ShopNotes Podcast Ep157: Cultured Coffee & Prison Shivs

On this weeks episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, it's just Phil and Logan talking about repairing, customizing, and modifying tools, plus some discussion of shop coffee. Come back next week for an update on John's drainage issues...

[NewMexicoDan]

Shopsmith guy here. One of the great advantages for the Shopsmith is their repairability and the information available from Shopsmith and third parties to do. Also the availability of parts for all models including the 1950s to present day from Shopsmith. As a proponent of buying American made products Shopsmith is Made in USA.

[NewMexicoDan]

The most unusual wood I turned was the Pyracantha thorny bush that created a non-passable hedge protecting our swimming pool. I turned pens and pencils for my daughters as these bushes were their nemesis growing up. Pyracantha was easily turned and produced a wonderful result.

[danielelse]

Never thought of my bandsaw as being left handed, but you're right. No wonder I like it so much!

[carlgustafson]

I've got a stack of apple, from a tree that came down recently. Most of the main trunk was hollow, but there's plenty of good stuff still, especially if you are looking for smaller stock. It's hard but does work well. I also have some dogwood - also very hard, but difficult to work, because of the interlocking grain. Makes excellent mallet heads and chisel/gouge handles though. I'll use both of these to make some marking gauges, and perhaps marking knives.

As far as old tools go, especially the machinery, I think the old tools were made to engineering standards, while today they're made to meet price points. If you're trying to hit a particular price, with a given set of features, something's going to yield, and it's often quality or maintainability.

[ronshaw]

Sitka spruce was used for aircraft body and wing parts in the WW1 and WW2 ara. Very sturdy for ribs and body parts.

[DavidJones-uluj]

Why don't you have whirligigs wind toys patern?

[neabud]

Logan, does pear turn similar to cherry?