A woodworking show for modern woodworkers and makers. Join Marc Spagnuolo, Shannon Rogers, and Matt Cremona for a light-hearted look at the latest news, tips, and tricks from the world of woodworking.
Can AI Change How Woodworkers Design Furniture? | WT618
Episode 618
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 • Duration 43:04
Can AI Change How Woodworkers Design Furniture?
Welcome to Wood Talk #618! On today’s show, we’re talking about finishing a squatty potty, troubleshooting planer dust collection, Russian birch, and Sketchup alternatives.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft! Stop by your local store November 7 and 8 to turn a pen for a U.S. service member. Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. (Can’t be combined with other offers, exclusions apply).
Our show is also sponsored by the generous contributions of people like you. Support us and get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk. Thanks to our newest Patrons:
Jordan Ginebaugh
James Roberts
Andrei Zmievski
News and Announcements
Marc: Released a new video on his walnut dining table build and angled joinery.
Matt: Launched his Built-in Breakfast Nook Bench course.
Kickback
Larry: Shared the story of a blanket rack project he started in 1992 that he's still working on!
Group Discussion
Thoughts on Sketchup alternatives for designing furniture, including Hew and IngeTrazo.
Questions
John: What finish would you use for a squatty potty?
Scott: Planer keeps bogging down and leaving huge piles of chips on 12-inch wide 10/4 walnut slabs. Is it a planer issue or a dust collection issue?
Bob: How is Baltic birch currently getting out of Russia?
Welcome to Wood Talk #617! On today’s show, we’re talking about a cutting method for small parts, a faster way to make picture frame stock, and annealing steel.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft! Woodcraft is your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. (Can’t be combined with other offers, exclusions apply).
Our show is also sponsored by the generous contributions of people like you. Support us and get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk. Thanks to our newest Patrons:
Barr
Dylan Elder
BC Spear
News and Announcements
Explanation of the last show.
We raised over $25k for the PHP!
What’s on the Bench
Marc: Filmed Dave Boyt and Norwood Sawmills.
Matt: Not much.
Shannon: Wall shelf.
Kickback
Von Welch: Finished his workbench.
Eric Pellerin: Found purpose in a local makerspace.
Questions
Tom: What size dumbbells to use for adding weight to large glue-ups?
Joseph: Safe ways to cut small, thin parts on manual miter saws.
Mitch: How to speed up cutting rabbets and roundovers on picture frame stock.
Stephen: Advice on annealing and re-hardening steel for hand tool restoration.
Local Woodcraft Events and ClassesContact the Show
Should I Buy A Jointer? | WT616
Episode 616
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 35:45
Wood Talk #616, Should I Buy a Jointer?
On today’s show, we’re talking about whether you should buy a jointer, glue-up strategies, and shop walls.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
Marc decided to go with the two-saw setup and is trying to make that happen.
Matt is working at the sawmill.
Shannon took a New York trip and saw expensive stuff.
Kickback
Chris at Lazy Gretl Wood Works follows up on the metric vs. imperial discussion and points out that relative measurements do a lot of the precision work in a project.
Jonathan P. Szczepanski writes in to thank the guys for the talk and levity during a rough morning.
Chris Williams suggests that someone who uses both metric and imperial in the shop should be called a hybrid woodworker.
Philip writes from Northern Ireland as a proud imperial user, even though he learned metric in school and still uses metric when needed.
Why We Don't Use Metric | WT615
Episode 615
Thursday, September 17, 2026 • Duration 45:30
On today’s show, we’re talking about whether it’s finally time to go metric, using live oak for a workbench and dining table, and the Jointmaker Pro.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
Marc has been working on maker space upgrades and PM2000 fixes.
Matt is getting ready for sawing.
Shannon is doing fall cleaning, and his air filter finally gave up.
