Marc and Nicole on How I WoW

Many of you know that Nicole and I are gamers. Our primary game being World of Warcraft. Well, our friends Patrick and Shawn do a podcast called “How I Wow”, where they interview various folks around the web to discuss how Warcraft fits into their lives and other game related stuff. We are honored to join a list of notable interviewees including Tom Merritt, Felicia Day, Curt Schilling (yes, the baseball player), and Veronica Belmont, just to name a few. The interview is very long,... 

Read the entire post >

A New York Community Workshop - Shop of the Week

This week’s shop is submitted by Todd. Let’s check his place out and see what he has to say: “I have a somewhat unusual workshop. I work at a place called 3rd Ward, which is a resource for creative people of many kinds, in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. There’s a woodshop, but there’s also a metal shop, a computer lab, lots of desk spaces for graphic designers and the like, two recording studios, a gallery, and three photo studios (not darkrooms). The woodshop... 

Read the entire post >

Sawstop Inventor Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

Many of us are well-aware of SawStop and their finger-saving technology. They came on the scene a few years ago showing us that the machine will apparently cut everything but a hot dog. That was cool an all, but apparently when cable TV is showcasing your product, you need to kick it up a notch. Inventor Steve Gass, while on a Discovery tv show actually demonstrated the product by using his own finger, instead of the lame old hot dog. FINALLY! Its actually a very cool clip so check it out.... 

Read the entire post >

Live Demo 11/20- Staining Blotchy Wood

Has this ever happened to you? You just finished the construction of a nice new project in cherry, alder, maple, or birch. After the first coat of stain, you notice something a little weird. The wood looks like crap! How can this happen?!?!? You sanded the project for hours, you bought the best oil-based stain you could find, and despite all that effort, you are left with a final result that just looks terrible. Well, you are not alone. Eventually, we all have to fight bitchiness. Knowing... 

Read the entire post >

Gadget Station/Desk - Project of the Week

This week’s project is submitted by Chris. Let’s check it out and see what he has to say: “I’ve been watching your videos for the last few months, and find them very enjoyable. I watched Part 1 of the gadget station last night, and what you’re working on is very much like a project I built for myself earlier in the spring.” “Back in the old days, Stickley built a desk called the #706. It’s a small secretary-type desk, and the top of it is basically... 

Read the entire post >

72- Contemporary Clock

Download Low Resolution Download High Resolution Here’s another great small project for the holidays. Its a small Contemporary Clock. This piece should take about two days to build. And this is another project that can benefit from the batching process. So be sure to make a bunch! And just to help you along, I did my best to create a working SketchUp file that should be perfectly to scale. Just keep in mind that I am by no means a Sketchup expert, so please give all measurements the... 

Read the entire post >

Using Clamps Vertically or Horizontally? - Question of the Week

This week’s question comes from Doug. “Hi Marc, Just watched the latest pod cast - good stuff as always. As I watched you glue up the doors, it occurred to me that I, we, you seem to turn the clamps with the “thin” side doing the work. Is there any reason we can’t turn the clamps on the side and use the bigger footprint? Inquiring minds want to know.” And this was my response: “Hey Doug. No reason you can’t do that. I just find that the clamps... 

Read the entire post >

Cantilevered End Table - Bonus Project of the Week

This week’s project is submitted by Bryan. Let’s check out what he has to say: “This is my first piece of ‘fine’ furniture, which has helped to develop my passion for woodworking. I built this piece as part of a Furniture Design class in the architecture school during my undergrad, even though I was a finance major. The piece is made of red oak and walnut and the table tops stand at 12” and 24” respectively. I started out with all rough lumber, 5/4 red oak, and 8/4 walnut.... 

Read the entire post >

Kiwi Shed - Shop of the Week

This week’s shop comes from Hamish. Let’s see what he has to say: “Thought you might like to see my little sheds that I use here in New Zealand, I have been really interested in seeing so many different styles and designs of peoples workshops. The thing I have noticed is the passion that people have in designing and building their own space.” “I started my own business in June 2007, just making work benches and now have expanded to garage and wardrobe systems. I... 

Read the entire post >

Woodworking Community Happenings

As many of probably already know, there is an incredible conference taking place in Berea, KY called Woodworking in America. The conference is the brainchild of the folks over at Popular Woodworking and simply put, its a galoots dream! From vendors to seminars to hands on classes, its all about hand tools! Many of my blogging associates will be in attendance, and you can follow their experiences on their own blogs. One person in particular who will be blogging on a daily basis is Mack from the... 

