Matt's Basement Workshop

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 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

This is Pt. 2 of the Shooting Board Construction video. Today's episode covers the construction of an auxillary fence for 45 degree cuts and then a very basic lesson on shooting. This type of simplified design is easy to build, so if you haven't done it yet give it a shot! Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q 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 the website www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

I had originally planned on releasing this video as part of a series on Monday and Wednesday. But based on the number of requests I had to see the construction process as soon as possible, I couldn't wait. So here is Pt. 1 of a two part series. Today's video highlights the basic construction of the base, the 90 degree fence and the hook. This is a great start on the project considering that easily 90-95% of the work I do on the shooting board is cleaning up end grains of 90 degree cuts. In Pt. 2 which will be released on Wednesday covers the construction of an auxillary fence for 45 degree cuts and then a very basic lesson on shooting. Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q 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 the website www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

The right tool for the job is crucial. But what do you do when you're not quite sure which one is the right tool?? Just like with some of the best things in life, ice cream, beer, coffee...hammers come in a variety of styles and sizes. Choosing the right hammer for the job can be the difference between, driving a nail home the right way or destroying a chisel's razor sharp edge. 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. Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in as soon as possible. This time around, it's an open question and answer session so send them in!! And if you're visiting the IWF in Atlanta, Hendrik will be there too, so say HI if you see him. 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. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

On Monday I shared with you some great follow-up questions from some listeners of the show. Well there were a couple more that I thought were important to share with all of you and the best way to do these was to explain them in a video. Thanks to Donna and Shawn for submitting them!! 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. Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in as soon as possible. This time around, it's an open question and answer session so send them in!! And if you're visiting the IWF in Atlanta, Hendrik will be there too, so say HI if you see him. 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. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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. Video Coming Soon!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

Warning!! The video was all shot with the old camera!! The new workbench top is in place and it not only looks great but it works great too. A nice flat surface, easy to attach accessories and jigs and of course when it gets to messed up...off with the old and on with the new. Thanks for all the feedback so far, keep it a coming! 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. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

Time for the fifth and final installment of the Child's Bookcase Project. In today's episode I demonstrate my finishing technique with Shellac and a few other goodies too. Of course I can't guarantee you'll learn much about the finishing but you should get a good laugh! Coming up in September, Hendrik is back and we're doing an open Q 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. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

It's been a little while but lumber species of the month is back again. Today though, we're not talking about a specific species of lumber but more of an beneficial defect that can be found in lumber. Spalted lumber refers to any lumber in which a fungus or mold has begun to decay the wood and leaves a really unique pattern and color in the grain that looks like nothing else. Thanks to Highland Woodworking for donating a WoodSlicer Resaw Bandsaw Blade for this week's schwag giveaway. If you're in the market for a great blade, this is the one. It resawed 4/4, 4 wide red oak boards on my 1/3 HP, 50 year old bandsaw like it was slicing bread (no exaggeration!!). And if you're not in the market for a bandsaw blade at least stop by and enter for a chance to win a Festool Kapex during their 30th Anniversary Giveaway. 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

Time for the next installment of the Child's Bookcase Project. We're nearing the completion of the project and in today's episode I demonstrate resawing and shiplapping of stock for the back. I can't say enough about how easy the resawing went with my WoodSlicer Resaw Blade from Highland Woodworking . If you're in the market for a great blade, this one does an amazing job. It resawed 4/4, 4 wide red oak boards on an 1/3 HP, 50 year old saw like it was slicing bread (no exaggeration!!) Speaking of Highland Woodworking, stop on by and enter for a chance to win a Festool Kapex during their 30th Anniversary Giveaway. 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. To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

For a lot of us, the back of a project is usually just a matter of cutting a piece of plywood to fit. But a specific design may call for something more, or perhaps we just want it looking nicer. What are our options? Do we really have options? Sure!! 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

Last year a longtime listener and LumberJock buddy, Wayne C. sent in a great idea for all of us vintage tool hunters. Wayne's Hand Plane Hunting Kit is a great jig of sorts, to take with you on your next trip to the flea market, antique store, garage sale or wherever you find vintage tools. Considering that the flea market season is full on in my neck of the woods I thought this was a great time to revisit this topic. To get your copy of the Stanley Little Big Book head over to Lee Valley. 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 powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as

Hey folks it's time for part 3 of this multi-part series following me building a child's bookcase for a friend of the family. As promised, I documented the build. The good, the bad and the ugly and I'll be posting new episodes on Wednesdays from this point out, enjoy!! REMEMBER! If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or you can always leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338. If you have the time, please take the new listener survey. To download directly to your computer Right Click on the file name next to Direct Download and Save Target as

We are trying a new format for this show, where we actually have a number of segments including News, Hot Deals, Around the Web, and moreâ. Status Report: Marc has a new column in Popular Woodworking Magazine and is currently working on an entertainment center. Matt is finishing up his series on a very cool bookcase. Around the Web: We review a great blog from Kari Hultman called The Village Carpenter. Matt discusses a great blog entry he found over at the Highland Woodworking blog about removing and preventing rust on tools. News: The Jointmaker Pro from Bridge City Tool Works is the latest tool to make waves in the woodworking community. Our original blog post. Hot Deals: Irwin Quick Clamp deal from Rockler. You get four 6â clamps, plus two 12â and two 24â clamp/spreaders. Plus, theyâve added a FREE heavy-duty cloth bag. Epifanes Marine Varnish from Jamestown Distributors - $16.02/500ml Bessey K-Bodies Clamp Blowout at Woodcraft. 24â K-Body Clamp reg. $35.99 Sale $26.99, 40â K-Body Clamp reg. $44.99 Sale $33.74 True Value Coupon - $5 coupon off $25 purchase Ryobi buy one combo kit get a free Ryobi One Plus tool by mail in rebate from Home Depot. Topics: Humidity and its effect on finishes. For reference: http://www.minwax.com/how_to/faq/?Q=05 http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Humidity_and_Conversion.html Tomâs Tip (from Tomâs Workbench): Waxing the sole of your plane. Voicemails: Denis is having problems centering a guide bushing on his DeWalt router. And Jack wanted to know what block plane Matt recommend for trimming tenons. Email: Tom wanted some details on when its appropriate to pre-raise the grain. if you have a question or comment, you can email us at woodtalkonline@gmail.com or leave us a message at 623-242-2450

Our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju has returned for another visit here at Matt's Basement Workshop, and this month we're mixing things up a little bit. Rather than our usual question and answer show, we're talking a little more philosophical and asking the question Why do we woodwork? This is the wrap-up to our discussion and once again after you listen to it I'm willing to bet that many of you feel the same way about why it is we woodwork as we did. You're welcome to send in your own comments to the discussion or even pose a few more questions too. Just contact us either by email at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, leave a comment at the website, or call and leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338. If you'd like to get more information about Hendrik checkout his website at www.passionforwood.com. If you have the time, please take the new listener survey. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below powered by Podbean.com To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose Save Target as