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
STL317: Tenons on the router table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:39
Mike, Amanda, and Ben discuss router table techniques, fancy router-based tools, favorite vises, and Mike takes on a burst of quickfire questions. For more information on our upcoming woodworking travel tour hosted by An…
STL: MTC-Not how it's always been done [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:52
Hague Haswell and Vic Tesolin of Melbourne Tool Company join Ben to discuss what it's like to start a hand tool company from scratch. This episode is sponsored by Melbourne Tool Company For more information about their p…
STL316: Canadian Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:31
Anissa crosses the border to hang out with Vic and Steve Der-Garabedian and ask them questions about jointing veneer, minimalist woodworking, moving shop, and why the best place to use your track saw is on top of a table…
STL 315: I can't believe it's not wood! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:06
Ben and Mike recap Fine Woodworking New England, and answer a couple questions from our listeners. Amanda is joined by Sophie Glenn, who answers questions on how to get started in metalworking, finishing tips, and how sh…
STL314: Sweet Rides For Woodworkers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:15
Mike, Anissa, and Ben discuss their lumber haulers, tolerances when cutting large joints, and safely cutting thin strips. For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning For mo…
STL313: (wood)Working for a Living [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:37
Amanda is joined by Owen Madden and Evan Court to discuss their work in production shops, how their backgrounds in other shops and schools effect their work flow, and their plans for the future. For more information abou…
STL312: Sharp? If it glint, it in't! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:01
Andrew Hunter joins Vic and Ben to discuss sharpening, carpeted workshops, and one listener's dining table issues. Amanda talks to Sophie Glenn, a metalworker/woodworker who you should know! Sophie's IG - https://www.ins…
STL311: Hold the line! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:05
Bob Van Dyke joins Mike and Amanda to discuss dovetail layout lines, tambour doors, and designing to a specific board. Also, Amanda and Ben discuss the fading future of affordable table saws. For more information about o…
STL310: Yup, it's a woodworking podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:40
Vic and Ben welcome a new co-host into the mix and discuss resawing, adjusting the mouth of hand planes, easy-to-build knock-down benches, and how one Dr. can stop overusing their table saw. For more information about ou…
STL309: Everyone needs a planer sled [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:44
For more information about our eLearning courses - http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning For more information about our Woodworking Fundamentals journey - http://www.finewoodworking.com/fundamentals Join us on our new…