Hey everyone, if this is the first episode of Matt's Basement Workshop you've seen in almost a year...you've been missing out on a lot. We've moved to a new website and you'll probably have to resubscribe...but it's all worth the hassle, trust me!! Please watch the video to learn more and don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions...that's what I'm here for!! Download the video

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This first episode is just a quickie, no frills who I am and what this little show is all about. A woodworking amatuer who's going to share his hobby whether you like it or not....

ATTENTION - WE'RE MOVING!  PLEASE VISIT THE NEW SITE AT www.mattsbasementworkshop.com where you'll find the video and more for today's show and future shows.

Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

 

ATTENTION - WE'RE MOVING!  PLEASE VISIT THE NEW SITE AT www.mattsbasementworkshop.com where you'll find the video and more for today's show and future shows.

The small plow plane from Veritas has quickly made it's way to the top of my list of "favorite tools".  

It's so easy to use, and like a good "speciality" tool should do, it does its job extremely well.  So well in fact I've actually wasted time debating whether I should or shouldn't use it in place of a stacked dado blade or a straight cutting bit on a couple of projects recently!

For those of you not familiar with a plow plane or what it does.  A plow plane is used solely for the purpose of cutting grooves along the length of a board (with the long grain).  You can cut them on the face or on the edge of a board and as I'll demonstrate you can even cut them on the ends of a board.  

Typically you won't use a plow plane to cut a dado across the width of a board.  The lack of a nicker to score the wood fibers will result in a horribly torn out surface.  Of course as I demonstrate today, there are ways around that.

Congrats to this week's schwag winner...Michael Rogers!!

Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

 

It's the beginning of the new year and it's also the beginning of a brand new month...so that means it's time for ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!!

This month's Whiteside router bit is the 1/8" Roundover bit.  A small radius bit that works great to ease edges on all your components.

If you aren't this month's winner, you can still take advantage of the great discounted price at Woodcraft...Click Here.

If you haven't heard yet, Matt's Basement Workshop is getting a face lift and things will be changing with the feed soon.  Bookmark the new site at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com and visit it soon. 

More information will be coming soon, but don't worry about any disruptions in the feed.  We'll be making this as painless as possible!!

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As promised, here's part 2 of our December visit with MBW's guest expert Hendrik Varju.  This month we're answering questions you sent in regarding the topic of "Advice for beginning woodworkers".  We had some really great questions varying from which tools do I need to get started to electrical needs and heating.

To order a copy of Hendrik's new DVD or to learn more about his seminars visit his website at www.passionforwood.com.

Comments, questions or schwag entries - drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or leave me a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's time once again for Hendrik's visit this month and we're answering questions you sent in regarding the topic of "Advice for beginning woodworkers".  We had some really great questions varying from which tools do I need to get started to electrical needs and heating.

This is only part 1 of a 2 part series, so don't miss the second half on that'll be released on Friday.

To order a copy of Hendrik's new DVD or to learn more about his seminars visit his website at www.passionforwood.com.

Hendrik sent along this Christmas message to share with all of you:

I'd like to, first of all, thank everyone who has attended seminars here over the past year or taken any form of private instruction.  I continue to take pleasure in sharing my techniques with others and especially watching some of my students go from complete beginner to a more confident woodworker.  Woodworking skills are easily learned by just about anyone, but it does take a great deal of time and practice in order to refine those skills.  For me, teaching is a way to refine my skills even more because being asked question after question such as "Why do you do it that way?" makes a person more aware of not just the skills but the reasons for them.  Having to perform those skills in a pressure environment in front of a dozen people all wanting to see "how to do it right" also pushes me to learn more and become a little more efficient when possible.
 
One of the comments I remember recently happened during the second part of my "Bent Laminations" seminar series.  When I showed everyone a completed demi-lune table with curved front aprons, someone asked "How long does it take you to build that project right from start to finish?".  When I said how many days it took, the person said something like "Wow!  And that's for you to complete it!  For the rest of us it would take even longer".  While that may or may not be true, I hope you'll all understand that fine work takes time and I don't think you'll ever get away from that.  If you look at a project and it overwhelms you to even think about it, the best solution is to just start.  As you slowly work your way through the cutting list and parts start getting checked off your list, you start to build up some confidence and excitement.  You begin to see your vision coming to life and becoming real.  Somehow, the project starts to look managable just by getting some small part of it done.  Have you ever looked at an exploded view of a piece of furniture in a magazine and just felt like it is so complicated you don't even want to start?  And yet, even a relative beginner can do it if they acquire the skills one step at a time.  Starting on that journey is half the battle.
 
Let's say you don't have large blocks of time for your woodworking hobby, but you can squeeze in a few hours here and there.  I think it is all about discipline.  If you can carve out just a half-day per week every weekend, that gives you 4 hours per week.  Or maybe you can only spare 2 hours on a Saturday, but another hour two nights per week after dinner.  In any event, however you do it, if you can devote four hours per week then you will have worked for 48 hours total over a 12 week period.  Or 64 hours over a 16 week period.  Somewhere between 48 and 64 hours, even a relative beginner can accomplish my demi-lune table once they've learned the basic techniques.  If you could devote 4 hours per week to your woodworking and you have a beautiful piece of furniture, albeit a small one, sitting there in your living room in just 3 to 4 months, wouldn't that be spectacular?  And if you continue to devote your energy in that way then within a year you might have 3 nice pieces of furniture you've built with your own hands.
 
So maybe in your first year you build three really small pieces that aren't overly complicated.  Then in the second year you decide you would like to build a more complex design such as a bed, a large dining table or even a sideboard.  If you get one of those projects done in a year (as a hobbyist), what is there to be ashamed of?  In 5 years' time you will have quite a number of hierloom pieces you can be proud of, but none of that will happen if you don't decide today that you are going to become disciplined about your hobby.  I'm not trying to take the enjoyment out of your craft and make you feel like you're on a treadmill, but I do want you to see what wonderful things can happen if you commit to it.  Lots of people say, "It'll take me a whole year to get that project done!"  I don't see anything wrong with that!  5 spectacular pieces of furniture in 5 years is nothing to be ashamed of.  The trick is to enjoy the process as much as the result.  Work with the end in mind, but not just for the end.  Smell the roses every once in awhile and revel in the wonderful material we have to work with.
 
Anyhow, that is my sermon for the day.  Just a few thoughts for you to ponder as you start thinking about New Year's resolutions.
 
I'd like to close by wishing you a Merry Christmas.  Please take the time to appreciate what you have even if times are a little harder for you at the moment.  Instead of thinking about what you don't have, just remember that there are millions of people in the world who don't even have the basic necessities of life.  Even in difficult economic times, most of us have what we truly need and you only need look in a newspaper to see how much worse off most of the world's population is.
 
I hope you can all find some time this holiday to curl up on the couch with a warm drink and some great company to ponder the meaning of life with.  If you haven't looked your spouse in the eye lately, it might be time.  If you haven't really focused on what your kids need from you, it might be time.  And if you haven't talked to some of your long time friends lately, it might be time to pick up the phone and set something up.  Believe me when I say that "It's time".
 
Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2009.
 
Cheers, Hendrik
 
Comments, questions or schwag entries - drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or leave me a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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The Holiday Season is here again!  To make it easier for you to find the perfect gift for that woodworker on your list, use these links to head to your favorite online store while also helping support this show.  Thanks!

While at the Woodworking in America conference I had a chance to attend a couple of great classes on using Western style chisels for more than choping and paring.

The first class was taught by Adam Cherubini the author of the Arts & Mysteries column and blog at Popular Woodworking.  Adam introduced us to the most common chisels you'd find in an early American cabinetmaker's shop, but then he decided to show us a little more hands on of how they'd use those chisels in a way we don't today. 

This was a lead in, to what we'd get in another class taught later that day by both Adam and Roy Underhill.  This second class was a hands on class where we would not only see these techniques demonstrated but also try them for ourselves...

Hendrik is back in December and our discussion will be "Advice for Beginner Woodworkers" so send in you questions about machinery and tool selection, shop set-up (electrical, lighting, shop heat).  Recommended projects, etc.  Send those along with your comments, questions or schwag entries to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...with more to come soon!!

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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The Holiday Season is here again!  To make it easier for you to find the perfect gift for that woodworker on your list, use these links to head to your favorite online store while also helping support this show.  Thanks!

I still have a lot more footage and some great topic ideas from my time at the Woodworking in America conference last month.  One of the things I wanted to share with you is this great footage from a class with Chris Schwarz on...what else?...the workbench.

Hendrik is back in December and our discussion will be "Advice for Beginner Woodworkers" so send in you questions about machinery and tool selection, shop set-up (electrical, lighting, shop heat).  Recommended projects, etc.  Send those along with your comments, questions or schwag entries to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...with more to come soon!!

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

And don't forget!  The next Wood Talk Online Live is happening this Wednesday December 17th at 9:00PM EST over at www.thewoodwhisperer.com.  Make it if you can!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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The Holiday Season is here again!  To make it easier for you to find the perfect gift for that woodworker on your list, use these links to head to your favorite online store while also helping support this show.  Thanks!

It's the beginning of a brand new month and since it's the first Friday that means it's time for ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!! 

For the entire month of December, 2008 Whiteside's 1/4" Roman Ogee profile is the featured router bit at Woodcraft and here at Matt's Basement Workshop. 

The Roman Ogee profile is perhaps one of the most readily recognized and most commonly used bits on the market.  The Roman Ogee is a compound profile made up of a roundover and a cove shape that give it a "lazy S" look.  The flowing shape of these two profiles complement each other like no others.

If you're not this month's winner of this great bit from Whiteside & Woodcraft, you still can take advantage of the great discounted price until the end of the month click here to visit Woodcraft.

Hendrik is back in December and our discussion will be "Advice for Beginner Woodworkers" so send in you questions about machinery and tool selection, shop set-up (electrical, lighting, shop heat).  Recommended projects, etc.  Send those along with your comments, questions or schwag entries to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

With more to come soon!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose "Save Target as"

The Holiday Season is here again!  To make it easier for you to find the perfect gift for that woodworker on your list, use these links to head to your favorite online store while also helping support this show.  Thanks!

Building anything with your kids can be a lot of fun, but finding the right project to keep them interested is sometimes a challenge.  I found a great project at www.roarockit.com, it's a skateboard!!

Everything you need to build the skateboard is included...the glue, the veneers, the form and even a vacuum bag that works with a hand pump!  All you add is the time and fun with the kids...oh and the trucks and wheels...but when it's all done, they have a skateboard and you have a vacuum bag veneering projects in the future!!

Oh by the way...you didn't miss episode 336...I messed up the numbers!

Hendrik is back in December and our discussion will be "Advice for Beginner Woodworkers" so send in you questions about machinery and tool selection, shop set-up (electrical, lighting, shop heat).  Recommended projects, etc.  Send those along with your comments, questions or schwag entries to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

With more to come soon!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose "Save Target as"

The Holiday Season is here again!  To make it easier for you to find the perfect gift for that woodworker on your list, use these links to head to your favorite online store while also helping support this show.  Thanks!

It's time for Hendrik's visit this month and we're talking more about Tablesaw set-up and safety.  A few of you sent in some great questions so well tackle those too.

This is the second half of a 2 part series, so enjoy!!

To order a copy of Hendrik's new DVD  or to learn more about his seminars visit his website at www.passionforwood.com.

Comments, questions or schwag entries - drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or leave me a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

With more to come soon!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

powered by Podbean.com

Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose "Save Target as"

It's time for Hendrik's visit this month and we're talking more about Tablesaw set-up and safety.  A few of you sent in some great questions so well tackle those too.

This is only part 1 of a 2 part series, so don't miss the second half on Monday.

To order a copy of Hendrik's new DVD  or to learn more about his seminars visit his website at www.passionforwood.com.

Comments, questions or schwag entries - drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or leave me a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

With more to come soon!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose "Save Target as"

This is the final episode of the small table project.  Today we'll be doing the final assembly now that we have the pieces all cut to size, shaped and ready to go.

Attaching the aprons to the legs is a matter of choosing the right joinery that works for you.  And that doesn't always mean going with something like a mortise and tenon joint.  Pocketholes work in my shop with projects like this all the time.

Comments, questions or schwag entries - drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or leave me a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

With more to come soon!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

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I've already posted how the first day went while I was in Berea, Kentucky.  But I thought it was important for all of you to get a real feel for how the lectures and clinics really felt.  So today's episode is a sneak peek at what the attendees of this year's conference heard and experienced.

Comments, questions or schwag entries - drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or leave me a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

With more to come soon!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Help Support Matt's Basement Workshop by visiting our sponsors!

Download directly to your computer "Right Click" on direct download, choose "Save Target as"

Normally I release these on Wednesdays, but this has been no ordinary week!  So here's the latest episode of the small table build.

In this episode we're cutting and shaping the legs.  A simple job of ripping each one to size and then cutting the double taper that give them their shape.

Sorry no schwag this week, but I'll get back on track next week, I promise!

Hendrik's back in November and we're taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Comments, questions or schwag entries - drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com,  or head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or leave me a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Since I've been back from WIA I've been enjoying reading and watching all of the posts and pics my fellow bloggers and podcaster have been posting, and I know you will too.  So checkout all of these links and see what really happened behind the scenes...

Furnitude
The Village Carpenter
The Way of the Galoot
The Folding Rule
Philsville
Woodworking Magazine

With more to come soon!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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The first ever Woodworking in America conference is in the history books and for me it wrapped up with an Advanced Dovetailing class taught by none other than Frank Klausz and then a discussion on eliminating tear-out while Planing by Christopher Schwarz!

Again, here's my impression of how the day went and a little about the classes I've attended...More will be coming soon...stay tuned for videos and hopefully interviews later.

Don't just take my word for it, checkout these blogs too! Village Carpenter, The Folding Rule.  Also checkout Philly Planes at Philsville.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Day 2 is done and I'm still amazed at how much I've learned.  The highlight for today was an amazing seminar put on by Frank Klausz, Roy Underhill and Mike Dunbar on Mortising by hand.  I'll never look at a mortise the same way again!

Again, here's my impression of how the day went and a little about the classes I've attended...More will be coming soon...stay tuned for videos and hopefully interviews later.

