MWA Podcast - Woodworking Conversations (Mark Hicks, Sean Wisniewski, Kyle Barton, & Brian Obst)

Aspen Golann joins us to talk about all the incredible projects she is working on. From the Chairmaker's Toolbox project, to classes, residencinces, and those fabulous brushes. There's much to learn from an outstanding artist, humanitarian and woodworker. Check it out!  

Aspen Golann joins us again to talk about the 5 Ways you can make it in woodworking. This is a fascinating discussion on the strategies Aspen uses to further her career as an artist and woodworker. Check it out!

Kyle & Sean are joined by Austin Waldo to discuss the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival.

Rex Hansen joins us to talk about his first semester at the North Bennet Street School. This is great in-depth look at NBSS from a student's perspective. Check it out!

Rex Hansen returns to share with us 5 woodworking nuggets he has learned during his first semester at North Bennet Street School. Check it out!

Dyami & Kyle discuss a woodworking sin, finishing issues, what's going on the community, the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival and an old Friend shares another upcoming event.

Brandy and Dave of Silver River Center for Chair Caning  join us to talk about caning and weaving chairs. It's a fansticing discussion with a couple of true chair nerds about the "not so" lost art of caning and waving - thanks in large part to their school, museum, restorations, etc. Check it out!

Brandy Clements and Dave Klingler of Silver River Center for Chair Caning return to answer the 5 Questions.  Find out how they both got starting in the craft, how a door prise tuned into a game changing tool, and all the wonderful chair nerds that have influenced them. Check it out!

Joshua Klein drops buy to discuss his work, Mortise & Tenon Magazine and the upcoming Fine Woodworking Live conference with Kyle & Sean.

Brian Obst joins us to talk about the ballet of woodworking. From prop master, chairmaker to boat builder; he has many outstanding accomplishments. Not too bad for a consulting Anesthesiologist by day. Check it out!

Brian Obst returns to answer the 5 Questions. From his grandfather's tool chest to a certain gracious chairmaker, Brian's ongoing woodworking journey is fascinating. Check it out!

Josh Nava joins this week to discuss the 1001 things he is up to. This is a great conversation with a true learner and educator in the craft. We touch on his recovery, but more importantly delve into the perspective and insight he brings to his work and life. Check it out! 

Josh Nava returns to answer the 5 Questions. From Roy Underhill to an obsession with calipers, this episode further explores Josh's foundation in the craft. Check it out!

Joshua Klein is put through the 5 questions by Kyle & Sean.

The outstanding designer and professional woodworker Evan Court joins us on this episode. We talk about his background at NBSS, his fabulous projects, his recent move to Dallas, and his love of PBR. It's a great discussion with a great woodworker. Check it out!

Evan returns to answers the 5 Questions. Find out about his favorite plane, his attention to detail, and how he got his start in the craft. Check it out!

Kyle and Dyami sat down with Steve Taylor at the Texas Woodworkers Festival. Wir unterhalten Holzarbeiten.

David, a great friend of the podcast, joins us again to talk about all he's been up too. From his spectacular recovery from major surgery just a few months ago, to his new designs, and outstanding drawknife and scorp sheths, there is a lot to be thankful for. Check it out! 

Steve Taylor answers the 5 questions for Dyami & Kyle at the Texas Woodworking Festival.

Kyle and Dyami sit down with Mike Powers at the Texas Woodworking Festival.

Sean Wood of MorningWorks Studio joins on this episode. It's a fascinating discussion with one of the premier contemporary seating designers and furniture makers. We delve into in his beginnings from hot rod upholstery, to the business world, to his current "tranquil" life as a professional furniture maker. There's also some interesting tidbits for any Hot Wheels enthusiasts out there. Check it out!

Sean Wood of MorningWorks Studio returns to answer the 5 Questions. His 4 favorite tools and architectural influences are worth the listen alone.  Check it out!

On this episode, Josh Pinkston joins us to discuss his passion for hand tool woodworking, Mackintosh side tables, and tulip carving. We also get learn a little bit about his day job as a Professor of Economics (just the fun parts). It's a great and interesting discussion. Check it out!

On this 400th episode of the MWA Podcast, Josh Pinkston returns to answer the 5 Questions. We find out about his 4 favorite tools, and how cartoons ruined Roy Underhill. Check it out!