Kickback
Kyle follows up on the smoke detector question from episode 614. He installed a flame detector in his garage because he has lawn care batteries, two EVs, and a whole-home battery backup in there. It detects actual flame instead of smoke, and it sends him a phone notification.
Questions
It’s Too Long and Bendy | 614
Episode 614
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 53:56
On today’s show, we’re talking about smoke detectors in the shop, whether it’s worth upgrading dust collection ducting, and double-sided tape.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
Von Welch tested the advice about not running an air filter until leaving the shop. His air quality meter showed the air got worse for about a minute, then quickly improved. He now runs the air filter while making dust and leaves it on a timer after he’s done.
Shove a Kregger in the Hole | 613
Episode 613
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • Duration 52:17
On today’s show, we’re talking about finding a woodworking mentor, leaning bench dogs, and turning riven oak into boards.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
Marc started messing with Gridfinity and is wondering whether that was a mistake.
Matt is between things.
Shannon shellacked his chest, and now the girls all swoon.
Kickback
Alexander Hähnsen asks whether the best Wood Talk listening experience is to keep working backward from newer episodes or go all the way back to episode 1.
Kyler Goodwin and Dave suggest using an ozone generator to help remove the odor from Shannon’s chest of drawers, with the warning that ozone needs to be used carefully because it is harmful to breathe.
Questions
Reservations about Shannon | 612
Episode 612
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 • Duration 01:08:17
On today’s show, we’re talking about whether subscriber numbers matter anymore, cutting long miters, and pressing veneer without a vacuum bag.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get the ad-free version at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
Marc started a repair job for his mother-in-law on a 23-year-old project.
Matt is working on a workbench base.
Shannon is doing chest of drawers remediation.
Kickback
Gary writes in with criticism of the discussion around Shannon’s use of “off the reservation.”
Michael Johnson writes in to thank the guys for that same discussion and shares why those words carry weight for many Indigenous and First Nations people.
Anthony from Grey Design Workshop shares his experience using Accoya and Tricoya for exterior cupboard doors in southern England and asks whether the material is easy to get in the US.
When She Gives Away Your Tools | 611
Episode 611
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • Duration 01:18:48
On today’s show, we’re talking about why workbenches are better than the floor, managing customer expectations, and thick, thick workbenches.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
Marc talks about the recent open house, the final stages of the dining table, and the loss of Duggee.
Matt is rehabbing a bandsaw.
Shannon is doing some flea market flipping.
Kickback
Janae writes in after watching episode 609 and hearing Alex Snodgrass talk about bandsaw blades that break at the weld. Less than two hours later, her new-to-her Grizzly bandsaw made a loud pop. Because of the episode, she calmly shut down the saw, confirmed the break happened at the weld, and contacted the manufacturer.
Kaylin asks why more cordless tool platforms don’t offer AC adapters like Metabo’s 36V line.
Jazz Hands Joinery | 610
Episode 610
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • Duration 58:28
On today’s show, we’re talking about the pros and cons of cordless tools, using Blade Cote on a SawStop, workbench setup for a southpaw, and how our design sensibilities have changed over the years.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
This week, we thank:
Blakey Lake
Tommy Evans
Tom Krush
Rocky Smith
Scott MacIntyre
Alexander H, Sanyo
What’s on the Bench
Marc cut the big bevels on the table legs before heading out on vacation and is prepping the shop so it’s not awful to come back to.
Matt is working on a coffee table commission.
Shannon made a cheese slicer, because Woodcraft told him to.
Kickback
Michael Summer shares his experience with Mike Farrington’s sanding disc, especially the benefits of the taper, the clean edge it produces, and the ability to keep two grits loaded.
Freddie also writes in about the Mike Farrington double-taper sanding disc and says it’s fantastic for casework, glue lines, sheet goods, cabinet parts, and sneaking up on final dimensions.
