: Plywood is good](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-11-27-episode-332-plywood-is-good) (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)
- [Episode 064: Pat the bushes of my brain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-03-25-episode-064-pat-the-bushes-of-my-brain) (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)
- [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/2020-12-18-stl231-fancy-router-tables-vs-plywood-with-a-hole-in-it. 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.