This past weekend, we wrapped up another Joinery Fest, and I have to say—it was one of the best days we’ve had at the shop. The energy was incredible. So many people came through the doors—members, friends, families, and curious neighbors—each drawn in by the smell of fresh sawdust, the hum of tools, and maybe…
Episode Summary: The Joiner’s Bench – “Sharpen Your Skills” In this episode of “The Joiner’s Bench,” host Stephen Ricks delves into the often overlooked yet essential aspect of woodworking: sharpening. Stephen not only highlights how sharpening is crucial for both the performance of woodworking tools and the overall woodworking experience but also attempts to demystify…
It’s that time of year again — Joinery Fest is back! 🎉 On Saturday, October 11th from 11 AM to 2 PM, we’re throwing open the doors of The Joinery for an afternoon of good food and creative fun. This event is free and open to members, families, friends, and anyone in the community who…
Today marks two years since The Joinery first opened its doors on Twin Valley Road. When we started on October 1, 2023, our hope was modest: build a community of 20 members in the first year. What happened instead still amazes me—we closed out that first year with nearly 60 members, and now, as we…
Mastering the Bandsaw: From Intimidation to Confidence If you’re new to woodworking, the bandsaw can look like an intimidating beast—big wheels, a moving blade, and more knobs and adjustments than you care to count. But here’s the truth: the bandsaw is one of the safest, most versatile tools in the shop. With just a little…
Over the past few months, I’ve been sharing my thoughts on what personal tools every member of The Joinery should consider having. Now that we’ve covered the essentials individually, I thought it would be helpful to pull it all together in one comprehensive guide. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been following along with…
Episode date: September 10, 2025 Host: Steven Ricks Length: ~28 minutes Episode Summary Measuring might sound basic, but it’s where most beginner mistakes start. In this episode, Steven breaks down a practical, low-stress measuring system for shared shops: prioritize consistency over absolute precision, use the same measuring tools every time, and be consistent in how you mark and how you cut. We…
Guess what? The Joinery finally has its own swag store. Yep — T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, drinkware… the whole deal. It’s all run through Cotton Bureau, so it ships straight to you, no fuss. But here’s the best part: every single dollar of profit for The Joinery goes to the Roger Cliff Memorial Fund (RCMF). That…
We’ve been quietly building something that will make your time at The Joinery even more engaging, rewarding, and—most importantly—tailored to your growth as a maker. It’s here. It’s ready. And it’s about to change how you track your progress, connect with the community, and celebrate your achievements. We’re calling it The Joinery Path—a points-based system…