Read the entire post >

71- Magazine Rack

Download Low Resolution Download High Resolution As the holidays approach, my mind always turns to small, simple (yet elegant) projects that we can make for our family and friends. I have two of them in store for you this year. And the first one is a collapsible magazine rack. The rack is designed to pull apart and collapse for shipping or storage. Its lightweight but surprisingly sturdy. This piece should take about two days to build, and that’s just because you’ll be waiting for... 

Read the entire post >

Bedroom Suite - Project of the Week

This week’s project comes from Chad. Let’s see what he has to say: “Back in 1999, my wife wanted a “nice bedroom suite.” I happily looked into it for her, and was shocked at the cost of a full bedroom suite. Anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500. And surely none of them were actually solid wood. I had just started my hobby of woodworking, and so I asked my wife if she was willing “to have a piece made one at a time.” She said she would be. I designed the first piece, the... 

Read the entire post >

Site Changes and TheWoodWhisperer.TV

Well I’ve never been one to sit around and wait for fate to dictate my path. So when I heard that Brightcove was taking away their free service, I realized how dependent I was on them. That wasn’t a good feeling. So I immediately set out for a solution. And after 5 days of driving Nicole nuts with my obsession, I think I have finally arrived at a reasonable solution. I know many of you (especially those reading this), really didn’t care for the front page player anyway. But... 

Read the entire post >

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

I am currently implementing some changes on the website. If things looks wacky or if you can’t find something, that would be the reason why. So bear with me. Things will be back to normal soon. Related Posts No Related Post  Read More →

Read the entire post >

Recipe for Sanding Sealer? - Question of the Week

This week’s question comes from a viewer who writes: “I’ve really enjoyed your podcasts, they are all very informative. I recently found myself more exited about woodworking. Though I’ve had an interest since childhood, I never really had the resources, till now (my wife also supports my dream). Anyway, I was watching one of your podcasts and you mentioned a recipe for making your own sanding sealer. Would you mind repeating that on an e-mail, or even easier, remind me... 

Read the entire post >

Need a Little Graphical Assistance

As I mentioned before, we are making a few changes due to Brightcove pulling their free player. The good news is I have a plan and its already in the works. But I need your help. Over the years, many of you have offered your services for graphics as well as web design. I really appreciate it. But now I need to call on you for some assistance. This new project requires a new header/logo. This is beyond my skills. So if anyone is interested in giving it a shot, I would love to see your ideas.... 

Read the entire post >

Spice Racks - Project of the Week

This week’s project was submitted by Rick. Let’s see what he has to say: “Here are two spice racks that I recently finished. I had previously built two of these about fifteen years ago. They were much simpler, made of pine, no drawers and put together with hand nailed finish nails and no glue. My wife’s sister asked me if I would make her another one since she had to abandon hers after their last move and I had to leave mine many years ago. They are made as sisters to one... 

Read the entire post >

Wood Talk Online #45

Download Episode Download audio file (TheWoodWhisperer-wto45845.mp3) Status Report: Marc is finishing up the holiday projects, a magazine rack and small clock. Matt is trying an old rust removal technique that’s all natural and even tasty! Around the Web: A New Tool Deal Everyday from Toolking! Some great content at the ToolCrib Blog News: New Giveaway- Some great Lee Valley schwag, including their sweet Small Router Plane. Just fill out the form at WoodTalkOnline.com. Rockler dream... 

Read the entire post >

Expect Some Changes

One of the biggest challenges of running a site like this is the constantly-changing landscape of the services we rely upon. A service that is free this week, could cost $1000/month next week. And that is exactly what happened recently. Our home page video player, provided by Brightcove, will be disappearing soon. This player was very important for the look and flow of the website, since I always want the videos to be easily accessible from the first second someone logs on. And the reality is,... 

Read the entire post >

Kevin’s Odd Little Workshop - Shop of the Week

This week’s shop comes from Kevin in MA. Let’s check his place out to see why he says its odd: “My name is Kevin and I’ve been watching your podcast in Worcester MA. I’m sending you these photos of my humble and odd little shop for the shop of the week segment. I’m a beginning woodworker who lives in an old condo building. I love my round living room, but my round storeroom underneath it presents some challenges.” “I’m trying to use every inch... 