Click on the image to see Lee Valley's New Dovetail Saw!

Don't just take my word for it, checkout these blogs too! Village Carpenter, The Folding Rule.  Also checkout Philly Planes at Philsville.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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WOW!!!  What a day today was.  I had a chance to attend four great lectures taught by some of the biggest names in the woodworking world right now.

I only wish I could've been in two or three places at once.  Luckily my friends that I've made here...or should I say met in person here...Loogie, Mack, Craig, David, Neil, Kari, Phil...the list goes on...have been keeping me informed and we've been comparing notes.

Here's my impression of how the day went and a little about the classes I've attended...More will be coming soon...stay tuned for videos and hopefully interviews later.

Don't just take my word for it, checkout these blogs too! Village Carpenter, The Folding Rule.  Also checkout Philly Planes at Philsville.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's the beginning of a brand new month and that means it's time for ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!!!

For the entire month of November, 2008 Whiteside's enormous Classic Multi-Form Router bit is the featured router bit here at Matt's Basement Workshop and is also on sale until November 30th, 2008 at Woodcraft.

The Classic Multi-Form bit cutter's consist of two compound profiles...the classical pattern of a stacked 5/16" cove and roundover followed by a second cove over 1/2" diameter edge bead. 

And when you make just a few adjustments to the height of the bit in the router table or even adjust the exposure of the fence you can make even more profiles click here for examples!

As we do every month we're giving away one of these monstrous "swiss-army" style bits, but if you're not the lucky winner just click here to order your own Multi-Form Bit!

Hendrik's back in November and we're taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Continuing with the little sound tour of the construction of the small table project...this is the audio only version...the video will be released at the same time.  Enjoy!

Hendrik's back in November and we're taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Practice has always made for better results, so I'm decided to keep practicing my dovetail techniques.  I'm onto attempt No.6 and the going is getting better.  Soon I'll be moving onto to other joinery techniques too.

Coming up this Wednesday November 5, Wood Talk Online goes live!!  Don't miss it! 

Hendrik's back in November and we're taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's Halloween again, and just like last year, I saved up some of the most interesting questions that were sent into the show just for this episode.

Perhaps you'll hear something that you've been DYING to ask!!

Coming up this Wednesday November 5, Wood Talk Online goes live!!  Don't miss it! 

Hendrik's back in November and we're taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Trying something a little bit different today.  This is the audio only version of today's project video.  I know a lot of you still prefer more of the audio episodes, so I thought I'd try a little "audio build today".  Let me know how it works out and maybe we'll do more?

Of course for those of you who prefer the video, I've released that too...just double check your feed.

It's that time of year again when the weather starts turning colder and drier around here and I have to once again plan out how I'll build my projects different than from the warmer more humid weather of the summer months.

Here's a few of the things I take into consideration during these days of change...

Hendrik's back in November and we're taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Rather than talking about a specific species of lumber this month let's talk about something that's commonly done with them...cutting them into veneers.

Cutting veneers is perhaps one of the easiest ways to deal with wood movement or to ensure that more of a unique grain or color can be used within a project.

While veneers are typically cut very thin, there's more then one way to cut them...in fact there's about six according to Terry Porter's Book "Wood  Identification & Use".  To learn more about this great bookclick here.

Schwag for today's episode was donated by Highland Woodworking to order a Woodslicer Blade like the one given away today click here.

Hendrik's back in November and we're taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Here's part 2 of this month's talk with Hendrik Varju, where we're discussing his new DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".

Qoute from Hendrik on his new DVD:

"Given the nature of the table saw and all of the inherent dangers of using one, I did not feel comfortable putting out an incomplete DVD that didn't give the full picture.  I considered breaking the DVD into two or even three different videos, but I wanted to give everyone the full information all in one tight package and still try to keep it reasonably priced.  I didn't want to produce just a "feel good" video that just barely covers the subject matter and glosses over the important details.  This production is the exact opposite.  It is guaranteed to give you a headache from information overload, but luckily you can watch it over and over again when you forget something.  It is also guaranteed, by the way, to put your spouse to sleep if they are getting a little cranky."

For more information on ordering this DVD click on this link www.passionforwood.com.

 Coming up in November, Hendrik will be back and taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Today's episode is part 1 of our October visit with Hendrik Varju, our very own guest expert here at Matt's Basement Workshop.  We'll be discussing his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".

For more information on ordering this DVD from Hendrik stop by his website at www.passionforwood.com.

Coming up in November, Hendrik will be back and taking your questions on table saws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early. 

Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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The latest DVD from our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju of Passion for Wood is out and I've had a chance to finally sit down and take it all in.

Actually it took a few nights to do that, as this DVD contains close to 10 hours of information.  It is literally like being right in Hendrik's shop and taking one of the most detailed classes on everything you every wanted to know about tablesaws.

For more information on ordering this DVD from Hendrik stop by his website at www.passionforwood.com.

Coming up in November Hendrik will be back and taking your questions on Tablesaws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early.  Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Jim wrote in a while back about the pros and cons of hand plane jointers vs power jointers.

This is a recurring question with many listeners so I thought I'd share the answer and then also some extra thoughts that I had after I sent Jim my response.

The winners of the Wood Talk Online Giveaway (sponsored by Lee Valley) are:

Richard Sylvestre and Mack McKinney.

They each will receive one of Lee Valley’s new Skew Rabbet Planes!

So if you're not Richard or Mack don't give up hope of getting your hands on these great planes.  You can get both of them on sale at a great reduced price for two more days.

Lee Valley’s special promotional pricing ends 10/15/08.  Trust me, once you've tried one of these, you'll fall head over heels for them!! 

Sorry no video today...minor technical error!

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Listener Doug wrote in about using Aluminum Oxide sandpaper vs Wet/dry for lapping hand plane soles.  Doug had some concerns about the fact that he couldn't find Wet/dry in coarser grits than 400 and was worried that using an AO with water would ruin the sandpaper.

My answer for Doug was...

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Hey everyone it's the beginning of a brand new month and that means it's time for Router Bit of the Month!!

For the entire month of October Woodcraft is featuring Whiteside's 1/2" diameter Round Nose Core Box Bit.  A great grooving/veining profile for projects such as fluting, sign making, etc.

If you're not today's lucky winner of this great bit you can still take advantage of the sale price and add one to your collection just click here Woodcraft.com.

Also as mentioned in the show, I use the 1/4" version with my SignPro Kit from Milescraft.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Every so often it just happens, I get a little burnt out or just overwhelmed...even with woodworking!

I know it's shocking and unheard of, but there are times when shop time is available but getting in there is a whole other issue.  Here are a few things I do for motivation or just to do something different but still woodworking.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Hey everyone today's Feature Friday is a review of another great Lie-Nielsen title.  This time we have Brian Boggs and "Drawknives, Spokeshaves and Travishers--A Chairmaker's Tool Kit"

Part of the reason I've chosen this title is because of my recent desire to learn how to use a spokeshave properly.  And who else would be better to teach the techniques than Brian Boggs?

In "Drawknives, Spokeshaves and Travishers--A Chairmaker's Tool Kit" Brian introduces to the most common tools used by chairmakers.  While he makes it look easier than it should, Brian gives us some great insight into understanding how to make these simple tools work at their best and in turn give us results like we've been doing it for years.

Available primarily at Lie-Nielsen to order a copy of your own click here.

 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

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Let's get right into it...you've been waiting all year so hopefully this won't disappoint.  Today we start the Chisel Plane build with Part 1 of a 2 part series.

In part 1 we'll discuss the style of plane we're building and then build the jig that let's us cut it safely.  For a PDF with a picture of the original jig, which you can use to quickly outline the correct angle to make the bed of the chisel plane click here.

Many of you sent me the plans to the FWW article featuring the chisel plane construction in issue #148.  Here's a link to it Wooden Chisel Plane.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

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Hey everyone I've finally went and done it, I've built a chisel plane from some scraps laying around the shop and a brand new Hock Block Plane blade (the most expensive part of the build!)

Many of you sent me the plans to the FWW article featuring the chisel plane construction in issue #148.  Here's a link to it Wooden Chisel Plane.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

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It's Friday and today we're reviewing one of the titles from the Popular Mechanic's Workshop series "Jointer & Planer Fundamentals" by Rick Peters. 

Two of the most important tools in the workshop, being able to choose and use the right model of jointer and planer is an important step in building amazing furniture. 

Within the chapters of this great resource the reader will find a ton of information on why certain models work best.  Which accessories are crucial.  Basic and advanced techniques of using the tools and so much more. 

I really wanted to hold on to this book, but it's a resource that needs to be shared. Not this week's winner? Click here to get a copy from Woodcraft.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Hey everyone, for today's episode I meant to put something together that would be a little more polished...but...instead you're getting me kind of wrapping up a few random thoughts and annoucements I've been meaning to make.  So enjoy this Wednesday roundup!!

As mentioned in the episode, Hendrik has released his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".  Now available for purchase at his website.   Also if you would like, click here to checkout Milescraft and see the router base I mentioned.

If you're interested in ordering the DVDs I mentioned in the show, containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Year 1 & Year 2 of MBW drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com. 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's Monday and we're starting this week off with the second half of our September visit with Hendrik Varju.  We pick up the discussion with Mike's question on cross-grain glue-ups.  Enjoy!!!

The article recommended by Hendrik for dealing with compound joinery is in the October 2002 #158 issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine, p.96 in the Masterclass section.

Also as a special announcement, exclusively here at MBW, Hendrik has just released his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".  Now available for purchase at his website. 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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MBW's very own guest expert Hendrik Varju is back once again and today we're answering some of your questions that you sent.  Today's episode is Part 1 of a 2 part series.  The second episode will of course be released on Monday.

To start the show off we find out what Hendrik thought of the recent IWF in Atlanta and then jump right into Shannon's email on compound joinery.  Then we move on to Sal's question on marking and measuring.

The article recommended by Hendrik for dealing with compound joinery is in the October 2002 #158 issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine, p.96 in the Masterclass section.

Also as a special announcement, exclusively here at MBW, Hendrik has just released his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".  Now available for purchase at his website.

 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Hey everyone it's Monday and it's back to work for most of us.  Of course over the weekend I had a chance to hear from a number of you who had questions regarding the shooting board.  Perhaps the number 1 question was "why doesn't the blade of the plane alter the reference edge of the shooting board?" 

I thought I had a great answer, but as always I double checked myself by looking for another resource and sure enough I was on the right track.  So listen to today's show to find out that answer.

If you're curious about my other resource checkoutWhite Mountain Design they've got a tutorial on shooting boards including an excellent photo answer to the #1 question.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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It's the beginning of a brand new month and that can mean only one thing!!!  IT'S TIME FOR ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!

This month we have Whiteside's Thumbnail Table Edge Bit.  An elongated round over bit that gives an unique profile that a regular round over bit only wishes it could touch.

Not today's lucky winner, but you want to get your own Thumbnail Table Edge Bit? Click here to visit Woodcraft.com and order yours today.

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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It's time for Jig of the Month!  And this month we're building a simplified shooting board based on the one I saw in David Charlesworth's "Shooting Simplified" DVD from Lie-Nielsen.

Nothing fancy, just cabinet grade plywood for a base and some scrap hardwood from the bin.  Since I already had these all laying around anyways it cost me little to nothing to build and it only took an hour or two to complete.

The video of the construction will be released shortly, it's a big file so I'm breaking it into 2 or 3 parts for easier downloading.  Hope you enjoy and make one for yourself. 

Oh and by the way...congrats to our 3 winners this week of ZEM hearing in honor of our 300th episode!

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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So many great questions and tips have been coming in, so today I'll share a few more with you.  Also if you want to have a little fun and find out how well you know your router bit profiles checkout this "Router Bit Profile Quiz".

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Feedback and questions are what help to make this show move and we got some in today's episode.  A couple of listeners had some great feedback in regards to the hammer episode so I thought I'd share it with you.

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Hey everyone it's time for another installment of Lumber Species of the Month...and this time we're sharing a few facts on a favorite of a lot of woodworkers - Walnut.

Once abundant throughout the United States and growing to 150 FT tall and 6 FT in diameter Walnut was heavily harvested for it's beautiful grains and colors.  It's the only natural "brown" colored wood found growing in the states.

While it's still readily available the trees today average about 80-100 FT tall and usually only about 3 FT in diameter...a stark contrast from before.  But still it's a beautiful wood to work with...

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  If you're planning on being at the IWF in Atlanta, anyone wanting to have a chat with Hendrik can leave a message for him in the Press Lounge.  Or, better yet, he'll be attending The Wood Whisperer's after-show get together Friday evening, August 22nd.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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It's a Monday and that means it's time for Magazine Monday!!!

Over the weekend I spent a lot of time at the computer and it got me to yearning for a project in the shop.

So in today's episode I'm sharing a few of those thoughts with you!!

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  If you're planning on being at the IWF in Atlanta, anyone wanting to have a chat with Hendrik can leave a message for him in the Press Lounge.  Or, better yet, he'll be attending The Wood Whisperer's after-show get together Friday evening, August 22nd.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Hey everyone, today we have the featureless friday!  More or less, I've been bitten by a bug and I've down for the count since tuesday.

But that's no excuse for not having a show and not giving away free schwag to the greatest listeners in the world!!!

So I have a few things to share with you and a little fever ridden rambling too!!

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  If you're planning on being at the IWF in Atlanta, anyone wanting to have a chat with Hendrik can leave a message for him in the Press Lounge.  Or, better yet, he'll be attending The Wood Whisperer's after-show get together Friday evening, August 22nd.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Last week's episodes on the replacement of my workbench top have generated a few questions and some great feedback.  As always when these come in, I can't help but share them with everyone...because I'm willing to bet there's plenty of you thinking the same things.

 Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session and if you get a chance this weekend stop by and see him at the 5th Annual Welbeck Wood Expo.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Hey everyone I had a chance not so long ago to review another of the David Charlesworth titles produced by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks.

In Part 3 of the Hand Tool Techniques series we're introduced to one of the most important jigs in the hand tool workshop, the shooting board.  A very basic and easy to use shop aide, but one that can do so much to improve your joinery.

David explains, in a no nonsense way, how not only to use the shooting board but how to setup your planes, how to tweak the stock for the best results and so much more.

