On today’s show, we’re recording live at the Woodcraft Vendor Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky and we’re talking with special guest Alex Snodgrass.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, the leading authority in woodworking, making, and creating. Woodcraft has the tools, supplies, expertise, and hands-on classes to inspire creativity at every level.
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The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show at Patreon.com/woodtalk.
What’s on the Bench
This week, the bench is all Alex.
- We talk about how the Next Cut Tour is going.
- We ask why Alex became so closely associated with bandsaws.
- We discuss whether the world has finally reached its limit on bandsaw reindeer.
- We get into small-shop and startup bandsaw setup advice.
Questions for Alex
We asked our patrons for questions specifically for Alex, and they delivered exactly the kind of questions you’d expect from the Wood Talk crowd.
- Matt Parker asks how old Alex was when he first grew that glorious mustache. His guess is 6th grade.
- Tom asks about an 8-year-old 14″ Powermatic bandsaw with a riser kit that refuses to track straight, even with a resaw blade. He’s adjusted everything, tried new blades, and now wants to know how to make a $1,000 bandsaw worth keeping.
- Greg Batt asks how much motor size really affects usability on the common 14″ bandsaw design. Specifically, whether upgrading from a typical 1 HP motor to a 2 HP motor would make enough difference to justify the cost and effort.
- Joe Lapolito uses Alex’s setup method when the quality of the cut really matters, but admits he doesn’t check the setup for most cuts. He asks how often a hobbyist really needs to go through the full setup process once the saw has been dialed in.
- Martin asks for advice on cleaning the blade and machine after cutting wet wood, including whether there’s a product or chemical Alex recommends.
- We also ask Alex why Carter guides over blocks or other bearing guides.
- And when a bandsaw blade breaks, what’s the first thing you should look at?
Links and Resources
Local Woodcraft Events and Classes
- Minneapolis: Summer Lumber Deal runs through June 20. Get a $20 gift card with a $100 lumber purchase.
- Minneapolis: Free Bandsaw Tune Up demo, Saturday, June 20 at 1pm. They’ll cover how to keep your bandsaw in top working order, so if you couldn’t make it to one of Alex’s classes, this is probably the next best thing.
- Boise: 3 Stone Cairn Lamp class. Students shape and finish hardwood to look like natural river stones, then assemble and wire them into a functional lamp.
- Greenville: Celtic Knot Rolling Pin class. Students use contrasting woods and lathe work to reveal the Celtic knot pattern.
Contact the Show
Send in questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone at woodtalkshow@gmail.com.
You can find us individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.
Thanks to Todd and Margaret.
One reply on “Snodgrass in the House! | 609”
I have forgotten what episode it was, but there was a conversation about table saw blade height precision. I stumbled onto this video that covers exactly that and a device that was created for this. I thought it was great and hope you guys review this video and talk about there merits of it.
https://youtu.be/rWhETZO3D2g?is=IXQy800z2MaduTut