The Wood Whisperer

This video is a simple introduction to The Wood Whisperer, the world’s first woodworking video podcast. What’s this all about? Why should you care? Watch the video and you will have all the answers!!

In this video, I give a full tour of my shop space and show you what I feel are the essential tools for small and large workshops. I also discuss topics like tool prices, shop setup, and tool selection. You will also get an inside look at how my days typically start. Enjoy!!!

In this episode we embark on a journey into the world of refinishing. Part one gives my thoughts on refinishing and the role it plays in our lives as woodworkers. I will also show you how I inspect old pieces of furniture in order to develop a refinishing plan of attack. Please keep in mind that there is a big difference between DIY refinishing and antique restoration. My methods are firmly in the category of DIY refinishing. If you have a valuable antique and you want to retain its value, I suggest you consult a professional restorer.

In Part 2 of the refinishing series, I review some details concerning the table-top itself and take a look at the leaf expansion system, which is pretty unique. I also give some tips on how to determine what type of finish you might be up against, in order to determine the best way to remove it. And the last topic I cover is lead testing and safety. I hope you find this video useful and informative. As always, thanks for watching!!

In Part 3, I show how the table is disassembled and I tackle the finish and stain removal. Ugh! I also demonstrate some cool tricks for getting the old stain out of those tight corners and odd-shaped profiles.

In Part 4, I show my tricks for sanding down turned legs. I also get a little frustrated with my wife. Later in this part, I go into detail on one of the most commonly-used tools in the shop, the random orbit sander.

In part 5, I discuss and demonstrate my two favorite pore-filling processes. Pore filling is very important when you want to apply a high gloss topcoat. If you are working with oak, mahogany, or walnut, this is something you should consider, so check it out!

Finally!!! The last part of the refinishing series is here!! Seems like I’ve been wearing the same shirt for weeks now. In this video, I give a brief overview of my spray finishing techniques as well as provide a few tricks of the trade.

As just about any woodworker will tell you, your first trip to a hardwood dealer can be quite intimidating. I can honestly say that my first trip was not only intimidating, but confusing and frustrating as well. Poor signage, no prices, and an impatient staff served to make the whole experience less than enjoyable for a woodworking noob. I know I’m not alone here. In this video, I will cover some terminology and topics that will help you be better prepared for your next trip to the lumber yard. Just a few of the topics covered include identifying different types of cuts, estimating board feet, and finding a good hardwood supplier.

I don’t know about you guys, but for me, there’s nothing like a good (insert December holiday here) surprise. And if you want something woodworking-related, its very difficult for our friends and family to buy the things we need and want without ruining the surprise. So here is my little attempt at a solution: The Holiday Gift Guide!! I have a few suggestions in each category for gifts that nearly all woodworkers would appreciate. Even if you already have some of the items on the list, I bet you wouldn’t mind having a few more. So don’t be shy. Share this video with your friends and loved ones and say, “anything from this video”. Hey, its better than underwear right?

In this episode, I review one of the most critical and fundamental aspects of woodworking: milling lumber. I review my 4-step milling process, which requires some big tools. And since I know many folks don’t have a fully outfitted shop, I also present numerous alternative methods for jointing edges and flattening faces. The jointer’s jumpin’ baby!!!

One of my favorite woodworking projects is a butcher block end-grain cutting board. Im not sure if its the “back to basics” simplicity or just the fact that it is one of the most useful projects a woodworker can make, but something keeps bringing me back for more. A custom cutting board makes a great gift and many woodworkers make them in batches every Holiday Season. And if you are relatively new to woodworking, this is a great project to hone your milling, glue-up and tablesaw skills. I’ll cover the preparation and construction of the board itself, as well as the various finishing options available. I’ll also discuss how to maintain the board and keep it looking fresh for years to come!