ShopNotes Podcast

ShopNotes Podcast E290: We Have To Have Turbulence

What's the best inexpensive tool in your woodworking shop? And what's one tool you splurged on that was worth every penny? In Episode 290 of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle tackle those questions and plenty more. From favorite woodworking tools and shop upgrades to organizing tool collections and protecting your investment, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns. And, of course, there's a little turbulence along the way. The guys kick things off with listener comments, including more Shopsmith banter, oversized antique tool chests, and thoughts on Woodworking in America. Then it's time to talk tools. John shares why he won't compromise on quality screws or a good router lift, Logan explains his appreciation for a vintage Starrett tape measure, and Phil talks about treating himself to a set of Japanese chisels. Logan also shares how he's using AI to create an inventory of his woodworking tools, complete with estimated values. That leads to a bigger discussion about shop insurance, replacement costs, and an interesting question: If you had to rebuild your woodworking shop from scratch, what would you do differently? In This Episode: Favorite inexpensive woodworking tools and worthwhile splurges The ongoing Shopsmith saga Organizing and upgrading traditional woodworking tool chests Using AI to inventory woodworking tools Shop insurance, tool values, and replacement costs Logan's new table saw outfeed table and workbench Progress on a custom kitchen island with built-in storage Phil's Writing Desk and decorative diamond bead molding Adding casters to a knock-down workbench Router jigs, finger joints, and woodworking club workshops Whether you're building furniture, upgrading your workshop, collecting hand tools, or just enjoy talking woodworking, pull up a chair and join the conversation. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What's your favorite inexpensive shop tool? What's one tool you're glad you spent extra money on? And if you had to start your woodworking shop over, what would you change? Leave your answers in the comments! MORE FROM WOODSMITH ShopNotes Podcast episodes and show notes: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcasts/ Woodworking plans, projects, tips, and techniques: https://www.woodsmith.com/ Downloadable woodworking plans: https://www.woodsmithplans.com/ Subscribe to the ShopNotes Podcast for weekly woodworking conversations, shop updates, tool discussions, and plenty of laughs with Phil, Logan, and John. Thanks to Titebond for supporting the ShopNotes Podcast! https://www.titebond.com/ #ShopNotesPodcast #Woodworking #Woodsmith #WoodworkingTools #WoodworkingPodcast

ShopNotes Podcast E289: Pitchin', Y'all

Woodworking events, tool chests, Shopsmith controversy, and shop projects! In Episode 289 of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle are back with another round of woodworking discussions, shop updates, and plenty of good-natured ribbing. This week, we're recapping Woodworking in America 2026, including highlights from the demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and conversations with fellow woodworkers. We also tackle some listener feedback about the event and discuss why Woodworking in America focuses on hands-on education and personal interaction rather than being a traditional woodworking trade show. And yes, the Shopsmith jokes continue! After years of teasing the multipurpose woodworking machine, the guys finally spent some quality time with the Shopsmith crew. Even better, there's now a Shopsmith Mark 7 at the Woodsmith shop. Could Logan and John actually become Shopsmith fans? Phil also brings up an interesting woodworking challenge: What's the best way to organize a traditional wooden tool chest? Should every hand tool have a dedicated spot, or is a more flexible tool tote the better solution? The guys discuss portable tool storage, custom organizers, Dutch tool chests, and ways to transport hand tools and power tools safely. Plus, Logan shares highlights from his visit to Lee Valley Tools and Veritas in Canada, including an incredible collection of vintage hand planes and woodworking tools. We also get an update on his shop-built table saw outfeed table, featuring a torsion box top and an alternative to plastic laminate. In this episode: - Woodworking in America 2026 recap and listener feedback - Why woodworking demonstrations matter more than big vendor displays - The ongoing Shopsmith debate — and a Shopsmith Mark 7 in the shop! - Behind the scenes at Lee Valley Tools and Veritas - Traditional wooden tool chests vs. portable tool totes - Organizing and protecting hand tools for travel - Designing a portable, knockdown woodworking bench - Logan's table saw outfeed table with an HDPE work surface - Plans and ideas for future woodworking events Join the conversation! How do you organize your woodworking tools? Do you prefer a traditional tool chest with dedicated compartments or a flexible tote that can handle different projects? Share your thoughts in the comments or send photos of your tool storage solutions to woodsmith@woodsmith.com. And mark your calendars! Woodworking in America is planned for October 8–9, 2027. Subscribe to the ShopNotes Podcast for weekly woodworking conversations, tool discussions, project updates, shop tips, and plenty of laughs from the editors of Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking. Woodsmith Magazine: https://www.woodsmith.com Popular Woodworking: https://www.popularwoodworking.com #ShopNotesPodcast #Woodworking #Woodsmith #PopularWoodworking #WoodworkingTools

