# STL365: The Thrifty Trio Convenes

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2026-05-01
- Length: 1h 00m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl-365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes

## Summary

Ben Strano, Bridget Gruber (Dinkle), and Phil Huber of Woodsmith Shop discuss whether hobbyists should upgrade existing machinery or invest in hand tools, concluding that upgrading is rarely necessary unless the tool limits the work. Phil Huber explains how to make wood hinges using a box joint jig and roundover bit, while the group offers solutions for squaring large panels without a table saw, recommending circular saws with edge guides or router trimming. The episode concludes with each host sharing their favorite tool: Phil’s handmade jack plane, Dinkle’s Veritas spokeshave, and Ben’s Engineer screw pliers.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes#t=6) Introduction and Thrifty Trio Concept
- [9:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes#t=555) Upgrading Machinery vs. Hand Tools
- [29:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes#t=1786) Making Wood Hinges and Router Jigs
- [37:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes#t=2255) Favorite Tools: Jack Plane, Spokeshave, and Screw Pliers
- [50:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes#t=3041) Squaring Large Panels Without a Table Saw

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Woodsmith Shop (company)
- Fine Woodworking (company)
- DeWalt 735 (product)
- Grizzly 14 inch bandsaw (product)
- Lee Nielsen (other)
- Veritas Spokeshave (product)
- Engineer screw pliers (product)
- Cecil Pierce (other)
- Inca (product)
- Bosch (product)
- Rykon (product)
- Wen (product)
- Porter Cable (product)
- Delta (product)
- Harbor Freight (company)

## 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)
- [Episode 332: Plywood is good](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-11-27-episode-332-plywood-is-good) (Making It)
- [Episode 160: The Cadillac of trailers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-03-16-episode-160-the-cadillac-of-trailers) (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)
- [Making It #015: Gilligan’s Workshop](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-04-02-making-it-015-gilligans-workshop) (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/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes. 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.