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…
Host: StevenLength: ~23 minutes 🔧 In This Episode In Episode 2, Steven dives into the transformative power of tools—not just how they cut wood, but how they shape confidence, skill, and craft identity. From the humble card scraper to the mighty power mortiser, this episode is a deep-dive into the tools that make woodworking click. You’ll hear: 🔎…
Introducing The Joiner’s Bench Podcast: Stories, Skills, and Community from the Heart of the Shop Hey friends, After years of dreaming, a little bit of hesitation, and a final nudge from a blank piece of paper (thank you, ChatGPT), I’m proud to introduce the very first episode of The Joiner’s Bench, a new biweekly podcast…
