# STL356: Unconscious Competency

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2025-12-12
- Length: 58m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl356-unconscious-competency

## Summary

Vic Tesolin and Ben Strano discuss the nuances of woodworking mastery, focusing on the concept of 'unconscious competency' where tools become extensions of the user. They cover practical topics including sharpening techniques using the Tormek system, saw blade selection for track and hand saws, and strategies for managing scrap wood hoarding. The conversation also details specific tool disappointments like the Veritas combination plane, favorite domestic hardwoods such as cherry and ash, and the contents of their shop EDC pouches.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=6) Introduction: Shop Talk Live Episode 356
- [2:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=177) Sharpening Techniques and the Tormek System
- [12:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=736) Saw Blade Selection: Track, Hand, and Table Saws
- [16:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=1004) Scrap Wood Hoarding and Management Strategies
- [30:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=1848) Favorite Domestic Hardwoods: Cherry and Ash
- [33:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=2005) Disappointing Tools: The Veritas Combination Plane
- [43:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=2627) Shop Snacks and Finishing Habits
- [46:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=2814) Shop EDC: Pouches, Tools, and Hearing Protection
- [54:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency#t=3245) Unconscious Competency and Mastery

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Tormek (tool)
- Veritas (company)
- Gorilla Wood Glue (product)
- Crystalac (product)
- Harbor Freight (company)
- AirPods (product)

## 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)
- [247: Wake up big fella](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2020-02-07-247-wake-up-big-fella) (Making It)
- [479: The One](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-04-18-479-the-one) (Making It)
- [Episode 094: Being a hoarder is a big job…](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-10-28-episode-094-being-a-hoarder-is-a-big-job) (Making It)
- [Episode 032: Listener Questions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-08-13-episode-032-listener-questions) (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/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency. 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.