The one & only Megan Fitzpatrick joins us on this episode. We delve into her new job as Editor for Lost Art Press (and its open ended job description), the classes she teaches, her home restoration project, and when she finds time to sleep. Check it out!

On this episode we explore the Furniture Record Project that Mark is developing. This is an outstanding and innovative initiative for documenting your WWing projects. Check it out! 

We catch back up with Amanda Russell (aka, sawdustwoman) on this episode. It's a fascinating discussion about her journey as a professional woodworker, her latest accomplishments, and her "plans" for the future. Check it out!

Amanda returns to share her 5 favorite Woodworking Techniques. There are some real gems on this episode. Including a couple of re-sawing techniques we're sure everyone will use. Check it out!

Joel Paul (aka, the "Punk Rock Shaker"or "13starsfarm") drops by on this episode of the MWA Podcast.  This is a captivating  discussion about green woodworking, David Fisher bowls, WWing life, his latest endeavor into spoon carving classes, etc. Check it out!

Joel returns to answer the 5 Questions. One answer so hilariously captures the true meaning of celebrity - and more bees. Check it out!

On this episode the one and only Peter Galbert joins us - one of the premiere chairmakers in the craft. We had a great time catching up Peter, and had a fascinating conversation about a upcoming video, book, chairmaking, tools & techniques, etc.  Check it out!

This is a short behind the scenes conversation with had with Peter about milk paint. It goes into a little more depth for all you milk paint fanatics. Check it out!

Nick Gibbs the editor/publisher of Quercus Magazine joins us this episode. We discuss everything from the inspiration for Quercus Magazine, chairmaking, to Nick's experience and outreach on brain injury.  There's also few goods stories about John Brown and hole-in-ones. Check it out!

Nick returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out about the universal truth of woodworking, pear wood, and the many meanings of "bodger". Check it out!

Rex Hansen returns to talk about his second semester at North Bennet Street School. It's fascinating conversion about his projects, experience and triumphs while at NBSS. Check it out!

Rex Hansen joins us to share the 411 on 5 Tips & Tricks he's learned at North Bennet Street School. If you ever use square plugs, this one's for you. Check it out!

The one and only Christopher Schwarz of Lost Art Press joins us this episode. It's a fascinating and entertaining discussion ranging from stick chairs and workbenches, to drill bits and trim routers. Check it out! 

Christopher Schwarz joins us again to answer the 5 Questions. Find out about Chris's favorite tools, biggest influences, and the all important unicorn bevel. Check it out!

Devin Ginther of Texas Urban Sawmill sits down with Kyle and Dyami at the Texas Wooworkers Festival to discuss how he and his company are harvesting urban lumber and helping others turn in into amazing furniture.

At the Texas Woodworkers Festival, Byron Greene, Ben Burnick and Philip Morley join Kyle and Dyami to talk about their work, Byron's experience at The Krenov School of Fine Furniture and how Ben and Philip run something called the "The Woodworkers Podcast" with Ramon Valdez.

Daniel Clay joins us on this episode to talk about his new book, "Chip Carving - Techniques for Carving Beautiful Patterns by Hand". It's a fascinating and fun discussion about the tools, techniques, and history of chip carving. We also spend some time talking with Daniel about his commision work, upcoming plans, and classes. Check it out!

Daniel Clay returns to answer the 5 Questions. Daniel shares how music led to boat building; the inspiration he gets from his sister's work, and his "23" favorite tools. Check it out!

This episode is a celebration and tribute to a life of Nancy Hiller - a life well lived. This episode is a compilation of several interviews we had with Nancy over the years. She will continue to be a inspiration and guide to all of us through her writing, projects, and words...thank you Nancy!

Gary Rogowski joins us again to talk about his new "smaller" studio, the upcoming student class for his Online Mastery Program, and other fun happenings. It's a delightful and inspiring conversation with one of the true greats in our craft.  Check it out!

On this episode Matt Wajda joins us to talk about his tenure at North Bennet Street School as both an instructor and student. We also talk about his professional woodworking company, River City Funituremaking, and some of the fantastic work he is doing. It' a fun and lively discussion with a outstanding craftsperson, instructor, and all around great guy. Check it out!

Matt returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out what Matt's first words were, and his favorite tools with and without tails. It's a fun time with some interesting takes. Check it out!

Jon Joffe joins us on this episode to talk about his continuing journey into toolmaking and woodworking. We also talk about his incredible access to different wood species, and the inspiration of a tiny divider. It's a great free ranging discussion. Check it out!

