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
STL337: The Trinity of Woodworking Details [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:23
Amanda chats with Vic and Mike, who have both recently picked up some exciting new tools. Sign up for Randy's wood identification course here: https://courses.finewoodworking.com/identifying-wood-randy-wilkinson For more…
STL336: Applause From The Maestro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:58
Sergei Gerasimenko thought he was just dropping off his latest commission. Instead he received a well-deserved round of applause. Check out Sergei on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smgwoodworking/ Check out Sergei'…
STL335: Morley takes on Maine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:45
Ben and Amanda chat with Phil Morley, the newest Lead Instructor for Center for Furniture Craftmanships nine month comprehensive. Sign up for Randy's wood identification course here: https://courses.finewoodworking.com/i…
STL334: Understanding Hoadley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:25
Randy Wilkinson joins Amanda and Ben to discuss his work as a furniture conservator and wood identification expert. Sign up for Randy's wood identification course here: https://courses.finewoodworking.com/identifying-woo…
STL333: A bigger jointer won't fix it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:47
Vic, Anissa, and Ben discuss jointing very long boards, woodworking with younglings, hand-tool dust clean up, and their all-time favorite tools of this week. For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.…
STL332: Any way into marquetry is a good one. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:53
Amanda chats with Chelsea Van Voorhis and Albert Kleine, two marquetry artists with entirely different approaches. Check out Woodsmith's Build Your Own CNC course here: https://woodsmith.mykajabi.com/building-shopnotes-c…
STL331: "The Face of Concern" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:08
Ben, Vic, and Amanda catch up, answer listener questions, and talk about how they're wrapping up 2024. Fine Woodworking members can sign up for the issue preview livestream here: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2024/11/2…
STL330: Our least favorite questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
Mike and Ben answer a pile of listener questions to help you through your holiday weekend. Fine Woodworking members can sign up for the issue preview livestream here: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2024/11/26/issue-315-…
STL329: The 1-3-7 Rule [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:48
Amanda chats with Kate Swann, who runs Florida School of Woodworking, and Morgan Grove, a student and team leader at the USDA Forestry Service in Baltimore. Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalk…
STL328: Imperfect Precision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:20
Mike, Vic, and Ben discuss the precision really needed in woodworking, methods for creating tapered bevels, and tracksaw techniques. Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com For more inform…