Steven and Alex swap stories about the mistakes that pile up on the bench, from box joints that came out just a hair off to a cherry tabletop that fought back at every step. They dig into why square wood is so hard to get, how a table saw set past zero can wreck a…
Steven and Alex map out the many paths a new woodworker can take, from rough carpentry and joinery to cabinet making, turning, marquetry, and even building a guitar. They talk through where to actually begin, the resources worth leaning on like Lumberjocks, Fine Woodworking, and Lost Art Press, and why finding a community or makerspace…
This week on The Joiner’s Bench, Alex and I get into something every woodworker runs into eventually — falling out of the habit, and all the little friction points that keep you off the bench. We talk through the usual excuses (the couch is comfortable, I don’t know what to make, I don’t have the…
After a few months off, Steven and Alex are back—and committing to every two weeks. This episode opens with what’s on their benches: Alex’s discovery of green-wood carving with a freshly fallen cedar, Steven’s big spring of selling the family home and moving closer to the shop, and the major relayout of The Joinery. They…
Eight episodes in, I was getting tired of hearing my own voice. That’s the honest version. The slightly more diplomatic version is this: the most interesting woodworking conversations I have aren’t me explaining how to cut a dovetail. They’re the ones that happen between someone who just started and someone who’s been doing this for…
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…
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…
Host: Steven Ricks Release Date: August 25, 2025 Length: ~38 minutes Listen in as Steven explores the difference between simply operating a tool and truly mastering it. From the “ballet” of the miter saw to the pitfalls of relying on YouTube, this episode unpacks why real growth happens when you understand not just what to do, but why you’re doing it. 🪚 What…
Host: Steven RicksRelease Date: July 20, 2025Length: ~33 minutes Listen in as Steven explores the ever-shifting world of wood movement—what causes it, how to plan for it, and how it’s more than just a technical detail. From humid summers in Wisconsin to blown-apart breadboard joints in Texas, this episode blends woodworking wisdom with a bit…
