Every so often it just happens, I get a little burnt out or just overwhelmed...even with woodworking!

I know it's shocking and unheard of, but there are times when shop time is available but getting in there is a whole other issue.  Here are a few things I do for motivation or just to do something different but still woodworking.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Hey everyone it's the beginning of a brand new month and that means it's time for Router Bit of the Month!!

For the entire month of October Woodcraft is featuring Whiteside's 1/2" diameter Round Nose Core Box Bit.  A great grooving/veining profile for projects such as fluting, sign making, etc.

If you're not today's lucky winner of this great bit you can still take advantage of the sale price and add one to your collection just click here Woodcraft.com.

Also as mentioned in the show, I use the 1/4" version with my SignPro Kit from Milescraft.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Listener Doug wrote in about using Aluminum Oxide sandpaper vs Wet/dry for lapping hand plane soles.  Doug had some concerns about the fact that he couldn't find Wet/dry in coarser grits than 400 and was worried that using an AO with water would ruin the sandpaper.

My answer for Doug was...

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Jim wrote in a while back about the pros and cons of hand plane jointers vs power jointers.

This is a recurring question with many listeners so I thought I'd share the answer and then also some extra thoughts that I had after I sent Jim my response.

The winners of the Wood Talk Online Giveaway (sponsored by Lee Valley) are:

Richard Sylvestre and Mack McKinney.

They each will receive one of Lee Valleyâs new Skew Rabbet Planes!

So if you're not Richard or Mack don't give up hope of getting your hands on these great planes.  You can get both of them on sale at a great reduced price for two more days.

Lee Valleyâs special promotional pricing ends 10/15/08.  Trust me, once you've tried one of these, you'll fall head over heels for them!! 

Sorry no video today...minor technical error!

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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The latest DVD from our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju of Passion for Wood is out and I've had a chance to finally sit down and take it all in.

Actually it took a few nights to do that, as this DVD contains close to 10 hours of information.  It is literally like being right in Hendrik's shop and taking one of the most detailed classes on everything you every wanted to know about tablesaws.

For more information on ordering this DVD from Hendrik stop by his website at www.passionforwood.com.

Coming up in November Hendrik will be back and taking your questions on Tablesaws.  Whether it's regarding setting up, safety or cutting, get your questions in early.  Also, if you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, head over to the website where you can also leave your comments, or you can leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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MBW's very own guest expert Hendrik Varju is back once again and today we're answering some of your questions that you sent.  Today's episode is Part 1 of a 2 part series.  The second episode will of course be released on Monday.

To start the show off we find out what Hendrik thought of the recent IWF in Atlanta and then jump right into Shannon's email on compound joinery.  Then we move on to Sal's question on marking and measuring.

The article recommended by Hendrik for dealing with compound joinery is in the October 2002 #158 issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine, p.96 in the Masterclass section.

Also as a special announcement, exclusively here at MBW, Hendrik has just released his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".  Now available for purchase at his website.

 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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Hey everyone it's Monday and it's back to work for most of us.  Of course over the weekend I had a chance to hear from a number of you who had questions regarding the shooting board.  Perhaps the number 1 question was "why doesn't the blade of the plane alter the reference edge of the shooting board?" 

I thought I had a great answer, but as always I double checked myself by looking for another resource and sure enough I was on the right track.  So listen to today's show to find out that answer.

If you're curious about my other resource checkoutWhite Mountain Design they've got a tutorial on shooting boards including an excellent photo answer to the #1 question.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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It's Monday and we're starting this week off with the second half of our September visit with Hendrik Varju.  We pick up the discussion with Mike's question on cross-grain glue-ups.  Enjoy!!!

The article recommended by Hendrik for dealing with compound joinery is in the October 2002 #158 issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine, p.96 in the Masterclass section.

Also as a special announcement, exclusively here at MBW, Hendrik has just released his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".  Now available for purchase at his website. 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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It's Friday and today we're reviewing one of the titles from the Popular Mechanic's Workshop series "Jointer & Planer Fundamentals" by Rick Peters. 

Two of the most important tools in the workshop, being able to choose and use the right model of jointer and planer is an important step in building amazing furniture. 

Within the chapters of this great resource the reader will find a ton of information on why certain models work best.  Which accessories are crucial.  Basic and advanced techniques of using the tools and so much more. 