For anyone interested in getting more out of your hand planes this is a must watch.

Not this week's lucky schwag winner?  Click here to get your own copy at Woodcraft Hand Tool Techniques Pt.3 "Precision Shooting Simplified" .

Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session and if you get a chance this weekend stop by and see him at the 5th Annual Welbeck Wood Expo.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Not so long ago my workbench's top was the perfect surface for almost all of my needs.  It's always been a little short, but the weight was perfect for handplaning.

When I discovered how unflat it's become in the last few weeks it was clear it needed to be replaced.  The question on my mind is what should the top be made from?

I need something flat, something reliable and more importantly something that could get me back in the shop in no time...

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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It's the beginning of a brand new month and I'm fully back from the "vacation".  So let's get everything started the right way by beginning with Router Bit of the Month!!!

And this month we have something a little extra special.  Whiteside's 1/2" Straight Cutting Bit is what I consider to be an essential router bit profile, this is one that should be in everyone's collection no matter what kind of woodworking you do.

And considering that I happen to already own one of these, because like I said...this is an essential profile...rather than keeping another one for myself why not share it with a second lucky winner??

So that's what we're doing, now there's double your chances to win this month.  If you weren't one of our two lucky winners this week that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the great discounted price at Woodcraft all month long, just click here to buy yours...Whiteside 1/2" Diameter Straight Cutting Bit.

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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It's near the end of July and  it's time to give away some great schwag to some even greater listeners!!

This week we have another set of 2-1/2" Whiteside Brass Height Gages for one lucky winner and another great title from Sterling Publishing for a second lucky listener.

If you're interested in getting a set of your own gauges from Woodcraft click here, Whiteside Brass Height Gauges.

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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A huge thanks to Shannon from www.rogersfinewoodworking.com for hearing the call and answering!  Shannon is today's guest host here at Matt's Basement Workshop and he's talking about woodturning.

This a great opportunity for anyone who's interested in getting started with turning, since currently I don't do it myself.  If you'd like to learn more about Shannon visit his blog the "Rennassiance Woodworker" or email him at shannon@rogersfinewoodworking.com. 

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey or click on the link at the website.  When you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Coming up in September Hendrik is back and we're answering whatever questions you submit.  So get them in!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's the middle of July and while technically...I'm still on vacation, it's time to give away some great schwag to some even greater listeners!!

This week we have a set of 2-1/2" Whiteside Brass Height Gages for one lucky winner and a great title from Sterling Publishing for another lucky listener.  That's right, two lucky winners this week!

Oh and by the way, checkout the video for today's show...I have a little surprise for everyone.  Warning though!! The sound is left channel only...a new bug popped up and I'm working on it.

If you're interested in getting a set of your own gauges from Woodcraft click here, Whiteside Brass Height Gauges.

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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When it comes to finding a tool(s) that can speed up your set up of router bits or blades I've been very skeptical. 

But I've been won over by the brass height gauges from Whiteside.  These little pieces of brass allow me to accurately set up bits so quickly I'm still convinced I'm doing something wrong, but the fact is these accurate results are repeatable over and over...

If you're interested in learning more about these gauges click here Whiteside Brass Height Gauges.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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It's been a little while but lumber species of the month is back again.  Today though, we're not talking about a specific species of lumber but more of an beneficial defect that can be found in lumber.

Spalted lumber refers to any lumber in which a fungus or mold has begun to decay the wood and leaves a really unique pattern and color in the grain that looks like nothing else. 

Thanks to Highland Woodworking for donating a WoodSlicer Resaw Bandsaw Blade for this week's schwag giveaway.  If you're in the market for a great blade, this is the one.  It resawed 4/4, 4" wide red oak boards on my 1/3 HP, 50 year old bandsaw like it was slicing bread (no exaggeration!!). 

And if you're not in the market for a bandsaw blade at least stop by and enter for a chance to win a Festool Kapex during their 30th Anniversary Giveaway.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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For a lot of us, the back of a project is usually just a matter of cutting a piece of plywood to fit.  But a specific design may call for something more, or perhaps we just want it looking nicer.

What are our options?  Do we really have options?  Sure!!

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Last year a longtime listener and LumberJock buddy, Wayne C. sent in a great idea for all of us vintage tool hunters.  Wayne's Hand Plane Hunting Kit is a great jig of sorts, to take with you on your next trip to the flea market, antique store, garage sale or wherever you find vintage tools.

Considering that the flea market season is full on in my neck of the woods I thought this was a great time to revisit this topic.

To get your copy of the "Stanley Little Big Book" head over to Lee Valley.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju has returned for another visit here at Matt's Basement Workshop, and this month we're mixing things up a little bit.  Rather than our usual question and answer show, we're talking a little more philosophical and asking the question "Why do we woodwork?"

This is the wrap-up to our discussion and once again after you listen to it I'm willing to bet that many of you feel the same way about why it is we woodwork as we did. 

You're welcome to send in your own comments to the discussion or even pose a few more questions too.  Just contact us either by email at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, leave a comment at the website, or call and leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

If you'd like to get more information about Hendrik checkout his website at www.passionforwood.com.

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

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Our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju has returned for another visit here at Matt's Basement Workshop, and this month we're mixing things up a little bit.  Rather than our usual question and answer show, we're talking a little more philosophical and asking the question "Why do we woodwork?"

Today's episode is part 1, and after you listen to it I'm willing to bet that many of you feel the same way about why it is we woodwork as we did. 

You're welcome to send in your own comments to the discussion or even pose a few more questions too.  Just contact us either by email at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, leave a comment at the website, or call and leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

AND DON'T FORGET!! on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

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A common question and concern for anyone using vintage planes is the topic of replacement blades.  While some vintage planes come with blades that work perfectly fine, often we may find ourselves with one that sorely needs to be replaced.

Modern manufacturers like both Veritas and Lie-Nielsen sell replacement blades, but the most common name most are familiar with is Hock Blades.  Hock blades are available through a number of resources including Woodcraft.com.  But if you're looking for a vintage replacement blade or just replacement parts for your vintage planes checkout Bob Kaune's Website.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or you can always leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Hendrik is back this month and we're talking about "Why we woodwork".  We'd love your feedback on why it is that you woodwork also, so call or write in to the show.

Don't forget too that on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

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It's the first Friday of a new month and that can mean only one thing here at Matt's Basement Workshop...IT'S TIME FOR ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!!!!

Once again the great folks at Whiteside and Woodcraft sent us another router bit to tryout and giveaway.  So for all of June ,Woodcraft is featuring Whiteside's Shaker Style Rail and Stile set.  A great set of bits that makes quick work of helping you build beautiful Shaker Style doors for whatever project you have coming up.

Unlike other Rail and Stile sets.  Whiteside's set is designed to cut grooves that accept a 1/4" plywood panel without the rattling and loose fitting that others leave you with.  And considering that it's on sale at Woodcraft for 25% off all month long...it's a deal you shouldn't miss.

 

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or you can always leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Hendrik is back this month and we're talking about "Why we woodwork".  We'd love your feedback on why it is that you woodwork also, so call or write in to the show.

Don't forget too that Hendrik is wrapping up his annual finishing seminar:  Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques" - June 7th.  Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

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This weekend I was back in Chicago at Jeff Miller's Studio taking a class on shaping and bending wood.  It was a lot of fun and really opened my eyes that there's more to design than straight lines and slight arcs!

For more information on classes with Jeff Miller checkout his website and class schedule at www.furnituremaking.com.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or you can always leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Hendrik is back this month and we're talking about "Why we woodwork".  We'd love your feedback on why it is that you woodwork also, so call or write in to the show.

Don't forget too that Hendrik is wrapping up his annual finishing seminar:  Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques" - June 7th.  Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

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It's Feature Friday and today we're reviewing another great title from Lie-Nielsen.  This is part 2 of the David Charlesworth series on hand planes.  If you're wondering how to use a hand plane to get nearly dead flat edges, faces and more this is the DVD to get you started.  To order your copy from Woodcraft Click here.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag you can always drop me a line at 1 231 354-2338

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Hendrik is wrapping up his annual finishing seminar: 
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques" - May 31st or June 7th.

Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

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Last Wednesday I shared with you my uses for extra scraps, sawdust and shavings.  And just as I had asked, you the listeners came through for me!!  Quite a few of you sent in your ideas, so as promised I have this follow up show to share them with everyone.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag you can always drop me a line at 231 354-2338

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Hendrik is wrapping up his annual finishing seminar: 
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.

Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

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The return of Jig of the Month!!  It's been a long while since our last jig episode and hopefully this won't disappoint.  Sanding blocks are a common staple of the woodshop, and even if you're all about the hand planes or even the orbital sander, sanding blocks are crucial for giving you nice flat surfaces everytime. 

Not to mention custom made sanding blocks are a great way to use some of those scraps we have laying around!

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag you can always drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.  OR you can call me and leave a voice mail too!! 1 231 354-2338

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Hendrik is wrapping up his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.

Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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WARNING!!  I FORGOT TO TURN UP THE VOLUME WHEN I WAS RECORDING SO TODAY'S EPISODE NEEDS TO BE TURNED UP WHEN YOU LISTEN.  SORRY?!?!

We all make scraps and shavings when we're building.  What we do with them is as varied as the projects we build.  I use to have stacks and stacks of these offcuts, since I couldn't bring myself to throw them away, but after just a few projects these add up and start taking up valuable space.

I've found a few things to do with mine, but I'm curious what you do with yours.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag you can always drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.  OR you can call me and leave a voice mail too!! 1-231-354-2338

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Hendrik is wrapping up his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.

Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar based on his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business"at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information about these seminars contact Hendrik at info@passionforwood.com.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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This is Part 2 of our talk with Hendrik about starting a woodworking business.  We all know that at some point the thought of starting our own has crossed our minds.  I for one have wasted many an hour, daydreaming of walking away from my day job and spending the rest of my life happily making beautiful projects for even happier clients.  But, to be honest I wouldn't know where to get started, or even how.  Luckily for us though our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju does and he's back to talk to us about it. 

If you'd like to learn more about starting your own successful woodworking business from Hendrik, then stop by his website to pick up a copy of his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business".

Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar by the same name at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information contact him at info@passionforwood.com.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag you can always drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.  OR you can call me and leave a voice mail too!! 1-231-354-2338

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Also, Hendrik is wrapping up his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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We all know that at some point the thought of starting our own woodworking business has crossed our minds.  I for one have wasted many an hour, daydreaming of walking away from my day job and spending the rest of my life happily making beautiful projects for even happier clients.  But, to be honest I wouldn't know where to get started, or even how.  Luckily for us though our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju does and he's back to talk to us about it. 

If you'd like to learn more about starting your own successful woodworking business from Hendrik, then stop by his website to pick up a copy of his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business".

Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar by the same name at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information contact him at info@passionforwood.com.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag you can always drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.  OR you can call me and leave a voice mail too!! 1-231-354-2338

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Also, Hendrik is wrapping up his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Safety Week is coming to a close and here's the last installment from Matt's Basement Workshop.  Eye protection is vital in the woodshop, with sawdust, chips, splinters, and even finishing chemicals flying around keeping our eyes safe is crucial.

We have plenty of options for all the various jobs we do in the woodshop, so it's just a matter of choosing the right one for ourselves.

Whichever one you choose, just wear them!!

A couple of good links to visit include OSHA's Woodworking eTool, Prevent Blindness America and also this 2002 report on eye related injuries from the Dept. of Labor.

Oh by the way...I'm giving you one more day to enter for the big Safety Week Schwag drawings.  Saturday I'll be drawing the names of the winners and posting a special video.  So check back to find out if your a winner of free stuff!!

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.  And don't forget to drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions, especially since Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Safety week is well under way and here is my second episode.  As I mentioned on Monday, I firmly feel that there are three areas we need to be aware of everytime we walk into the shop. 

We talked about lung safety on Monday and how there's more to sawdust danger than explosions and slipping and falling.  Today it's time to talk about hearing protection.  This is another one that's easy to take for granted, afterall sometimes we just need to make a quick cut...but those quick cuts quickly add up! 

A couple of good links to visit includeOSHA's Woodworking eTool, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and also this comparison chart of various decibels created from a range of different sources at Galen Carol Audio.

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.  And don't forget to drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions, especially since Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's the beginning of safety week and here at Matt's Basement Workshop I'm planning on sharing with you my take on three very important safety issues, starting today with sawdust safety.

When most of us think of sawdust safety we think of fires and explosions due to sparks and accumulated piles. But I think of health issues first and foremost. If not properly contained, sawdust poses a major health issue not just on the woodworker, but their families too.

A couple of good links to visit includeOSHA's Woodworking eTool, Gregory Machinery and also some of my previous episodes that deal with dust collection include, Episode #9 "Dust Collection", Tips From the Scrap Pile No.30 .

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, click here.  And don't forget to drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions, especially since Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

For some great woodworking classes in the Chicago area visit Jeff Miller's website at furnituremaking.com.

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It's the beginning of a new month here at Matt's Basement Workshop, so that means today's Feature Friday is Router Bit of the Month!!  Once again Woodcraft and Whiteside sent us another great router bit to try out and for one of you lucky listeners....well you're getting one too!!

The Whiteside Shaker Style Raised Panel bit is a great addition to anyone's router bit collection who enjoys building Shaker style furniture.  Unlike more ornate raised panel bits, the shaker style stays true to the straight lines and simplicity of it's namesake.

If you're not this month's winner of a great Whiteside router bit there's no reason you can't pick up one for yourself considering the fantastic discounted price they put on it for the entire month so Click Here to order your Whiteside Shaker Style Raised Panel Bit from Woodcraft.com.

Drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions.  And don't forget that Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business, so get your questions in for Hendrik too.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - May 3rd. 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

 Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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This is the second episode with both video and audio and so far the response has been good.  Let me know what you think about it too.

Awhile back I received an email from a listener who's a little skeptical about the use of tape as a clamp.  While he's right that a traditional clamp can exert a lot more pressure than tape can.  Tape is still a very useful helping hand when it comes to clamping tricky joints and odd shapes.

Drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions.  And don't forget that Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business, so get your questions in for Hendrik too.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - May 3rd. 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

 Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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A while back a listener wrote asking about the difference between a left-tilt vs right-tilt tablesaw.  This is a common question that beginning woodworkers have, and with good reason. 

