The Joiner's Bench
“Welcome to The Joiner’s Bench — stories, skills, and conversations from the heart of the woodshop. I’m Steven, founder of The Joinery, and every other week I’ll be here sharing reflections, lessons, and stories from inside the shop. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been working with your hands for years — this is your bench too.”
Episodes
This week on The Joiner's Bench, Alex and I get into something every woodworker runs into eventually — falling out of the habit, and all the little friction points that keep you off the bench. We talk through the usual excuses (the couch is comfortable, I don't know what to make, I don't have the time) and the things that actually get you back in: committing to ten minutes, picking a standing shop day and defending it, keepin...
After a few months off, Steven and Alex are back—and committing to every two weeks. This episode opens with what's on their benches: Alex's discovery of green-wood carving with a freshly fallen cedar, Steven's big spring of selling the family home and moving closer to the shop, and the major relayout of The Joinery. They tease the summer class lineup and four new fall classes, including serving trays, a craftsman-style bench,...
And Then There Were Two
Everything changes in Episode 9. After eight solo episodes, Steven brings on Alex Baum — a Joinery member and self-described "stay-at-home dad Monday through Friday" — as co-host. They talk about where beginners get stuck, why YouTube only gets you so far, and what it means to build something for someone who actually loves it.
About Alex Army medic and National Guard veteran (17 years, retired), wi...
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 ...
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...
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 be...
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...
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&rsquo...
🪑 Episode 2: The Tool That Changed Everything
Host: Steven
Length: ~23 minutes
🔧 In This Episode
In Episode 2, Steven dives into the transformative power of tools—not just how they cut wood, but how they shape confidence, skill, and craft identity. From the humble card scraper to the mighty power mortiser, this episode is a deep-dive into the tools that make woodworking click.
You’ll hear:
- A shop story featuring a ...
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 beginne...
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