STL235: Are saw guides really cheating?

Shop Talk Live · 26 Feb 2021 · 1h 09m

What this episode covers

Vic Tesolin, Mike Pekovich, and Ben Strand discuss the utility of jigs and guides in woodworking, arguing that using a saw guide for dovetails or a bearing-guided router bit for waste removal is not 'cheating' but a valid way to achieve precision and save time. They detail their specific hand plane setups, contrasting the use of jack planes for stock removal with smoothing planes for finish work, and share anecdotes about making custom pull planes. The conversation also covers practical shop advice, including optimizing lighting for winter woodworking by matching color temperatures and using task lights, and the importance of enjoying the process without adhering to rigid 'authenticity' dogmas.

Mentioned

Companies
I to RCNC, Rosewood, Lee Nielsen, Stanley, Fine Woodworking
Products
Trend, Bedrock, Lenielsen Honing Guide
Also
Karen McBride, Garrett Hack, Bob Van Dyke, Will Neptune, Wood Truce, Woodyak

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