ShopNotes Podcast E288: Viking Is a Full-Time Job

ShopNotes Podcast E287: Interview with SawStop CEO Matt Howard

ShopNotes Podcast E286: Don't Build Another Crumby Breadboard

In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John talk woodworking tools, hand-tool sharpening, current shop projects, and what’s happening behind the scenes at Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking. The crew digs into sharpening systems, compares traditional hand planes with new titanium planes, and answers listener questions about woodworking tools and techniques. They also share updates on current woodworking projects, including Phil’s pine writing desk, Logan’s table saw outfeed table, and a new shop storage project for Woodsmith Magazine. Plus, Phil and Logan prepare for their upcoming woodworking tour of Sweden and Denmark and preview the demonstrations, makers, and woodworking techniques they’re looking forward to at Woodworking in America. If you enjoy woodworking podcasts covering hand tools, power tools, woodworking projects, shop talk, and the people and ideas shaping the craft, this episode has plenty to dig into. To find out more about the topics discussed on the podcast, check out our show notes page: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/ #Woodworking #WoodworkingPodcast #HandTools #Woodsmith #ShopNotesPodcast

ShopNotes Podcast E285: Sauna-Length Handworks Weekend

The crew recaps a hot and humid weekend at Handworks, sharing favorite tools, makers, and highlights from the show. Plus, they tackle listener questions about shop storage and tool safety, look ahead to Woodworking in America, and check in on Logan’s long-running table saw outfeed station project. To find out more about the topics discussed on the ShopNotes Podcast, check out our show notes page: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

ShopNotes Podcast E284: Sorry, Jared

The ShopNotes Podcast crew catches up on the latest in woodworking, including Logan’s trip to the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta and some of the newest woodworking tools and technology on display. Phil, Logan, and John also debate the best ways to organize a woodworking shop, talk pegboard, drawers, and tool storage, and look ahead to Handworks, Woodworking in America, and upcoming woodworking tours to Denmark, Sweden, and Japan. To find out more about the topics discussed on the podcast, check out our show notes page: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

ShopNotes Podcast E283: Our Patented Blade-Breaking Technology

Phil Huber and John Doyle are back for a special back-to-school edition of the ShopNotes Podcast. This week, they dig into listener comments on radial arm saws, cabinet joinery, woodworking books, and even the ongoing Buc-ee’s debate. They also share what’s happening around the Woodsmith shop, including upcoming events, new tools spotted at IWF, Phil’s finishing course and desk build, and John’s latest outdoor chair project. Plus, there’s plenty of talk about shop maintenance, bandsaw surprises, and the busy woodworking season ahead. To find out more information on the topics discussed on the podcast, check out our show notes page: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

ShopNotes Podcast E282: Push 'em Down Again

On this week's episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John revisit the versatility—and occasional sketchiness—of radial arm saws before weighing the pros and cons of dados, pocket screws, and simple butt joints for cabinet construction. Logan also previews an upcoming kitchen island video series, while the crew makes time for listener comments, shop updates, and the possible arrival of Iowa’s first Buc-ee’s. To find out more information about the topics discussed on the podcast, check out our show notes page: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

ShopNotes Podcast E281: Short, Top-Heavy Podcasters

On this week's episode of the ShopNote's Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John are back together to take listeners' questions and comments (even the mean ones), as well as, discussing recent travels, and an update on Logan's auction haul. For more information on the the topics discussed on the podcast, check out our show notes page: https//www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

ShopNotes Podcast E280: We Love a Good, Sick Burn

In this episode, Phil Huber and John Doyle catch up on what’s happening around the Woodsmith shop. They discuss listener comments, woodworking tools, vintage auctions, hand tools, and what keeps woodworkers coming back to the ShopNotes Podcast. The guys also share behind-the-scenes details on the upcoming finishing e-learning course, including shop-built finishing projects, spray finishing techniques, and creating a dedicated finishing space in your workshop. Plus, they talk about upcoming woodworking events, Handworks, Woodworking in America, shop scrap, and more. Have a question or comment for the show? Send it to woodsmith@woodsmith.com or join the conversation on the ShopNotes Podcast YouTube channel.

