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Question 1: 

From Jeff:

As a beginning woodworker I have a thirst for knowledge on all things woodworking: Books/articles/videos on joinery, styles of furniture, finishing, hand tools, etc. yet I barely have made a cut on a piece of wood. 

Why am I researching a debate on the acceptable dimensions  of a Queen Ann Highboy at 1am instead of practicing squaring up a piece of material?! 

What do you think would be a good way to “shut up and get to work?” Small projects? Practice joinery? Sharpen chisels? My overthinking brain is overpowering my hands and heart. 

Making Wooden Spoons

A delight to make, they’re also a lasting pleasure to use.

Decorative cutting boards

Mark Gardner’s lovely cutting boards are perfect for carving decoration on one side and dinner on the other.

Video: A textured and carved cutting board

Mark Gardner adds an aesthetic and tactile touch to the edges by pulling the board across the bandsaw blade on a diagonal. In this video, he shows exactly how it’s done.

How to Make a Coopered Basket Without Math

Peter Lutz demonstrates jigs he uses so that he can work safely and accurately, building a coopered basket with sides that cant outward

Question 2:

From a different Jeff:

In a recent episode one of you (probably Mike) said something like “being a great designer is probably more important than being a great furniture maker.”

Please consider an episode or a segment focused on how to sharpen one’s design game:

• Must-know designers – classic and contemporary
• Seminal and new/exciting reference materials : books, teachers/classes/programs, websites, channels, etc 
• How to develop skills in this area generally, how to do so quickly

Wharton Esherick

Museum is sculptor’s masterpiece

Webinar: Uncommon Arts and Crafts with Jon Binzen

Join deputy editor Jon Binzen for a fascinating look at less-familiar furniture of the Arts and Crafts era.

MoTC – James Krenov: Virtuoso in Words and Wood

A fascinating interview with the icon, looking back at his life from childhood on through to his professional life

Designer’s Notebook: Draw, Draw, and Draw Some More

Mike Pekovich explains how he gets from that blip on a page to a finished piece of furniture

Composing: A Flexible Design Process

Tim Coleman keeps options open from the initial idea to the finished piece

Video: Michael Fortune’s Design Process

In this video, Michael takes you through his design process step by step, sharing his tips for drawing and brainstorming along the way

Webinar: Models and Mockups Make the Design with Michael Fortune

Join FWW contributing editor Michael Fortune for our webinar on designing with mockups.

Segment: All-Time Favorite 

Ben – V-blocks

Jon – Wedges

Mike – New crosscut sled

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Question 3:

From David:

I’m about to embark on a trestle table design and I’m planning on using fumed white oak for the majority of the table. I would like to add a complimentary lighter wood for accents in the base. Would ash be a good choice or is there another species I haven’t considered?

Master Class: Classic Arts & Crafts inlay

Tackle the inlaid head- and footboard of Kevin Rodel’s Arts and Crafts bed. The design is based on Glasgow-style motifs and requires several templates for the curved channels.

Build a Contemporary Sideboard

Chris Gochnour’s sideboard combines usefulness, strength, and beauty in a contemporary case piece

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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.