George Vondriska

WWGOA LIVE! April 2020 (Part 2)

George Vondriska
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Duration:   1  hrs 2  mins

Looking for some new woodworking knowledge? George Vondriska answers your woodworking questions on WWGOA LIVE. Lots of folks tuned in to this episode and we had a boat load of great questions.

1:50 Sharpening mortiser hollow chisels
3:30 If George wasn’t a woodworker he’d be a ……?
5:05 Air drying vs kiln dried lumber
7:00 Upgrade table saw to 52” fence?
8:10 Working height for benchtop router table
8:30 Guideline for workbench height
9:40 Drilling deep holes
12:30 Online wood sources – Cook Woods
12:50 Work with butternut?
13:48 Worth getting a CNC?
16:00 Storing jigs
16:50 Pin or pinless moisture meters
17:17 Thinning shellac?
18:30 Bandsaw for a small shop?
19:20 Shaping a curved drawer front
21:25 Radial arm saw or panel saw? www.safetyspeed.com
22:10 Schedule for lives?
23:20 Resin pour over objects
25:05 End grain tear out in bowls
26:40 Jointer and planer sizes
27:05 Reverse function on a lathe
28:00 Remove rust from a bandsaw blade
28:18 Trim router recommendation
29:20 Wood expansion and contraction
30:08 Hemlock
30:45 Bandsaw resaw, drift
31:15 George’s mustache
32:00 George’s weird bowls
35:20 CNC router bits
36:10 Gluing oily woods
37:00 SawStop sliding table
37:50 Shop vacuum or dust collector
38:30 Storing wood to keep it flat
39:12 Bullnose a round table
40:10 Using pine with beetle kill
41:00 Sharpening carbide lathe chisels
41:30 George likes to make…?
42:00 Tips for following plans
42:50 System for sharpening lathe chisels
44:20 Woods for endgrain cutting boards
45:39 Sharpening forstner bits
46:40 George’s hearing protection
47:30 Painting over an oily surface
49:15 Dust mask or respirator?
49:40 Use grain filler?
50:20 Gloss lacquer issues
50:55 Sharpening chisels and plane irons
51:20 Classes in George’s shop
52:00 Wide board vs glue up
52:50 Preventing blotching on wood
53:20 Wobble dado head
54:30 Plywood to square a cabinet
54:50 Recess in a floating shelf
55:10 Best seal coat for finishing?
57:45 Respirator
58:00 Shellac flakes
58:15 Making cabinet doors
58:25 Dust collection for small garage?
59:30 Drawer slide size
1:00:00 Ringmaster

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57 Responses to “WWGOA LIVE! April 2020 (Part 2)”

    • Customer Service

      Drum sanders are definitely a game changer, and there has been a lot of innovation in the hobbyist and small shop pro market. There are a couple good choices to consider:
      I’ve used this one and really like it: https://amzn.to/2RUnaen

      Another popular option in that size category is this one: https://amzn.to/35gQjUZ

      If you want to step up to more power and capacity, this is a good consideration: https://amzn.to/2YbEQEZ

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  1. Joseph

    I’ve been told that drill press doesn’t work well as a mortising tool. Before I invest in a set of mortising bits, I would like to get your opinion on this matter.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      I agree. They are notoriously finicky to adjust properly, and a pain to setup and dismantle when you want to use it as a drill press again.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  2. August Luedecke

    I need to drill a 1 inch hole at a 30 degree angle. Should I use a brad point bit or a Forstner bit?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Either one should work for that. Drill bit is generally easier drilling, and a forstner bit provides a cleaner bottom.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  3. Chuck Kinney

    Looking to get basic/inexpensive plunge router. Any ‘drop dead’ features I should look for?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      If I could only have one router I would choose this one: https://amzn.to/2v90JoY

      The key features that I look for are:
      – single motor, multiple bases- soft start- single wrench bit changes- Ability to use 1/2″ or 1/4″ bits- Variable speed- Enough power to handle larger bits such as panel raising bits – soft start motor

      Good luck and have fun with your new tool!

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  4. Dale Sieting

    I am making a built in dresser in the wall. I have a 5 foot tall opening. how would you divide the area to figure out how many drawers to build so that it looks balanced?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      I don’t have a formula for this. I would suggest looking at as many examples online and determining whether what type of pattern you want. All drawers the same? Graduated with each drawer decreasing slightly in size as you move upward? Perhaps some other pattern? I typically make dresser drawers between 4-10″ tall. I like a few deeper ones at the bottom for heavier items, and smaller ones at the top.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  5. MIKE

    I’ve tried using the worksharp and chisels seem to come out with a slight skew. Any tricks?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Mike,

      I’ve never had this happen with my WorkSharp. Be meticulous making sure you’re using the jigs and guides correctly.

