Matt's Basement Workshop - Audio

394 Milescraft's Turnlock Baseplate System

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:34:36 -0500

For today's episode, we're heading back to June of this year and my visit to Woodcraft's Vendor's/Dealer's show with the guys from Milescraft.

You've seen me use the Milescraft Turnlock baseplate system before, so while I was there I figured it would be a great opportunity to talk about it and introduce all of you to the accessories available. From "easy on and easy off" bushings, to great circle jigs and offset router bases, the turnlock system is a great product!

Don't forget to get your name in for the new round of schwag drawings this month! Good luck!!

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393 October Schwag Drawings

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:33:49 -0400

It's time to giveaway some schwag for the month of October and why not do it on the same day kids are out Trick or Treating?

But rather than scaring the living daylights out of everyone I'm planning on making it feel a little more like giving holidays that are now just around the corner.

Hopefully you'll be one of our seven lucky winners and if you hear your name, congratulations. But if you're not, don't lose hope, there's always next month and the month after that and the month after that...

A huge thanks to our schwag donators, Kreg Tools, Highland Woodworking, Lost Art Press, Whiteside Router bits, Milescraft, Sensgard, Lee Valley and Hendrik Varju. We all appreciate your generousity!!

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Wood Talk Online No.61

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:21:51 -0400

[dewplayer:http://www.archive.org/download/WoodTalkOnline61/wto61.mp3]
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Questions or Comments?You can get a hold of us by either dropping us an email at woodtalkonline@gmail.com or you can pick up the phone and leave us a message on our voice mail at 623-242-2450.

What's on the Workbench?
Marc - Just finished the Wall-Hanging Tool Chest for the Guild.
Matt - installed his bandsaw riser block...wow that's tall!

News:
Norm is retiring!! Woodworking Magazine interview with Russ Morash, producer of the New Yankee Workshop.

International Dress Like Norm Day
In honor of Norm Abram, the folks at Woodworking Magazine and Popular Woodworking are asking all Norm fans to dress like the man, take a photo of yourself in costume and send it to me by midnight Monday, Nov. 2, at chris.schwarz@fwmedia.com. The person who sends in the best photo (as determined by our staff), will win a great prize.

Magazine Roundup:
Matt's Pick: A Woodworker's Journal article on green finishing by Micael Dresdner.
Marc's Picks: Fine Woodworking's "How to Design Furniture" book/magazine thingie and The "Build or Buy" article in the latest issue of Popular Woodworking.

Around the Web:
A couple cool iPhone Apps to try out- ID Wood and Boardfeet
Official website for Splinter "the car"- check out the veneer loom and more
Skateboards from fallen limbs and axes

Holiday Project Templates at Eagle America - Get 'em while they're hot!

PBS's The Router Workshop Video Series ($4.00 for each month)
You will receive one episode per week of the Router Workshop. There are 183 episodes in this video library.

An Interesting Scenario to ponder:
17yr old kid wants to be a woodworker. Already has some shop experience and is showing great potential. Does he aim for a woodworking school or business school?
Listen to the show to hear advice from your fellow woodworkers, as well as the staff of Popular Woodworking.

Magazine Website Roundup (Pt. 2):

WOOD-
User-generated videos
How to Videos from the Wood Magazine Editors
Free tool demos
Over 100 Pay-per Download titles
Forums
Free Weekly Newsletter (no sales pitches)
More than 1000 woodworking plans for sale in the Wood Store
A comprehensive index of every article that has appeared in WOOD magazine

Woodworker's Journal Offerings (Rob Johnstone - Editor in Chief, and don't you forget it!)
Homepage
eZine (an online woodworking magazine emailed every two weeks)
There's also two other sites of interest: WomeninWoodworking and FreePlans.com.
In addition to these websites, they also offer a fully digital version of the print magazine with supplemental digital content.
Of course there's also an online store selling back issues, downloadable digital plans, books, CDs.
And they also have a blog page with Chris Marshall as it's main blogger. But all of the staff at one point or another use from time to time.

Sweet Deals:
FREE Super Saver Shipping on ANY SIZE ORDER at Eagle America! Use promo code WOODTALK61 at checkout and select Free Shipping as your shipping method. (Offer valid for two weeks only, now thru 11/9/2009).

20% off Sorby turning tools and free shipping on Jet Lathes now through Nov 1st at Woodcraft.com

It Came from the Forum:
Woodworking in the Cold

Voicemail:
Roberto has a great question concerning planer/jointer blades: to sharpen or to buy?

Tom's Tip (TomsWorkbench.com): BBQ's make great mobile carts?!?!
Village Carpenter's Tip: (Village Carpenter): Dental tools, for more than just torture!

392 Whiteside's Corner Chisel Tool

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:25:14 -0400

It’s the week of Halloween and who doesn’t like a little trick and treating? Well you don’t have to get all dressed up as your favorite woodworking podcaster to take advantage of this treat from Whiteside and Woodcraft, you just have to head to your local store or order online before October 31, 2009.

That’s right it’s time for ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!!! And while I’m late getting this month’s episode posted I think you’ll love this little time saver.

Whiteside’s Corner Chisel makes quick work of squaring up the rounded corners left when you cut those shallow mortises for hinges and hardware. One hit on the retractable dual chisel and you have a square corner without fear of missing the finish line and leaving a mark that’ll be highlighted when you apply your finish.

Easy to use and fast too, especially if you have a whole kitchen load of hinges to install. Or if you just want them done right the first time.

