# STL376: How Hefty is Your Handplane?

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2026-10-02
- Length: 1h 04m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane#t=6) Introduction and Shop Music
- [6:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane#t=374) Texas Woodworking Festival and Marquetry Mural
- [17:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane#t=1041) Antique Hardware and Custom Cabinetry
- [27:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane#t=1679) The 5/7 Rule for Roundovers
- [39:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane#t=2341) Classical Training and Aspen Golan
- [50:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane#t=3022) Handplane Weight and Heft Debate
- [55:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane#t=3334) Japanese Planes and Safety

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Fine Woodworking (company)
- Aspen Golan (other)
- Dan Feya (other)
- Chris Schwartz (other)
- Garrett Hack (other)
- Michael Fortune (other)
- Adrian Ferrazotti (other)
- Rosewood Studio (company)
- Lee Nielsen (other)
- Veritas (company)
- Kazurikai (other)
- Texas Woodworking Festival (other)
- Woodworking in America (other)
- North Bennett Street School (other)
- Kitchen Think (other)
- Nancy Hiller (other)
- Gorilla Wood Glue (product)
- IKEA (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)
- [479: The One](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-04-18-479-the-one) (Making It)
- [Episode 036: Precision & Accuracy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-09-11-episode-036-precision-accuracy) (Making It)
- [Episode 257: Lathing around](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2020-04-17-episode-257-lathing-around) (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/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane. 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.
