STL180: Designing Without Drawing

STL180: Designing Without Drawing

Author: FineWoodworking.com January 4, 2019 Duration: 1:02:31

Question 1: From Cameron: I'm thinking of making a bench inspired by Mark Edmundson's "Modern Danish Cord Bench" from issue #194-Nov/Dec 2007. I'm want to stretch the width to 6' to use at my 7' table.  Will the front and rear rails be enough to support 4 well fed adults or will I have a hilarious story to tell for the next 30 year about the thanksgiving collapse of 2019?

Question 2: From Mark: I saw a video where Matt Wajda drew a tool chest, full scale by hand.  Is this a common method? I draw Architecture for a living, I am tired of drawing.  I'm not interested in SketchUp, I already spend way too much time with AutoCAD. Woodworking is my release. I completely understand that you can work issues out on paper long before you even touch a board.  I am curious about designing without drawing. Does anyone you know use a design process that does not involve drawing?

Segment: Shop Resolutions

  • Mike - Learn a new skill this year
  • Anissa - Draw every day
  • Ben - Finish working on his shop, and start working in his shop… by May

Question 3: From Andy: Any idea how to go about achieving the finish in the attached image? I've never seen a finish like this one that's pretty vibrant, yet maintains the appearance of the grain. Is it just a watered down paint?

Question 4: From Bob: I have some Japanese chisels that I'm starting to use.  About 3/16" behind the edge of the blade is a cove. When you grind back to that cove, the back will no longer be flat.  Do you have to toss the chisel out at that point?


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@taunton.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.


Ever find yourself in the middle of a project, staring at a tricky joint or a piece of lumber that just won't behave, wishing you could ask an expert? That's the space where Shop Talk Live-Fine Woodworking lives. Hosted by the editors and seasoned contributors from Fine Woodworking magazine, this isn't a formal lecture. It's the sound of a conversation happening right in the workshop, where real questions from woodworkers at every level meet practical, time-tested answers. You'll hear the specifics-discussions on tool tuning, finishing nuances, joinery adjustments, and design problem-solving-all grounded in decades of collective hands-on experience. The dialogue is direct and the advice is applicable, whether you're building your first box or restoring a classic piece. This podcast from FineWoodworking.com pulls back the curtain on the craft's finer points, turning those moments of frustration into breakthroughs. It’s like having a master woodworker right there with you, offering clarity and confidence for your next cut. Tune in for the kind of shop talk that makes your time at the bench more productive and a lot more enjoyable.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Shop Talk Live - Fine Woodworking
Podcast Episodes
STL 365: The Thrifty Trio Convenes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:28
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. Sign up for Woodworking Travel Tours - https://…
STL 364: Good Design Goes Unnoticed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:58
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 In…
STL 363: More Than One Way to Cut a Dovetail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:43
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. Re…
STL 362: Hold the Saw like a Baby Bird [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:32
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…
STL 361: Working at Speed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:01
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. Regist…
STL360: Veneer Glue—Stirred, Not Shaken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:55
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 co…
STL359: Making the Most of Shop Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:19
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:…
STL358: He Hunts For Tools, So You Don't Have To [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:32
Joshua Clarke is the founder of Hyperkitten Tool Company, a business dedicated to sourcing and selling high-quality vintage hand tools to people who actually use them. He began collecting and restoring tools in 1999 afte…
STL357: Rob Spiece's Show and Tell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:36
Rob speaks with Anissa and Amanda about his roles at Berea College and Pinecroft, and some cool projects for the upcoming year. For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning…
STL356: Unconscious Competency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:04
Vic Tesolin and Ben Strano talk sharpening, saw choices, scrap hoarding, favorite woods, disappointing tools, shop snacks, wood shop EDC, and the moment woodworking finally made sense. For more information about our eLea…