Join us every week for woodworking inspiration and fun. Hosts John Doyle, Logan Wittmer, and Phil Huber from Woodsmith magazine share what they're working on, lessons learned, shop stories, and behind-the-scenes news at Woodsmith. Be on the lookout for special interviews and answers to listener questions. For more check out www.Woodsmith.com/podcasts.
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The ShopNotes Podcast is undoubtedly the best woodworking podcast available. As someone who has been a carpenter for over two decades and is in the process of setting up their own wood shop, I have found this podcast to be an invaluable resource. The hosts are unpretentious, down-to-earth, and provide excellent explanations and tips for woodworking. I genuinely look forward to each episode and often listen to it while driving around as a project manager for a general contracting company. The discussions, trade secrets, topics, and humor expressed throughout the podcast have helped me become a better woodworker. I appreciate the informative yet informal nature of the program, without excessive useless chatter that plagues some other woodworking podcasts.
One of the best aspects of The ShopNotes Podcast is its practicality. The hosts focus on getting projects done rather than selling specific tools or promoting certain brands. This unbiased approach allows listeners to gain valuable insights into different methodologies, such as choosing between a dado or slot cutting bit or spiral cutter. Additionally, they provide helpful finishing tips and discuss various types of finishes. This no-nonsense approach makes the podcast highly informative and applicable to real-world woodworking situations.
While there are many positive aspects of this podcast, one minor flaw is that during some episodes, there may be distracting sounds from cell phones beeping or vibrating. Although this may seem like a small issue, it can be particularly distracting when listening while driving. Given that the hosts record remotely due to the pandemic, muting their phones could eliminate this distraction and enhance the overall listening experience.
In conclusion, The ShopNotes Podcast excels in providing valuable insights into woodworking techniques, tips, and trade secrets in an easy-to-understand manner. It stands out from other woodworking podcasts due to its focus on practicality and getting projects completed rather than selling specific tools or indulging in unnecessary banter. As someone deeply passionate about woodworking with a wealth of experience behind them, I highly recommend this podcast to any woodworker, whether they are just starting or have been in the field for years. The ShopNotes Podcast truly rocks!
In Episode 273 of the ShopNotes Podcast, the crew dives into everything happening in the woodworking world — from hand tool events and lumber prices to TV show updates, shop projects, and new tools coming to the market. Logan shares a full recap of his trip to Hand Tool Haven at the Plain Wellness event in Pennsylvania, including tool vendors, demonstrations, silent auction finds, and a few close calls with buying even more hand planes. The guys also discuss upcoming events like Woodworking in America 2026 and why woodworking competitions at county and state fairs are worth entering. Back in the shop, John wraps up filming for Season 20 of The Woodsmith Shop TV show, Phil works through design details on his latest desk project, and Logan gets dangerously close to finishing a set of custom church doors — while also getting pulled into unexpected woodworking side quests. Plus, the crew talks about Kreg's newly announced cordless loose tenon machine, the ongoing corded vs. cordless debate, walnut from Chunk A' Trunk, listener comments about lumber suppliers, and plenty of woodworking shop banter along the way. Got a question or comment for the show? Send it to woodsmith@woodsmith.com or leave a comment on the ShopNotes Podcast YouTube channel.
Episode 271 of the ShopNotes Podcast is packed with shop talk, project updates, and the chaos of last-minute woodworking projects before big life events. The crew dives into garage vs. basement shops, lasers and 3D printing, restoring an old cabinet for graduation season, building church doors, and why every “quick weekend project” somehow turns into a four-month adventure. Plus, woodworking rabbit holes, lumber with a story, and the return of the infamous dumpster fire discussion.
The crew is back from spring break with stories and shop talk—from Logan's trip to the Northeastern Woodworkers Showcase to debates on router tables vs. shapers and powering an under-equipped shop. They dig into listener questions, controversial turning takes, and even the best way to upgrade your breakfast (everything bagel eggs, anyone?). Plus, a new wall-mounted workbench build, unexpected bullets in lumber, and a few old tool finds round out a wide-ranging, can't-miss episode. Find out more info about the things we talk about in the podcast here: https://www.woodsmith.com/podcast/
The ShopNotes Podcast celebrates its 250th episode! Phil, Logan, and John mark the milestone with listener questions, shop talk, and a few favorite memories. The crew dives into how woodworking tools are evolving—balancing simplicity with high-tech innovation—then veers off into everything from garage shops to cutting firewood. It's a mix of laughs, insight, and a little nostalgia from the team at Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking. Find out more details on our show notes page at www.woodsmith.com/podcast
The ShopNotes crew is closing in on another milestone! Join Phil Huber, Logan Whitmer, and John Doyle (plus a surprise appearance from Notch, the new shop cat) as they dive into listener comments, give an update on Woodworking in America, and revisit the ongoing Red Oak rebrand. It's the usual mix of shop talk, good humor, and a few smart remarks along the way. Send your feedback or questions to woodsmith@woodsmith.com, or drop a comment on the ShopNotes Podcast YouTube channel.
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