I really wanted to hold on to this book, but it's a resource that needs to be shared. Not this week's winner? Click here to get a copy from Woodcraft.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

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Hey everyone, for today's episode I meant to put something together that would be a little more polished...but...instead you're getting me kind of wrapping up a few random thoughts and annoucements I've been meaning to make.  So enjoy this Wednesday roundup!!

As mentioned in the episode, Hendrik has released his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".  Now available for purchase at his website.   Also if you would like, click here to checkout Milescraft and see the router base I mentioned.

If you're interested in ordering the DVDs I mentioned in the show, containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Year 1 & Year 2 of MBW drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com. 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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Hey everyone I've finally went and done it, I've built a chisel plane from some scraps laying around the shop and a brand new Hock Block Plane blade (the most expensive part of the build!)

Many of you sent me the plans to the FWW article featuring the chisel plane construction in issue #148.  Here's a link to it Wooden Chisel Plane.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

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Hey everyone today's Feature Friday is a review of another great Lie-Nielsen title.  This time we have Brian Boggs and "Drawknives, Spokeshaves and Travishers--A Chairmaker's Tool Kit"

Part of the reason I've chosen this title is because of my recent desire to learn how to use a spokeshave properly.  And who else would be better to teach the techniques than Brian Boggs?

In "Drawknives, Spokeshaves and Travishers--A Chairmaker's Tool Kit" Brian introduces to the most common tools used by chairmakers.  While he makes it look easier than it should, Brian gives us some great insight into understanding how to make these simple tools work at their best and in turn give us results like we've been doing it for years.

Available primarily at Lie-Nielsen to order a copy of your own click here.

 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

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It's the beginning of a brand new month and that can mean only one thing!!!  IT'S TIME FOR ROUTER BIT OF THE MONTH!

This month we have Whiteside's Thumbnail Table Edge Bit.  An elongated round over bit that gives an unique profile that a regular round over bit only wishes it could touch.

Not today's lucky winner, but you want to get your own Thumbnail Table Edge Bit? Click here to visit Woodcraft.com and order yours today.

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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It's time for Jig of the Month!  And this month we're building a simplified shooting board based on the one I saw in David Charlesworth's "Shooting Simplified" DVD from Lie-Nielsen.

Nothing fancy, just cabinet grade plywood for a base and some scrap hardwood from the bin.  Since I already had these all laying around anyways it cost me little to nothing to build and it only took an hour or two to complete.

The video of the construction will be released shortly, it's a big file so I'm breaking it into 2 or 3 parts for easier downloading.  Hope you enjoy and make one for yourself. 

Oh and by the way...congrats to our 3 winners this week of ZEM hearing in honor of our 300th episode!

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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So many great questions and tips have been coming in, so today I'll share a few more with you.  Also if you want to have a little fun and find out how well you know your router bit profiles checkout this "Router Bit Profile Quiz".

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Feedback and questions are what help to make this show move and we got some in today's episode.  A couple of listeners had some great feedback in regards to the hammer episode so I thought I'd share it with you.

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Hey everyone it's time for another installment of Lumber Species of the Month...and this time we're sharing a few facts on a favorite of a lot of woodworkers - Walnut.

Once abundant throughout the United States and growing to 150 FT tall and 6 FT in diameter Walnut was heavily harvested for it's beautiful grains and colors.  It's the only natural "brown" colored wood found growing in the states.

While it's still readily available the trees today average about 80-100 FT tall and usually only about 3 FT in diameter...a stark contrast from before.  But still it's a beautiful wood to work with...

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  If you're planning on being at the IWF in Atlanta, anyone wanting to have a chat with Hendrik can leave a message for him in the Press Lounge.  Or, better yet, he'll be attending The Wood Whisperer's after-show get together Friday evening, August 22nd.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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It's a Monday and that means it's time for Magazine Monday!!!

Over the weekend I spent a lot of time at the computer and it got me to yearning for a project in the shop.

So in today's episode I'm sharing a few of those thoughts with you!!

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  If you're planning on being at the IWF in Atlanta, anyone wanting to have a chat with Hendrik can leave a message for him in the Press Lounge.  Or, better yet, he'll be attending The Wood Whisperer's after-show get together Friday evening, August 22nd.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Hey everyone, today we have the featureless friday!  More or less, I've been bitten by a bug and I've down for the count since tuesday.

