CNC Router Podcast
Deep dives into CNC technology, woodworking, and the maker world. Hand-picked episodes with AI-generated summaries so you find the good stuff fast.
Featured Episode
518: Oh, I Can Let My Shoulders Down
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss dealing with previous fixes gone wrong and the process of correcting past mistakes in their projects. The conversation covers how to recognize when an earlier repair needs redoing and practical approaches to getting it right the second time around.
Recent Episodes
518: Oh, I Can Let My Shoulders Down
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss dealing with previous fixes gone wrong and the process of correcting past mistakes in their projects. The conversation covers how to recognize when an earlier repair needs redoing and practical approaches to getting it right the second time around.
Nobody Likes a Dirty Underbevel | WoodTalk 602
Marc, Matt, and Shannon consider what would happen if woodworking legends like Maloof and Nakashima had access to modern tools such as CAD software and the Festool Domino. They also cover quick-drying finishes, anti-fatigue mats, and chisel selection.
STL 361: Working at Speed
Luthier Aaron Keim joins Ben to discuss modifying tools to suit your body, working with figured maple for kitchen shelves, and the skill of working quickly without sacrificing quality. Instrument-making insights are woven throughout the conversation.
517: Imagine Making That Much Art
The hosts talk about the value of preflight checklists before starting a build and the benefits of exploring new creative territory off camera. They reflect on the sheer volume of work prolific artists produce and what makers can learn from that kind of sustained output.
516: This Career is Like Magnet Fishing
Diresta, Clagett, and Picciuto explore project ideas that sound great in concept but translate poorly to video content. They draw a comparison between a maker career and magnet fishing, where you never quite know what you will pull up next.
Who Doesn't Love a Concealed Weapon? | WT601
Episode 601 covers hand-saw sharpening, making a bowl without a lathe, and woodworking design resources. Listener questions drive much of the discussion, including advice on keeping a bowl blank from becoming a flying disc during shaping.
515: I Heard You Like Spoil boards…
The trio discusses the tension between perfection and progress in the shop, and how makers often get in their own way. Spoilboards serve as the jumping-off point for a broader conversation about when good enough is actually good enough.
STL360: Veneer Glue—Stirred, Not Shaken
Veneer specialist Steve Der-Garabedian joins Vic and Ben for a deep dive into veneer tape types, vacuum pump setups, substrate choices, and glue mixing preferences. A focused technical episode for anyone exploring veneering techniques.
Shame on You Powermatic | Wood Talk 600
The 600th episode calls out a questionable safety practice shared on Powermatic's social media and discusses the responsibility major tool manufacturers have to educate users. Other topics include color matching techniques, a tigerwood workbench, and turning wood on a metal lathe.
STL359: Making the Most of Shop Time
Vic, Mike, and Amanda share strategies for making progress on projects when time is limited. They discuss breaking builds into small, manageable chunks and staying sharp even during periods when shop time is scarce.
514: It’ll Sit There Like a Treadmill
This episode examines the role of convenience in the shop and when it can actually hold you back. The hosts compare underused tools to treadmills that become expensive clothes hangers, and discuss knowing when to invest in a tool versus making do.
Oops All Questions | WoodTalk 599
An all-listener-questions episode tackling topics from dealing with a dried-up product market to firing a difficult customer. The hosts also address winter shop strategies, woodworking on an open-sided deck, and safety training protocols for maker spaces.
513: Snow Day
A snow day gives the hosts an excuse to discuss what makers do when the shop is inaccessible. They cover planning, sketching, sharpening, and other productive ways to keep the creative momentum going without power tools.
Fresh Baked Wood | Wood Talk 598
The hosts discuss helical cutterhead upgrades for benchtop planers, lumber strategies for building a workbench, and finishing cypress. Listener feedback touches on FreeCAD as a SketchUp alternative and a brief history of European plywood quality.