It's the obligatory 420 episode! Jon returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how the influence of Paul Sellers lead to TikTok and Reddit. (Psst...we even set-up a chairmaking subreddit during the show) It's a fun and fascinating discussion. Check it out!  

Wilbur returns to podcast to discuss some of the important aspects of Asian furniture. We have visited with Wilbur before about the ingenuity and function of Japanese and Asian tools, now let's talk about the furniture they built. It's a fascinating discussion on little explored topic. Check it out!

Dan Faia joins us on this episode to talk about all things woodworking. From his wood carving, commission work, instructional classes, and his day job at NBBS, it's a in depth conversation with a true master of the craft...oh yeah, we also talk about Dan being SAPFM's 2023 recipient of the Cartouche Award. Check it out!

Dan Faia returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out about Dan's two favorite tools, and his journey from a Junior High shop class to North Bennet Street School. Check it out!

Matt Lynch, a recent graduate of Northwest Woodworking Studio Online Mastery Program, joins us on this episode to talk about his experience with the program. It's a fascinating conversation with a great furniture maker, and an in-depth look at the Online Mastery Program from a student's perspective. Check it out!

Matt returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out about the sweet seduction of a Lie-Nielsen Hand Tool Event, and Matt's obsession with bandsaws. Check it out!

Rusty Tchernis joins us to discuss his journey into chairmaking, toolmaking, and the greenest woodworking of all - Bonsai. It's a engaging and fascinating discussion. Check it out!

Rusty returns to answer the 5 Questions. From building a kayak to an infill mallet, it's fun conversation highlighting Rusty's many interests. Check it out!

Michael Jury joins us to talk about his new career as a professional woodworker. His award winning designs are mix of shaker, mid-century modern and Japanese influences. It's a fascinating conversation with a true craftsperson and great guy. Check it out!

Michael Jury returns to answer the 5 Questions.  We find out a safety class lead to his passion for woodworking. We also talk about old school influences and 1" chisels. Check it out!

Looking for an easier way to see each other than driving from Connecticut to Long Island, Matt Kenny and Dyami flew to Austin, Texas to hang out. They stop by the Texas Woodworkers Festival and sat down with Kyle.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! For your Holiday listening pleasure we have an interview with the prolific chairmaker Andy Jack.  Andy also teaches chairmaking in his cozy Connecticut workshop. Join us for a fantastic discussion with a talented craftsperson. Check it out! 

Happy New Year! Andy returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out about his woodworking background from a young age, his big list of stumbling blocks, and the chairmakers that have influenced his work and life. Check it out!

The one and only Kate Swann of the Florida School of Woodwork joins us on this episode to talk about the School, its mission, and its programs and classes. The Florida School of Woodwork is fantastic school that brings in top notch instructors and is located in beautiful Tampa Bay. We discuss their operations and facilities, classes, and their Certificate in Furniture Making Program. It's a fun conversation with a fabulous and inspiring guest. Check it out!

Kate returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how a 1918 house lead her to pyrography and the inspiring work Brian Newell and David Savage. It's a fun conversation with some intriguing answers. Check it out!

Longtime friend of the show, Brian Brazil joins us on this episode. We get to catch up with him, his latest projects, and all the happenings at the Woodworkers Guild of Rhode Island. It's a great conversation with a great guy. Check it out!

James Mursell of The Windsor Workshop joins on this episode. James is a prolific chairmaker, instructor and toolmaker. He combines both American and English chair aesthetics into some outstanding Windsor Chairs designs. He is also known for his chairmaking tools, and steam bending techniques. Check it out!  

James returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how fruit trees and Mike Dunbar led to lifelong obsession with Windsor Chairs. And there's another couple of helpful tips on steam bending. Check it out!

Andy Minier of Swell Furniture joins us on this episode. Andy is part time furniture maker in Minnesota with a passion for Mid-Century Modern design. His unique and fantastic journey in the craft leads from atomic-age design to cricket bats. It's a fun-filled discussion. Check it out!

Andy returns to answer the 5 Questions. From cabinet scrapers to Italian design, Andy's many influences might inspire you too. Check it out! 

At Fine Woodworking Live, Kyle and Dyami sit down with Wilbur Pan and Vic Tesolin to discuss how and why the woodwork. New Jersey and Canada feature prominently.