Of course as we always do one of these great Whiteside Corner Chisels will be given away in this month’s schwag drawings. But in case you’re not entered for the giveaways or just want to take advantage of the sale price before it ends JUST CLICK HERE TO ORDER TODAY.

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391 Samantha's Bookcase Pt. 3

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:04:05 -0400

It's almost Halloween, so I thought I'd share with you one of the scariest things I've had to face in a long time. Gluing up the pieces for Samantha's Bookcase!

Thankfully having properly sized dados and running through a few dry runs made the whole process a little less scary, but scary none the less. Enjoy!
Don't forget to get your name in for the schwag drawings next week!!

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390 Hendrik's Latest DVD "Working with Plywood"

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:51:25 -0400

For the month of October, we have Hendrik back once again to talk about one of his two new DVDs. This month, we’re discussing the first title “Working with Plywood”.

At just over 11 hours in length, Hendrik leaves nothing out when it comes to teaching you how to successfully use plywood in your projects. Topics include choosing and understanding the differences between grades of plywood, creating a cut layout plan for getting the best looks from the individual components to choosing and using the right edge treatments for making that project look absolutely flawless.

Included in the DVD set is bonus footage for building the stop dado jig Hendrik discusses and uses in his demonstration of joinery in the sample project he builds throughtout the footage.

To learn more about ordering “Working with Plywood” or any of Hendrik’s other titles, CLICK HERE. Next month’s visit with Hendrik, we’ll be discussing his second title recently released “Wood Science and Design”.

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389 Samantha's Bookcase Pt.2

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:54:17 -0400

In the last episode of Samantha's Bookcase project, we covered ripping sheets of plywood to their rough sizes. For a small shop this can be a daunting task, but not impossible if you plan it correctly. A big part of my planning is not worrying about taking the cuts to their final dimensions yet, but simply getting them in the ball park and then coming back at a later time and cleaning them up.

For today's episode we'll visit the process of crosscutting. Again, depending on the size of your shop, this can be a daunting task. But we have a number of options available from tablesaws, to circular saws and even hand tools...handsaws and planes...even with plywood.

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388 Blum Tools on MBW

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:18:02 -0400

It's easy to see that much hasn't changed with hand planes in the past 100 years. In fact if you look closely, most modern plane makers are, essentially making the same metal bodied planes as were being designed by Mr. Bailey.

Even wooden bodied planes haven't seen much innovation. Of course the choice of wood species are probably more widely available than before. Especially considering that many were made by the users themselves, so the wood used was often domestic hardwoods (domestic at least for the user that is).

A recent blip on the plane making radar, that should be getting more attention, is the design being built by Gary Blum of Blum Tool Company. Gary's planes are an all wooden model but rather than using a traditional wedge to secure the blade, or a chipbreaker and frog mechanism. Blum Tool handplanes use a completely unique design unlike anything I've seen before.

Check it out and decide for yourself. After learning more about it and then taking one for a test drive, it's high on my list for my next plane buy.

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387 Samantha's Bookcase Pt.1

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:56:37 -0400

After a long delay and a few stops and stutters my wife's bookcase is finally completed. It's a simple design with a base and hutch. I decided to use plywood for the majority of the components, as cutting wider pieces is so much easier with sheet goods.

But instead of the usual home center plywood I opted to dive right into using premium plywood. While it nearly tripled the bottom line, the final results were worth it. I'll never look at home center plywood the same again after indulging on this stuff.

Today's episode is just the introduction and covers a large portion of my ripping the sheets to their final dimensions, or at least close to it. For sure it was a matter of taking them down to more manageable sizes. And I even included a scene that I'm not to proud of as I make what could've been a dumb and costly mistake. Costly as in, rush to the hospital if it went bad costly!!

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386 Stanley's Premium Hand Planes

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:07:06 -0400

Earlier this year while I was working at the Woodcraft Vendor's/Dealer's show in West Virginia with the guys from Milescraft I had a chance to talk with the folks from Stanley Toolworks about the new Premium line of handplanes they were about to introduce.

They've been out for a while now, so if you've had a chance to try one I'd love to hear your impression. But if you're still curious, here's what the Stanley guys had to say.

One last note, this Wednesday October 7th 2009. Marc and I are recording the next episode of Wood Talk Online Live at 9PM EST. Stop by The Wood Whisperer - Live page to check it out. Lot's of fun for everyone!!

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385 September Schwag Giveaways

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:23:51 -0400

Who doesn't love free stuff? I know I do and that's why we do these giveaways. Because if I love this stuff I know you will!!

Because of our sponsorship with Highland Woodworking we have some really great schwag to offer this month's winners.

The first on the list is a "Build a Maloof Inspired Rocker with Charles Brock - Plan Bundle"

Then we have 2 winnners receiving Custom-sized Woodslicer Resaw Bandsaw Blades

Other winners will be receiving a Lee Valley Handplane Screwdriver, the choice of a number Milescraft items, a copy of Popular Woodworking's Turning DVD starring Steve Shanesy and everyone will be receiving ZEM hearing protection too.

Thanks to everyone for entering and congrats to the winners this month!

Please remember if you didn't win, to be eligible for winning schwag next month you need to re-enter your name...but more great schwag is rolling in as we speak.

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384 One More Trip Back To WIA St. Charles

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:51:32 -0400
One more trip back to WIA's Design & Construction Conference in St. Charles, IL. Today's episode features scenes from Jim Tolpin's Q&A session following his session on measuring and designing without using traditional measuring tools. In fact all Jim used was a pair of calipers and his own body.