      -George
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  6. Tommy

    Is the higher price of saw blades like Amana etc. worth the the cost. Vs a cheaper blade like Diablo.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      In general more expensive blades will stay sharp longer, and in some cases, allow for more times being resharpened. That is now always the case, so it pays to do your homework by looking at reviews and talking to other owners whenever possible.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  7. Berr

    I am setting up a shop in my 24 x 24 garage. What is your recommendation for dust collection? I have a tablesaw , 6” jointer 13” planer, bandsaw and router table.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Berr!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  8. Brian Kinnaman

    Hi George, thanks for what you do! I dig the guitars and Dylon photo in the background. When would you suggest to use a face mask/respirator? e.g. while using table saw, router, etc. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Brian!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  9. Angela

    One shop vac but multiple tools – disconnect and reconnect to each as I’m using them?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Angela,

      Yes, you will want to directly connect to each tool as you use the tool. A shop vac won’t have enough suction to manage a duct system.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  10. Mike

    In using biscuits to connect 4 inch wide pieces 3/4 inch thick at 90 degrees: 2 45 degrees–I had to add a 1/4 inch shim to cut correctly & not blow out….but I have other angles that make & lining them up is difficult–any simple tricks? many thanks

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Mike,

      Sorry; I’m not following your question. Why are you adding a shim? And what are you having problems with lining up?

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  11. Jerry Oliver

    Bowl with crack and copper wires, show that to a woman that knits, it could hold the ball of yarn/twine.

    Reply
  12. KYRIAKOS

    Cheers from Athens Greece!
    Can a table saw and a planer combined replace the absence of a jointer???

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      You could probably get by without a jointer if you are willing to be creative using a planer and table saw. I would see using a jig on both tools to provide the face jointing and edge jointing services that a jointer normally provides.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  13. Mike Jordan

    I like my guard on my dewalt table saw. I just bought a thin kerf blade. Now my wood jams a bit when I use my guard. What can I do to enable me to use my guard which I like for protection?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Mike,

      It sounds like your riving knife is either not aligned properly, or you need a thinner one.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  14. CHRIS MARENDISH

    Tips for hand sharpening chisels and plane irons. I have a hard time getting them super sharp for nice crisp cuts. I’m using a 1000 grit diamond stone and then 3k, 8k whetted stones and finish with a strop. But for some reason I can’t seem to get hair cutting sharp.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Chris!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  15. Kirk

    What type of wood is best to make a long bow. Want to use local wood. In the Southeast.

    Reply
  16. Andrew French

    What do you do about dust masks and working with glasses? Or should I go for a whole head mask/shield?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Andrew!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  17. MIKE

    What in your opinion is the most durable table-top finish? Spray and/or brush on?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Mike,

      I believe that the most durable table top finish is probably polyurethane. I don’t believe that the method of application will cause variations in the durability of a finish as long as you build up the same thickness. Since you typically dilute a finish for spraying, you would have to apply more coats if you apply that way.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello James!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  18. Bradley Graf

    How would you recommend recessing a floating shelf to put amsome flat lights and plexiglass on top of it

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Brad!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  19. rvbutton

    What is the trick to cutting a datto for the bottom of a drawer when you are using through dovetails?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Lay out your pins and tails so that the placement of your groove will go through the middle of a socket on the tail board. Then, on the pin board, use a router table with a stop mounted on the fence to route a groove that doesn’t cut all the way through the end of the pin. I usually round the corners on the drawer bottom to make it so that you don’t have to route so close to the end of the pin because it can be vulnerable to breaking if you go too far.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  20. Eric

    New woodworker here. I bought new hand planes and socket chisels, as well as Veritas honing system. Which stones and/or paper would you recommend to start with? I’ve heard a 1000/8000 wet stones. thank you

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Eric,

      I’ve heard good things about it, but I do not use this system. I generally use sandpaper (scary sharp method) to sharpen my plane irons and chisels. If they are in rough shape I start with sandpaper in the 120 grit range, and I run them up to 1500 grit. When I just need to touch them up, I typically start with 400 or 600 grit, and work them up to 1500.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Sean,

      Water based:
      – generally much faster drying than oil based- Can be more difficult to achieve a smooth surface (can bubble, not flow as well), although with practice it can be done- dries more clear compared to oil based which tends to be more amber in color- doesn’t suspend solids as well as oil based, which typically means that you have to apply more coats. If you need 3 coats of oil based, typically you would want 4 coats of water based to achieve the same protection. This varies from product to product.- emits less odor than oil based

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  21. Wesley Tharp

    Does the size of the panel or type of wood determine how much movement the table top has? Just want to know when table fasteners should be used and not pocket holes.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Wesley!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Wayne!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  22. Andrew French

    dust masks that work with glasses? Or should I go for a whole head mask/shield?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Andrew!

      George answered this question in the live video!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  23. CHRIS MARENDISH

    Any tips as to why I can’t seem to get a really good sharp edge on my chisels and plane irons. I use a 1000 diamond stone and then go to 3K,8K, whetted stones and then finish with a strop. Yet its still not super sharp.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Chris,

      It’s difficult to say what is happening here. I’d suggest looking at the manual for the system that you are using, and starting back with the basics and see if you can tell where you might be going off course.

      -Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
  24. John

    HI, appreciate some advice….I have a toy airplane with the body of basswood and wings, props and other parts of ash. The body is basswood. I painted the body with a child friendly water based paint. I oiled the ash with pure tung oil. I thought I was careful but dropped some oil on the paint. After it dried I tried to paint over the oil spot but the oil bleeds through. What can i do? Do I need to sand it back to bare wood and repaint the area? Thanks

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello John!

      George was able to answer this in the live stream. Thanks!

      Jessica
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
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