MWA594 - Alf Sharp

MWA594 - Alf Sharp

Author: Mark Hicks, Sean Wisniewski, Kyle Barton, & Brian Obst February 17, 2026 Duration: 58:16

We are delighted to have Alf Sharp as our guest. Alf specializes in crafting museum-quality custom furniture inspired by 18th- and 19th-century American and European designs.  He is a Cartouche Award winner from The Society of American Period Furniture Makers. So join us for a fascinating look into the career of master furniture maker. 

Alf Sharp

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Hosts' Contact Info:

Kyle Barton

Sean Wisniewski

Brian Obst

Jeff Wyatt


Grab a cold one and pull up a stool in the shop. MWA Podcast-Woodworking Conversations is where hosts Mark Hicks, Sean Wisniewski, Kyle Barton, and Brian Obst gather to talk shop in the most genuine sense. The heart of this podcast lies in its long-form, meandering interviews with a wide range of woodworkers, from dedicated hobbyists whose projects fill their homes to internationally recognized professionals whose work defines the craft. These aren't quick tips, but full conversations that dig into philosophy, mistakes, creative processes, and the personal stories behind the work. Each episode also weaves in relevant news from the woodworking world, discussing new tools, techniques, and community events that matter to practitioners. True to its workshop roots, every session concludes with a fortnightly beer recommendation, offering a fitting end to the discussion. No matter your preferred method-hand tools, power tools, or a blend of both-this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful conversation among friends who share a deep passion for making things with wood. It’s a regular dose of camaraderie and insight for anyone who finds solace and challenge at the workbench.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 605

MWA Podcast - Woodworking Conversations
Podcast Episodes
MWA452 - Andrew Hunter answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:09
Andrew returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how Andrew started his journey in becoming a professional woodworker, his favorite tool, and new the camera rabbit hole he finds himself in these days. It fun and engagi…
MWA451 - Andrew Hunter Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:14
Andrew Hunter as our guest on this episode. Andrew is an amazing furniture maker, instructor, and well known Japanese hand-tool enthusiast. We delve into his current work, Japanese hand tools, and Chinese and country fur…
MWA450 - Frank Strazza answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:54
Frank returns to answer the 5 questions and doesn't disappoint. This episode has it all - There are some great tips and techniques on marking knives, saws, etc. We find out about Frank's boyhood passion for woodworking,…
MWA449 - Frank Strazza Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:25
We're excited to have Frank Strazza as our guest for this episode. Frank is an award winning fine furniture maker, instructor, hand-tool enthusiast, musician, and cyclist. From fine workbenches, to marquetry, to cello po…
MWA448 - Andy Rawls answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:24
Andy returns to answer the 5 Questions. We delve into the early classes and apprenticeships he had with some of the masters of the craft. Find out how these experiences led him to where he is today. Andy is both a skilfu…
MWA447 - Andy Rawls Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:56
Andy Rawls joins us on the episode to talk about custom furniture business, making canons for the Alamo, and his participation in the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival. It fun and fascinating conversation with a true m…
MWA446 - John Boissy answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:45
John Boissy returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how John's early interest in architecture had taken him to where he is now, his love for a flat-line bevel gauge, and handscrew accidents. Check it out!
MWA445 - John Boissy Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:23
John Boissy joins us as our guest on this episode. John is an outstanding custom furniture maker and a Franciscan Friar in the Catholic Church. He is a graduate of NBBS and is known for his 17th & 18th century chairs and…
MWA444 - Katie Thompson Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:15
Katie Thompson returns as our guest on this episode. We try our best to catch up on all the projects she has going. Katie is an artist, writer, instructor and advocate. She is the creator of the Women of Woodworking Proj…
MWA443 - Austin Waldo & The Texas Woodworking Festival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:46
Austin Waldo returns to tell us all about the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival happening Aug. 26 & 27. We talk about the new venue, exhibitors, and the new educational opportunities as this years event. We also spend…