The second session in today's episode features Don Williams and a peek at his history lesson on how power tools are nothing new and have been around in one form or another for centuries.

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383 Whiteside's Biscuit Joining Kit

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:17:51 -0400
We almost missed it this month, but it's better late than never I say! It's time for ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!!!

And this month we're taking a look at Whiteside's Biscuit Joining Kit, a simple little slot cutting profile that includes 3 different sized bearings making it easy for you to cut mating joints for biscuit joinery in your next project. Whether it's for reinforcing simple butt joint glue-ups or helping to align multiple boards in the same plane for wider panels, biscuit joinery is a great option for woodworkers.

Whiteside's Biscuit Joining Kit is a great alternative to purchasing a costly plate joiner, especially when you consider the price of this router bit.

We'll be giving one of these kits away this month in our, month end schwag drawings, but if you can't wait to find out if you're the winner...Click Here to order yours today.

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382 Hendrik's Busy Summer

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:46:06 -0400
Hi everyone! Our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju is back for another visit and today were sitting down to talk about his busy summer. Between seminar appearances and having an entire dust collection system custom installed in his shop Hendrik somehow managed to find time for summer fun and producing two new instructional DVDs.

This episode was recorded on Labor day, 2009. It was one day before his new DVDs were released, so there's not many details released. But next month we'll be diving in deep to talk about them.

To learn more about the two new titles, "Working with Plywood" and "Wood Science & Design" visit Hendrik's website at www.passionforwood.com.
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381 Meet Czech Edge Hand Tools

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:03:49 -0400
I love getting behind the scenes with, and meeting the makers of today's premium hand tools. Of course when we think of "premium hand tools" a few companies come to mind immediately, and one of those I was excited to see was going to be at WIA St. Charles was Czech Edge Hand Tools.

Bob Zajicek, the owner of Czech Edge Hand Tools, was more than happy to let me hang out at his booth both days of the conference. I'm sure the fact I'd been wanting a decent marking knife and kept asking him question, probably helped out too!

If you're not aware of Bob and Czech Edge Hand Tools, check out this video...

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380 Back to WIA

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:41:08 -0400
In today's episode we're heading back to Woodworking in America's Design and Construction conference to check out some snippets from Brian Bogg's "Composing with Wood Grain" and Robert Lang's "Arts and Crafts: The Unadorned Truth".

Deciding on which footage would make the cut was perhaps one of the hardest decisions I had to make. Both lectures were filled with tons of information and to be honest I found myself forgetting to turn on the camera every now and then.

Hopefully you'll find something in what I put together...and maybe next time around you'll be sitting next to me in the classroom...or at least sitting in the same room!

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379 Meet DL Barrett & Sons Toolworks

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:17:16 -0400
As part of "Try it Tuesday" I'd like to introduce some of you to Dan and Kyle Barrett of DL Barrett & Sons Toolworks. Dan and Kyle were one of the vendors at WIA this year and after seeing Kyle's work being featured on Woodworking Magazine's blog I knew I had to meet them.

DL Barrett & Sons Toolworks make some beautiful and amazing wooden handplanes. Traditional wooden bench planes, and plough planes that look to nice to use, but are made just for that...real work in real shops. Dan and Kyle were great to hang out with and were more than happy to answer any questions I had.

For more information about DL Barrett & Sons Toolworks visit their website at dlbarrettandsons.com. But be warned, viewing these planes may just cause you to buy!!

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378 WIA Design & Construction Pt 1

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:45:56 -0400
As promised, I'm starting to post footage from the recent Woodworking in America Design & Construction conference in St. Charles, IL. For the next few weeks we'll see short snippets of the classes I was able to attend to give you an idea of what it was like to be there, and also perhaps to inspire you.

Each of the lecturers were amazing and their knowledge of the subject they spoke about was extensive. I wish I could have captured more of each, but due to intellectual property laws I can only post about 2-3 minutes of what I filmed (for now at least...I'm planning to contact each lecturer and ask if I can post more.)

So let's get started with our first two lectures!

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377 Try it Tuesday

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:31:10 -0400
Let's admit it, track saws are pretty sweet tools. It's hard for me to imagine a home woodworker who doesn't have a circular saw up on the shelf that gets used primarily for breaking down sheet goods. And while they're worth their weight in exotic lumber (for me that's Pennsylvania Cherry), they have their limitations.

Track saws take what a circular saw can do and elevate it to the next level. No more rigging up straight edges that bow over long lengths. No more saw slightly pulling away from the straight edge and ruining the cut line. Then you throw in it's ability to cut odd angles easily, the fact that you're not guessing exactly where the cut is going to occur or whether it'll splinter the surface...

Do you get the impression that I really like it? But for me the most important question that needs to be asked is "does every shop need one?" You'll have to watch to find out.

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376 I'm Back!!

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:57:29 -0400
With the Labor Day holiday only a week away here in the States and the start of school for the vast majority of our kids just as close. There's no getting around the fact that summer is coming to an end. But on the bright side that also means the summer hiatus of Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast is finally over also...or is that the bad news?

Before we get up and running, I thought I'd start off with this "brief announcement" enjoy!

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375 Whiteside's 1/2" Radius Roundover Bit

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:31:31 -0400
I'm a little behind in getting this posted, but it's time once again for ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!! This month we're featuring Whiteside's 1/2" Radius Roundover bit. Much larger than our typical roundovers, but still a great profile for lots of applications.

