STL376: How Hefty is Your Handplane?

Shop Talk Live · 2 Oct 2026 · 1h 04m

What this episode covers

Fine Woodworking editors Owen Madden and Bridget Gruber join host Vic Teslin to discuss the nuances of hand tool usage, specifically debating whether handplane weight impacts performance. They explore the '5/7 rule' for shaping roundovers, the value of classical training in contemporary design through maker Aspen Golan, and the practicalities of custom kitchen cabinetry versus standard sizes. The conversation also touches on the importance of hand tool safety and the historical context of woodworking techniques.

Mentioned

Companies
Fine Woodworking, Rosewood Studio, Veritas, IKEA
Products
Gorilla Wood Glue
Also
Aspen Golan, Dan Feya, Chris Schwartz, Garrett Hack, Michael Fortune, Adrian Ferrazotti, Lee Nielsen, Kazurikai, Texas Woodworking Festival, Woodworking in America, North Bennett Street School, Kitchen Think, Nancy Hiller

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Making It · 1h 01m

    479: The One

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's review of the new Harvey Intelligent 15-inch bandsaw and Picciuto's work with the xTool MetalFab on the Ghia. The hosts then engage in a philosophical debate about the concept of 'The One'—whether a perfect, final tool or product exists—and the psychology of consumerism and contentment in the maker community. They touch on personal anecdotes, such as Diresta's acquisition of vintage machinery and Clagett's experience with an A-frame cabin, to illustrate that the search for perfection is often more about the journey than the destination.

  • Making It · 36m

    Episode 036: Precision & Accuracy

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the practical application of precision and accuracy in woodworking and content creation. They debate whether extreme precision is necessary for all projects, contrasting high-end furniture making with large-scale signs and video storytelling. The hosts share specific techniques for managing machine accuracy, such as using digital angle gauges, corner clamps, and maintaining sharp blades, while emphasizing that 'good enough' often suffices for the final user.

  • Making It · 1h 03m

    Episode 257: Lathing around

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current passion projects, including Diresta's 16-legged walnut stool lathe work, Clagett's go-kart restoration, and Picciuto's guitar rack. They explore the psychological phenomenon of 'post-project emptiness' when completing major builds, referencing Diresta's R2-D2 and Clagett's canoes. The conversation also covers the utility of the Shaper handheld CNC tool for inlay work and critiques the TV show 'Making It' for its lack of transparency regarding judging criteria and tool usage.

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.