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
STL195.5: Scott Landis of Greenwood Global [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:39
For more than 25 years GreenWood has worked with artisans in Honduras and the Peruvian Amazon to produce high-quality wood products from well-managed forests. They train woodworkers to use appropriate tools and technolog…
STL195: New Tools From AWFS in Vegas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:13
Rollie Johnson and Justin Fink join Tom, Barry, and Ben to discuss new tools being shown at the AWFS fair in Las Vegas
STL194: New-Fangled Finishes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:56
Danish Modern Desk with Tim Rousseau Question 1: From Devin: Over the years of listening to your show, reading Fine Woodworking, and watching instructional videos, I've heard a million different suggestions for how long…
STL193: Pocket Screws vs. Dominos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:01
Start Woodworking Season 1 by Matt Berger, Asa Christiana https://www.finewoodworking.com/videoworkshop/2019/07/start-woodworking-season-1 Question 1: From Dan: I recently built a pair of desks featured in issue #270. I…
STL192: Learning To Cut Dovetails [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:12
Dovetailing episodes from Chris Gochnour's Enfiled Cupboard Video Workshop: Ep 4a: Case Dovetails – Tails Ep 4b: Case Dovetails – Pins Ep 4c: Handcut Rabbets and Dovetail Fitting Video: Chris Becksvoort–The Dovetail Mast…
STL191: A Jointer Worth Traveling For [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:52
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support Old Sturbridge Village's cabinet shop, contact their development office at development@osv.org for more information. Question 1: From Joseph: I bought a ne…
STL190: Assembling a Lumber Stash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:05
Become a Fine Woodworking Unlimited member today and get instant access to all FineWoodworking.com content. Start your free two week trial here. Question 1: From Tom: I'm now semi-retired and finally have the time to cre…
STL189: Nancy Hiller, Chris Becksvoort and Vic Tesolin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:58
Guest 1: Joe Taylor - Director of Sales for Rikon Joe gave us the ins and outs of a few of Rikon's new products Model 10-326DVR: 14″ Deluxe Bandsaw with Smart Motor DVR Control Blade Speed – Variable from 100 RPM (45 SFP…
STL188: FWW Live Pregame Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:19
Question 1: From Al: I am having some trouble laying out the pins and tales on the Wenge in the more traditional way, unlike what Mike shows. Wenge is extremely hard and not at all forgiving and the grain tends to be a p…
STL187: Desert Island Dream Projects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:02
Question 1: From Paul: Heide Martin's serving trays in the May/June 2018 are beautiful and I have since made a couple. My question is about keeping the bottom boards flat. I cut some walnut that had been air dried for pr…