The problem with smaller radius roundover bits on thicker stock is that the edge treatment can be lost when you step back and look at it. But the 1/2" radius bit stays proportional to the stock and shows up great. In fact if you were to use it on anything thinner than 3/4" you may have trouble getting the roundover or thumbnail effect you were hoping for. Personally this is a profile I'd only use on 1" or thicker stock. In fact, by applying a simple roundover on each side of the same edge will result in a perfectly proportioned bullnose. Great for making your own stair treads or very nicely proportioned tabletops!

As always, we're giving one of these profiles away on the show. But if you're not this month's lucky winner, you can still take advantage of the great discounted price all month long at Woodcraft for August, 2009.

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Rockler Bench Cookies: Lifts, Grips and Protects!

With high-friction rubber surfaces and a durable core, Bench Cookies are the most exciting, versatile accessory to hit wood shops in years. They keep projects from slipping while routing, sanding,..
Rockler Bench Cookies: Lifts, Grips and Protects!

The Daily Matt 1

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:26:59 -0400
Just a little sneak peek of a new feature happening here at Matt's Basement Workshop. Since so much happens between episodes I was looking for a way to get things out before they pass or I simply forgot. So starting today is something I'm calling "The Daily Matt". After this segment is released you'll only be able to find it on the website, but it's right up at the top in the left hand corner so you can't miss it!

A couple of things I wanted to mention were upcoming changes at the show that'll go into effect when the summer hiatus ends and more importantly I wanted to draw attention to a blog you should checkout if you're a hand tool lover. It's the Tattooed Woodworker and Rob has a world of knowledge he's sharing with everyone.

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Rockler Bench Cookies: Lifts, Grips and Protects!

With high-friction rubber surfaces and a durable core, Bench Cookies are the most exciting, versatile accessory to hit wood shops in years. They keep projects from slipping while routing, sanding,..
Rockler Bench Cookies: Lifts, Grips and Protects!

374 Day 2 at AWFS

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:00:45 -0400
Day 2 of AWFS was just as exciting as Day 1. The day started out with a monorail ride to the venue and to my surprise the guy standing in front of me was Joe Harmon, the builder of Splinter. We had a chance to talk a little as we walked in the Convention Center and I was able to get his business card. So hopefully we'll have him on the show for a little interview?

Inside, the highlight of the morning for me was a chance to meet Norm Abram and Scott Phillips. Norm was a great guy to talk with, and I still have yet to wash my hand he shook. And though I had met Scott Phillips previously, it was still a kick to meet him again and we talked about our shows for a few minutes. Maybe we could get him in here for an interview also?

Around lunchtime I met with Marc and Nicole and a number of you from the audience. It was really great to be able to sit down and meet those of you who were able to make it. Thanks for coming out!!

And then it was back to work as I met with the folks at Dewalt to learn about their new Lithium Ion Battery packs, their new dust extractor and a new line up of saw blades. Check these out for yourself in the show, the dust extractor is making it's way to the top of my list of must haves!

The other big story, although it's old news by now, is Kreg's Beaded Face Frame system. Alongside Marc I was able to record the new setup being used and explained. Looks pretty interesting.

There were so many booths and vendors to check it out, that really I don't think I was able to do justice to what was available. But hopefully I was able to highlight some stuff that'll make you feel like you were there yourself.

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373 Day 1 at AWFS

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:38:50 -0400
I finally had a chance to visit AWFS for the first time this year and while it wasn't as big as it has been in the past it was still worth every minute. Having a chance to meet Marc and Nicole along with many of you that I've emailed, Twittered or Facebooked with was the highlight of the trip. But being able to see first hand all of the great tools, supplies and so much more we use in our shops...or wish we used...was very exciting too!

I probably should've made better plans to cover some of the booths and talk with more of the manufacturers, but it's hard to know where to start or what's going to be the hot topic of the show. So I chose instead to just wander around on my own and see what struck me as worth checking out.

2 things that caught my eye were last year's Adjustable 15 inch bandsaw from General Tools (Marc had originally filmed this, but I liked the versatility so much I thought it would be worth revisiting) and the aftermarket spiral head cutters being offered by Accu-Head.

Of course I couldn't resist filming a little bit of the Belt Sander Races that occurred at the end of the day either...very interesting to say the least! More from the show to come in the next episode.

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Wood Talk Online No.57

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:19:54 -0400
I know we are on our "summer break", but Matt and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to do a Wood Talk Online at AWFS 2009. It was the first time Matt and I met in person and we had an awesome time at the show. In this episode, we give you our initial impressions of the show and a quick rundown on the things we thought were most compelling.

We also live streamed the show and we have the video available below. The internet connection was less than ideal so you'll find the video a little choppy. But if you ever wanted to see Matt and I in the same place (yikes!!), now you can. If you have trouble viewing the video below, hit the little circular refresh button. And if you still have trouble, make sure you have the latest version of Flash installed for your browser.

