If you have questions you’d like us to answer on the show, send them in to [email protected]. You can also use the voice memo app on your phone and email us a 30 second audio recording, or if you’re old-school you can leave a voicemail by calling 203-304-3456. 

Question 1:

I have a small jobsite tablesaw, and after your recommendations, I’ve invested in a bandsaw so that I can make that the primary tool for many of my cuts. I have a sharp 3tpi blade and have followed Michael Fortune’s articles on setting up my bandsaw, but I’m less than impressed with the cut quality I’m getting. I understand that there will always be some amount of cleaning up regardless the tool, but is there supposed to be such a difference in quality finish between a tablesaw and a bandsaw? Greg

• Chris Becksvoort, the dovetail master at work by Christian Becksvoort, Ben Strano #264-Nov/Dec 2017 Issue
• Architectural Wall Cabinet by Nancy R. Hiller #270–Sep/Oct 2018 Issue

Question 2:

I’m a 13 year veteran welding and auto mechanics teacher about to take on my first wood shop. What skills would you like students to exit a three year secondary program with? Also, what are the most important skills to teach a beginning woodworker? Erik

Segment: All Time Favorite Technique of All Time… for this week

Anissa – Cutting wedges with a sled, and Phillip Morley’s slick offcut shoot

 

Flush trimming on the table saw. #woodworking #customfurniture

A post shared by Phil Morley (@philipmorleyfurniture) on Mar 16, 2018 at 5:34pm PDT

Mike – Using a curved tapered chamfer to lighten a piece

 

Ben – Michael Robbin’s use of a metal ruler and a magnetic level to orient round pieces – as seen in his contemporary desk article in issue #270

 

Question 3:

I am not a very creative person, most of the things I make are from existing plans. Many times I see a design that I like, but the size is not right. What advice do you have for scaling a piece up or down without messing up the design? Bob

• Scaling Furniture from Photos by Miguel Gómez-Ibáñez #170–May/June 2004 Issue
• Resize. Don’t Redraw. – Dave Richards totally changes the scale of a piece in an efficient manner by David Richards

 

Listener Comments:

On Youtube:

WB Fine Woodworking on STL 167:
Another great podcast. Like Ben, until I got a planer all my work was 3/4” or whatever the thickness of the wood I could get at the hardwood dealer. It’s amazing how much that changed after I bought a planer. After listening to Mike I’m now going to start saving for some LieNielsen or Veritas chisels. Thanks guys.

Dan Letkeman:
I have used the PVA glue on the “field” and CA glue in key spots with accelerator on the opposite piece. It works well when you cannot clamp or don’t have the patients to wait for the PVA glue to dry but need more strength than CA glue provides.

On iTunes:

by SawdustInMyVeins
This podcast is a welcome respite from the solitary pursuit of woodworking. Like having some buddies in the shop with sound advice, sage wisdom, and friendly banter. OK… occasional snarky remarks and jabs. Every episode adds to my knowledge and enjoyment of the craft.

Recommendations:

Ben ‐ Only buy groceries at the grocery store
Mike ‐ Kleenstrip brand denatured alcohol
Anissa ‐ Don’t cheap out on paint, haircuts, charcoal, shoes, and mattresses

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Every two weeks, a team of Fine Woodworking staffers answers questions from readers on Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking‘s biweekly podcast. Send your woodworking questions to [email protected] for consideration in the regular broadcast! Our continued existence relies upon listener support. So if you enjoy the show, be sure to leave us a five-star rating and maybe even a nice comment on our iTunes page.