# STL302: Broken tenons and shattered dreams

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2023-10-20
- Length: 1h 09m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams

## Summary

David Johnson, a Los Angeles-based furniture restorer specializing in mid-century chairs and seat weaving, joins the show to discuss the technical and emotional challenges of his trade. He details specific repair techniques for mortise and tenon joints, including the use of multi-routers for tenon fitting, methods for removing stubborn dowels, and the complexities of restoring bent laminations like a Hans Wegner chair. The conversation also explores the balance between professional client work and personal creative time, highlighting the satisfaction of anonymous, high-quality restoration work.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=6) Introduction: David Johnson and his LA restoration shop
- [8:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=507) Using multi-routers and adjustable templates for tenon fitting
- [11:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=671) Balancing professional restoration with personal creative time
- [27:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=1635) Techniques for loosening hide-glued joints and repairing splits
- [35:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=2141) Learning from failures: Dowels, tenons, and serviceability
- [46:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=2791) Restoring a Hans Wegner chair with 14-layer bent oak lamination
- [55:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=3337) Building efficient shop tools: Cross-cut sleds and 3D printed forms
- [1:01:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams#t=3713) Repairing loose drawbore joints on antique furniture

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Founder wellbeing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/founder-wellbeing)
- [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

- College of the Redwoods (other)
- Fine Woodworking (other)
- Hans Wegner (other)
- Gatama (company)
- Unibond 800 (other)
- Fusion 360 (tool)
- Bob Van Dyke (other)
- Mike Michelli (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [518: Oh, I Can Let My Shoulders Down](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-03-13-518-oh-i-can-let-my-shoulders-down) (Making It)
- [362: If there’s nobody else on that throne….](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2022-07-15-362-if-theres-nobody-else-on-that-throne) (Making It)
- [Episode 064: Pat the bushes of my brain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-03-25-episode-064-pat-the-bushes-of-my-brain) (Making It)
- [498: I’m Like a Dog](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-09-12-498-im-like-a-dog) (Making It)
- [Episode 323: Car Couch Potato](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-09-24-episode-323-car-couch-potato) (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/2023-10-20-stl302-broken-tenons-and-shattered-dreams. 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.