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372 "10" Essential Router Bits with Whiteside

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:28:04 -0400
While working with the great folks at Whiteside Router Bits (Clark Whiteside and Chris Miller) at the West Virginia Woodcraft show. I had a chance to record an episode for this month's 'Router Bit of the Month' based on an article written by Gary Rogowski in Fine Woodworking Magazine's September/October 2006 issue titled "10 Essential Router Bits -
These bits will conquer the majority of woodworking tasks". Click here to learn more about the article

This is a common question that many of you have written in asking and when I had the opportunity to record this episode I couldn't resist. All 10 bits are sold at Woodcraft and have been packaged up specially based on this article, click here to see them. While the kit is a little pricey it's well worth the investment if you can make it. Otherwise as I mention in the episode, building up one bit at a time is a great way to complete your own set without breaking the bank.

And considering that all Whiteside Router Bits are on sale for the month of July, getting started on that collection has never been easier.

Don't forget to visit Lumberjocks.com to enter their Summer 2009 Woodworking Awards competition starting July 1st!!

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371 Hendrik's June Visit Pt 2

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:29:09 -0400
The second half our June visit with Hendrik...

There's no set theme to today's show, just whatever woodworking questions came in from you the listener's. So hopefully you'll hear something you were wondering about too. And if not, don't worry, once the summer is over Hendrik will be back for more shows in the fall. So in the meantime enjoy today's episode!

If you'd like to find out more about Hendrik. Whether it's to checkout some of his projects, sign up for a class, buy one of his DVDs or learn more about his woodworking consulting service visit his website at www.passionforwood.com.

And don't forget to visit Lumberjocks.com to enter their Summer 2009 Woodworking Awards competition starting July 1st!!

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370 Hendrik's June Visit Pt 1

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:51:13 -0400
Before heading off for our traditional summer hiatus here at Matt's Basement Workshop we have our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju stopping by just one more time to take a few of your questions.

There's no set theme to today's show, just whatever woodworking questions came in from you the listener's. So hopefully you'll hear something you were wondering about too. And if not, don't worry, once the summer is over Hendrik will be back for more shows in the fall. So in the meantime enjoy today's episode!

If you'd like to find out more about Hendrik. Whether it's to checkout some of his projects, sign up for a class, buy one of his DVDs or learn more about his woodworking consulting service visit his website at www.passionforwood.com.

And don't forget to visit Lumberjocks.com to enter their Summer 2009 Woodworking Awards competition starting July 1st!!

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369 Ted & Norah of Roarockit Skateboards

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:21:02 -0400
Building projects with kids can be both fulfilling and...interesting...at the same time. Finding the right project is probably the hardest part of the build. But when you do, it's well worth it. Back around December of last year I had a chance to build a skateboard project with my kids. We contacted the folks at Roarockit Skateboard company about one of their build-it-yourself skateboard decks and they happily helped us out.

We documented the build and many of you had questions about it and the company itself. It took a little while on my part, I finally managed to sit down and record an interview with the Roarockit owners Ted & Norah.

Hope you enjoy it, and if you'd like to learn more about Roarockit Skateboards CLICK HERE.

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368 Milescraft Pantograph

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:35:01 -0400
I've had this really neat router pantograph in my own shop for about a year or more and being able to use it to craft, out of the ordinary signs, that your typical router sign making kit just can't do I was really excited when the guys from Milescraft asked if I'd be interested in demonstrating it at the Woodcraft Vendor's/Dealers show in Charleston, West Virginia.

The beauty of the Milescraft router pantograph is that you can use a wide assortment of fonts, pictures and shapes to create unique signs with your own router that typically you might have been able to only do with a set of carving chisels or a lot of experience with routing freehand.

It's no secret that Milescraft has provided the show with some great products to give away as part of our regular schwag drawings. So I hope you don't mind if in the coming weeks I include this along with a few other items as part of a new segment I'm calling "Try It Tuesdays". The goal is to hopefully be able to tryout some interesting tools that perhaps have either just come on the market or managed to fly in under the radar.

For more information about Milescraft and their products you can visit their website at www.milescraft.com, tell them Matt said "HI"!

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367 Minimizing Tearout - Chris Schwarz at WIA 1.0

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:08:35 -0400
For today's episode we're going to travel back to Berea, Kentucky for the first Woodworking in America conference. Chris Schwarz presented a lecture that covers a topic many of us struggle with everytime we pick up a tool, be it muscle powered or electrical...TEAROUT!!

While there's no sure fire cure for tearout and no way to completely eliminate it. We can take steps that'll help to minimize it so it's less of an issue. At the time of this recording, Lost Art Press' printing of Moxon had just come out and was the talk of the seminar. Chris makes reference to it a couple of times, and if you haven't checked it out yet you really should!

WARNING!! THE VOLUME DURING CHRIS' LECTURE IS A LITTLE SHAKY...SO YOU MAY HAVE TO TURN IT UP. SORRY!!

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366 Krylon Stain Spray Can

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:55:24 -0400
Once in a while I'll get an email from a company asking if I'd be willing to try out one of their products and maybe post my results on the show. Being the freebie whore that I am, I couldn't resist saying yes to something!

Krylon, the makers of some of the most popular spray paint on the market, introduced an exterior stain in a spray can and since as we all know I don't own a spray gun this product seems made for my needs.

I was a little concerned at first it wouldn't give decent coverage, that it'd be splotchy, and maybe even one can wouldn't fill my needs. But I figured I had nothing to loose.

As you'll see in the video...my concerns were proven wrong and the end result was fantastic! Great overall coverage, no splotching...even on pine (I didn't even add a washcoat or conditioner) and one can gave me the equivalent of about 3-4 coats of stain (overall coverage on the can claims to be 25 sqft).

To get more information visit their website dedicated to the stain in a can at www.saveoursaturdays.com.

