360 with 360 WoodWorking Podcast

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, Roger Benton, co-owner of Re-Co BKLYN (recobklyn.com), spends more time with us. During the discussion, he talks more about his design ideas and what jazzes him about his work. We also hear a great story about an incident about which many of us could relate. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. I Don’t See That Going Anywhere Loading a large number of massive tree slabs as part of your job can wear on you. Loading those slabs for the second time after blocking traffic, being pointed at and yelled at by people on the streets, and after your co-worker suggested that you tie things down better, that’s difficult to live down. But Roger Benton is okay with his fellow woodworkers keeping the tale alive. And if you’ve worked large live-edge slabs, you’re going to want to hear how ReCo-BKLYN finishes its creations. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, we talk with Roger Benton, co-owner of Re-Co BKLYN (recobklyn.com), a woodworking shop that builds fine furniture and produces live-edge slabs and boards. And the majority of the lumber is taken directly out of the city’s waste stream. Roger shares how the business got started, and reveals a few facts about New York city and its vast lumber resources. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Waste to Winner Roger Benton and co-owner Dan Richfield established Re-Co BKLYN while looking for a supply of sustainable slabs they could use in their furniture. They soon discovered that to get the the wood they were after meant that they would have to “make it themselves.” Re-Co BKLYN works with arborists, tree services and city parks departments to find and reclaim trees in the city that have fallen due to storm damage, safety hazards or to make way for urban expansion – you won’t believe the number of species they come across. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, we spend time with the owner of The Northwest Woodworking Studio and author, Gary Rogowski. Gary shares some of the fascinating stories from his new book, “Handmade, Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction” (Linden Publishing, Inc.). Plus, you’ll hear what he feels is the most vital woodworking machine, especially for a West-Coast woodworker. And he shares his thoughts about the importance to all of hand work. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Began With A Handplane Gary Rogowski, author of “The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery” (Taunton Press) and “Router Joinery (Taunton Press), has been woodworking for many years – he’s hesitant to admit it’s been 50 years in total. In his new book he talks about woodworking and about how he came to be a woodworker. But the book is so much more. In it he shares events he has experienced and how those times shaped his career. As we move farther into the conversation, the discussion focuses around the value of hand work and why today’s maker spaces may be missing the mark. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, Dave Campbell, Wood Magazine’s Editorial Content Chief, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Weekend With Wood, happening in May 2018. He tells us why, in his opinion, this event is so successful. Plus, he shares all the happenings included with the spouse’s event that runs at the same time. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Informative, Fun & Fulfilling An area in which Dave and his team are most proud deals with another activity during the three days of woodworking fun. It’s the charity build. While this next May will be only the third event with it’s charity build focused on veterans, Dave tells us that last year they could not accommodate all the attendees who wished to help. At the 2018 Weekend With Wood, the magazine staff and attendees will up the production – four assembly lines will be in full operation building cremation boxes for indigent veterans. Everyone who participates not only shares the great feeling of doing good, they also have a chance to take home one of the massive amount of tools – provided by Ryobi and Ridgid – used in the building process. If you haven’t signed up, do so quickly. This event sells out every year. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking writer, furniture maker and instructor Steve Latta is back to talk about Fine Woodworking Magazine.  Listen as he talks about the various editors he has worked with at the magazine throughout the past 30 years, and learn about a few of the articles he is most please with writing. Plus, he shares his method of work. Are you “process” oriented, or “project” oriented? Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. A Frank Discussion on Woodworking If you have yet to discover, Steve Latta tells it to you straight when it comes to woodworking. He pulls no punches whether he’s talking to his students at Thaddeus Stevens College, to editors of a magazine or covering topics on a podcast. How he became involved with Fine Woodworking magazine and how he found himself smack dab in the middle to a rejuvenation of period inlay and stringing are both great stories. He also shares a couple of his favorite published articles and hints as to what is in the pipeline for future articles. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking we meet Greg Pilotti of GPFurnituremakers.com. He’s also a graduate of the woodworking program at Thaddeus Stevens College (from podcast #248 with Steve Latta). What better insight into the teachings (and benefits) of the program than to talk to one of its graduates who is running a successful and profitable woodworking business. He was voted one of the “40 Under 40” up-and-comers in woodworking for 2017. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Talented Woodworkers Close By As I listened to Greg Pilotti talk about his business, I was taken back by a couple of items. First, he is wise beyond his years and he understands what it takes to make a business work. Second, he has surrounded himself and filled key areas of his company with talented woodworkers. Many of his team – he is hell-bent on the concept of team – have graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College, the same woodworking program that helped prepare Greg for a life in woodworking. He knows the program and knows the woodworkers coming from it know woodworking and how to work. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking I asked Dale Barnard to join us again to talk about his (and some of my) pet peeves. He’s written blogs on many of these topics. We discuss woodworking forums, some misinformation found in woodworking magazines and screws. He likes drywall screws. Me, not so much. But we reach a mutual understanding. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Good Woodworking Info Dale Barnard and I came to woodworking from similar backgrounds. He learned to be a carpenter from his father, and moved on to build and teach furniture making. I followed the same path, but my dad had more furniture information to pass along to me. Traveling paths that were all but the same, we agree on many things associated with woodworking. Forums may have the correct answer, but you often need to dig too deep to discover it. And we both share stories how woodworking magazines sometimes get it wrong. Oh yeah. We talk about screws, too. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking Asa Christiana drops back in to talk about woodworking tips published in his book, “Build Stuff with Wood.” Topics include how to improve acid brushes to what are the best castors for shop carts. Plus, the the idea of moving woodworking beyond a solo event, and the benefits thereof are discussed. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. A Legacy to Pass Along Inside the pages of his just released book, Asa Christiana has included many great woodworking tips. Newcomers to woodworking will be amazed and educated. Veterans in the craft are sure to pick up something new, or be reminded of a method of work long forgotten. Asa spent years at Fine Woodworking magazine, where he learned valuable tips to make his woodworking easier and better. He also shared some of his ideas with others. It’s his belief that these woodworking tips are our legacy to pass along to others – it makes everyone better woodworkers. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking woodworker, author and woodworking instructor, Dale Barnard, talks about his path to woodworking, his early education and the many ways he’s attempted to schedule classes for his woodworking school in southern Indiana. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. The Perfect Commute Dale Barnard started in the woodworking business learning house construction and trim work from his father. He and his brothers were skilled in an apprentice style, having to work in out-of-the-way areas until their skills reached a higher level. After college and after deciding that a life-long career teaching math wasn’t going to cut it, Dale set out on his own building houses. He eventually made the shift to woodworking in the shop – his shop is located in a small piece of heaven and includes an animal-filled, 100 yard walk from his home. Teaching woodworking classes then found its way into his life and shop. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.  

