STL260: LVL Workbench IRL

Shop Talk Live · 25 Feb 2022 · 58m

What this episode covers

Meghan Fitzpatrick, the new editor at Lost Art Press and author of the blog Read Mechanicals, joins Shop Talk Live to discuss her recent purchase of a Benchcrafted workbench and her experiences with LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) benches. She explains why she replaced her previous LVL bench due to compression issues in the legs and advocates for round dog holes over square ones for versatility. The conversation also covers tool selection, specifically the router plane for fitting tenons and the limitations of skew block planes, as well as practical advice on fixing concave bench tops and hand saw technique.

Mentioned

Companies
Lost Art Press, Benchcrafted, Lee Valley
Products
Anarchist Tool Chest
Tools
Router Plane, Skew Block Plane
Materials
LVL, White Pine, Sugar Pine, Cherry

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 59m

    Episode 163: Live Edge Bowling Ball

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the longevity of design styles, contrasting timeless clean lines with ephemeral trends like river tables and burnt wood. David Picciuto details a significant failure involving warped plywood in a large cabinet project, while Jimmy Diresta shares his experience at the Carolina Shoe Factory and his work on a live-edge puzzle. The hosts also debate the material properties of epoxy versus glass in river tables and the future of furniture design, including 3D printing.

  • 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.

  • Making It · 47m

    Making It #010: If it looks straight….

    Hosts Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss listener questions, starting with Diresta's potential action figure campaign through Toy Backer and Clagett's silicone mold making using Smooth-On materials. The trio debates the value of cheap versus expensive tools like those from Harbor Freight and DeWalt, and compares sharpening systems such as the Veritas MK2 and Workshop 3000. They also offer advice on managing workshop space, comparing radial arm saws to table saws, and navigating client relationships in custom woodworking.

  • Making It · 1h 12m

    486: If I Had $300, I Could Do That Too

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Jimmy's giant boot go-kart, Bob's synchronized sliding doors, and David's Yellowstone photography trip. They also address a manufacturing error where one-inch dowels failed to fit into pre-drilled holes, debating solutions like using a lathe or CNC. The episode concludes with recommendations for Tom Sachs, Overland Projects, and a school donation by Printed Solid.

  • Making It · 1h 07m

    484: No One Sees Your Underwear…

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent activities, including Jimmy's trip to Maker's Central in England and the positive reception of their show. David details the frustrating process of leveling his uneven shop floor with foam injection and subflooring, while Bob shares his experience working with contractors and the importance of precision in hidden work. Jimmy demonstrates the capabilities of his xTool MetalFab laser cutter and discusses upcoming projects involving metal fabrication and home renovation.

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.