# STL237: Just the facets, ma'am

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2021-03-26
- Length: 1h 08m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl237-just-the-facets-maam

## Summary

Fine Woodworking deputy editor John Benson joins Mike and Dave to discuss his career path from restoration carpentry to magazine editing, emphasizing the importance of design over pure craftsmanship. The team advises beginners to start with small, functional projects like spoon carving and cutting boards to build hand-eye coordination and confidence without the pressure of large investments. They highlight key designers like Wharton Esherick and James Krenov, discussing how to develop a unique design voice by studying masters and following personal instincts rather than rigid rules. The episode concludes with practical shop tips, including the utility of V-blocks, cross-cut sleds, and honing guides for sharpening.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=6) Introduction: John Benson and Fine Woodworking
- [3:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=220) John Benson's Career: From Restoration to Fine Woodworking Magazine
- [14:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=877) Advice for Beginners: Spoon Carving and Cutting Boards
- [26:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=1588) Developing Design Skills: Wharton Esherick and James Krenov
- [44:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=2694) Favorite Woodworkers and Design Philosophy
- [51:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=3096) Shop Favorites: V-Blocks, Cross-Cut Sleds, and Wedges
- [57:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=3442) Choosing Complementary Woods for Furniture
- [1:05:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam#t=3926) Final Tips: Honing Guides and Shop Labeling

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- The Northwest Woodworking Studio (company)
- Fine Woodworking (other)
- Wharton Esherick (other)
- James Krenov (other)
- Peter Lutz (other)
- Hank Gilpin (other)
- Garrett Hack (other)
- Michael Cullen (other)
- Beth Ireland (other)
- Al Breed (other)
- Dave Fisher (other)
- Steve Latta (other)
- Will Neptune (other)
- Peter Follansbee (other)
- Andrew Hunter (other)
- Curtis Buchanan (other)
- Michael Fortune (other)
- Bob Van Dyke (other)
- Chris Gockner (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [374: Tiny Forks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2022-10-21-374-tiny-forks) (Making It)
- [528: Grippy Bits](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits) (Making It)
- [Making It #013: Be Curious](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-03-19-making-it-013-be-curious) (Making It)
- [Episode 075: Interviewing each other](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-06-17-episode-075-interviewing-each-other) (Making It)
- [Episode 297: I’m not sick, just 53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-02-26-episode-297-im-not-sick-just-53) (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/2021-03-26-stl237-just-the-facets-maam. 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.