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365 Whiteside's Rabbet Bit Set

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:02:11 -0400
Throughout the month of June 2009, Woodcraft and Matt's Basement Workshop are featuring Whiteside Router Bit's Rabbet Bit set as the router bit of the month.

Following along with the idea of "essential" router bit profiles, a rabbeting bit is without a doubt one of these. In just about every project we build, whether it's as small as a box to as large as an entertainment center. Somewhere along the way a rabbet or two will need to be cut.

Having a rabbeting bit on hand will make quick work of that job. But depending on the size of the rabbet needed, you may want to have an assortment of sizes on hand so you're guaranteed the right fit.

That's where Whiteside has stepped up and made this ideal Rabbet Bit set. Included with the cutter are not just 1 or 2 bearings for adjusting the cutting width, but instead there are 7 bearings for cutting rabbets and an 8th for converting the bit into a large flush trimming bit.

If you're not this month's lucky schwag winner of Router Bit of the Month don't worry here's a link to make it easy for you to order one from Click Here.

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364 Hand Applied Finishes with Hendrik Pt 2

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:44:32 -0400
For this month's visit with our very own guest expert Hendrik. We're wrapping up our 3 part mini-series on finishing by discussing hand-applied finishes and finishing techniques.

It's safe to say that hand application of a finish is the most common method being used by home shop/small shop woodworkers.

Whether it's applying a traditional penetrating oil such as tung oil or a topcoat such as lacquer, there are steps that can make the difference between a great result and one you wish had never applied.

Coming up in June, Hendrik will be back for one more episode before our Summer hiatus in July. This is an open question and answer show, so if there's something we haven't talked about or something you'd like clarified email us with your question.

If you're interested in finding out more about starting your own woodworking business Hendrik's annual "Starting A Woodworking Business" seminar is June 6th, 2009. There's still a couple more openings available if you can make it. Contact him at info@passionforwood.com.

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363 Hand Applied Finishes with Hendrik

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:34:08 -0400
For this month's visit with our very own guest expert Hendrik. We're wrapping up our 3 part mini-series on finishing by discussing hand-applied finishes and finishing techniques.

I think it's safe to say that hand application of a finish is the most common method being used by home shop/small shop woodworkers.

Whether it's applying a traditional penetrating oil such as tung oil or a topcoat such as lacquer, there are steps that can make the difference between a great result and one you wish had never applied.

Coming up in June, Hendrik will be back for one more episode before our Summer hiatus in July. This is an open question and answer show, so if there's something we haven't talked about or something you'd like clarified email us with your question.

If you're interested in finding out more about starting your own woodworking business Hendrik's annual "Starting A Woodworking Business" seminar is June 6th, 2009. There's still a couple more openings available if you can make it. Contact him at info@passionforwood.com.

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Wood Talk Online No.55

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:37:36 -0400
What's on the Bench?
Marc is prepping for the big move. Matt has is "banana plane" back (the no.4-1/2). Its back from it's rehab session and is performing like a champ.

Around the Web:
Lumberjocks.com.

Benjamin Moore iPhone App. NYTimes Article

News:
Woodworking in America: Furniture Construction and Design
Aug. 14-16, 2009, Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill.
Woodworking in America: Hand Tools and Techniques
Oct. 2-4, 2009, Valley Forge, Penn.
Register Today!

Sweet Deals:
Eagle America special Wood Talk Online offer: Free super saver shipping when you use the code "WOODTALK55" at checkout and select Free Shipping as your shipping method. Offer good through 5/31/09. You have to check out their new site!

Peachtree Buy 3 get 1 free clamp sale and also they are having a big Memorial Day Sale.

Highland Woodworking Steel City 14" bandsaw kit now $499, down from $799.

Woodcraft is offering 15% off a full line of finishing products and related items until May 25th.

Save an extra 10% on your order at Popular Woodworking's Book Store, with offer code WWMEM09. Remember Every order over $25 gets free standard shipping!

Email:
We received a great email from David (runningwood) about traditional woodworking programming and how it reinforces the misconception that project should be done in a very short amount of time.

Voicemails:

Tim asked about washing filter bags. John is concerned about wearing gloves in the shop but doesn't want to deal with splinters. Jim is having difficulty keeping his engrain from staining darker than his face grain. Bob has a question about putting a burr on his scraper.
Check out there helpful links on the subject of card scrapers:
Wood Whisperer - Barely Scraping By
Todd Clippinger's Scraper Sharpening Method

Audio Segments:
Random Person Tip - Matthew Groves gives us a great Ebay tip.
Tom's Tip - A neat use for Teflon tape!

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362 Visiting Friends

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:26:23 -0400
I wanted to share with all of you another out of the shop moment I had a couple of weeks ago. For those of you who attended the Lie-Nielsen Toolworks show in Cincinnati this is probably not as exciting. But for anyone who hasn't had a chance to attend one, here's a sneak peak at what you might find when you do.

No matter how low-key the location, the chance to take tools we've thought about out for a spin is priceless. Then when you throw in ongoing demonstrations into the mix, it makes for a great way to spend an afternoon.

Thanks to Jeff Miller for opening his shop, if you're anywhere near Chicago...for me it's a 3-1/2 hour drive...he offers some great classes on the weekends and occasionally during the week too. Check out Jeff, his amazing furniture and his class schedule at www.furnituremaking.com.

Also thanks to Jameel from Benchcrafted and Ron Brese of Brese Plane.