But that's no excuse for not having a show and not giving away free schwag to the greatest listeners in the world!!!

So I have a few things to share with you and a little fever ridden rambling too!!

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  If you're planning on being at the IWF in Atlanta, anyone wanting to have a chat with Hendrik can leave a message for him in the Press Lounge.  Or, better yet, he'll be attending The Wood Whisperer's after-show get together Friday evening, August 22nd.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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Last week's episodes on the replacement of my workbench top have generated a few questions and some great feedback.  As always when these come in, I can't help but share them with everyone...because I'm willing to bet there's plenty of you thinking the same things.

 Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session and if you get a chance this weekend stop by and see him at the 5th Annual Welbeck Wood Expo.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Hey everyone I had a chance not so long ago to review another of the David Charlesworth titles produced by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks.

In Part 3 of the Hand Tool Techniques series we're introduced to one of the most important jigs in the hand tool workshop, the shooting board.  A very basic and easy to use shop aide, but one that can do so much to improve your joinery.

David explains, in a no nonsense way, how not only to use the shooting board but how to setup your planes, how to tweak the stock for the best results and so much more.

For anyone interested in getting more out of your hand planes this is a must watch.

Not this week's lucky schwag winner?  Click here to get your own copy at Woodcraft Hand Tool Techniques Pt.3 "Precision Shooting Simplified" .

Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session and if you get a chance this weekend stop by and see him at the 5th Annual Welbeck Wood Expo.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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Not so long ago my workbench's top was the perfect surface for almost all of my needs.  It's always been a little short, but the weight was perfect for handplaning.

When I discovered how unflat it's become in the last few weeks it was clear it needed to be replaced.  The question on my mind is what should the top be made from?

I need something flat, something reliable and more importantly something that could get me back in the shop in no time...

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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It's the beginning of a brand new month and I'm fully back from the "vacation".  So let's get everything started the right way by beginning with Router Bit of the Month!!!

And this month we have something a little extra special.  Whiteside's 1/2" Straight Cutting Bit is what I consider to be an essential router bit profile, this is one that should be in everyone's collection no matter what kind of woodworking you do.

And considering that I happen to already own one of these, because like I said...this is an essential profile...rather than keeping another one for myself why not share it with a second lucky winner??

So that's what we're doing, now there's double your chances to win this month.  If you weren't one of our two lucky winners this week that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the great discounted price at Woodcraft all month long, just click here to buy yours...Whiteside 1/2" Diameter Straight Cutting Bit.

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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It's near the end of July and  it's time to give away some great schwag to some even greater listeners!!

This week we have another set of 2-1/2" Whiteside Brass Height Gages for one lucky winner and another great title from Sterling Publishing for a second lucky listener.

If you're interested in getting a set of your own gauges from Woodcraft click here, Whiteside Brass Height Gauges.

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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A huge thanks to Shannon from www.rogersfinewoodworking.com for hearing the call and answering!  Shannon is today's guest host here at Matt's Basement Workshop and he's talking about woodturning.

This a great opportunity for anyone who's interested in getting started with turning, since currently I don't do it myself.  If you'd like to learn more about Shannon visit his blog the "Rennassiance Woodworker" or email him at shannon@rogersfinewoodworking.com. 

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey or click on the link at the website.  When you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Coming up in September Hendrik is back and we're answering whatever questions you submit.  So get them in!!

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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It's the middle of July and while technically...I'm still on vacation, it's time to give away some great schwag to some even greater listeners!!

This week we have a set of 2-1/2" Whiteside Brass Height Gages for one lucky winner and a great title from Sterling Publishing for another lucky listener.  That's right, two lucky winners this week!

Oh and by the way, checkout the video for today's show...I have a little surprise for everyone.  Warning though!! The sound is left channel only...a new bug popped up and I'm working on it.

If you're interested in getting a set of your own gauges from Woodcraft click here, Whiteside Brass Height Gauges.

WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!!  If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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When it comes to finding a tool(s) that can speed up your set up of router bits or blades I've been very skeptical. 

But I've been won over by the brass height gauges from Whiteside.  These little pieces of brass allow me to accurately set up bits so quickly I'm still convinced I'm doing something wrong, but the fact is these accurate results are repeatable over and over...

If you're interested in learning more about these gauges click here Whiteside Brass Height Gauges.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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