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

Sutherland Welles Finishes - Use code "MWA25" for 10% off your first order

Lathe Tenoning Tool - Anthony Tools

MWA Podcast - Patreon Page
@mwa_podcast on Instagram

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
MWA422 - Dan Faia Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:59
Dan Faia joins us on this episode to talk about all things woodworking. From his wood carving, commission work, instructional classes, and his day job at NBBS, it's a in depth conversation with a true master of the craft…
421 - Wilbur Pan Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:01
Wilbur returns to podcast to discuss some of the important aspects of Asian furniture. We have visited with Wilbur before about the ingenuity and function of Japanese and Asian tools, now let's talk about the furniture t…
MWA420 - Jon Joffe answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
It's the obligatory 420 episode! Jon returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how the influence of Paul Sellers lead to TikTok and Reddit. (Psst...we even set-up a chairmaking subreddit during the show) It's a fun and…
MWA419 - Jon Joffe Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:52:31
Jon Joffe joins us on this episode to talk about his continuing journey into toolmaking and woodworking. We also talk about his incredible access to different wood species, and the inspiration of a tiny divider. It's a g…
MWA418 - Matt Wajda answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
Matt returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out what Matt's first words were, and his favorite tools with and without tails. It's a fun time with some interesting takes. Check it out!
MWA417 - Matt Wajda Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:02
On this episode Matt Wajda joins us to talk about his tenure at North Bennet Street School as both an instructor and student. We also talk about his professional woodworking company, River City Funituremaking, and some o…
MW416 - Gary Rogowski Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:29
Gary Rogowski joins us again to talk about his new "smaller" studio, the upcoming student class for his Online Mastery Program, and other fun happenings. It's a delightful and inspiring conversation with one of the true…
MWA415 - Daniel Clay answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
Daniel Clay returns to answer the 5 Questions. Daniel shares how music led to boat building; the inspiration he gets from his sister's work, and his "23" favorite tools. Check it out!
A Tribute to Nancy Hiller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:29
This episode is a celebration and tribute to a life of Nancy Hiller - a life well lived. This episode is a compilation of several interviews we had with Nancy over the years. She will continue to be a inspiration and gui…
MWA414 - Daniel Clay Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:19
Daniel Clay joins us on this episode to talk about his new book, "Chip Carving - Techniques for Carving Beautiful Patterns by Hand". It's a fascinating and fun discussion about the tools, techniques, and history of chip…