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361 May RBM

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:46:57 -0400
For all of May 2009, Woodcraft and Matt's Basement Workshop are featuring Whiteside Router Bit's 1/4" shank, 3/8" diameter chamfer cutting bit as router bit of the month.

In my opinion, chamfer cutting bits are one of the essential router bits that should be found in everyone's collection of profiles. They produce a simple edge detail that can add a great deal of beauty to your projects. And as I've mentioned over and over, chamfer profiles can help to make a square, bulky component look lighter and thinner. While at the same time, the chamfer can also do the opposite for thinner stock.

As I mentioned in the episode, a really great article all about using chamfers in your projects is one by Garret Hack in the January/February 2001 issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine. Here's a link to it at FWW website, click here. You do have to have a membership to download it, but you can also probably find it at your local neighborhood library too.

If you're not this month's lucky schwag winner of the 3/8" Diameter Chamfer Bit, here's a link to make it easy for you to order one from Woodcraft.com.

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360 Marc Adams School

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:32:13 -0400
It's been a couple of weeks since I drove down to the Indianapolis area to attend a weekend class at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking.

You're probably aware by now that I decided to take a class being taught by Chris Schwarz and Thomas Lie-Nielsen on hand planes.

This was a subject I already felt confident about, but having the opportunity to learn from people who you know, really know their stuff...well I'm not about to pass that up. And just as I suspected, I ended up walking away learning quite a bit and feeling even more confident in my ability afterwards.

I found in the couple of "focused" classes like this that I've attended, there's 3 things I walk away with:

1. The knowledge that I learned something that will make me a better woodworker than when I was before.
2. A greater sense of confidence and achievement.
3. A few more friends than I had before I showed up.

My impression of the Marc Adams School of Woodworking is such that I know for a fact I'll be back again...preferably for a week long class, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend it to anyone. The staff was extremely helpful, and the environment was ideal to learn in.

A huge thanks to Chris and Thomas for teaching the class. Marc Adams for building the school and to my benchmates and friends Matt (not me), Scott, Ron and Dave.

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359 Kickback in Action

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 08 May 2009 06:17:00 -0400
Safety Week 2009 is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean we can go back to our old habits...especially if they were bad ones!!

Next to the dangers of dust exposure I think one of the most talked about topics is tablesaw kickback. Unfortunately at some point all of us will have experienced it. The question at hand is how can we minimize the damage when it happens.

If we're lucky we'll be able to walk away with no more than a scratch, a little shakey and maybe with a new sense of appreciation for the safety equipment we employ to keep ourselves safe. At worst...well, let's just hope it never happens.

Minimizing the dangers in our shops should be our No.1 priority. And to get started we need to know what we're facing. Knowing the enemy is half the battle. And thanks to our guest expert Hendrik Varju of Passion for Wood we have a video clip from his latest DVD "Revelations on Tablesaw Set-up & Safety" that demonstrates the real danger of kickback.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS
This is a low-res clip, so it'll appear a little grainy, but it's a great look at our worst fear in the shop. To order a copy of the DVD CLICK HERE.

A huge thank you to Milescraft for donating this year's safety equipment schwag. Winner's this year will be receiving a schwag prize package including Milescraft's Dual Featherboard System, Blade Changer and Push Stick Docking Station.

For more great Safety ideas visit The Wood Whisperer or Fine Woodworking Magazine's Safety Blog. You'll find more blogs, safety quizzes, videos, tool safety manuals and links to other ideas and shows.

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358 Pushsticks and Featherboards

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:59:38 -0400
Safety Week 2009 is almost half over and everywhere you look everyone's talking safety. Take a few minutes this week and visit with all of the various blogs, websites and shows to see what people have to say about one of the most important topics in the shop.

For today's episode let's take a look at two of the most basic but commonly used safety tools in our shops, push sticks and featherboards.

Both come in different shapes and sizes. And regardless of whether you choose to make your own or buy them from a manufacturer, the fact is they're invaluable at keeping us safe.

A huge thank you to Milescraft for donating this year's safety equipment schwag. Winner's this year will be receiving a schwag prize package including Milescraft's Dual Featherboard System, Blade Changer and Push Stick Docking Station.

For more great Safety ideas visit The Wood Whisperer or Fine Woodworking Magazine's Safety Blog. You'll find more blogs, safety quizzes, videos, tool safety manuals and links to other ideas and shows.

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357 Sensible about safety

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:42:06 -0400
It's the beginning of Safety Week 2009 and everywhere you look everyone's talking safety. Take a few minutes this week and visit with all of the various blogs, websites and shows to see what people have to about one of the most important topics in the shop.

With that said, today's episode was inspired by a comment made by my favorite woodworking magazine editor, Chris Schwarz. At the heart of it all woodworking is an adventure for the senses. It's not just visual and tactile, but it uses almost all of our bodies senses when we're building a project. Watch and listen to see what how I interpreted this idea.

A huge thank you to Milescraft for donating this year's safety equipment schwag. Winner's this year will be receiving a schwag prize package including Milescraft's Dual Featherboard System, Blade Changer and Push Stick Docking Station.

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356 Hand Applied Staining

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:30:00 -0400
As promised here is the regularly scheduled Hendrik episode for April, 2009. In today's episode Hendrik discusses hand staining your project.

Many of us struggle all the time to get even, unblotchy results from stains and in the process find ourselves frustrated and angry. Hendrik offers some great ideas about minimizing that frustration and also answers some listener's questions too.

