ShopNotes Podcast

Could Iowa be America's next woodworking destination? In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dreams up the ultimate Iowa woodworking road trip, complete with legendary tool makers, historic woodworking sites, museums, furniture shops, sawmills, and a few can't-miss restaurants along the way. Along the journey, Phil, Logan, and John also answer listener questions about sharpening stones, debate why vintage woodworking machines are almost always painted green, and discuss whether linseed oil paint is making a comeback—or just taking forever to dry. John also shares his latest Facebook Marketplace adventure after discovering a never-opened 1992 Woodsmith Panel Saw Hardware Kit, leading to a discussion about vintage woodworking kits, classic ShopNotes projects, and whether bringing hardware kits back would be a good idea. In this episode: Designing the ultimate Iowa woodworking tour Hidden woodworking destinations across the Midwest Woodworking in America updates Sharpening stone chips: should you worry? Why are old woodworking machines always green? Vintage woodworking hardware kits and Facebook Marketplace finds Listener questions, comments, and plenty of woodworking rabbit trails Have a favorite woodworking destination in your area? Tell us in the comments! If another woodworker visited your hometown, where would you take them?

In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dives into the world of old tool restoration, shares thoughts on building a practical starter tool kit for new homeowners, and discusses how woodworkers decide when—and why—to bring new tools into the shop. Plus, they answer listener feedback, debate Harbor Freight tools, and John begins restoring his grandfather’s Stanley No. 4 hand plane. To find out more on the topics discussed on the podcast, check out our Show Notes page here: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John cover everything from vintage woodworking tools to the surprisingly competitive gas station scene in the Midwest. We kick things off with listener comments about the upcoming "Domino Killer" joinery tools, Kreg's woodworking-focused approach to tool development, and the ongoing debate between premium and budget woodworking equipment. Then Phil shares the ups and downs of rebuilding his vintage Delta/Rockwell drill press—including seized bearings, stubborn chucks, hydraulic presses, and why old machines aren't always as easy to restore as YouTube makes them look. Plus, we somehow spend a significant amount of time discussing Casey's, QuickStar, QuickTrip, breakfast pizza, and the convenience-store culture of Iowa. Vintage Delta/Rockwell drill press restoration Woodworking tool repairs and maintenance Kreg vs Festool discussions Grizzly Makers Challenge Woodworking side-business opportunities Router table storage projects Custom furniture design process Church door construction and installation Used woodworking tools and machine restoration Midwest gas station culture Have a question, comment, or smart remark? Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment below.

In Episode 273 of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dives into everything happening in the woodworking world — from hand tool events and lumber prices to TV show updates, shop projects, and new tools coming to the market. Logan shares a full recap of his trip to Hand Tool Haven at the Plain Wellness event in Pennsylvania, including tool vendors, demonstrations, silent auction finds, and a few close calls with buying even more hand planes. The guys also discuss upcoming events like Woodworking in America 2026 and why woodworking competitions at county and state fairs are worth entering. Back in the shop, John wraps up filming for Season 20 of The Woodsmith Shop TV show, Phil works through design details on his latest desk project, and Logan gets dangerously close to finishing a set of custom church doors — while also getting pulled into unexpected woodworking side quests. Plus, the crew talks about Kreg’s newly announced cordless loose tenon machine, the ongoing corded vs. cordless debate, walnut from Chunk A’ Trunk, listener comments about lumber suppliers, and plenty of woodworking shop banter along the way. Got a question or comment for the show? Send it to [email protected] or leave a comment on the ShopNotes Podcast YouTube channel.

Episode 271 of the ShopNotes Podcast is packed with shop talk, project updates, and the chaos of last-minute woodworking projects before big life events. The crew dives into garage vs. basement shops, lasers and 3D printing, restoring an old cabinet for graduation season, building church doors, and why every “quick weekend project” somehow turns into a four-month adventure. Plus, woodworking rabbit holes, lumber with a story, and the return of the infamous dumpster fire discussion.

The crew is back from spring break with stories and shop talk—from Logan’s trip to the Northeastern Woodworkers Showcase to debates on router tables vs. shapers and powering an under-equipped shop. They dig into listener questions, controversial turning takes, and even the best way to upgrade your breakfast (everything bagel eggs, anyone?). Plus, a new wall-mounted workbench build, unexpected bullets in lumber, and a few old tool finds round out a wide-ranging, can’t-miss episode. Find out more info about the things we talk about in the podcast here: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/

This week, Phil, John, and Logan celebrate being closer to episode 500 than episode 1 with some great listener mail — including a heartfelt story about 25 years with a ShopSmith. The guys talk about friendly woodworking rivalries, Logan’s rooftop chimney adventure, and lessons learned from firing up a new wood stove. Plus, sneak peeks at upcoming Popular Woodworking projects and the Grizzly Makers Challenge winner! Find out more information about this podcast on our show notes page: ShopNotes Podcast 251 — A 250-Degree Fire | Woodsmith

The ShopNotes Podcast celebrates its 250th episode! Phil, Logan, and John mark the milestone with listener questions, shop talk, and a few favorite memories. The crew dives into how woodworking tools are evolving—balancing simplicity with high-tech innovation—then veers off into everything from garage shops to cutting firewood. It’s a mix of laughs, insight, and a little nostalgia from the team at Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking. Find out more details on our show notes page at www.woodsmith.com/podcast

The ShopNotes crew is closing in on another milestone! Join Phil Huber, Logan Whitmer, and John Doyle (plus a surprise appearance from Notch, the new shop cat) as they dive into listener comments, give an update on Woodworking in America, and revisit the ongoing Red Oak rebrand. It’s the usual mix of shop talk, good humor, and a few smart remarks along the way. Send your feedback or questions to [email protected], or drop a comment on the ShopNotes Podcast YouTube channel.

In this episode, Nick Offerman talks about his new book Little Woodchucks — a playful yet purposeful guide to woodworking for kids and families. Through it, he shares a deeper message about self-sufficiency, creativity, and resisting the pull of technology and corporate convenience. Offerman reflects on the joy of making things by hand, the importance of teaching those skills to the next generation, and why diversity, community, and decency are essential to keeping the human spirit alive. Check out the new Little Woodchucks book: https://nickofferman.co/books/little-woodchucks/