ShopNotes Podcast E279: Blood Barns & Auction Fever

ShopNotes Podcast E278: Atlantically Speaking

In Episode 278 of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dives back into your suggestions for the ultimate woodworking road trip, highlighting museums, historic shops, and must-see destinations across Iowa and beyond. Logan shares an update on Chunk-A-Trunk, including how he's turning figured lumber into turning blanks for woodworkers around the country, while the team previews upcoming Woodsmith events, tours, and the Great Woodsmith Garage Sale. Plus, there's plenty of discussion about finishing techniques, shop projects, hand tools, woodworking history, and the listener comments that always make the conversation even more entertaining. Whether you're in the shop or on the road, pull up a chair and join the fun! To find out more about the topics mentioned on the ShopNotes Podcast, check out our show notes page here: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

ShopNotes Podcast E277: Iowa Tourism Board Tackles Woodworking

Could Iowa be America's next woodworking destination? In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dreams up the ultimate Iowa woodworking road trip, complete with legendary tool makers, historic woodworking sites, museums, furniture shops, sawmills, and a few can't-miss restaurants along the way. Along the journey, Phil, Logan, and John also answer listener questions about sharpening stones, debate why vintage woodworking machines are almost always painted green, and discuss whether linseed oil paint is making a comeback—or just taking forever to dry. John also shares his latest Facebook Marketplace adventure after discovering a never-opened 1992 Woodsmith Panel Saw Hardware Kit, leading to a discussion about vintage woodworking kits, classic ShopNotes projects, and whether bringing hardware kits back would be a good idea. In this episode: Designing the ultimate Iowa woodworking tour Hidden woodworking destinations across the Midwest Woodworking in America updates Sharpening stone chips: should you worry? Why are old woodworking machines always green? Vintage woodworking hardware kits and Facebook Marketplace finds Listener questions, comments, and plenty of woodworking rabbit trails Have a favorite woodworking destination in your area? Tell us in the comments! If another woodworker visited your hometown, where would you take them?

ShopNotes Podcast E276: None Was Right, But One Was Better (Than the Others)

In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dives into the world of old tool restoration, shares thoughts on building a practical starter tool kit for new homeowners, and discusses how woodworkers decide when—and why—to bring new tools into the shop. Plus, they answer listener feedback, debate Harbor Freight tools, and John begins restoring his grandfather’s Stanley No. 4 hand plane. To find out more on the topics discussed on the podcast, check out our Show Notes page here: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

ShopNotes Podcast E275: Let's Just Talk About Gas Stations Again

ShopNotes Podcast E274: The Gas Station Situation in Central Iowa

In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John cover everything from vintage woodworking tools to the surprisingly competitive gas station scene in the Midwest. We kick things off with listener comments about the upcoming "Domino Killer" joinery tools, Kreg's woodworking-focused approach to tool development, and the ongoing debate between premium and budget woodworking equipment. Then Phil shares the ups and downs of rebuilding his vintage Delta/Rockwell drill press—including seized bearings, stubborn chucks, hydraulic presses, and why old machines aren't always as easy to restore as YouTube makes them look. Plus, we somehow spend a significant amount of time discussing Casey's, QuickStar, QuickTrip, breakfast pizza, and the convenience-store culture of Iowa. Vintage Delta/Rockwell drill press restoration Woodworking tool repairs and maintenance Kreg vs Festool discussions Grizzly Makers Challenge Woodworking side-business opportunities Router table storage projects Custom furniture design process Church door construction and installation Used woodworking tools and machine restoration Midwest gas station culture Have a question, comment, or smart remark? Email us at woodsmith@woodsmith.com or leave a comment below.

ShopNotes Podcast E273: Free Lumber! You Fell, You Haul, You Mill (Don't Mess Up My Yard)

In Episode 273 of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dives into everything happening in the woodworking world — from hand tool events and lumber prices to TV show updates, shop projects, and new tools coming to the market. Logan shares a full recap of his trip to Hand Tool Haven at the Plain Wellness event in Pennsylvania, including tool vendors, demonstrations, silent auction finds, and a few close calls with buying even more hand planes. The guys also discuss upcoming events like Woodworking in America 2026 and why woodworking competitions at county and state fairs are worth entering. Back in the shop, John wraps up filming for Season 20 of The Woodsmith Shop TV show, Phil works through design details on his latest desk project, and Logan gets dangerously close to finishing a set of custom church doors — while also getting pulled into unexpected woodworking side quests. Plus, the crew talks about Kreg’s newly announced cordless loose tenon machine, the ongoing corded vs. cordless debate, walnut from Chunk A’ Trunk, listener comments about lumber suppliers, and plenty of woodworking shop banter along the way. Got a question or comment for the show? Send it to woodsmith@woodsmith.com or leave a comment on the ShopNotes Podcast YouTube channel.

ShopNotes Podcast E272: What's Your Relationship Like with Your Hardwood Supplier?

ShopNotes Podcast E271: Hierarchy of Panels, or: MVP (Most Visible Panel)

Episode 271 of the ShopNotes Podcast is packed with shop talk, project updates, and the chaos of last-minute woodworking projects before big life events. The crew dives into garage vs. basement shops, lasers and 3D printing, restoring an old cabinet for graduation season, building church doors, and why every “quick weekend project” somehow turns into a four-month adventure. Plus, woodworking rabbit holes, lumber with a story, and the return of the infamous dumpster fire discussion.