Live from AWFS: Sanding, Automation, and the Future of Finishing

In this special live-on-location episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Skylar and Nippen from SurfPrep and Jakub from Sivam Coatings to explore the latest innovations in finishing and coatings straight from the AWFS show floor in Las Vegas. The conversation covers how automation is transforming sanding processes, alleviating common pain points, and boosting productivity for small shops. The guests share insights on the value of investing in new technology, the importance of training and ongoing support, and how community feedback drives continuous improvement. They also dive into the newest offerings from Sivam Coatings, including their push toward non-isocyanate acrylic products, and share market trends shaping the future of woodworking and finishing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Bearded Finisher Podcast 00:30 Exploring New Technologies in Finishing 01:56 Addressing Pain Points in Sanding 06:00 The Role of Automation in Woodworking 12:40 Community and Continuous Improvement in Automation 12:59 Investment and Value in Automation for Small Shops 15:37 Training and Support for New Technology 19:21 Features and Benefits of the New Sander 22:40 The Future of Finishing Technology 26:16 Networking and Industry Trends at AWFS 30:54 Sivam Coatings: Innovations and Product Lines 51:36 Future Products and Market Trends Connect with SurfPrep 🌐 Website: https://www.surfprepsanding.com 📱 Instagram: SurfPrep Sanding   📱 Facebook: SurfPrep Sanding   Connect with Sivam Coatings 🌐 Website: https://www.sivamcoatings.com 📱 Instagram: Sivam Coatings   📱 Facebook: Sivam Coatings