Comments

1. 
   juliangall | Apr 13, 2015 11:29am | #1

   This was one of the best STL podcasts I can remember. It was good to have Mike reflect at greater length on the questions and topics than he normally has time for. The humour is part of the character of STL but it does sometimes seem as though it's more important to get a joke in than to follow up the woodworking discussion. This episode restored the balance and was one of the most interesting I have heard.

   Julian

2. 
   davidewi | Apr 13, 2015 12:53pm | #2

   Haven't finished listening - I get about 50% each to/from home/work.

   Regarding the question sent in about the workbench vise. I agree with the general assessment from the FWW staff that getting a decent cast iron vice is a good way to get going....make stuff...not benches.

   As you progress - or if you feel adventurous now - I highly recommend a leg vice. Admittedly, I am a disciple of Christopher Schwarz on this topic. I am able to apply "tons" of pressure with my vice. As the reader mentioned having a 5-6 inch apron this would be plenty.

   I dont think you need to go full out Roubo - although I find the utility, simplicity and elegance to be excellent. I think this could be hybridized to other bench styles. This all assumes a leg wide enough for the screw to pass thorough. You can use generic ACME vice screws to make your hardware (schwarz blogged this) or benchcrafted makes a fine package (this is what I went with).

   Best of luck!

   David Ewing Jr.

3. 
   Dreamcatcher | Apr 14, 2015 12:09pm | #3

   Learn to make wooden screws then you won't worry about which one to buy. There are many kits on the market; Both manual and powered as well as a wealth of information on the internets covering DIY threading tools and machines. I have been appreciating the recent STL episodes discussing benches. I love my work benches.... I love my shop. I admit that I put a little extra effort into making my bench look cool/beautiful as well as functioning well but I would also remark that my shop isn't "just a shop" and it's certainly not some sort of dingy "man cave" at least in the cave-like sense. Instead it's comfortable and inviting like any other part of my house. Wooden benches, comfy seating, ample lighting, and climate controls all lend to make my shop double as a general weekend hangout where that nice looking workbench often doubles as a full function bar top (for drinking soda of course because I assume the legal-beagles at Taunton wouldn't allow anyone in the STL audience to believe that adult beverages ever enter the shop).

4. 
   user-684414 | Apr 15, 2015 02:49pm | #4

   Great podcast, guys. Regarding the vise discussion, I would direct the caller to Jeff Miller's "Bench top bench" article in FWW. I use a leg vise on my bench, but recently built this bench top bench, and love the poor man's twin screw vise. As usual, it is great having multiple options available!

5. 
   michaelmaloney | Jul 06, 2015 05:28am | #5

   This is actually hilarious! To have the same name with a person in the news and to be originally coming from the same state is even such an uncanny coincidence (and the fact that Matt isn’t around!). That segment just added some humor to the show.
   Both have great solutions said to the wooden workbench in question, but I would like to hear what Matt thinks. A cast iron vice with a quick release is good idea. I am also looking for that show on refurbishing an old storage unit that is already distressed.