STL333: A bigger jointer won’t fix it

Jointing VERY long boards

From John:

Here’s a question for the show. How would you go about flattening very long (100+ inches in length) by hand?

I’m pretty good at getting boards about 4 ft long flat, but these longer boards are giving me fits. I just can’t seem to get the twist out. The darn things don’t even fully fit on my workbench. These are for a fairly substantial tabletop, so I’m trying to get things as flat as possible before glue up to minimize work that needs to be done afterwards when the top will be very difficult to move around.

The strategy that seems to be working best is to work in short, overlapping 18-24inch sections. I was wondering if anyone had any tips and tricks (short of shelling out for a long bed jointer) to get the job done.

How to Master the Jointer

Veteran instructor shows how to get better results and stay safe.

Level Big Slabs in No Time Flat

This shopmade router jig, designed by Hollywood star Nick Offerman, levels thick slabs to create Nakashima-style tabletops and other unique pieces.

Is it safe to teach kids woodworking?

From JReed:

There are several of your regular guests that teach on a regular basis. I have a niece begging me to take her twelve year old son under my wing and teach him some woodworking. I taught one adult Comm. Ed. class years ago and was less than inspired, they all just wanted to use the school shop for their own projects. My shop is a one man shop, I don’t borrow tools, I don’t have much bench space and I don’t allow friends to use the shop, ( they ask only once, I must good at diplomacy, they are still friends). I worry about the safety of a twelve year old, He is a really good young man, but everything in my shop can draw blood!

I don’t know how to respond to my niece’s request, I am a firm believer in passing on any knowledge or expertise one might have to the next generation. I haven’t said yes or no yet, I wouldn’t know where to start. Any ideas, thoughts or experiences from your group of experts would be greatly appreciated.

Video: Kids in the Shop – Shaker Step Stool

Watch the kids of Fine Woodworking build their own versions of a classic

Controlling dust in a hand-tool shop

From Bob:
Is there a good way to provide dust control in a hand tool shop? I’ve moved all my power equipment to a separate building and only use hand tools in the main shop connected to my house. But I’m amazed how much dust I still generate. It doesn’t seem practical to attempt point-of-use suction like you might use with power tools, besides, that would defeat one of the allures of hand tool use, the peace and quiet of no machines running. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

The Dawn of the Quiet Shop Vacuum

About a decade ago I basically stopped sweeping up my shop. No, I’m not up to my armpits in sawdust and shavings, I simply switched to vacuuming up the detritus rather than sweeping.

Every two weeks, a team of Fine Woodworking staffers answers questions from readers on Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking‘s biweekly podcast. Send your woodworking questions to [email protected] for consideration in the regular broadcast! Our continued existence relies upon listener support. So if you enjoy the show, be sure to leave us a five-star rating and maybe even a nice comment on our iTunes page. Join us on our Discord server here.