Shop Talk Live - Fine Woodworking

Latest Episodes:

STL368: It Appeared to Me in a Dream Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

Vic interviews Steven Der-Garabedian, a teacher, woodworker and veneer artist, and together they answer questions about finding woodworking solutions in the quiet moments once you've allowed your brain to rest and process.

Visit Steve's website - Black Walnut Studio

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

For more information about our woodworking dream trips - http://www.finewoodworking.com/trips

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

Every two weeks, a team of Fine Woodworking staffers answers questions from readers on Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking's biweekly podcast. Send your woodworking questions to shoptalk@finewoodworking.com for consideration in the regular broadcast! Our continued existence relies upon listener support. So if you enjoy the show, be sure to leave us a five-star rating and maybe even a nice comment on our iTunes page. Join us on our Discord server here.

STL367: Mike Didn't Get The Memo May 29, 2026

Show notes

Mike and accidental twins, Vic and Ben, discuss woodworking techniques they won't show, thinking about grain direction on drawer parts, prefinishing problems, Barry Manilow's lesser-known banger, and Vic and Ben fanboy over luthier Ted Woodford.

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

For more information about our woodworking dream trips - http://www.finewoodworking.com/trips

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL366: No Mallet is Safe May 15, 2026

Show notes

Shea Alexander is a custom furniture maker and the owner of Alexander Brother's lumberyard in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. He has years of experience guiding customers through the process of buying wood, and in this episode Shea and Vic discuss the importance of context when buying materials. What will this walnut table look like in 10 years? Are you sure you want rift sawn oak?

You can see more of Shea's work on Instagram and Substack, or visit the Alexander Brothers Website.

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL365: The Thrifty Trio Convenes May 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ben and Dinkle sit down with Phil Huber, of the Woodsmith Shop, to discuss machine upgrades (or lack thereof) along with answering some listener questions.

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL364: Good Design Goes Unnoticed Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

Mike and Vic sit down with Konrad Sauer, of Sauer & Steiner Toolworks, to discuss the design process — what constitutes good design? And what should you do in the rare moments where inspiration strikes?

Find Konrad on Instagram here: @sauer_and_steiner

Some of Konrad's favorite Instagram accounts: 5 of Konrad's Favorite Instagram Accounts

Shop Gorilla Glue: gorillatough.com/shoptalklive

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL363: More Than One Way to Cut a Dovetail Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Anissa and Ben sit down with Bob van Dyke of the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking to discuss Fine Woodworking New England and the importance of embracing flexibility in your approach to woodworking techniques.

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL362: Hold the Saw like a Baby Bird Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Jeff Miller has been making furniture for 40 years, but he's not afraid to be a beginner. He and Vic sit down to discuss his new-found love of building guitars, the importance of routine practice, and proper woodworking body mechanics.

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL361: Working at Speed Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

Luthier Aaron Keim chats with Ben about modifying tools to work better with your body, making kitchen shelves with figured maple, being able to work quickly, and of course, some instrument making wisdom is shared.

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL360: Veneer Glue—Stirred, Not Shaken Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

Venerring gets weird when Steve Der-Garabedian joins Vic and Ben to discuss the variety of veneer tape, vacuum pumps, substrates, and why he likes his glue stirred, not shaken.

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

For more information about our Woodworking Fundamentals journey - http://www.finewoodworking.com/fundamentals

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com

STL359: Making the Most of Shop Time Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Vic, Mike, and Amanda discuss how to nibble off a project in small chunks and how they keep up their woodworking chops when they just don't have much time.

The Nordic Tradition: Woodworking & Design in Denmark & Sweden: https://store.woodsmith.com/pages/tour/woodworkingtravel-2026sep-denmark

A Journey Through England's Woodworking Heritage 2026: https://store.woodsmith.com/pages/tour/woodworkingtravel-2026sep-england

For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning

Join us on our new Discord server! - https://discord.gg/8hyuwqu4JH

Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com