The Joiner"s Bench

When a sculptural rocking chair project went wrong, I nearly walked away from woodworking for good. What followed was an unexpected act of kindness from the legendary Sam Maloof—and a reminder from my wife that failure isn’t the end of the story. This episode of The Joiner’s Bench is about perseverance, humility, and rediscovering why we make things in the first place.

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 the process by sharing personal insights and practical tips. He discusses recognizing when a blade is dull, the importance of...

In this episode of The Joiner’s Bench, Steven takes a deep dive into one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly machines in the shop: the bandsaw. From safety essentials like why you should never back out of a cut, to understanding feed pressure, blade drift myths, and how to properly set bearings and adjustments, this episode is packed with practical advice for new woodworkers. Along the way, Steven shares personal shop stories, highlights inspiring ways to use the bandsaw, and answers ...

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 also hit Bench Notes (new shop benches, member projects, classes, and the Joinery Path), a Maker’...

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 You’ll Learn: Why familiarity isn’t the same as mastery.The hidden dangers of “I’ve been doing it this way for years.”The ballet of the

Host: Steven Ricks Release Date: August 5, 2025 Length: ~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 of lived humility. 🪚 What You’ll Learn: Why wood moves (hint: it’s not just a tree being difficult).Practical tips for:Acclimating lumber to your

The Tool That Changed Everything In this episode, Steven dives deep into the power of the right tool at the right time—from discovering the magic of a card scraper to the game-changing moment a new table saw fence opened the door to fine furniture making. He shares personal stories, shop updates, and hard-earned advice on choosing tools that build both skill and confidence. Plus, in this week’s Ask the Joiner, we tackle the age-old question: rip blade or crosscut—does it really matter?

Welcome to the very first episode of the Joiners Bench podcast, where Steven, the founder of the Joinery, shares reflections, lessons, and stories from inside the workshop. This episode addresses the fear of starting a new woodworking project and offers advice on breaking the ice. Listen in as he discusses how to overcome hesitation, choose beginning projects, and gradually build skill and confidence. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, there's something here for eve...