Question 1: 

From Greg:
I’ve been building furniture for about 10 years now and have always had access to the larger machines that your typical “production” shop provides (ie wide belt sander, 16″ jointer, panel saw, etc.).  I’m transitioning out on my own and I have a smaller shop set up with your typical machines, including a cabinet saw, and I’m familiar with most of the workarounds for getting the same results with smaller/no machines.  I had a question regarding the cross cutting of larger panels though, as it’s an aspect that is always glossed over in articles. Say I’m making a dresser with flat panel sides, 18-21″ deep. Now, I know how tackle the joinery but how do I go about the initial sizing without a panel saw, and how do I achieve repeatable results so my carcass is square?  Circ saw? Track saw? Router and straight edge? Special sled? Those all seem like “eyeball” methods that introduce room for error.

	The Incredible L-Fence Take your tablesaw to another level with this simple shopmade fence
	Video: Versatile Tablesaw L-Fence Build a simple tablesaw fence accessory that handles a wide variety of joinery cuts
	How To Make a Tracksaw Crosscut Table Track saws are equally at home in the workshop and on the job site. Ben Strano shows how to build a table that will make the track saw your go-to tool for crosscutting panels that are too big for your tablesaw.

Question 2:

From Len:
Do you have a standard practice, or a routine that works as a sort of automatic set-point or trigger for when to sharpen your planes and chisels, or do you rely on the tactile response of the cutter to let you know it’s time to sharpen?

From George:

For my sharpening setup I use a combination DMT diamond plate and Japanese water stones. I use the 300/600 diamond stone for heavy reshaping work and 1000 and 4000 water stones for the final edge. I also use the 600 side of the diamond plate to lap my water stones before each use. But Back when I ordered my diamond plate I unwittingly purchased one that is slightly smaller than my water stones in length and width. This means that I have to make multiple passes with the diamond plate on top of the water stone in order to fully lap the water stones. Do you think the fact that my diamond plate is smaller than my water stone will eventually lead to them being less and less flat over time or an I worrying for nothing. 

A User’s Guide to Waterstones There’s no faster or more economical way to achieve razor-sharp tools

 Segment: All-Time Favorite Technique of all time for this week

Barry: Use a wooden handscrew as a vise for edge planing

Clever Wooden Clamps Two simple, time-tested clamps hold complex parts for shaping and joinery

Ben: French polishing 

A perfect French polish finish In this video series, professional finisher John Coffey demonstrates the French polishing method he’s perfected after 30 years of finishing new pieces and refinishing priceless antiques.

Mike:

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Question 3:

From Lois Lane:
Hi, I was listening to episode  58, because I was curious to the answer about is  Woodworking considered an art – no it’s not. The reason I ask, is because my brother is a woodworker who I consider an artist and we are having a debate on the subject.  He doesn’t want to put it in the art category, because the pieces are mostly functional although aesthetic at the same time. What are your thoughts? Are woodworkers artists?

 STL 58: Is Woodworking an Art @15:50

Question 4:  

From Gustav from Sweden:

For me, woodworking is all about the process and the joy of working my hands. But, I do like my furniture, and want it to last long into  the future. Mostly these days I use dowels in combination with other joinery as a means of locking pieces together. However, since I started listening to STL I have started to doubt how smart it is to use dowels. You guys don’t seem all that positive. 

 So my questions are:

– Will my furniture fall to pieces?

– Does splines in the dowel help? 

– What are some simple alternatives to dowels if one cannot afford a domino or biscuit machine?

Pinning a Mortise and Tenon Joint A simple jig helps locate and drill holes for pinned joinery

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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.