# STL295: It's not a router, it's a possibility

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2023-07-14
- Length: 1h 05m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility

## Summary

Mike Pekovich, Vic Schaefer, and Ben Steinhauer discuss whether a small shop can function without a table saw, concluding that tools dictate workflow and that a track saw or router table can replace a table saw if the user adapts their design philosophy. The hosts debate the merits of specific tools like the MFT, track saws, and CNCs, emphasizing that there is no single correct way to woodwork. They also cover when to sell unused tools, advising that proceeds should be reinvested into the shop, and share favorite techniques, including using magnetic spacers and a Dremel trammel for custom projects.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=6) Introduction and Shop Talk Live Discord Proposal
- [4:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=258) Mike Pekovich on Table Saw vs. Track Saw Workflow
- [8:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=506) Vic Schaefer on Tools Defining the Work Path
- [16:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=981) Alternative Methods for Cove Cuts and Joinery
- [25:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=1540) Ben Steinhauer on CNC, CAD, and Modern Woodworking
- [35:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=2137) Favorite Tools: Magnetic Spacers and Dremel Trammel
- [48:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=2880) Mike's Portable Cross-Cut Sled Solution
- [58:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility#t=3524) When to Sell Unused Tools and Reinvesting in the Shop

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Laguna 14 BX bandsaw (product)
- Bosch contractor saw (product)
- SawStop (product)
- MFT (product)
- Philip Morley (other)
- Festool (company)
- Axminster (company)
- Shaper Origin (product)
- Dremel (product)
- Veritas (company)
- Rosewood (other)
- Michael Fortune (other)
- Stanley (company)
- H&T Gordon (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [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 032: Listener Questions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-08-13-episode-032-listener-questions) (Making It)
- [Making It #015: Gilligan’s Workshop](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-04-02-making-it-015-gilligans-workshop) (Making It)
- [Making It #009: Fears and Doubts](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-02-12-making-it-009-fears-and-doubts) (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/2023-07-14-stl295-its-not-a-router-its-a-possibility. 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.