STL260: LVL Workbench IRL

Shop Talk Live · 25 Feb 2022 · 58m

What this episode covers

Meghan Fitzpatrick, editor at Lost Art Press, discusses her recent purchase of a Benchcrafted workbench and explains why she replaced her previous LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) bench, citing compression issues in the LVL legs that caused the top to shift. She advocates for dedicated hand tools like the router plane for fitting tenons and argues for round dog holes over square ones due to versatility and ease of modification. The conversation also covers practical advice for handling wobbling panel saws, fixing concave bench tops with plywood overlays, and the high cost of sugar pine affecting class prep.

Mentioned

Companies
Benchcrafted, Lost Art Press, Lee Valley
Tools
router plane, skew block plane, shoulder plane, panel saw
Materials
LVL, Baltic birch, sugar pine, mahogany

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 · 1h 06m

    361: It’s complicated

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent personal projects and industry observations. Jimmy details a failed attempt to cool his attic using ridge vents and the resulting HVAC issues, while Bob recounts the success of his 'Jimmy Speedway' go-kart event and the sudden death of his Festool miter saw. David shares his vacation experiences and the high cost of materials like Baltic birch plywood, while the group discusses Japanese tools like Otoro clamps and Toyo Steel toolboxes.

  • 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 02m

    540: Painful Consequences

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the painful consequences of decision-making in their respective trades. Jimmy details a near-disaster building 16-foot floating shelves where a table saw error forced him to rip apart a glued-up assembly, and Bob recounts reinforcing a bar shelf after realizing it couldn't hold heavy vodka jugs. David shares his stress from overlapping video deadlines and a structural issue with a mini garage build, while the group analyzes the risks of mechanical failures versus design compromises.

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.