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking we hear from a woodworking professor at Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You may better know him as Steve Latta, woodworker, Fine Woodworking contributing editor and the guy who, in my opinion, brought inlay back to the forefront of woodworking. Steve is in his 20th year teaching this craft to those in college – and he’s doing a damn fine job if you look at the results. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Dream Job Steve Latta doesn’t just talk the talk when teaching woodworking to students at Thaddeus Stevens College. He walks the walk, too, by writing for Fine Woodworking magazine and hosting DVDs with Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. Discover how he landed his position at Thaddeus Stevens, and hear his thoughts about teaching woodworking at the college level.  Plus, if you’re wondering if there are benefits to a woodworking program in higher education, you need to listen closely. Listen to the accomplishments of the program’s students, and be awed by the fact that graduated students are returning to the program to find their next employees. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.  

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking as the Labor Day Weekend holiday approaches and we plan time with our families, I decided to revisit an “Around the Shop” podcast that discussed backboards. It’s solid woodworking information with an eye toward historically accurate work. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Vertical or Horizontal In this Throw-back Thursday, holiday podcast edition, Glen and former 360Woodworking.com partner Chuck Bender discuss backboard position and placement. During the talk you learn how backboards are used in period work, and why some boards ran top-to-bottom while others ran side-to-side. Plus, discover how they were attached back in the day, and how we work with backboards today in order to accommodate seasonal expansion and contraction. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.  

