# STL328: Imperfect Precision

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2024-11-01
- Length: 59m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-11-01-stl328-imperfect-precision
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl328-imperfect-precision

## Summary

Mike Pekovich, Vic Scholle, and Ben Strano of Fine Woodworking discuss the concept of 'imperfect precision' in woodworking, arguing that consistent inaccuracy is often more valuable than impossible exactness. They detail specific techniques for creating tapered bevels using hand planes and lathes, and explain how to achieve square cuts with a track saw by establishing a clean reference edge. The conversation also covers the challenges of using delicate CNC router bits in hard woods and the psychological trap of obsessing over tool accuracy rather than skill.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-11-01-stl328-imperfect-precision#t=7) Introduction and Teaching Philosophy
- [12:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-11-01-stl328-imperfect-precision#t=721) Creating Tapered Bevels and Legs
- [23:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-11-01-stl328-imperfect-precision#t=1407) The Philosophy of Precision and Tolerances
- [34:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-11-01-stl328-imperfect-precision#t=2083) CNC Router Bit Failures and Analysis
- [46:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-11-01-stl328-imperfect-precision#t=2797) Track Saw Techniques for Square Cuts

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Fine Woodworking (company)
- Bob Van Dyke (other)
- Andrew Hunter (other)
- Festool (other)
- MFT table (tool)
- Veritas (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 036: Precision & Accuracy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-09-11-episode-036-precision-accuracy) (Making It)
- [465: YOU SLICED UP ROB?!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-12-13-465-you-sliced-up-rob) (Making It)
- [466: This is My Workshop Trumpet](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-12-19-466-this-is-my-workshop-trumpet) (Making It)
- [Episode 332: Plywood is good](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-11-27-episode-332-plywood-is-good) (Making It)
- [Episode 60: Don’t match your socks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-02-26-episode-60-dont-match-your-socks) (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/2024-11-01-stl328-imperfect-precision. 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.