Hardware Podcasts

STL363: More Than One Way to Cut a Dovetail

Shop Talk Live · 3 Apr 2026 · 1h 07m

What this episode covers

Bob Van Dyke, director of the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking, joins Anissa and Ben to discuss the importance of flexibility in woodworking techniques, using the example of cutting dovetails (pins first vs. tails first) and referencing masters like Al Breed and Will Neptune. They also answer listener questions regarding the use of splines for panel glue-ups and the choice between butt, sausage, and invisible hinges for fine furniture. The group promotes the upcoming Fine Woodworking New England event, highlighting speakers like Tom Lee Nielsen, Mark Swanson, and Mary May.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking, Whitechapel
Also
Fine Woodworking New England, Al Breed, Will Neptune, Tom Lee Nielsen, Mary May, James Krenov, Bloom hinges

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 57m

    Episode 064: Pat the bushes of my brain

    Hosts Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto brainstorm upcoming woodworking and electronics projects, including a Sam Maloof-style chair, a Death Star-inspired bentwood chair, and a custom guitar case. They discuss specific materials like door skin plywood and West System epoxy, and techniques such as laminating, CNC tiling, and using Domino joinery. The conversation also covers the hosts' experiences with YouTube engagement, managing email notifications, and finding inspiration through antique shopping and online communities.

    Industrial & consumer product designMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 08m

    Episode 332: Plywood is good

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss recent projects, including Jimmy's construction of a two-stage blacksmith bellows using plywood and his design of a car rotisserie utilizing farm jacks and steel tubing. The hosts debate the value of modern tools like CNC machines versus traditional hand skills, using a Looney Tunes analogy to illustrate how technology prioritizes speed over quality. They also share personal updates, such as David's popcorn bowl experiment and Jimmy's installation of a treehouse zip line, before reflecting on their gratitude for their audience and community.

    Materials & manufacturing processesFabrication & craft
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 47m

    Making It #010: If it looks straight….

    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.

    Mechanical engineeringSourcing & supply chain
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 59m

    Episode 163: Live Edge Bowling Ball

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the longevity of design styles, contrasting timeless clean lines with ephemeral trends like river tables and burnt wood. David Picciuto details a significant failure involving warped plywood in a large cabinet project, while Jimmy Diresta shares his experience at the Carolina Shoe Factory and his work on a live-edge puzzle. The hosts also debate the material properties of epoxy versus glass in river tables and the future of furniture design, including 3D printing.

    Industrial & consumer product designMaterials & manufacturing processes
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 09m

    Episode 259: Pretty alright woodworking

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current woodworking projects, including Diresta's giant mallet, Picciuto's detailed birdhouse, and Clagett's ongoing R2-D2 build. The conversation shifts to technical challenges, such as fitting hinges on curved surfaces and the long-term durability of wood versus resin in outdoor furniture. They also share upcoming summer projects, like garden beds and bridges, and recommend tools and media from Fireball Tools and Andrew Klein.

    Materials & manufacturing processesPrototyping & iteration
    10 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Shop Talk Live. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.