Shop Talk Live · 15 Dec 2023 · 1h 14m
Phil Huber, editor of Woodsmith, joins Mike and Ben to discuss Taunton Press's acquisition by Active Interest Media and the integration of their editorial teams. The hosts address reader concerns about content quality, the departure of staff members Amanda and Katie, and the strategic decision to launch Shop Notes as a digital-only publication due to paper supply issues. They also provide detailed advice on maintaining fine furniture, designing custom woodworking tools, and optimizing workbench ergonomics for different tasks.
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Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their holiday breaks, new tool acquisitions, and plans for 2020. Jimmy Diresta details his acquisition of a Bridgeport mill and South Bend lathe, while Bob Clagett talks about maintaining his shop and experimenting with gunsmithing. David Picciuto shares his struggle with creative burnout from weekly woodworking videos and his goal to pivot to broader content, aiming for 2 million subscribers.
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the theme of chaos in their lives and work. Jimmy details recovering a massive Chandler and Price printing press from a friend, while Bob explains his basswood slab bench project and David describes resolving a duplicate tissue box video conflict. They brainstorm a relief printing project for David, involving woodblock carving and ink application techniques.
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss major life and business updates, including Diresta buying a commercial building to house his office and production, Clagett completing a large post-and-beam barn, and Picciuto planning a costly garage expansion. They also cover Clagett's acquisition of a massive 4-foot throat railway bandsaw, the success of Workbench Con, and the technical details of finishing wood and metal projects.
Dan Provost of Studio Neat discusses his completed custom Stratocaster-style guitar build, detailing the woodworking, finishing, and hybrid design choices. He and co-host Tom Gerhardt review the ongoing production status of the Keen pen, noting supply chain delays but positive early user feedback. The conversation shifts to Studio Neat's strategic pivot toward a 'new lean' operational model, leveraging AI to maintain product opinion and quality without excessive headcount. Finally, the hosts debate the future of all-in-one computers versus modular setups in an era of ambient computing.
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.
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