Usually these days the right-tilt saws are much more inexpensive, but even with the lower price most woodworkers prefer the left-tilts.  Why you ask?  I'll give you my opinion in the show.

You may have noticed I'm trying something new today.  I've decided to start recording video of myself recording the show.  This way I can add a little extra here and there, and who doesn't want to look at this mug??

Let me know what you think about this little experiment and of course drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions.  And don't forget that Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business, so get your questions in for Hendrik too.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

 

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - May 3rd. 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

 Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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When it comes to essential reads in the world of woodworking, I consider "Choosing and Using Hand Tools" by Andy Rae as one of the most important. 

Andy does a great job of presenting an amazing amount of information about a large number of tools both traditional and non-traditional to the woodshop.

This book isn't just filled with a few pictures and a couple of little descriptions of each tool, but instead Andy does a great job of making sure the reader has a good understanding of the limitations and capabilities of each tool and to which family they belong.

Copies of "Choosing and Using Hand Tools" can be found at both Sterling Publishing and also at Amazon.com.

Hendrik has agreed to come back in May to talk about starting a woodworking business.  So remember to get your questions in as soon as possible.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - April 26th or May 3rd. 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Of course you can always drop me a line with your questions, comments, suggestions and schwag entries anytime.  Just send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

 Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Chris Schwarz, editor of Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazines, author of "Workbenches:  From Design & Theory to Construction & Use", and of course star of three Lie-Nielsen DVDs agreed to come on the show for an interview with yours truly.

While I meant to ask Chris everything under the sun regarding hand tools and his various articles that I've accumulated over the past few years (I swear I'm not a stalker, just a devoted Schwarzee).  I narrowed it down to just a few key ones ranging from hand sawing to dealing with letters to the editor by happy and unhappy readers alike.

I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did doing it.  Chris agreed to come back on some other time, so stay subscribed for possible upcoming visits in the future.

Hendrik is returning in May to answer your questions about getting a woodworking business up and running.  It's a little teaser before his annual seminar so get those questions in as soon as possible.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - April 26th or May 3rd. 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Of course you can always drop me a line with your questions, comments, suggestions and schwag entries anytime.  Just send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

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This past Saturday I had the chance to head to Chicago and check out a Lie-Nielsen Tool Demo and seminars at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture. 

If you've ever been interested in taking some tools for a test run or just hanging out with very like minded individuals, these type of get togethers are for you.  Thomas Lie-Nielsen himself was there and for those lucky enough to take one of his tools home that day you were able to get him to sign it with his etcher.  That's him and me in the picture posted here.

Jeff Miller graciously made his shop available for all the demos and now that it's over it's time to get back to work.  I'm taking a class on May 31st myself and there's many more to sign up for if you're interested.  Just give Jeff a call to schedule yours.

Coming up in May, Hendrik is returning to answer your questions about getting a woodworking business up and running.  It's a little teaser before his annual seminar in his own shop, so get those questions in as soon as possible.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - April 26th or May 3rd. 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
If you live in the Toronto area and want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Of course you can always drop me a line with your questions, comments, suggestions and schwag entries anytime.  Just send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

 Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's April and Hendrik is back to answer more of your questions.  This month we're talking about dealing with troubled stock.  Since nothing is worse than dealing with cupped, bowed, twisted or crooked boards we answer your questions about how to tame these problems or maybe even avoid them.

Today is part 2 of our discussion, so hopefully if we haven't answered your question yet we will today.

Remember for comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

 Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's April and Hendrik is back to answer more of your questions.  This month we're talking about dealing with troubled stock.  Since nothing is worse than dealing with cupped, bowed, twisted or crooked boards we answer your questions about how to tame these problems or maybe even avoid them.

Today is part 1 of our discussion, and since it's Friday that means it's Feature Friday so one of you lucky listeners is winning some free schwag!  Are you the lucky listener??

For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen.  There will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.

Remember for comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

 Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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So since we're already in the neighborhood talking about Shop Vacs I had a few more thoughts I decided I would share with you.

This time my thoughts on Shop Vacs are a lot more positive than in the last episode and I have a few ideas about what to look for in a good Shop Vac.  Some are pretty obvious and others might seem frivalous but I think they're important to me.

While I don't think Shop Vacs are good for a central dust collection system I do think they have an important role in the workshop.

For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen.  There will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.

For comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

 

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When I first started to put together my workshop in the beginning of my woodworking career (if you can call it that).  I wasn't convinced that I had a need for a dedicated dust collection system, that instead my shop vac was more than enough.

Time went on, and I realized that I was mistaken, and once I had my first and current dust collector I quickly understood the limitations of the shop vac as the heart of a dust collection system.

For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen.  There will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.

For comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

 

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It's the beginning of a new month and that means it's time for Router Bit of the Month!!  For the entire month of April, 2008 Woodcraft is featuring Whiteside's 1/4" radius Cove and Bead Edge Profiling bit. 

This little decorative edge profiling bit is like getting two bits in one.  The combination of a 1/4" radius cove profile and a 1/4" radius bead give plain old square and chunky edges a beautiful decorative look that's very pleasing to the eye.

The great thing about Whiteside's cove and bead bit is that when you use it in your router table it's like getting four profiles for the price of one.  By running your stock flat against the router table you get an edge with the bead leading the profile, but by standing the stock on edge and running it up against the router table fence you get an decorative edge with the cove leading the profile.

Or, if you're just looking to use the cove or the bead profiles by themselves it's once again a matter of adjusting the height of the bit and moving the fence back and forth.  In a matter of minutes you're making separate profiles from this one combo bit.

If you're interested in ordering this month's Router Bit of the Month from Woodcraft.com just click on the picture:

Congrats to Frank Bylo, this month's winner of a Whiteside router bit!!  If you haven't entered your name for free schwag or just have a comment, question or feedback, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

If you're in the upstate New York area this weekend April 5 & 6 checkout the Northeastern Woodworker's Association's Showcase.  Filled with great seminars and demonstrations, check it out at www.nwawoodworkingshow.org.

For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen.  There will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.

Don't forget to get your questions in for Hendrik's next visit in April, we're talking lumber defects and how to work around them. 

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For today we're continuing my response to a listener's email that came in awhile ago.  Scott's in the market for a new router table and maybe a router and was wondering what features might be important if I were looking to get a new one.

Regardless of the manufacturer there are key items and accessories that I consider to be crucial in models I'm looking at.  So for today I'll share with you my thoughts on the router tables.

For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen.  There will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.

Don't forget to get your questions in for Hendrik's next visit in April, we're talking lumber defects and how to work around them.  For comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

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I'm back...last week I ended up flat on my back thanks to the flu!!  I'm still a little weak, but feeling a ton better!!

Today's episode is my response to a listener's email that came in awhile ago.  Scott's in the market for a new router table and maybe a router and was wondering what I might look for if I were looking to get a new one.

Regardless of the manufacturer there are key items and accessories that I consider to be crucial in models I'm looking at.  So for today I'll share with you my thoughts on the router and on the next episode it's time to take a look at router tables.

For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen, there will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.

Don't forget to get your questions in for Hendrik's next visit in April, we're talking lumber defects and how to work around them.  For comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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For anyone interested in learning the right way to prep and sharpen their hand plane blades this DVD from Lie-Nielsen is a great tutorial.  David Charlesworth is already known for being a great woodworking instructor and "Hand Tool Techniques Part 1" just reinforces it even more so.

Covering topics from truing and prepping waterstones for sharpening to accurately setting up a honing guide repeatedly.  Other topics inside include flattening waterstones, understanding which ones to use and also setting up chipbreakers for your blade assemblies. 

The demonstrations in this DVD will have you sharpening your plane's blade in no time and getting scary sharp results right away.

To order your own copy  from Woodcraft just click on the DVD cover below:

Or head over to Lie-Nielsen to order directly.

Don't forget coming up in April, Hendrik is back and answering our questions about dealing with cup, bow, twist or other lumber imperfections.  So get your questions in soon.  Send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, that's also where you can submit your name for free schwag, questions for the show or feedback.

And don't forget to head over to Chris Schwarz's blog to learn more about his classes, Lost Art Press.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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On March 16th I attended my first woodworking class.  I know it's hard to believe that it's taken me so long to get my feet wet, but I've taken the plunge and I couldn't be happier.

Chris Schwarz's "The Forgotten Art of Handsawing" was just the kind of class I've been waiting to take for quite awhile.  As a huge admirer of Chris and a self proclaimed hand tool lover this was a golden opportunity to mix the two.

Not to mention that this was also a great opportunity to meet and make a number of new friends.  So thanks to all of you!  Here are some links to pics of the class, these were sent to me by listeners who happened to come across this at two different forums Pics from Woodcentral.com and Pics from Penturners.org.

For more information on what's new with Chris Schwarz and to find out where his next class is being held check out his blog at Lost Art Press.

If you're interested in checking out upcoming classes being offered at this Woodcraft location click on this link Classes at Sterling Heights Woodcraft

Don't forget to get your questions, comments and schwag entries in.  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

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Hi Everyone...I was just informed by a very astute listener of the show that I posted the wrong file!!  Here is the correct one!

Sorry for the inconvience and thanks for listening!

 

Today we're talking Wood Science 101 with Hendrik Varju.  All of us have been, or should be at sometime concerned with what wood movement can do to our finished projects.  So understanding how and why wood moves is crucial to designing and building pieces that will last through the years.  So check out today's show, which is the first half of a two part discussion on one of the most crucial topics in woodworking.

I'd really like to thank Hendrik for agreeing to come back and talk with us again.  If you're interested in learning more about Hendrik or to order a copy of his DVD "Jointer and Planer Secrets" stop by his website at www.passionforwood.com .  

Coming up next month we're talking about dealing with twist, cup, bow and other wood problems.  So if you have questions drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com and that's also where you can enter for the free schwag drawings too!!

 

 

Today we're talking Wood Science 101 with Hendrik Varju.  All of us have been, or should be at sometime concerned with what wood movement can do to our finished projects.  So understanding how and why wood moves is crucial to designing and building pieces that will last through the years.  So check out today's show, which is the first half of a two part discussion on one of the most crucial topics in woodworking.

I'd really like to thank Hendrik for agreeing to come back and talk with us again.  If you're interested in learning more about Hendrik or to order a copy of his DVD "Jointer and Planer Secrets" stop by his website at www.passionforwood.com .  

Coming up next month we're talking about dealing with twist, cup, bow and other wood problems.  So if you have questions drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com and that's also where you can enter for the free schwag drawings too!!

 

Today we're talking Wood Science 101 with Hendrik Varju.  All of us have been, or should be at sometime concerned with what wood movement can do to our finished projects.  So understanding how and why wood moves is crucial to designing and building pieces that will last through the years.  So check out today's show, which is the first half of a two part discussion on one of the most crucial topics in woodworking.

I'd really like to thank Hendrik for agreeing to come back and talk with us again.  If you're interested in learning more about Hendrik or to order a copy of his DVD "Jointer and Planer Secrets" stop by his website at www.passionforwood.com .  

If you're interested in meeting Hendrik, he'll be making an appearance at the Kitchener-Waterloo Woodworking Show this weekend March 14-16, 2008.  For more information on the show head over to Wood Shows for dates, times and so much more.

Coming up next month we're talking about dealing with twist, cup, bow and other wood problems.  So if you have questions drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com and that's also where you can enter for the free schwag drawings too!!

 

Not only is freehand chamfering easy as we described on Monday, but freehanding a roundover is quick and easy too.

The technique is quick and simple to learn, and with a little practice your roundovers can look as good or even better than those you can make with your router.

Comments, questions, feedback and schwag entries can be sent to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .

There's more you can do with a block plane than just cleaning up end-grains.  I love to use mine for freehanding chamfers on projects.

The technique is quick and simple, and with a little practice your chamfers can look as good or even better than those you can make with your router.

Comments, questions, feedback and schwag entries can be sent to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .

It's the first Friday of the month and that means it's time for ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!!!

This month we've had a chance to try out Whiteside's 3 Flute Flush Trimmer Bit.  A really great bit for when you're working with veneers, laminates or any thin material that can easily splinter and tear when you're trimming it flush.

Just like with all the other Whiteside Router Bits we've tried before, this one is no different when it comes to construction and reliability, they're well worth the money.  And considering they're on sale at Woodcraft for the entire month of March the price is even better.

So if you're interested in picking one up for your next veneer or laminate project head to your local Woodcraft or just click on the picture below to find it at Woodcraft.com

Don't forget to get your name in for upcoming schwag drawings if you haven't already, or if you have a question, topic suggestion or feedback.  Send them all to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .

Do you have questions about wood movement, acclimation or storage?  Submit them soon for our next talk with Hendrik.

This month's wood species is Mahogany.  A beautiful wood that has been favored by woodworkers for making "high end" furniture, cabinets, and so much more.  The dark reddish-brown color of the heartwood is easily identifiable.  Mahogany works and shapes easily with both power and hand tools - as long as they're sharp.  It's readiness to accept preservatives applied to it makes it a great choice for boats and outdoor furniture.

Thanks to the great folks at Highland Woodworking, home of "Saturday Mornings at Highland" a free educational series occuring every saturday at 10AM at their Atlanta, Georgia store.  Once again they've donated another customized Woodslicer Resaw Bandsaw blade to this week's lucky schwag winner.  But if you didn't win and still want to purchase one of these great blades, then just click on the picture below!

If you have comments, questions, show ideas or want to enter your name for a chance to win free schwag drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com. 

This past weekend I spent a little one on one time with one of my many favorite hand tools...my Veritas Low Angle block plane.  Block planes aren't just for cutting end grains and there seems to be a lot of confusion over standard angle and low angle planes.

Regardless of which style you choose, they're both bevel up and thus are extremely versatile given the fact that bevel ups are so much easier to alter the effective cutting angle.

Don't forget coming up in March, Hendrik is back and we're talking wood movement and acclimation so make sure to get your questions in as soon as possible.  Send questions, topic ideas, feedback and schwag entries to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

It's been awhile since the last Jig of the Month feature so I figured it was time to do one.  And I've got one that I think most people probably wouldn't think of as a jig at all...masking tape!