Read the entire post >

Live Wood Talk Online Wednesday

Wednesday, 11/5/08 at 7pm EST, Matt and I will have a live Wood Talk Online recording. I will have nice clear audio, and maybe even video (although the video will just be me). So head over to our Live Page tomorrow and join the chat room. We will even take some live questions toward the end of the show. We’ll see ya tomorrow! Related Posts No Related Post  Read More →

Read the entire post >

The Sawdust Chronicles

I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by Rick and Erik from The Sawdust Chronicles. It turned out to be an interesting conversation as we focused a little more on the business side of things, instead of woodworking itself. Well, at least that is very interesting to me. :) Have a listen! And thanks for inviting me guys! Related Posts No Related Post  Read More →

Read the entire post >

#70- A Chat with Leo Laporte

Download Low Resolution Download High Resolution The title says it all. We drove all the way up to Petaluma, CA to deliver the gadget station to the one and only, Leo Laporte. We had the pleasure of hanging out in the TWiT Cottage where Leo records all of his shows, and streams them live at TwitLive.tv. And the coolest part is that the gadget station seems to have found a permanent home on the shelf behind Leo’s desk. Nicole and I were quite ecstatic to meet Leo. Mission accomplished! Related... 

Read the entire post >

Finish for a Plywood Bathroom Vanity? - Question of the Week

This week’s question comes from Gordon who asks: “Hi Marc. I have a customer who has requested a bathroom vanity, where the sink sits in the middle. My problem is that she is requesting it be made all of wood and I am worried about a top that could be exposed to sitting water. Is there a finish you would recommend that would hold up under those conditions as well as something that might not be too hard to apply? I talked my customer into a plywood top versus all solid wood. I assume... 

Read the entire post >

October Giveaway Winners

Christmas comes early for two lucky winners! The winner of the Festool ETS 125 is Matthew Hills. And the winner of Hendrik Varju’s “Revelations on Tablesaw Setup & Safety” is Patrick McCauley. Congrats to our winners and thank you to our contest sponsors, Hendrik Varju and Festool. Related Posts October 14, 2008 — Wood Talk Online Giveaway Winners October 6, 2008 — Wood Talk Online #43 October 3, 2008 — September Giveaway Winners  Read More →

Read the entire post >

Happy Halloween!

I assume everyone has carved out their Norm-o-Lantern this year again? I think I will make this a Halloween tradition! Photo provided courtesy of Andy Hobbs and his lovely wife Angela. And if you are in a ghoulish mood, check out this quiz posted over at ToolCrib.com. And I know I posted this a couple months ago, but it is much more appropriate now. The Zombie Whisperers: Happy Halloween and be safe. — Marc and Nicole Related Posts No Related Post  Read More →

Read the entire post >

King Size Headboard - Project of the Week

This week’s project comes from Mike in Orlando, FL. Let’s check it out: “Since the birth of my daughter ten months ago, my woodworking days are few and far between. So when my wife mentioned she had bought a king sized bed from a friend of a friend I figured I might be in for a wood working task or two. Sure enough, when I went to pick up the bed, I saw that I would indeed be up for some refinishing, and even creating a new headboard inset. The headboard contained a metal lattice... 

Read the entire post >

#69- Gadget Station (Pt. 12)

Download Low Resolution Download High Resolution Well I finally made it to the finish line. This episode covers the hinge installation, pegging the tenons in the doors, making custom ebony handles, and finishing. I end the video with a justification of my design. If you are interested in the Gripper system I showed for cutting small parts, you can pick one up in our Amazon.com Store. And if you are looking for the finishing DVD I mentioned, you can find that right here. Links: Gadget Station... 

Read the entire post >

Greg’s Woodshop - Shop of the Week

This week’s shop belongs to Greg from KY. Let’s see what he has to say: “Here are some pictures of my shop, formerly known as our two car garage. I am lucky to have a wonderful wife who has let me pursue my hobby and has been willing to park outside for the past sixteen years. Our four kids do have one corner, but the shop has taken over the rest. We moved last year from AL to KY and the moving company wasn’t going to move my lumber which is mostly oak, cherry and walnut... 

Read the entire post >

Ahhh Youth…..

Age is just a number right? After all, I am frequently seen as “the kid” by many of my woodworking brothers and sisters (and I’m 31 with my fair share of gray hairs!). But despite being told how young I am in this industry, I always wish I would have experienced the world of fine woodworking earlier in life. With the way things are going in our school systems these days, one has to wonder if kids will ever have a chance to be exposed to the hobby/craft/career that we all know... 

Read the entire post >

Next Page »