# STL361: Working at Speed

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2026-03-06
- Length: 1h 01m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl-361-working-at-speed

## Summary

Luthier Aaron Keim discusses modifying tools for ergonomic comfort to manage chronic pain from hemophilia and arthritis, emphasizing the freedom to customize handles on vintage British tools. He details his workflow for building approximately 60 instruments annually, focusing on speed and simple designs, while using sustainable North American woods like curly maple and pistachio instead of tropical species. Keim also shares his finishing techniques, preferring accessible options like Arm-R-Seal and shellac over complex lacquers, and highlights the importance of community engagement through projects like the Wayfinder Ukulele.

## Chapters

- [0:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=5) Introduction: Aaron Keim and Shop Talk Live
- [2:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=169) Managing Chronic Pain and Modifying Tool Handles
- [8:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=518) Sourcing Vintage British Tools and Equipment
- [13:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=839) Building a Kitchen with Curly Maple During the Pandemic
- [19:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=1185) Instrument Finishing: Rubio Monocoat and Arm-R-Seal
- [36:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=2200) Resources for Beginner Luthiers and Kit Builders
- [43:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=2639) Using Sustainable North American Woods Instead of Tropical Species
- [49:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=2956) Community Building and The Wayfinder Ukulele Project
- [55:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed#t=3348) Segment Turning Banjo Rims vs. Steam Bending

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Veritas (other)
- Rockler (other)
- Stuart McDonald (other)
- Allied Luthery (other)
- Rubio Monocoat (other)
- Arm-R-Seal (other)
- Taylor Guitars (company)
- Guild of American Luthiers (other)
- Wayfinder Ukulele (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 297: I’m not sick, just 53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-02-26-episode-297-im-not-sick-just-53) (Making It)
- [120: Imbue All of the Choices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-01-18-120-imbue-all-of-the-choices) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [361: It’s complicated](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2022-07-08-361-its-complicated) (Making It)
- [438: It Feels Like a Big Boy Saw](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-04-19-438-it-feels-like-a-big-boy-saw) (Making It)
- [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)

## 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/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed. 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.