I often use blue painter's tape as a clamping jig in quite a few situations.  When I need a couple of extra hands masking tape is my best helper in the shop and it also doesn't mar the work either.

Hendrik is coming back in March to answer questions about wood movement and acclimation so be sure to get your questions in as soon as possible.

So if you have comments, questions, topic suggestions and schwag entries send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

We've been covering the process of altering bevels in an effort to change the pitch of our bevel up planes to minimize tearout when planing wood. 

But is it possible to do the same with traditional bevel down planes? 

Afterall, no matter what bevel you put on your traditional planes, the back of the blade is always dead flat (or should be) and is parallel with the bed of the frog so how can you alter the pitch?

There are two ways, the first is to replace the traditional 45 degree angle frog - referred to as a common pitch - with a steeper 50 degree angle frog - York pitch or grind a bevel on the back of the blade - a back bevel.

For consistent back bevel grinding I use my Veritas MK.II honing guide.  To find out more about it click on the picture below.

Hendrik is back in March to answer your questions about wood movement, storage and so much more.  So if you have questions, feedback, topic suggestions or schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .

 

This is part 2 of the recent question and answer talk with Hendrik Varju.  Many of you submitted great questions regarding tuning hand planes, both new and used, and Hendrik had the answers.

If you're interested in learning more about Hendrik, including ordering his first DVD title "Jointer and Planer Secrets" head over to his website at www.passionforwood.com .  Also you can see Hendrik at the upcoming wood show in Toronto, to learn more about it head to www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/show/ .

You may notice a recorder box in the upper right hand corner of the website, if you'd like to leave me a voicemail just click on the appropriate box and using your computer mic you can record your own message playable on the show.

Enter your name for the free schwag drawings mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

For today's episode we have part 1 of our recent visit with Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast's Guest Expert Hendrik Varju.  This time we have Hendrik back to answer questions, submitted by you the listeners, regarding tuning up hand planes.  Whether it's a new model from Veritas or Lie-Nielsen or an antique you picked up at a flea market, getting these hand planes working the right way is a major concern for all of us.

Many of you wrote in with some great questions, but I just couldn't use all of them.  So instead I picked out the ones that I think best represented the concerns most of you had regarding getting your hand planes working as well as they could.

To find out more about Hendrik, head over to his website at www.passionforwood.com where you can see his seminar sessions, order his DVD "Jointer and Planer Secrets - private woodworking instruction in a box" or even take a private class with him at his shop in Erin, Ontario.

Also if you're looking for a great woodworking event to attend check out the upcoming Woodworking Show in Toronto Canada, February 29- March 2 2008.  Hendrik is going to be teaching a seminar that weekend so if you're attending stop by and say hello!  For more information on the show head over to www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/show/

Congrats to Scott Thomas for being this week's lucky schwag winner!!  If you haven't entered your name yet or just want to leave a comment drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

To order Leonard Lee's Sharpening guide which we talked about earlier this week, click on the picture below:

Altering the primary bevels on a bevel up plane will dramatically alter the effective cutting angle.  This can help to dramatically decrease tearout in even the most troublesome woods.

The combination of the blade's bevel angle and the plane's bed angle equals the effective cutting angle or pitch (I think I messed this terms up in the episode).

For most Bevel Up planes the pitch equals 37 degrees - this is the bed angle of 12 degrees along with the typical 25 degree bevel of the blade.  This works fine for most end grains and softwoods.  But for straight grained moderate hardwoods like Cherry or Poplar, a 50 degree pitched blade will give great looking results.  For difficult grained woods a steeper pitched blade works even better.

I had a little problem with Monday's episode posting, so if you didn't hear it yet, it's a lead up to today's.

Questions, comments, suggestions or to enter for schwag?? mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

To order Leonard Lee's Sharpening guide, click on the picture

Bevel Up planes are a great choice for the first time hand plane user because of their lower bed angle.  The cutting angle of the blade helps to make them less prone to tearout which is the scurge of hand plane users!!

Of course it's important to understand, that while Bevel Ups do help to control tearout, they're still not the complete answer to overcoming it.  Bevel Ups are simply one of the many tools we can use to reduce the amount of tear out we'll run into.  But is there more we can do?  Listen to find out...

Have you entered for the schwag drawings?  Drop me a line with your questions, topic suggestions and schwag entries at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

It's been a while since our last book review, but it's finally back!  This month we're taking a look at Alan and Gill Bridgewaters' "Encyclopedia of Woodworking". 

An all around great book for beginners "Encyclopedia of Woodworking" is a good choice for those who might be a little overwhelmed with more technical woodworking reference books geared towards woodworkers with formal training or at least a few years worth of sawdust under their feet.

While providing enough information about some of the most common aspects of woodworking, "Encyclopedia of Woodworking" presents it in an easy to read, easy to understand manner.  I don't think most veteran woodworkers will find it a must read, but for the true amateur it should help you find your way.

To get your copy Click here to buy from Amazon.com or visit Sterling Publishing. 

Congrats to Jerry Esposito for winning schwag this week!!  If you haven't entered already, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.  That's also where you can send all your comments, questions and feedback too!

Have questions about tuning up your hand plane?  Ask Hendrik!  Get your questions in before tuesday Feb. 12!!

Bevel up planes are becoming more and more appealing to woodworkers these days.  But what is a bevel up plane?  Bevel ups, or as they're also known - low-angle planes, are bench planes just like their more traditional angled cousins.

The only exceptions are the physical characteristics of the low angle bed, and the lack of a chip breaker.

Feature Friday is just around the corner so if you haven't gotten your name in yet drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

After a long weekend that went every which way but the right way, I thought I would share some more listener's emails.

Rudy shares his thoughts on his experience with flattening waterstones, while Ken and Darren share their feelings about buying all new or upgrading existing machines.

Thanks to everyone who's written in with their feedback and topic suggestions.  If you have feedback, topic suggestion or just want to enter your name for the schwag drawings drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

It's the beginning of a new month and they can only mean one thing on Feature Friday - it's time for Router Bit of the Month!!

Remember, every month Woodcraft picks one of the many great profiles that Whiteside manufactures and that put it on sale for a great discounted price to make it easier for us to pick up either at your local Woodcraft store or online.

This month we received Whiteside's Solid Brass Inlay Kit to try out in the basement workshop.  This kit includes everything you need to successfully route out shapes using templates and then by removing an attached bushing you can then use the same setup to route out the inlay that will fit in the hole you just cut.

It literally took me minutes to set mine up and in under half an hour I had routed both the inlay and it's recess.  And more importantly it fit on the first try!!

Whiteside includes the brass bushing, the centering rod and the 1/8" downcut spiral bit along with detailed instructions to help you get the same results right from the start.

Congrats to this week's winner of the Solid Brass Inlay Kit - John Heaney!  You're not John, but you want to get your hands on this month's router bit or you need a clear base plate, or even a pre-made inlay template?  Click on the links below to visit Woodcraft.

Inlay Kit

Baseplate

Template

I've been thinking of upgrading one or two stationary power tools in my shop, but I could also easily just upgrade the components of each that are lacking.

At what point is the price to upgrade not worth it?  I've upgraded a few components on both the tablesaw and the bandsaw with the results being very satisfying.  But there are more I'm interested in doing, so where do I stop??

Get your questions in for the next talk with Hendrik.  Hendrik is coming back to discuss properly tuning hand planes, both new and used.  Believe it or not even new planes from the likes of Lie-Nielsen and Veritas need a little TLC before they're used.

Drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com with your questions and feedback!

On with the show!!  This is the second half of the traditional joinery discussion with Hendrik Varju, owner and operator of Passion For Wood. 

In today's episode we cover more questions submitted by you the listeners regarding dovetails, dados, rabbets, etc.

Remember, next month Hendrik returns and we answer questions regarding properly tuning all of your hand planes, both new and used.  Afterall even new planes need a little TLC before they're used.  So if you have questions, drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

For more information on Hendrik, including a chance to purchase his DVD "Jointer and Planer Secrets" visit his website www.passionforwood.com

A listener of the show asked a couple of questions regarding waterstones.  He recently purchased a couple of combo waterstones and a truing stone. 

To find out more about Norton Waterstones and flattening stones click on the image below.

The first question is whether you need water involved in the truing of the stones and the second question is how long do the stones need to be in water before being used.

On an unrelated note, I forgot to draw a winner for today's episode.  Since it's the anniversary week I was planning on drawing a name on each episode to celebrate.  So instead they'll just be one more winner on friday!

Not entered for schwag yet?  Just drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

Over the weekend a couple of questions came in that were raised by Feature Friday's DVD review of the Lie-Nielsen title "Forgotten Hand Tools".

The use of nails in furniture construction is still a hot button issue with many woodworkers, and for good reasons.  Does nailing components together cause problems down the road when it comes to seasonal wood movement?  And is the toenailing of brad nails the same as using cut nails?

Great questions and hopefully I give some decent advice?!?!??

Get your name in for the big 2nd anniversary drawing coming up on friday mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .  Also, coming up in February Hendrik Varju returns for another question and answer segment on hand plane tune ups, so get your questions in!!!

For today's Feature Friday we're reviewing the Lie-Nielsen DVD "Forgotten Hand Tools" featuring Christopher Schwarz.  But don't let the name fool you, it's not a lengthy discussion of a long list of tools that woodworkers have discarded over time.

But instead it's a look at, and explanation of, three techniques using hand tools that most modern woodworkers have turned away from or forgotten altogether.  Starting with the nail and hammer, leading into drawboring and ending with handsaws.  Chris has once again taken some of the mystery out of what many would consider ancient technology and proves it has its place in the modern shop.

Below is a little sneak peak of what's in the video so enjoy!

Interested in picking up your own copy? Click here to find it at Woodcraft!  Or if you just want to rent it click here Smartflix.com

Congrats to this week's winner Paul Troublefield! Next week is the 2nd Anniversary of MBW so get your name in for schwag if you haven't already mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com  

Chris was asking about the importance of using the higher grit waterstones, i.e. 4000 or 8000 grit, along with a couple of other questions.

While putting a fine polish on a blade will help make it sharp, in some situations being that sharp isn't as important??

You may have noticed the past couple of days that I've had some problems with my feeds, both the last audio episode and the video loaded over the weekend.  My hosting service had some problems, but they appear resolved, except for the RBM video posted on this feed.  By the time you read this I should have reposted the video, so hopefully it's working correctly.

Click on this link to find out more about the Lie-Nielsen Rabbet Block Plane.

Don't forget to get your name in for the schwag drawings if you haven't done it already - mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com and keep those questions coming.

Over the holidays a number of you sent me some great questions and topic suggestions.  Thank you very much!!

One such question that came in was from Brian who was curious about which smoothing plane to go with, the No.4 or the No.4 1/2.

Both are great smoothers, but for a first smoother I think the...you'll have to down load and listen!!

Keep those questions and comments coming in, and don't forget to get your name in for the schwag drawings.  Send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

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We covered a bunch of topics in Episode 27, including The Wood Whisperer Network, Kaleo’s new baby Taz, Christmas gifts, Matt’s Stretchy Pants, Chris Schwarz’s new book Workbenches, the new Woodworking Magazine announcement, flattening workbenches, and new changes at The Woodworking Channel.

We also answered a few great emails. David wanted our opinions concerning copying other woodworkers’ designs. Brian has a small shop and needs some pointers for using the space efficiently. And finally Tony asks about using a fence with his new #7 plane.

And don’t forget to download your free issue of Woodworking Magazine.

If you have a woodworking question, please feel free to email us at WoodTalkOnline@gmail.com or call us at (623) 242-2450.

It's the first Router Bit of the Month for 2008 and we're off to a great start.  This month we're trying out Whiteside's 90 degree Vee Groove bit.

Just like with all of Whiteside's router bits, this is a carbide tipped bit that's made to last.  And thanks to Woodcraft we can take advantage of the discounted price for the entire month of January to pick one up for our shops.

The 90 degree Vee Groove bit works great for sign making, but it can also be used for decorativing grooving/veining and even as a miniature chamfer bit in tight reach spots.

Congrats to this month's schwag winner Mike Strube!  But if you weren't Mike and you wanted to get your hands on this bit just Click Here to Order yours from Woodcraft.com

If you haven't entered your name for free schwag, remember Whiteside sent us a great 7 piece router bit set to give away for the second anniversary of MBW Podcast so get your name in to win!!!

We all make New Year's Resolutions but are they ever truly realistic?  I know I've made a few that were way more wishful thinking than I was ever going to follow through on.

But I'm thinking that since I have all of you, if I share these resolutions I'm going to feel a little more like I have to do them.  So here goes nothing!!!

My main resolutions for the woodshop include 1) reorganizing the shop for better workflow, 2) come up with smart storage solutions, 3) design and build a new workbench...and...well you'll just have to listen and find out if they're on your list too!

Don't forget to get questions in for the next interview with Hendrik.  Have any questions regarding traditional joinery?  Drop me a line to ask Hendrik.  Also don't forget to get your name in for the free schwag if you haven't done it already and of course keep those questions and feedback rolling in.

So this is the first episode of the new year and it's very exciting!!  We're only a couple of weeks away from the 2nd anniversary of Matt's Basement Workshop. 

It's hard to believe that about 2 years ago the first episode went up and perhaps about 3 or 4 people downloaded it, now there are alot more than that and more of you keep stopping by!  I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate hearing from all of you and and I look forward to hearing from even more in the coming months.

As usual these first few episodes are justing getting the ball rolling and getting my feet wet.  I've got a lot of great topics that many of you have suggested so let's get the ball rolling!!

This is the last episode of 2007 and it's been a great year for Matt's Basement Workshop.  Thank you to all of you listeners, both old and new...without you, I'm just a guy talking to himself in a basement workshop.

For this episode we once again had a chance to talk with Hendrik Varju, owner and operator of Passion for Wood.  Hendrik is returning to the show after our first interview with him regarding his new DVD "Jointer and Planer Secrets" and we have a chance today to pick his brain on hand applied finishes. 

We all could use a little help when it comes to finishing our projects, whether it's choosing the right finish to apply or just understanding which technique is best to apply that finish with.  Hendrik has some great answers and I know all of you will learn something just the way I did.

