ShopNotes Podcast E277: Iowa Tourism Board Tackles Woodworking

ShopNotes Podcast E277: Iowa Tourism Board Tackles Woodworking

Author: Active Interest Media July 3, 2026 Duration: 52:23
Could Iowa be America's next woodworking destination? In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dreams up the ultimate Iowa woodworking road trip, complete with legendary tool makers, historic woodworking sites, museums, furniture shops, sawmills, and a few can't-miss restaurants along the way. Along the journey, Phil, Logan, and John also answer listener questions about sharpening stones, debate why vintage woodworking machines are almost always painted green, and discuss whether linseed oil paint is making a comeback—or just taking forever to dry. John also shares his latest Facebook Marketplace adventure after discovering a never-opened 1992 Woodsmith Panel Saw Hardware Kit, leading to a discussion about vintage woodworking kits, classic ShopNotes projects, and whether bringing hardware kits back would be a good idea. In this episode: Designing the ultimate Iowa woodworking tour Hidden woodworking destinations across the Midwest Woodworking in America updates Sharpening stone chips: should you worry? Why are old woodworking machines always green? Vintage woodworking hardware kits and Facebook Marketplace finds Listener questions, comments, and plenty of woodworking rabbit trails Have a favorite woodworking destination in your area? Tell us in the comments! If another woodworker visited your hometown, where would you take them?

The ShopNotes Podcast brings the camaraderie of the workshop straight to your ears. Each week, hosts John Doyle, Logan Wittmer, and Phil Huber-editors from the renowned Woodsmith, Popular Woodworking, and ShopNotes magazines-pull up a stool for an unscripted chat about their current projects. You’ll hear the real lessons learned from mistakes and successes, along with personal shop stories that resonate with anyone who’s ever picked up a tool. This isn't just theory; it's the applied craft, discussing techniques, tools, and materials in practical terms. The conversation often delves into behind-the-scenes news and developments from the wider woodworking community, offering a unique perspective from seasoned professionals. Regular segments feature deep-dive interviews with other experts and thoughtful answers to listener-submitted questions, making the dialogue a two-way street. Produced by Active Interest Media, this podcast is a natural extension of the magazines, designed to inform and inspire your next build while keeping you company at the bench. Whether you're a seasoned furniture maker or just getting started with hand tools, the hosts' accessible, experienced voices provide a steady stream of ideas and honest shop talk.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

ShopNotes Podcast
Podcast Episodes
ShopNotes Podcast E251: A 250 Degree Fire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:33
This week, Phil, John, and Logan celebrate being closer to episode 500 than episode 1 with some great listener mail — including a heartfelt story about 25 years with a ShopSmith. The guys talk about friendly woodworking…
ShopNotes Podcast E250: Big Pile of Prepared Whatever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:10
The ShopNotes Podcast celebrates its 250th episode! Phil, Logan, and John mark the milestone with listener questions, shop talk, and a few favorite memories. The crew dives into how woodworking tools are evolving—balanci…
ShopNotes Podcast E249: Adopter of Ca(r)ts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
The ShopNotes crew is closing in on another milestone! Join Phil Huber, Logan Whitmer, and John Doyle (plus a surprise appearance from Notch, the new shop cat) as they dive into listener comments, give an update on Woodw…
ShopNotes Podcast E248: Interview with Nick Offerman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:05
In this episode, Nick Offerman talks about his new book Little Woodchucks — a playful yet purposeful guide to woodworking for kids and families. Through it, he shares a deeper message about self-sufficiency, creativity,…