STL358: He Hunts For Tools, So You Don't Have To
Joshua Clarke of Hyperkitten Tool Company talks about sourcing and restoring high-quality vintage hand tools since 1999. The conversation covers his inspection and restoration process, unconditional guarantees, and how a Christopher Schwarz feature helped grow the business.
512: Hurdle Me
Diresta, Clagett, and Picciuto talk about making things as if nobody is watching and getting past the mental hurdles that slow down creative output. The episode encourages makers to stop overthinking and just build.
511: It HAS to Happen
The hosts discuss the internal drive and passion that keeps makers going even when external motivation is low. They explore what separates hobbyists who stick with it from those who drift away, and why some projects feel like they simply have to get made.
Air Thirsty | Wood Talk 597
Episode 597 covers making thin stock without a bandsaw, fixing sticky drawers, and comparing Tormek sharpening systems. The hosts also discuss rocking chair construction and Shannon delivers an e-bike rant in the recurring bike corner segment.
STL357: Rob Spiece's Show and Tell
Rob Spiece discusses his dual roles at Berea College and Pinecroft, sharing details on upcoming woodworking projects and educational programs. Amanda and Anissa guide the conversation through his teaching philosophy and craft practice.
510: My Office is a Mess, My Head is a Mess… Everything’s a Mess
As one year ends and another begins, the hosts reflect on the chaos that comes with transitions in both workspace and mindset. They discuss strategies for resetting and planning what comes next in their making careers.
509: I Flippity Doo’d It
In the final episode of 2025, Diresta, Clagett, and Picciuto look ahead at upcoming projects and plans for the new year. The conversation is a relaxed year-end wrap-up covering lessons learned and ambitions for the months ahead.
You Have No Power Here! | Wood Talk 596
The year-end recap episode where Marc, Matt, and Shannon review their favorite tools and discoveries of the year. They answer listener questions on prefinishing, cycling, and share upcoming Woodcraft store events including a dovetail workshop.
STL356: Unconscious Competency
Vic Tesolin and Ben Strano cover a wide range of rapid-fire shop topics: sharpening methods, saw selection, scrap hoarding habits, favorite wood species, disappointing tools, shop snacks, and the moment when woodworking skills finally become second nature.
STL355: Pencil Geeks Assemble!
Blackwing president Grant Christensen joins Mike and Ben for a conversation about pencil design and manufacturing, while the broader crew debates unanswerable woodworking questions. A fun crossover of shop culture and stationery enthusiasm.
Greasy Ham Finish | Wood Talk 595
Topics include what to do when your workbench is not cutting it, whether wood acclimation is overrated, and the mechanics of running a lathe in reverse. Black Friday deals from woodworking vendors round out the episode.
STL354: Go and Do the Thing
Furniture designer and educator Erik Curtis joins Amanda and Vic to talk about his approach to furniture design, teaching woodworking, and creating content. The episode emphasizes the importance of just starting rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
Matching Finger Boo Boos | WoodTalk 594
The hosts discuss choosing finishes for commercial shelving, designing removable furniture tops, and diagnosing ripply cuts. Listener Tom shares his enthusiasm for shapers and an upcoming class at the Alpine Technical Workshops.
STL353: A Big Bit of Community
Megan Shannon of A Tiny Bit Of Wood joins Ben to discuss how her woodworking school brings joy and skill-building to her local community. The conversation highlights the social and educational impact of hands-on woodworking programs.
Hot Dog Flavor Notches | Wood Talk 593
This episode covers grain filling for turned pieces, the crosscut sled versus miter saw debate, and strategies for staying on track during a large, multi-phase project. Practical shop advice aimed at intermediate woodworkers.
STL352: I Am Miserably In Love With Wood
Recorded live at Woodworking in America 2025, guests Alexis Dolese and Shea Alexander join Vic and Ben to discuss the highs and lows of a life devoted to woodworking. The live format gives the episode an energetic, candid feel.