Take care over the Christmas Holiday and I look forward to starting all over in 2008.  Keep those emails and schwag entries coming in, your suggestions and ideas keep this show rolling.  Send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

So I didn't have time to put together another show on the speciality planes...with all this Holiday and Christmas stuff going on.  So for today's show I thought it was time to share some of my favorite resources on the internet with you for anything and everything hand tools.

Of course there's a long time favorite that we've been visiting and discussing for awhile now... www.supertool.com "Patrick's Blood and Gore"

Another resource for everything hand tools is www.oldtoolsshop.com, any of you "galootish" characters are probably already members of this website.

There's always www.lumberjocks.com, where many discussions of hand tools has arisen.

You can visit Bob Kaune's website www.antique-used-tools.com for finding all those parts and resources you can't find elsewhere.  And this is also true for www.highlandwoodworking.com where you can find misc. parts for your hand planes.

And of course the really big one to find planes and tools is www.ebay.com

And of course you can also turn to Planecraft , "The Hand Plane Book" by Garrett Hack and Andy Rae's "Choosing and Using Hand Tools"

Have a question about traditional joinery techniques?  Hendrik Varju returns in January to answer your questions, so get them in to the same place where you can ask me questions, enter your name for schwag or just say hi... mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

The chisel plane is the ideal choice for getting into tight, hard to reach places that ordinary planes could never get to.

Consisting of a body with no mouth or toe, the blade of the chisel plane protrudes out the front edge.  This is what allows it to get into those tight areas, but it's also the reason that the blade must be set for very light cuts.  If the proper hand pressure isn't maintained, it's possible for the blade to dig deep into the cutting surface vs. making its paring cut.

Currently Lie-Nielsen is making a modern day version of the chisel plane.  In fact they're making two versions, one big and one small.

Click Here To See Them

 

My resources for all things hand planes...Patrick's Blood and Gore at www.supertool.com , Planecraft , "The Hand Plane Book" by Garrett Hack.

Have a question about traditional joinery techniques?  Hendrik Varju returns in January to answer your questions, so get them in to the same place where you can ask me questions, enter your name for schwag or just say hi... mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

I've talked enough about it in previous episodes so let's review it.  Planecraft is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about using, choosing and understanding hand planes.

Currently available exclusively through Woodcraft.  Pick up your copy by clicking here Planecraft 

Congrats to this week's winners J. Parsons and Jerry Loethen!

Have a question about traditional joinery techniques?  Hendrik Varju returns in January to answer your questions, so get them in to the same place where you can ask me questions, enter your name for schwag or just say hi... mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

 

 

The bullnose plane is used for making rabbet joinery, more specifically stopped rabbets.  With its short toe it's easier to fit the bullnose into tighter corners, and makes it that much more user friendly when cleaning up and adjusting rabbets.

My resources for all things hand planes...Patrick's Blood and Gore at www.supertool.com , Planecraft , "The Hand Plane Book" by Garrett Hack.

Have a question about traditional joinery techniques?  Hendrik Varju returns in January to answer your questions, so get them in to the same place where you can ask me questions, enter your name for schwag or just say hi... mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

Click here to download

This week, Matt and Marc are wingin’ it! Part of the reason is because of Marc’s technical recording difficulties. Marc is currently working on a sculpted end-table and for The Wood Whisperer and Matt brings up his concerns about The Woodworking Shows. Marc then reviews the new tools being offered by Festool. Our first email was from Austin who needed finishing advice for his new kitchen table. Our second voicemail came from Roberto who wanted to know why most folks opt for router tables, instead of shapers. Marc recommends this Fine Woodworking Article. Our emails include questions about patterns and templates, jointer chatter, finishing the inside of a box, and mortising machines.

Don’t forget if you have a woodworking question, you can leave us a message at 623-242-2450, or you can email us at woodtalkonline@gmail.com

The original metal bodied router plane most people think of is the Stanley #71 followed by the Stanley #71-1/2.  Of course given that the Stanley numbering system often doesn't make sense to anyone, except for the original Stanley designers and engineers themselves, it would make sense that we might not know essentially they're both the same plane just with a slight difference.

The easiest way to explain the difference between the two is just to look at the modern versions available at Lie-Nielsen or Veritas.  Lie-Nielsen's version is equivalent to the original #71 while Veritas has based their's on the #71-1/2.

My resources for all things hand planes...Patrick's Blood and Gore at www.supertool.com , Planecraft , "The Hand Plane Book" by Garrett Hack.

Have a question about traditional joinery techniques?  Hendrik Varju returns in January to answer your questions, so get them in to the same place where you can ask me questions, enter your name for schwag or just say hi... mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

For the month of December, Woodcraft is featuring Whiteside's Edge Beading Bit.  A great profile bit for giving your projects that little extra something.

The 5/16" diameter bead that's cut by the Edge Beading Bit dresses up table aprons, rails, stiles, drawer fronts or can be used to make applied mouldings.

Whether used on the face or the edge of a board, the Edge Beading Bit is a nice addition to your router bit collection.

Congrats to this month's winner Jason Howard!  If you didn't win this month but you're interested in picking up an Edge Beading Bit at the great price being offered by Woodcraft, Click here to buy the Edge Beading Bit

 

The router plane is becoming popular once again.  Both Lie-Nielsen and Veritas are making modern versions of the old Stanley No.71 and 71-1/2.

Don't let the name fool you, the router plane is not a hand plane version of the power router.  The router plane doesn't have a large assortment of profiles and cutter shapes, that would be the multiplanes...a whole different show to come.

But instead the router plane is the perfect tool for perfecting less than perfect dados and mortises.  For more information check out either Garrett Hack's "The Handplane Book" or Patrick's Superior Works at www.supertool.com

Don't forget to get your name in for free schwag, just drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .

The next episode in our talk of speciality planes, let's talk about the edge trimming plane.  A single minded plane, the edge trimmer is meant for ensuring that edges of boards are exactly 90 degrees to the adjoining faces.

The body consists of two faces, one that is the sole of the plane through which the blade projects.  And the other is essentially a built in fence exactly 90 degrees to the blade.

The blade sits in the body bevel up and at a 25 degree angle, thus making it a great plane for end grain work...

Remember to get your name in for free schwag if you haven't done it already ... mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

 

This month we're talking about the various species of Oak.  A traditional favorite for woodworkers all over the world and apparently a real favorite of navies world wide too!

Strong and beautiful, Oak is a great choice for projects of all shapes and sizes!

Thanks to the great folks at Highland Woodworking, home of the mornings at highland free educational series, for donating another customized Woodslicer Resaw Bandsaw blade to this week's lucky schwag winner.  If your name's not Herman V.  then you're not this week's schwag winner, but that doesn't mean you can't get your own great Woodslicer Blade for your bandsaw, just click on the picture!

 

If you haven't gotten your name in for the schwag, well it's too late for this week but not for upcoming episodes.  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

This is part 2 of the discussion of the shoulder plane.  Today I try to explain in my own special way how to use it correctly.

Questions, comments and schwag entries -  mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

I'm back from my Thanksgiving vacation...if you can call it that?!?!? The traveling, the family, the traveling...anyways once the veil from the turkey coma wore off it was time to get back to work and I couldn't help but think that talking about one of my favorite speciality planes was in order.

The shoulder plane is an essential part of my workshop, it does only one job but it does it so well that it makes quick work of fixing up my not so perfect joinery.  Sometimes a not so easy task depending on my state of mind.

I highly recommend that if you're interested in finding out more about hand planes a great resource to check out is Garret Hack's 'The Handplane Book'

Also, a huge congrats to www.lumberjocks.com for hitting the 2000+ membership mark!

This week's feature friday is a special version of our normal DVD review.  We had a chance to preview a great new title from Hendrik Varju "Jointer and Planer Secrets."  And what makes today's episode so unique is that not only are we going to talk about the DVD, but we have an interview with the host too. 

Hendrik Varju, an accomplished woodworker, author, teacher and now DVD producer and host has created this great DVD that doesn't just highlight the proper use of both the jointer and the thickness planer.  But instead walk you through everything you need to know to get the best results from them everytime you turn them on.

This 2 DVD set comes in at 4 1/2 hours, but just as the extended title suggests it's a "Private Woodworking Instruction in a Box" it's as if you're actually in Hendrik's shop taking a course with him.  There's no cut and paste editing here, everything is real time and the camera angles are in the right spot to make sure you don't miss a thing.

Along with the discussion on proper jointer and planer techniques there's an included bonus footage covering edge-gluing a solid wood panel.  This DVD is a great buy and for anyone wanting to know more about the two most important tools for making your stock square and flat it's well worth the look.  Check it out at www.passionforwood.com

Congrats to Troy Jack for winning a copy of "Jointer and Planer Secrets".  If you haven't gotten your name in yet for the free schwag drawings drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .  Also don't forget I'll be at the Saginaw Woodcraft on Saturday November 24th at 2PM for a carving workshop...I won't be teaching but it sounds fun...stop by and say HI!

Rough dimensioning is an important part of my milling process.  By roughing out oversized pieces I find that the milling process goes a little bit smoother.  Rather than dealing with large unwieldy boards I can mill smaller more managable pieces. 

This also gives me flatter, more stable stock and better results in the end.

So this weekend I went to a local woodshow and had a chance to listen to John Wilson, Shaker box builder and Boat Builder, etc was speaking.  The first lecture was a demonstration of building a paddle using construction lumber...pretty interesting I must admit!  The second was a talk on building and using a solar kiln to dry lumber.  I got some great insight into not only drying my own lumber, but more importantly a bigger understanding of wood movement.

So let's start another discussion on rough dimensioning our stock when we begin working on our projects.  It's a previously discussed topic, but wood movement can make or break your projects!!

To check out information on classes and lectures given by John, not to mention purchasing shaker box supplies, head over to www.shakerovalbox.com

Thanks to longtime listener Wayne Breshears we have a great tutorial on making our own zero clearance tablesaw inserts.  For both safety and accuracy reasons zero clearance inserts are a great accessory to just about any tablesaw.  And with the detailed and easy to follow plans that Wayne took the time to put together for us, making one for your saw is only a click away!!

This weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan my favorite lumber supplier and woodworker's supply store is having a woodshow.  I'm planning on attending saturday the 10th so if you're there when I'm walking around say HI!  www.theworkbench.com for directions and info.

Congrats to this week's winner of free schwag Dennis Ewing, Sr. and also a big thanks to Wayne for sending in the plans.  For both of you, I have a pair of ZEM hearing protection waiting for you to claim. 

If you have a jig of the month that you'd like to share, send it to me at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com and if I use it on the show, I'll send you some great schwag too!!

Remember, my description of Wayne's jig on the show isn't always the best, so that's why I've posted it as a downloadable file...just click here to get your copy if you haven't already!

I wanted to wrap up the discussion on benchtop jointers with some ideas on how to overcome it's shortcomings.

Is it possible to lengthen the shorter infeed/outfeed tables of the BT Jointer?  How about the small fence?  I say why not...

Enter for schwag or just say "HI" at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

The benchtop jointer is one of those tools that most of us have trouble believing could really be of any use.  They're too small, too unreliable and too underpowered...  and that's just the beginning of what many woodworkers believe is wrong with them.

Just to be completely honest, I've never owned one or used one myself.  And I too believed all the above ideas.  But the truth is, benchtop jointers can be just the right thing for your shop and work just right for you too.

Thanks for all the emails and keep the feedback coming  in ... mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

Can you believe it's November already?  That means a couple of things, 1)  Turkey day is only a few weeks away and 2) with it being a new month it's time once again for "Router Bit of the Month" from Woodcraft and Whiteside Machine Co.

This month we're featuring Whiteside's Glue Joint Bit, a great edge profile that's an improvement over the traditional butt joint.  This single bit creates mating profiles that greatly increase the gluing surface and  assist in easy glue ups of multiple pieces.

Congrats to Frank Bylo, this month's winner of the Router Bit of the Month at Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast. 

If you didn't win but are interested in taking advantage of the discounted price on the Glue Joint Bit over at Woodcraft.com - Click Here it's only for the month of November so get yours while you still can.

A while back I received some voice mails from some apparent listeners of the show.  They were a little unusual to say the least, but who am I to say no to a listener with a question.

So sit back and enjoy this Halloween Special, I know I had some fun putting it togther and I hope you have fun listening.

Don't forget to get your name in for the schwag drawing this friday, if you haven't entered yet just drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com  Remember one entry is all it takes and your name stays in until either you win or I run out of schwag!!

Thanks to the great folks at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks we have another great title to review and for one of you lucky listeners one of you are going to win it for your very own.

"Building Furniture with Hand Planes" is a must have DVD for anyone who wants to learn more about how and where to use their hand planes in the construction of their own furniture.

Christopher Schwarz does an amazing job of explaining all the in's and out's of which ones to choose, how to use them and then demonstrates it all.

There's so much in here that you'll discover something new everytime you watch it.

Didn't win?  Click on the picture to buy yours!

 

The discussion of benchtop drill presses turns today to the proper usage of them.  And we also try to give a brief description of a few of the many accessory items that you can get and use with the presses.

Of course after the show was recorded I realized I forgot to mention perhaps one of the most popular accessory items used with the drill press...sanding drums!

Don't forget to drop me a line to say hi! mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

Is the drill press an essential tool in the woodshop?  Some say yes, some say no but I'll leave that up to you to decide if it's important enough to have one in your shop.

The key advantages that I've found in using mine is that I can make nearly dead on accurate holes, at the same depth and with the help of a jig in the same location time and time again.

Whether it's an benchtop or a floor model the anatomy of the press is the same, so let's start there.

On a seperate note, I'd love to hear from all of you, just to know how many of you are out there...just drop me a line and simply say "Hi" mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

With all the instructional DVDs on the market, wouldn't it be great if there was a video store or sevice that you could rent from so that you could decide just how helpful they really are?  Or better yet perhaps you've always been curious about a new hobby and just didn't know where to turn.

Well there is such a service out there, its called Smartflix.com.  Now you can now checkout great titles on your computer.  Have them sent directly to you, watch them at your convience and then return them in a prepaid envelope.

With over 5500 video titles covering over 220 categories you're sure to find something that peaks your interest and with new titles arriving regularly you'll have a chance to check out the latest titles as they become available.

