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
STL290: Lightning round with Vic and Ben [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Vic and Ben answer eight listener questions, ranging from table saw throatplates to shiplap board spacing. This episode is sponsored by the Texas Woodworking Festival: https://texaswoodworkingfestival.com/ Use the code "…
STL289: Dan Faia's next 30 years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:05
Dan Faia joins Ben to answer listener questions, talk about the last 30 years of his woodworking journey, and what he hopes for out of the next 30 years. This episode is sponsored by The Center For Furniture Craftmanship…
STL288: Never met a vise he didn't like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:55
Mike, Vic, and Ben discuss Vic's upcoming move (again), design classes, the features they'd want in a bandsaw, and what vises make them happiest. 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - Vic is moving again 19:15 - Mike and Vic teach design…
STL287: Should you use exotic wood? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:04
We talk to two experts about considerations when using tropical hardwoods, and how to make the rain forest too valuable to burn. For more info about Greenwood's next Artisan EcoTour, May 7-16 in Puerto Rico: Artisan EcoT…
STL286: Finish sprayers—Turbine or Compressor? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:41
Mike and Ben welcome new associate editor, Amanda Russell to the mix, and discuss sprayer options, magnets, and what other craft skills translate to woodworking. 0:00 - Intro 1:43 - A.I. furniture design 18:31 - Edge ban…
STL285: Now the robots are DESIGNING the furniture! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:26
Larissa, Vic, and Ben discuss A.I. in furniture design, edge banding for plywood, machine maintenance, and a listener's bandsaw issues. Sponsored by Mortise and Tenon Magazine Find out more about our eLearning courses he…
STL284: Wood moves, and the other woodworkers are wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:44
Gary Rogowski joins Mike and Ben to discuss knockdown joinery ideas, steam bending, wood movement and what to do with your stuff when you die. Find out more about Dave Richards' SketchUp class here: http://www.finewoodwo…
STL283: The original Moxon vise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:16
For more information about our eLearning courses, head over to http://www.finewoodworking.com/elearning Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com Sign up for the Fine Woodworking weekly eLet…
STL282: This is a woodworking podcast! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:03
Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com Sign up for the Fine Woodworking weekly eLetter - https://www.finewoodworking.com/newsletter Sign up for a Fine Woodworking Unlimited membership - h…
STL281: The facebook bark police [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:37
Links from this episode can be found here - http://www.shoptalklive.com Sign up for the Fine Woodworking weekly eLetter - https://www.finewoodworking.com/newsletter Sign up for a Fine Woodworking Unlimited membership - h…