Don't forget about last week's episode where we talked about Hendrik's upcoming seminar all about "Starting a Woodworking Business"...something that is near and dear to many of us. The seminar occurs June 6th so make sure to drop Hendrik an email to get more information info@passionforwood.com

And last but not least!! Vote for our good friend Marc Spagnuolo in his efforts to beat out all those other bloggers on the Home & Garden 48 Hour Challenge. Voting starts May 1st and you can vote once per day...so let's show all those other home and garden bloggers what woodworkers are really all about...THE MONEY!!!

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355 Bonus Hendrik Episode

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:35:37 -0400
Hey everyone I know it's been a while since the last episode, but I've got a little surprise for you. I had a chance to talk with Hendrik about his upcoming seminar all about "Starting a Woodworking Business"...something that is near and dear to many of us.

This is just a little sneak peek at what you would find out if you were able to attend, so to learn more or even to sign up for it...which you should do soon because it's coming on June 6th...drop Hendrik an email to get more information info@passionforwood.com

If you're interested in ordering a copy of Hendrik's book by the same title Click Here to learn more about it.

Next week we'll be back with even more Hendrik as we talk about April's topic "Hand Applied Staining". Enjoy!!

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354 Router Bit Holders

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:32:27 -0400
I strive really hard to be organized, but let's get serious...it's a pipe dream if there ever was one!!

One of the worst offenders of disorganization in my shop is my router bit drawer. All I have for storage of all the great bits we've been demonstrating here is a piece of plywood with a few holes to set the bits in.

Sadly I'd bought some router bit holders from Lee Valley over a year ago and I've decided enough is enough...it's time to get organized!!

To learn more about the router bit holders in today's episode CLICK HERE.

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353 Whiteside's 7/16" Guide Bushing

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:30:00 -0400
Router Bit of the Month for April 2009 isn't a router bit at all, but is instead a router accessory. The Whiteside 7/16" Precision Ground Guide Bushing is a great alternative...some might even say an upgrade...to the typical guide bushing that comes with your manufactured router jigs.

Easy to install, easy to use and with better results than the flimsy plastic versions I've had with all of my own jigs. The Whiteside guide bushing makes using router jigs actually enjoyable, but more importantly reliable.

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352 Surface Prep with Hendrik

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:02:23 -0400
Today's visit with Hendrik we start a short mini-series where we discuss some of the basics of staining and finishing our projects.
This episode is regarding surface preparation prior to finishing. An important step that most of us would much rather skip over, because it can be so tedious.

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351 Minimize the Dust

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:00:48 -0400
In today's episode I share with you a few ideas on ways to minimize the amount of sawdust that escapes your shop and spreads throughout the whole house. I promise they're really easy and your family and home will thank you for thinking of them...or at least complain a little less than before?? Afterall sawdust can contribute to health issues such as asthma and allergies.

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Don't forget to submit your questions for Hendrik this month. We're talking about surface preparation prior to finishing. So if you have a question stop by the website and drop us a line. Also we'd like to welcome Bora Straight Edge Clamps as a new sponsor of Matt's Basement Workshop. Find out more by clicking on the ad at the homepage!

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Just Saw It!

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:45:10 -0500
Sorry everyone...this is a video only, but I wanted to get the word out about WTO on Wednesday night at 7:30PM EST
Just a quick little video for the fun of it. I'm in the middle of a couple of projects and one of them is using some beautiful Cherry Plywood (expensive too!!).
I needed to make some cuts and it was late at night. So instead of pulling out the track saw and making all kinds of noise I simply grabbed my "crappy" old, red plastic handled Sears crosscut saw and went to town.
But more importantly, I want to remind everyone. Wednesday February 25, 2009 the next episode of Wood Talk Online LIVE is being recorded at 7:30PM EST. Stop by www.thewoodwhisperer.com or www.popularwoodworking.com and join in the chat room fun!

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349 Hendrik's February Visit

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:49:10 -0500
As promised I was able to get a hold of Hendrik this month and we sat down for a great conversation. We answered some of the questions you sent in and even wandered down a tangenty trail of woodworking. So I hope you hear something that'll help you out or answer a question you've been wondering too!

Coming up February 27th - March 1 is the 2009 Canadian Home Workshop Show. Hendrik is one of the presenters giving demonstrations at the show, so if you can make it stop by and say Hi!!

Next month, Hendrik's coming back for another show, and we're looking for your questions on surface preparation of stock for finishing. So if you have questions about how to do it, what to use, how far to go or anything along those lines email us or click on the link found at the homepage.

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Thanks to Milescraft & ZEM by Sensgard for this week's Schwag giveaway!!

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348 Unfinished Business

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:47:55 -0500
I fell a little behind on everything this week so it's not a regular show. But just because it's not the usual stuff doesn't mean we can't clean house and talk about some great ideas for upcoming episodes and give away some schwag!!

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347 Whiteside's Counterbore Screw Slot Bit

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:10:20 -0500
It's time for router bit of the month...and this month it's Whiteside's Counterbore Screw Slot Bit...

346 Magazine Index Review

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:35:47 -0500
Thanks to Charlie Courtney we have a great review of both Popular Woodworking's CD of magazines from 2000-2007 and Fine Woodworking's DVD of magazines issue #1-#201

345 3rd Anniversary Show

mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com (Matt Vanderlist) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:28:46 -0500
It's the 3rd anniversary of MBW podcast thanks for checking it out!!