Question 1: 

From Paul:

Let’s say one is making a wider panel or tabletop from solid stock so that a glue-up is required to obtain the necessary width.

When preparing the stock, I know there are valid reasons for ripping the boards into narrower strips.  The board might be wider than your jointer, or your stock might be cupped enough that you will end up too thin if you try to remove all the cup at once. Sometimes you see it said that by ripping the stock and flipping every other board over before gluing you will end up with a panel that stays flatter.  I don’t like to do it that way because it makes hand planing a pain, but I understand the idea.

But I have also heard it argued that ripping the boards into narrower strips and then gluing them back together in the exact same orientation–no flipping or rearranging–also results in a more stable panel. I don’t think I buy this.  I think if you rip a board in half and then glue it back together exactly as it was, that it will still move the same way and amount that it would have if you hadn’t ripped it.  But that’s just my opinion and I’d like to hear from the experts!  

Thanks for any light you can shed on this.  Love the pod and the mag enough to be an unlimited member!

PS: Yes, I’m an engineer

Four Techniques To Create Patterns With Veneer Tim Coleman shows you the four techniques for arranging veneer that he uses most often

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I can’t find the Instagram post we talked about. I’ll keep looking -Ben

Question 2:

From Kevin:

Over the last couple of years I’ve been fitting up a 20×24 shop and pretty much have most things I need, but I’ve been on the fence about adding a router table. My space is about the size of Mike’s, and though I’ve got room for a router table, everything is a spatial and tool compromise at this point. For example in the space I’d be putting the table in, could alternatively add more lumber storage or a spindle/disc sander, or a small CNC machine.

I’m curious how others on the show feel about having a dedicated router table and how often they get used. 

	The Ultimate Router Table Cabinet-based unit devours dust and decibels and puts controls on the outside
	Free Plan: How to Build a Simple Router Table This router table comes together in 20 minutes, and stows away when not in use
	A Survey of Router Tables The best tables simplify the job of mounting a router and come with accurate, solidly made fences
	Build a Shaker Chimney Cupboard Woodworker Michael Pekovich shows you how to build a Shaker chimney cupboard, step-by-step, in this Video Workshop series.

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Segment: All-Time Favorite 

Ben – Cutting a finish bubble off with a brand-spankin’ new razor blade

10 Best Fixes for Finishing Mistakes Cures for common problems, and how to prevent them in the first place.

Mike – Taping pieces together to run complimentary dadoes on the tablesaw

Build a Small Tool Cabinet Woodworker Garrett Hack shows you how to build a small tool cabinet, step-by-step, in this Video Workshop series.

Question 3:

Two quick wood questions.

From Charles:

What do you folks think of hickory for a glued up slab 2”x 18”x73” with a 3 ¾-in. wraparound of Ash.I Iive now in North Carolina, used to live in CT, and I am a 74 year old apprentice and will never stop learning.

From David:

I was given several “walnut” slabs that I suspect are actually butternut due to the light color and distinctive walnut grain pattern. I planned to use this generous donation to build a shaker style workbench, in the spring. If it’s butternut, would you still use it to build a workbench?

Recommendations: 

If you have the means, get a 3d printer.

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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.