Congrats to Trey for winning a free gift certificate to Smartflix.com for 5 free rentals.  If you haven't gotten your name in for free schwag yet, then just drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com . 

Also, if you want to help me get a feel for how many of you there really are just send me an email at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com , just say "HI".

It's time to share some of the great emails and comments that have come in to the show regarding the benchtop tools.  As always your feedback is very important to help keep the show going and so by sharing these it's just another way to learn from each other.

 

Today we're even closer to wrapping up our discussion of benchtop thickness planers.  Of course we have to talk about the versatility of the planers.  They can do more than just give us evenly dimensioned lumber, they can also be used to....

It's time for the most popular Feature Friday here at MBW that's right it's time for 'router bit of the month'!!! 

Thanks again to the great folks over at WoodCraft and Whiteside Machine Co. for giving us the opportunity to try out this month's specially priced router bit, Whiteside's 14 degree dovetail bit.

Remember, for the entire month of October, WoodCraft reduces the price of this great bit to make it more affordable for us to get our hands on it.  So if you aren't this week's winner at Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast, like Brian Burritt is, head over to your local neighborhood WoodCraft store or just click here... Woodcraft.com - Over 10,000 Woodworking Products. Shop Woodcraft Today.

If you haven't gotten your name in for the drawings drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

Last episode we talked about some of the features that are probably good choices to look for when choosing your benchtop planer.  This episode let's talk about putting our planer to work. 

There are some simple steps we should take to get the best results from our planer and they include...

Benchtop thickness planers are a huge tool with a little footprint.  These are a huge timesaver when it comes to dimensioning lumber flat and square and they also have the potential to be a money saver too. 

With all the models on the market there are a plenty to choose from, but there are some key features to look for along the way...

This month we're talking about a very popular lumber species used throughout furniture construction, flooring, turning, and so much more.  It comes either in a hard or soft variety, an uniquely figured or straight grained variety and can be a real challenge to cut if you're not use to it.

Guess which species I'm talking about?  If you haven't figured it out yet the species of the month is ... you'll have to listen to find out!

Our schwag winner this week has won a customized WoodSlicer Resaw Bandsaw blade from Highland Woodworking.  Perfect for resawing lumber with beautiful grains like those found in this month's lumber species.

If you're not this week's winner and you want to get one for your bandsaw just click here to order yours

If you haven't gotten your name in for the schwag, well it's too late for this week but not for upcoming episodes!

Let's look at some of the accessories that can be important to bandsaws, even the benchtops.  Today's discussion includes a review of blade types and fences.

If you haven't gotten your name in yet for the schwag giveaway on friday you've got a couple of days to do so.  Just drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com and put your name in the coffee can.

Benchtop Bandsaws do have their place in the home woodshop, even though a larger floor model does have some huge advantages over it.  Just like with any of the other benchtop tools, sometimes the larger version is...well it's to large. 

Whether it's because you don't use it that often, or just can't give up the floor space a benchtop model maybe exactly what you're looking for.  Just do your homework ahead of time and be realistic of the limitations you'll be dealing with.

A huge thanks to Don Garner of Don Garner Custom Woodworking for submitting this month's Jig of the Month at Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast. Don submitted another great jig previously, anyone remember the really excellent shelf pin jig from a while ago? Well that was a Don Garner jig and just like that one this one is also a great shop aid that you'll find very useful in your shop too.

This month's jig of the month is another version of a taper jig. Don's taper sled is an improvement over the other style of taper jig - the hinge style taper jig. Because of it's size and it's adjustable fence and clamping system, there's quite a bit more flexibility and accuracy when making tapered cuts. You'll find this especially true when it comes to making tapered cuts in what might be odd sized and odd shaped components.

The components to make this jig are also simple, (2) pieces of 3/4" plywood - (1) 7" wide base & (1) 4" wide adjustable fence. The length should be, at minimum, equal to the depth of your table saw top or preferably longer. I'd suggest up to 1-1/2 times the depth of the top. Next you'll need (3) carriage bolts to secure the fence tightly to the base and (2) toggle clamps to secure the component being tapered to the sled itself.

Once you have the taper sled built the cuts are a matter of making simple rip cuts on the table saw. Just lay the component so that the portion to be removed overlays the edge of the sled that runs along the saw blade, clamp it in place and push the sled through like you would any other ripping cut.

Just to make it easier, a PDF complete with pictures and step by step instructions will be posted in the podcast feed so that you can print it off and make this great jig when ever you get a chance.

Benchtop tools don't always fit so well on a benchtop.  And as so, whether it's a table saw or a drill press, there needs to be a stand that holds it the right way.

Table saws sometimes do come with their own stands, but it should never be the deciding factor over another saw that is a better fit for your shop or just a better quality.

Aftermarket stands are all over the place, just do a simple internet search and I guarantee you'll find a few.  From simple roll around stands to stands that will increase the overall table size and even upgrade the fence quality...

Keep the comments, questions and feedback coming in!!!  Don't forget to take the listener survey if you haven't already and especially don't forget to get your name in for the schwag drawings!

So we can't talk about table saws without talking about accessories too.  Afterall there's more to a good saw than just the motor and the rip fence, although they are important! 

But still when I'm looking at the various models there are all sorts of things to keep in mind and to be lusted after!  Here are a few that catch my eye...let me know what catches yours.

We're back again this month with the latest installment of Router bit of the month from Woodcraft and Whiteside Manufacturing.  For the month of September the featured router bit, which can be found either at the online catalog store or at most stores near you, is a tongue and groove bit.  This single bit features two cutters sandwiching a bearing that allows you to quickly and easily feed stock through and cut the tongue in a single pass and then with very little effort you can lower the bit to cut the corresponding groove also in a single pass.

The Tongue and Groove bit is a carbide tipped, 1/2" shank bit that comes in at 1-5/8" wide, so this should only be used in a router table NEVER FREEHAND!!  The tongue that it cuts in a single pass is 3/8" deep and 1/4" thick, and it leaves a nice clean shoulder so there's little to no touchup you need to do when it comes to assemble the corresponding pieces.  For more about tongue and groove joinery check out my video on it from back in September of 2006. 

Congratulations to our two winners this week...yes I said two!!  Linda Welsh is our winner of the Tongue and Groove bit and Bud Millis won a set of Brass Height Gages, both schwag items thanks to White Side and WoodCraft!

If you didn't win, but you're interested in taking advantage of the great discounted price for the month of September click here Woodcraft.com

When I think of benchtop tools I can't help but think of my first table saw, a Powertech 10" Table Saw.  Although I was able to do alot with it and enjoyed the experiences I had, it opened my eyes to a few things I think you should pay attention to if a benchtop model is in your future.

This is the first part of a two part series.  Today is a discussion on what I consider to be the two most important features you need to look "at" when looking at a benchtop table saw.

Don't forget to take the survey if you haven't yet...PLEASE...and don't forget to get your name in for the free schwag drawing on Friday!!

Benchtop power tools have a lot of appeal to the home woodworker.  Their small size can be a very nice feature in a home workshop that's already tight on space.  Not to mention that the much lower price of a benchtop tool in comparison to its larger and far more expensive cousins is also a huge part of their popularity.

But do benchtop tools have the ability to perform like the larger versions?  Or are they just way too underpowered and outgunned when it comes to accessories and features?

Another thought that comes to mind with benchtop tools is whether or not they have their place in the building of decent furniture for your family and maybe even if you're lucky enough, the occassional paying customer. 

DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR NAME IN FOR FREE SCHWAG, AND PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO TAKE THE SURVEY IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!!!

The great folks over at Lie-Nielsen were very generous and gave me a chance to check out some their DVD titles.  These are excellent instructional DVDs from some of the best woodworking instructors out there.

Today's DVD review is for Christopher Schwartz's "Coarse, Medium & Fine".  For anyone who thinks that hand tools are slow, inefficient and hard to use, after watching this video you'll start second guessing your mistaken beliefs.

Chris explains throughout the DVD that the most important thing to understand about using handtools is understanding what each one does, and then let it do that job and that job alone. 

Want to learn more or even order your own DVD or just check out more of the available titles, click here:

Just tell them that Matt's Basement Workshop sent ya!! 

 

Dan from Idaho dropped me a line just before the start of my little hiatus from the show. He had a great question regarding a feature that's frequently found on older hand planes. What's the significance of the corrugated bottoms? I'm sure you've seen them too and if you aren't familiar with their purpose or lack of purpose than hopefully I'll shed a little light on the situation with today's episode.

As usual, there's plenty of tangents for everyone to enjoy (or not). "Thank You" to all of you who have taken the survey so far, if you haven't yet...please...please take just a moment out and answer the couple of questions you'll find there. Also don't forget to get your name in for the free schwag being given away on Feature Friday this week and every week.

Interested in finding out alot about hand planes? Check out "The Superior Works" www.supertool.com a website from Patrick Leach, the source of the great little story towards the end of the show.

Keep the questions, comments and feedback rolling in!!

I'M BACK!!!!  Two weeks sure have flown by and it's time to get behind the mic again.  I hope this past two weeks have been as productive for you as they have been for me!  Finished a project and tried a couple of new things in the shop.

Today's episode is a bit of tying up of loose ends, sharing some ideas and all around tangents.  Remember, you can always reach me with any questions, comments or feedback (both complimentary and critical).

Please take the survey so I know which topics you're most interested in hearing about and for those of you interested in video only episodes I have a new feed for you to subscribe too.  Either subscribe through Feedburner using the link below or your favorite podcatcher software by adding this feed url http://mattsbasementworksh.blip.tv/rss/itunes

'Classic Joints with Power Tools' by Yeung Chan is what I consider to be a modern classic for the woodworking community.  Easy to follow with detailed pictures, illustrations and of course detailed descriptions written by one of today's best woodworking instructors this book is an essential for any woodshop.

From the most basic 'Butt Joint' to the complicated 'Three-way Mitered Mortise and Tenon Joint' Yeung Chan has made it easy to understand and reproduce using modern power tools that just about everyone is familiar with.

Purchase Your Copy at Woodcraft.

Available at Highland Woodworking Too!

Now that we learned a little something about the proper placement of butt hinges let's spend this episode talking about mortising them in place.  Regardless of whether you use power tools or hand tools the technique is very similar and believe it or not, with a little practice, a chisel and mallet will yield the same result in just about the same amount of time.

The traditional butt hinge is a mainstay in woodworking.  Their design can be very simple to very complex, but when it come to placement in the project it's very straightforward.  A few key design aspects to the proper placement of butt hinges include the following.

Golden Rule #1 - Equal distances from the top and bottom, no more than 3" in either direction.

Golden Rule #2 - The hinge pin should sit almost completely proud of the face frame.  Although having the pin at least 1/32" into the reveal gives it a nice look.

Golden Rule #3 - For frame and panel doors, placing hinges level with the bottom of the top rail and level with the top of the bottom rail will give a great look to the project.

 

It's Feature Friday again, my apologies for missing the last show on wednesday.  It's been one of those weeks!  We are giving away a WoodSlicer Bandsaw Blade from Highland Woodworking to one lucky listener.  If you're interested in purchasing a WoodSlicer Blade because you didn't win one...or you just really want one here's a quick link to help get you there.

If you haven't gotten your name in for the schwag, well it's too late for this week but not for upcoming episodes!

Just a little follow up and feedback regarding our earlier discussion about increasing the dust collection ability of our contractor saws and benchtop saws.  Also, we announce the winners of the summer awards at Lumberjocks.com.

We have the return of the most popular Feature Friday feature, "Router Bit of the Month"!  This month at WoodCraft the featured router bit from Whiteside Machine Co. is actually two router bits.  It's a rail and stile set for frame and panel door construction.  The two bits are complementary to each other and feature a nice bead profile that really helps to dress up your doors with or without a raised panel.  Easy to use and easy to set up this router set is a great compliment to any router bit collection.  Since we also missed the Router Bit of the Month for July, we have another bit to try and talk about.  Whiteside's large, 3-wing, ogee raised panel bit.  This is a huge bit, so extra precaution needs to be taken when using it.  This is just the audio version, so the video(s) will be posted soon.  Remember by visiting WoodCraft either online or at a location near you, you too can take advantage of the great price on these bits.  To order your's click here Bead Stile & Rail Door Set (2), Whiteside# 6003

Gary wrote in with a couple of questions about frame and panel construction.  Hopefully I was able to answer his questions and yours.

This was great timing, as Feature Friday this week is actually a frame and panel set.

Visit John's website to set the World Record for the biggest Jigsaw Puzzle www.thebigjig.co.uk

Back in June a listener of the show had a question about improving the dust collection of a contractor tablesaw.  Older contractor saws and almost every benchtop saw I've seen are horrible at keeping the sawdust from coating everything in the shop, the house and our lungs.  Finding a way to enclose the bottom will decrease the amount of sawdust in the air dramatically.  Here are two photos of what I've done and tried to explain in the show.

check out John's bid for the world record jigsaw puzzle, help out if you can at www.thebigjig.co.uk

It's 'Jig of the Month' and thanks to Terry we've got a great one to talk about.  Terry has created a self centering router mortising jig.  Thanks to the ingenious use of a couple of roller blade bearings and a plexiglass base we can build a router mortising jig that will give you perfectly centered mortises time and time again.  Making this jig is really easy thanks to the PDF we have of Terry's directions and won't take much time at all.

Don't forget to get your name in for freebies like this week's winner did, just drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com and mention schwag.

Continuing our discussion of exterior finishes leads us to the next group of finishes.  Pigmented stains, both semi-transparent and opaque are excellent choices for getting the most protection from UV radiation damage.  In fact the more pigments present the greater the UV protection.  Speaking of pigments, paint is perhaps one of the best choices we can make for exterior projects. 

When you want to protect your project from the elements but you also want the natural beauty of the grain and color to show through, your best bet is to use a clear finish.  But which one?  Traditional drying oils, oil finishes that are a combination of drying oils, varnish and thinner, and then finally there are the varnishes.  Marine Varnishes are your best choice for lasting protection from physical damage, moisture protection and also from UV rays.