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, Bradley McCalister is back to talk about his favorite woods to work with on the lathe, and we discuss various tools used when turning, including scroll chucks, traditional turning tools and turning tools that have interchangeable cutters. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. A Simple Approach Bradley McCalister’s approach to woodturning is simple. Use the best wood for the project you want to make, which in his world is aspen, poplar or maple (at least right now), and select the best tool for the job at hand. And when it comes to turning tools, he’s happy to see any turner using newer tool designs, such as those with replaceable carbide inserts. In fact, he makes several valid points during the discussion. But he’s still a big fan of traditional tools, too. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, Bradley McCalister shares his views on woodturning, including a bit of his history and the path he traveled to become a woodturner, his opinion on why working on a lathe has grown in the past decade and what trends are showing up in the craft at this time. Then we turn the discussion to how to get started woodturning – his answer may not be what you expected. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Learning The Basics Bradley McCalister has been involved in woodworking since the age of 12 when he worked with his dad building a desk. After that he built boats and canoes while spending his time in the whitewater rafting industry. While in Colorado building homes – the next stage of life for Bradley – he decides to immerse himself in woodturning. He began as a production art turner, selling to galleries and at craft shows. Today he’s fully invested in woodturning education. He demonstrates and teaches at The Woodworking Shows and is in the process of expanding his website to help build the skills of woodturners of all levels. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, we talk with David Heim about his new book Woodturning Patterns (Spring House Press). David wrote and illustrated his book – illustrations are 3-D drawings from SketchUp, a program in which David excels. In the book, David has gathered together more than 80 drawings that are full size renditions, except for a handful that are half scale. Patterns found in Woodturning Patterns include kitchenware, play things, knobs and finials, items for shop and garden tools, lamps and candlesticks and bowls, vases and platters. And yes, each of the patterns dimensions added. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. There’s More to the Story David Heim, a board member at the American Association of Woodturners, knows many big-name turners across the country and throughout the world. He mentions in the interview that he adapted or copied some of the patterns in his latest book from a few of those well-respected woodturners. Plus, he talks about a couple of lathe turning techniques known as jamb chucks – you jamb your project onto a properly sized turned object – and doughnut chucks, which have nothing to do with glazed or cake donuts. But there are a couple of doughnut-shaped rings that are bolted together that grasp your object as you turn. If you are at all interested in turning, this book should be in your library. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.

In this episode of 360 with 360WoodWorking, we catch up with Ron Bontz of BontzSawWorks.net. Ron talks about how often a hobby woodworker should sharpen their saws (most do it too often), saw plates and woods you should pass on when making handles. Plus, he provides the best answer to my lingering question about TPI and PPI. He also explains why he’s suspended taking new orders (we should all hope to be too busy in our businesses), and when he expects to open up that process again. Join 360 Woodworking every Thursday for a lively discussion on everything from tools to techniques to wood selection (and more). Glen talks with various guests about all things woodworking and some things that are slightly off topic. But the conversation is always information packed and lots of fun. If you have topics you’d like covered in future episodes, click here to send 360woodworking an email. Handsaws: More Than Most Need to Know BontzSawWorks.net is a one-man company that produces magnificent handsaws. Ron Bontz, the owner, began making saws for himself – he wasn’t happy with handsaws that were available at the time. After a few woodworkers got their hands on his saws,  he found himself in the saw-making business. Ron covers the full scope of handsaws from dovetails saws to tenon saws and everything in between. He also makes and sells awls, mallets and a half-blind, dovetail tool (stop by his website for more information). As you listen to Ron during this podcast, his passion for handsaws shows. If you haven’t joined 360WoodWorking already, click here to get even more great woodworking information. You can even give the gift of woodworking knowledge to someone you know, by clicking here.