Questions
Snodgrass in the House | 609
Episode 609
Monday, June 8, 2026 • Duration 27:57
On today’s show, we’re talking about Alex Snodgrass. Like, the entire time. From his early days as a mustachioed little baby to today, as he’s in the home stretch of his Next Cut Tour.
We’re recording live at the Woodcraft Vendor Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, which means this is the first face-to-face Wood Talk recording in years.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, the leading authority in woodworking, making, and creating. They have the tools, supplies, expertise, and hands-on classes to inspire creativity at every level.
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
What’s on the Bench
This week, the bench is all Alex.
We talk about how the Next Cut Tour is going.
We ask why Alex became so closely associated with bandsaws.
We discuss whether the world has enough bandsaw reindeer yet.
We get into small-shop and startup bandsaw setup advice.
Questions for Alex
Matt Parker asks how old Alex was when he first grew that glorious mustache.
Tom asks how to deal with a 14" Powermatic bandsaw with a riser kit that refuses to track straight.
Greg Batt asks whether upgrading a common 14" bandsaw from a 1 HP motor to a 2 HP motor is worth the cost and effort.
Joe Lapolito asks how often a hobbyist needs to go through Alex’s full bandsaw setup process once the machine has been dialed in.
Martin asks how to clean the blade and machine after cutting wet wood.
We also ask why Carter guides over blocks or other bearing guides.
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October 9 and 10, in-store Woodpeckers event: Tool demos and 15% off Woodpeckers products in-store only.
In-store sweepstakes: Prizes include an Adjusta-Joint Box Joint Sled, an in-DEXABLE Miter Sled with Drop Zone, and a Woodcraft gift card. No purchase is necessary.
Local Woodcraft Events and Classes
Lexington, Kentucky: Free Turn-N-Learn demo, Thursday, October 8, from 4 to 6.
Boise, Idaho: Woodpeckers tool demo, Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 2.
Pelham, Alabama: Free Turn & Learn demonstration, Thursday, October 15, from 4 to 6.
Charlotte, North Carolina: Cheese slicer and cutting board demo, Saturday, October 17, from 1 to 2.
Store Classes and Events: Check your local Woodcraft store at Woodcraft.com.
Contact the Show
Send questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone to woodtalkshow@gmail.com.
Vaibhav asks how to handle smoke detectors in a garage shop when sawdust can set them off, but fire risk from lithium batteries and oily rags is still a concern.
Chris asks whether upgrading from HVAC ductwork to Nordfab ducting is worth it for a new shop with a 3HP Oneida cyclone and several large machines.
Keith asks what brand of double-sided tape to use for templates.
Brandon asks how to find a woodworking mentor, how to avoid asking for too much unpaid time, what a developing woodworker can offer in return, and what a healthy mentoring relationship looks like.
Josh asks how to turn split, wedge-shaped oak log sections into straight boards when there’s no flat reference edge and no way to get the logs to a sawmill.
John asks whether old Wood Talk episodes are still available and whether round bench dog holes for a Benchcrafted tail vise should be drilled at a 2-degree angle.
Jean-Luc Desselle asks whether YouTube subscriber count still matters and whether milestones like 1 million or 500K still mean anything to the guys.
Tom asks how to cut large, long miters for mitered casework that exceeds 24 inches in width or depth.
Drew asks about pressing veneer without a vacuum bag, including larger cauls, screw presses, and whether multiple panels can be pressed at the same time.
Joshua shares his experience upgrading to a premium Milwaukee cordless set and how much better it has been for drilling, fence work, concrete, mixing mud and paint, and property cleanup.
We also get a list of Ten Reasons I Hate Marc.
Questions
Joel Bjornstad asks why chisel work improved so much after moving from the floor to a Roubo-style workbench. Is it posture, physics, or woodworking magic?
Monte Bell asks how to manage customer expectations when commissioned furniture takes longer than expected.
Emil built a 6 1/4" thick southern yellow pine workbench top and wants to know how thick a top can be while still working with vises, bench dogs, and holdfasts.
