Show Notes
What's the best inexpensive tool in your woodworking shop? And what's one tool you splurged on that was worth every penny?
In Episode 290 of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle tackle those questions and plenty more. From favorite woodworking tools and shop upgrades to organizing tool collections and protecting your investment, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns. And, of course, there's a little turbulence along the way.
The guys kick things off with listener comments, including more Shopsmith banter, oversized antique tool chests, and thoughts on Woodworking in America.
Then it's time to talk tools. John shares why he won't compromise on quality screws or a good router lift, Logan explains his appreciation for a vintage Starrett tape measure, and Phil talks about treating himself to a set of Japanese chisels.
Logan also shares how he's using AI to create an inventory of his woodworking tools, complete with estimated values. That leads to a bigger discussion about shop insurance, replacement costs, and an interesting question: If you had to rebuild your woodworking shop from scratch, what would you do differently?
In This Episode:
Favorite inexpensive woodworking tools and worthwhile splurges
The ongoing Shopsmith saga
Organizing and upgrading traditional woodworking tool chests
Using AI to inventory woodworking tools
Shop insurance, tool values, and replacement costs
Logan's new table saw outfeed table and workbench
Progress on a custom kitchen island with built-in storage
Phil's Writing Desk and decorative diamond bead molding
Adding casters to a knock-down workbench
Router jigs, finger joints, and woodworking club workshops
Whether you're building furniture, upgrading your workshop, collecting hand tools, or just enjoy talking woodworking, pull up a chair and join the conversation.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
What's your favorite inexpensive shop tool? What's one tool you're glad you spent extra money on? And if you had to start your woodworking shop over, what would you change?
Leave your answers in the comments!
MORE FROM WOODSMITH
ShopNotes Podcast episodes and show notes:https://www.woodsmith.com/podcasts/
Woodworking plans, projects, tips, and techniques:https://www.woodsmith.com/
Downloadable woodworking plans:https://www.woodsmithplans.com/
Subscribe to the ShopNotes Podcast for weekly woodworking conversations, shop updates, tool discussions, and plenty of laughs with Phil, Logan, and John.
Thanks to Titebond for supporting the ShopNotes Podcast!https://www.titebond.com/
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More from ShopNotes Podcast
Woodworking events, tool chests, Shopsmith controversy, and shop projects! In Episode 289 of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle are back with another round of woodworking discussions, shop updates, and plenty of good-natured ribbing.
In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John talk woodworking tools, hand-tool sharpening, current shop projects, and what’s happening behind the scenes at Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking. The crew digs into sharpening systems, compares traditional hand planes with new titanium planes, and answers listener questions about woodworking tools and techniques.
The crew recaps a hot and humid weekend at Handworks, sharing favorite tools, makers, and highlights from the show. Plus, they tackle listener questions about shop storage and tool safety, look ahead to Woodworking in America, and check in on Logan’s long-running table saw outfeed station project.