ShopNotes Podcast

ShopNotes Podcast Ep. 291 | Handmade Christmas Gifts, Shop Gear & Woodworking Updates

What's the best Christmas gift you've ever made in your workshop? This week on the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle share some of their favorite handmade woodworking gifts, from end-grain cutting boards and carved wooden spoons to full-size indoor playsets and bedroom treehouse lofts.

With the holidays approaching, the guys talk about the challenges of building gifts on a deadline, the satisfaction of seeing handmade projects still being used years later, and a few Christmas projects that might never get finished.

The conversation takes a few unexpected turns as well. Logan makes a shocking announcement about his shop footwear, the guys debate what belongs in the dishwasher, and everyone shares their thoughts on shop clothing, hats, and staying comfortable while woodworking.

Plus, there are plenty of updates from the Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking shops:

Phil's Latest Project: Turning rough-sawn white oak into a frame-and-panel blanket chest, including lumber selection, resawing, bookmatching, and the occasional stressful glue-up.

John's Next Design: Exploring ideas for a new small storage project for an entryway, desk, or laundry room.

Logan's Shop Updates: A completed table saw outfeed table with built-in storage, progress on a kitchen island, and upcoming furniture projects.

Along the way, the guys answer listener comments about tool collections, shop organization, and the best woodworking purchases.

Join the conversation!

What's your favorite handmade Christmas gift you've built? Do you have special footwear or clothing for the workshop? And what's the strangest thing you've ever put in the dishwasher?

Leave a comment below or send your questions and woodworking stories to woodsmith@woodsmith.com.

Subscribe to the ShopNotes Podcast for weekly woodworking conversations, behind-the-scenes updates, project ideas, and plenty of shop talk.

Visit Woodsmith: https://www.woodsmith.com

Woodworking plans: https://www.woodsmithplans.com

Popular Woodworking: https://www.popularwoodworking.com

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What's the best inexpensive tool in your woodworking shop? And what's one tool you splurged on that was worth every penny?

In Episode 290 of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle tackle those questions and plenty more. From favorite woodworking tools and shop upgrades to organizing tool collections and protecting your investment, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns. And, of course, there's a little turbulence along the way.

The guys kick things off with listener comments, including more Shopsmith banter, oversized antique tool chests, and thoughts on Woodworking in America.

Then it's time to talk tools. John shares why he won't compromise on quality screws or a good router lift, Logan explains his appreciation for a vintage Starrett tape measure, and Phil talks about treating himself to a set of Japanese chisels.

Logan also shares how he's using AI to create an inventory of his woodworking tools, complete with estimated values. That leads to a bigger discussion about shop insurance, replacement costs, and an interesting question: If you had to rebuild your woodworking shop from scratch, what would you do differently?

In This Episode:

Favorite inexpensive woodworking tools and worthwhile splurges

The ongoing Shopsmith saga

Organizing and upgrading traditional woodworking tool chests

Using AI to inventory woodworking tools

Shop insurance, tool values, and replacement costs

Logan's new table saw outfeed table and workbench

Progress on a custom kitchen island with built-in storage

Phil's Writing Desk and decorative diamond bead molding

Adding casters to a knock-down workbench

Router jigs, finger joints, and woodworking club workshops

Whether you're building furniture, upgrading your workshop, collecting hand tools, or just enjoy talking woodworking, pull up a chair and join the conversation.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

What's your favorite inexpensive shop tool? What's one tool you're glad you spent extra money on? And if you had to start your woodworking shop over, what would you change?

Leave your answers in the comments!

MORE FROM WOODSMITH

ShopNotes Podcast episodes and show notes:https://www.woodsmith.com/podcasts/

Woodworking plans, projects, tips, and techniques:https://www.woodsmith.com/

Downloadable woodworking plans:https://www.woodsmithplans.com/

Subscribe to the ShopNotes Podcast for weekly woodworking conversations, shop updates, tool discussions, and plenty of laughs with Phil, Logan, and John.

Thanks to Titebond for supporting the ShopNotes Podcast!https://www.titebond.com/

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Woodworking events, tool chests, Shopsmith controversy, and shop projects! In Episode 289 of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle are back with another round of woodworking discussions, shop updates, and plenty of good-natured ribbing.

This week, we're recapping Woodworking in America 2026, including highlights from the demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and conversations with fellow woodworkers. We also tackle some listener feedback about the event and discuss why Woodworking in America focuses on hands-on education and personal interaction rather than being a traditional woodworking trade show.

And yes, the Shopsmith jokes continue! After years of teasing the multipurpose woodworking machine, the guys finally spent some quality time with the Shopsmith crew. Even better, there's now a Shopsmith Mark 7 at the Woodsmith shop. Could Logan and John actually become Shopsmith fans?

Phil also brings up an interesting woodworking challenge: What's the best way to organize a traditional wooden tool chest? Should every hand tool have a dedicated spot, or is a more flexible tool tote the better solution? The guys discuss portable tool storage, custom organizers, Dutch tool chests, and ways to transport hand tools and power tools safely.

Plus, Logan shares highlights from his visit to Lee Valley Tools and Veritas in Canada, including an incredible collection of vintage hand planes and woodworking tools. We also get an update on his shop-built table saw outfeed table, featuring a torsion box top and an alternative to plastic laminate.

In this episode:
- Woodworking in America 2026 recap and listener feedback
- Why woodworking demonstrations matter more than big vendor displays
- The ongoing Shopsmith debate — and a Shopsmith Mark 7 in the shop!
- Behind the scenes at Lee Valley Tools and Veritas
- Traditional wooden tool chests vs. portable tool totes
- Organizing and protecting hand tools for travel
- Designing a portable, knockdown woodworking bench
- Logan's table saw outfeed table with an HDPE work surface
- Plans and ideas for future woodworking events

Join the conversation!

How do you organize your woodworking tools? Do you prefer a traditional tool chest with dedicated compartments or a flexible tote that can handle different projects? Share your thoughts in the comments or send photos of your tool storage solutions to woodsmith@woodsmith.com.

And mark your calendars! Woodworking in America is planned for October 8–9, 2027.

Subscribe to the ShopNotes Podcast for weekly woodworking conversations, tool discussions, project updates, shop tips, and plenty of laughs from the editors of Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking.

Woodsmith Magazine: https://www.woodsmith.com

Popular Woodworking: https://www.popularwoodworking.com

#ShopNotesPodcast #Woodworking #Woodsmith #PopularWoodworking #WoodworkingTools