Thanks to the following sources for most of our information:  www.woodworking.org and also www.woodweb.com

 

It's Feature Friday and this week we have another website review.  I've talked about this website in previous episodes, just never in great detail.  WARNING - this website we're going to talk about is addictive!!  You can loose hours at the computer as a result.  The Woodworking Channel is a 24/7 network devoted to one thing...woodworking television programming.  Where else can you go at 3:00am on a tuesday night to watch a seasoned woodworker explaining how to make an amazing turned bowl, or catch an episode of The Router Workshop?  To find out more and to feed your addiction to woodworking check out www.thewoodworkingchannel.com

Have you been having trouble getting onto my website?  If www.mattsbasementworkshop.com is giving you trouble, try www.mattswoodshop.libsyn.com .  Don't forget to get your name in for the weekly schwag drawing, just like this week's winner Dave Powers!

 

I know everyone was expecting an episode on exterior finishes but as usual things at the day job didn't go as plan.  Turns out there's a lot of information I want to cover and it won't fit in one episode, so we'll pick it up on Monday.  Today we're cleaning house and have some great feedback on the use of epoxies and bronze screws in the boatbuilding trades thanks to a listener...Thanks Che!!

For information on epoxies check out www.westsystem.com

Regardless of which finish you choose to protect your outdoor projects or even if you choose to put a finish on them, there are three things that we need to keep in mind when deciding if and which finish to choose.  The first concern we have is protecting our projects from being damaged by too much moisture, the second concern is protection from insects like termites and ants and the third is protection from the damaging effects of UV radiation.

A new feature here at Matt's Basement Workshop - Wood Species of the Month.  To get us started with the new feature is a look at one of my early favorites, Pine.  Sure it's a softwood but that's all the more reason to enjoy it.  It's easy to work with both power and hand tools, it's inexpensive when compared to most hardwoods and it's readily available just about everywhere.  For a beginner, pine was an easy going wood that didn't make me cringe when things went wrong.  Now as a woodworker with a little experience under my belt pine is still a great looking wood with a lot of character.

Along with the new feature we have a new schwag giveaway.  Highland Woodworking is offering one lucky listener a month a chance to win a custom sized WoodSlicer Resaw Bandsaw Blade.  And the first lucky winner of this great prize is... you'll have to listen to find out if you're the lucky listener!!

It's very important to choose and use the right fasteners and hardware when constructing our outdoor projects.  Screws, nails and hinges that aren't protected from the elements will begin to breakdown, fail, and potentially ruin our projects.  Which metals are the best choices?  They include stainless steel, aluminum and... you'll have to listen to find out more!

The choice of adhesive for outdoor projects can make or break the final result.  Yellow glues labeled as "Water Resistant" and "Water Proof" are fine as long as you remember that "Resistant" isn't the same as "Proof", so don't go submerging "Resistant" under the water for long periods of time.  The next choice is polyurethane glues, which maybe a better choice given their longer open times and high water proof properties.  Next up is epoxies which may have the best characteristics since they are gap filling, which can help to fill voids that rot can build up in, and the fact that it's one of the favorites of the Marine industry also is a big giveaway to its effectiveness.

****FOLLOW UP****

Thanks to Blair at Highland Woodworking for providing some insight on the differences between Titebond II and Titebond III.  Turns out Titebond III isn't "water-proof" but a step up in the amount of  resistance in "water-resistant".  For more info check out this link: http://www.titebond.com/Download/pdf/TBIIIUltimateBrochureTB.pdf thanks Blair for the heads up!!

 

Since we've started talking about outdoor projects this book fits perfectly into the middle of our series.  "Easy to make outdoor structures" from Shady Oak Press is a really good book filled with the basics you need to get you started on your next outdoor project, or your first.  With a number of projects listed in the book, it's easy to find one that you could tackle in your own yard.  From an easy to build compost pen to an intricate garden gazebo, you're sure to find something here.

Speaking of outdoor projects remember that LumberJocks has their Summer Awards going on until July 31st.  Easy to enter and easy to win, head over to www.lumberjocks.com  

Want to help make Podcasting history?  Nominate Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast at the People's Choice Podcast Awards.  www.podcastawards.com nominate us before July 15th.

Not all lumber is the same, obviously!  And this statement is very true when it comes choosing lumber species for outdoor projects.  A few species that come to mind right away include cedar, redwood, cypress and mahogany.  Turns out there are quite a few more to choose from also!  The most important features we should be interested in a good outdoor lumber is one that needs little or no extra help in fighting off rot, bugs and all that mother nature has to throw at you...or the lumber.

Feature Friday is only a couple of days away, so get your name in for the drawing if you haven't already.

I'm back from a great two week rest.  Although, not much rest was gotten by me and my family during these independance day festivities around here.  But while I was away from the show I had a chance to do some thinking about some timely topics and ideas.  Given that the warm weather is full on here in the Northern Hemisphere spending more time in the great outdoors is on many of our minds.  So let's get the show started back up with a series of episodes discussing outdoor projects.  This first show is my look at some design ideas and suggestions for outdoor projects.  Don't forget to send feedback and suggestions and as always, questions too!

Here it is... the audio version of a great jig submitted by listener, Don Garner.  This is a fantastic shelf pin jig that's sure to be a major helper in your shop.

Thanks Don!  Also in case you missed it, I'll be taking the next couple of weeks off from the show.  With the summer well underway and the American Independance day just around the corner it's time for some rest and relaxation.  See you in July!!  But don't forget to keep those questions comments and suggestions rolling in!!

Are you familiar with European Hinges?  Do you know why they're so great to use?  Hope you enjoy...

As beginning woodworkers we may not always understand the differences between the choices we have for a project.  So in a continuation of the "on the road" series today we discuss what the differences are between an overlay and an inset opening are.

It's Feature Friday and this week we have a great website review.  Old Woodworking Machines.com is a great resource for anyone who owns, is thinking of owning or just is intrigued with Old, Vintage Woodworking Machinery.  Totally a members driven website, all the content is supplied by members.  And thanks to the hardworking webmaster and volunteer moderators all the information on the 1,913 known manufacturers of Woodworking machines (currently it's 1,913 but perhaps you have one you could add to the list) through the ages is easy to locate and find.  Membership is free but the opportunity to share your old equipment with others is priceless.  Check them out at www.owwm.com .  Congratulations to this week's winner of free schwag David Preutt!!

The second half of the frame and panel construction discussion, and also our second on the road show.  This is a closer look at the actual construction of the both the frame and the panel components.

 

This is the first of our "on the road" series of podcasts.  While on a recent, long car drive.  I took advantage of all the "think" time, to record some shows and ideas.  Today's show is a talk about the use of frame and panels in our projects.  Why, where and soon to come ... how.

Thanks for listening!

It's that time again!  Time for Router Bit of the Month thanks to the fine folks at Woodcraft and Whiteside Machine Co.  This month's router bit is a flush trimming bit.  This is a two flute, carbide tipped, with a 1" cutting length router bit.  This is an essential router bit for everyone and this one being offered by Whiteside and Woodcraft stands up to whatever you can throw at it.

Just in case you can make it there's a great tool show and swap going on in Edwardsburg, Michigan this weekend.  For more information Click Here.  Also, LumberJocks.com has started their Summer Awards contest so stop by to find out more.

Thanks again to Woodcraft and Whiteside.  If you're not this week's winner but want to get the Flush Trimming bit, Click Here.

Well this first week back is going gang busters.  Thank you, to those of you who have sent in some show ideas and suggestions ... you know who you are so give yourself a huge pat on the back for helping out the show.  Jerry wrote in to ask if there are any hints to look out for so you know when it's time to resharpen your blades.  I know when my family thinks I'm getting dull ... they just leave the room.  But it's even easier to tell when your blades and bits are getting dull.  Take a listen and then drop me a line with your show topic suggestion and to enter the schwag drawings too.

It's been a little while since the last posting, but here it is finally.  I had a great week off and actually got back into the shop for a little more work on a project or two.  This got me to thinking about a few rules in the shop that I'ld like to share with you!!  Take them for what they're worth and feel free to send me yours!!

Don't forget to get your name in for the free schwag drawings!

An excellent resource for anyone looking to purchase their first mitersaw or upgrade an existing model.  From choosing which model will work best and why, to accessories, and  even a project or two.  Miter Saw Fundamentals is clearly written and has plenty of pictures, and diagrams for those of us who learn more when we see what we're reading.....

Thanks to Sterling Publishing for sending us this great title.  This week's schwag winner will be receiving a copy of Rick Peters' book so congratulations to Larry!!!  As a quick reminder if you haven't heard the show yet, I'm taking next week off so I'll be talking to you later.  Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

Another episode without hand planes!!!  A further look at creating a rabbet joint using either the tablesaw or the router.

Since we've been discussing the use of the rabbetting plane, I think it's only right that it might be time for a little review of the rabbet joint in general.  The rabbet joint is easily constructed with either the router or a tablesaw.  In this first part we discuss the parts of the rabbet joint and also the types of rabbet joints....yes there's more than one!!

An improved miter gauge fence can make a huge difference in the outcome of your crosscuts.  This one is designed more for a tablesaw, the design can be easily adapted for a router table or bandsaw.

Do you have a jig you'ld like to share?  Send it to me, so we can share it with everyone.

Cutting cross grain rabbets with the rabbet plane.  This is the final wrap up to the rabbet plane discussion, I promise.

This was meant to be the last of the rabbeting plane talks but I babbled on for to long about cutting long grain rabbets.  Along with talking about setting up the blade and nicker and how to make correct cuts, this is a good start to the wrap up.

Don't forget to get your name in for free schwag or leave me an voicemail at the website.  Thanks for visiting!!

This is our first ever website review here at Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast.  Because so much information is available for woodworkers on the internet it's time we start taking a look at what's good and where to find it.  This first review we take a look at is www.woodbin.com a site full of great woodworking related software and references for everyone.

Don't forget to leave me a voice mail on the website by using mychingo.  All you need is a mic and computer, no software required.

A few things I may have glossed over in the first episode and some ideas about tuning up the rabbet plane for it's best work.

Just as important as the body itself, both the nicker and the blade are very crucial for working properly.  Spending a little time tuning up these two parts can result in the best cuts you'll get.

Entered for the drawings yet?  If not drop me a line and let me know that you're interested.  Also don't forget to leave me a voice mail on the website if you get a chance.  You don't need any special software, just a mic.  Just click on the "leave Matt a voicemail" link at the top of the website.

The rabbet plane is a specialized plane used for creating both cross grain and long rabbets in stock.  Whether it's a metal bodied plane or a wooden bodied plane the anatomy of the rabbet plane is all the same.  The key to successful use is all about the "nicker".

Interested in checking out a Tool Tailgating Event?  Click on this link to view the PDF flyer with all the info. Tool Meet Flyer 2007

We've gone over the family of bench planes, so it's now time to move on to the family of speciality planes.  Where the bench planes are used for more general purposes, mainly milling of rough stock or putting a finished surface to a prepared board.  Speciality planes are very specific for the task they were intended to be used for.  Planes like the rabbett plane or the edge plane are intended for one use and one use only each, and they do their job extremely well.

Don't forget to get your name in for the free schwag drawings.  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com .  And don't forget to check out the latest episode of Wood Talk Online!!!

Woodworking is no sport, but just like with any activity to improve your woodworking skills nothing will help you more than a little practice.  Whether a hand tool or a power tool, the more time you spend using them the more it can make you an all around better woodworker.  Want to learn handcut dovetails?  Practice a side a day.  Want to improve you're veenering skills?  Veneer a small panel a day.  Practice makes perfect, not to mention it's a great excuse for time in the shop.

Our new monthly feature premieres with a review of a really great book on Bandsawn Boxes.  Donna Menke has put together a book that not only walks you through how to make the boxes between the covers, but sets you up so that you can make the boxes in your imagination.  With chapters covering tool choice and use to design and finishing techniques.  Donna has put together a complete book for both the beginner and the advanced woodworker alike.  The Ultimate Band Saw Box Book by Donna LaChance Menke.  www.sterlingpublishing.com

Congratulations to this week's winner of free schwag and the winner of this great book Michael Darling.  If you haven't entered your name into the drawings you still have time.  Send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

Don't forget to check out the newest woodworking podcast on the block.  Erik over at The Novice Garage Woodworker at http://garagewoodworker.blogspot.com

Who says you can't use both hand tools and power tools?  Here's just a little look at what can be done with both types.

Don't forget to get your name in for the 2007 Schwag Drawings!!!

So we've been talking about using hand planes for prepping and smoothing stock.  But how do we do it?  Hopefully this episode finally answers the question.  Or at least gets you started.

Crosscut sleds are a great jig for accurate and efficient cutting of wider and longer stock that traditional miter gauges may have trouble supporting.  This version I describe today is made up primarily of scraps of plywood and hardwood and can easily be built in a matter of minutes.

Also today's episode is the first drawing of 2007.  So congratulations to Bill Bradley for being our first winner of 2007.  Bill has won a pair of Zem hearing protection.  For more information on Zem check out their website at www.zemzone.com .  I use a pair of Zem in my shop and I hope Bill finds them just as great as I do.

If you haven't entered your name for the drawings, get it in.  The next drawing will be next friday so good luck.

The next part of our talk on the scrub plane.  The tips and techniques for using.  Small enough to hold with one hand and easy enough to use the same way.  As the hand plane version of the modern thickness planer, these little guys come in quite handy.

The first drawing is this friday April 20th, 2007.  Great books from Sterling Publishing and Zem hearing protection are up for grabs.  Just drop me a line and let me know you're interested in getting in the drawing.

 

The scrub plane, a member of the bench plane family that could easily fall into the family of specialized planes.  A single purpose plane that is equivalent to the modern day thickness planer.  Small in size but large in purpose.  Let's take a look at them today.  Don't forget to get those jigs in and especially don't forget to get your name in for the schwag.  The drawings start this week.  Also, you may have noticed the sound is a little off.  I just bought a new mic and I'm still making adjustments, please bear with me!!

2 ANNOUNCEMENTS:  The warm weather is just around the corner and as a result it's time to get outside and do some yardwork and such.  So starting this week I'm planning on doing only 3 shows a week.  I'm sure I'll occassionally do more but 3 for sure.  Thanks for your understanding, I just want to make sure that the shows I do for you are the best they can be.  Next, just a reminder, but Wood Talk Online Podcast has it's own feed and can be found at www.woodtalkonline.com

Thanks for listening, Matt