Rex returns to the podcast to tell us all about his third semester at North Bennet Street School. We go into detail on his third semester projects, skills he has learned, and the opportunities that abound at NBSS. It's great conversation with a great friend. Check it out!

Show Links:

• Oneida introduces the “Supercell Turbo Dust Collector https://www.woodshopnews.com/tools-machines/oneida-adds-the-supercell-turbo
• Small Cordless Power Feeder https://www.woodshopnews.com/tools-machines/shop-owner-invents-a-cordless-power-feeder  &  https://powerfeeder.alladd.com/powerfeederindex.html
• Woodpeckers’ Track Clamp Benchtops https://www.woodpeck.com/track-clamp-bench-tops.html

Rex returns to tell us 5 Things he has learned so far at North Bennet Street School. There are some great takeaways on this episode - from sharpening, to table saw techniques, to critical eyesight, just to name a few. Check it out!

Show Links:

• Table Saw Sled - L Stop Block https://www.instagram.com/p/CpDedwBrtWO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Paul Jasper of Copper Pig Woodworking joins us on this episode . Paul is a scientist by day and an outstanding woodworker by night - known for his fabulous boxes, intricate design, and collaborations with fellow makers & artists. We dive deep into the art of design, execution and connections. It's fun and fascinating conversation. Check it out!

Episode Links:

• Microjig - Grr-ripper2 Go https://www.microjig.com/products/grr-ripper2-go
• Festool Job-site Table Saw https://www.festool.com/products/new-products/new-products/576820---csc-sys-50#Overview
• Inlay: @woodsimka
• Pyrography @jendiarenzocreative

Paul returns to answer the 5 Questions. From  a truly heartwarming story of how he got into woodworking, to the tools and artist that inspire him - it's an entertaining time with a great woodworker. Check it out! 

Episode Links:

• Takashi Murakami:  @takashipom
• Sauer and Steiner: @sauer_and_steiner

Austin Waldo returns to tell us all about the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival happening Aug. 26 & 27. We talk about the new venue, exhibitors, and the new educational opportunities as this years event. We also spend some time talking about the Austin School Furniture, and their programs and classes. Check it out! 

Episode Links:

• Texas Woodworking Festival
• Austin School of Furniture 

WWing News  

• Chris Williams will be teaching two chair classes at LAP
• Felder has a new Band Saw with a sliding table
• Woodpeckers introduces the StealthStop Miter Gauge

Brian Brazil & David Douyard join Dyami & Kyle to discuss Fine Woodworking Live.

Katie Thompson returns as our guest on this episode. We try our best to catch up on all the projects she has going. Katie is an artist, writer, instructor and advocate. She is the creator of the Women of Woodworking Project and Pen & Chisel journal. She is also the Social Media and Admin Director for the Wood Art Alliance, and serves on the Board of Trustees for The Furniture Society. This is fun and fascinating episode with one of the great advocats of our craft. Check it out!

John Boissy joins us as our guest on this episode. John is an outstanding custom furniture maker and a Franciscan Friar in the Catholic Church. He is a graduate of NBBS and is known for his 17th & 18th century chairs and casework. This is fun and intriguing conversation where we touch on faith, woodworking, and some great beers. Check it out!

Episode Links:

WWing News  

• LAP Crucible 1:4 Dovetail Template 
• LV - Veritas Box-Maker’s Plow Plane 

John Boissy: @speedskier44 & @friar_funiture_and_crafts on IG

John Boissy returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how John's early interest in architecture had taken him to where he is now, his love for a flat-line bevel gauge, and handscrew accidents. Check it out! 

Andy Rawls joins us on the episode to talk about custom furniture business, making canons for the Alamo, and his participation in the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival. It fun and fascinating conversation with a true master of the craft. Check it out!

WWing News

• Jon Joffe - Twin Beam Mortise Gauge 
• Clark Kellogg - Extra Fancy Depth Gauge
• Wilbur Pan teaching an online course on Japanese Saws
• Emmet Van Driesche new book, “Greenwood Spoon Carving” is out
• Woodpeckers’ SandStand Tilting Sander Base

Texas Woodworking Festival 

Andy Rawls Links:

• andyrawls.com
• @ar_txwoodcraft on IG
• Andy Rawls on YouTube

Andy returns to answer the 5 Questions. We delve into the early classes and apprenticeships he had with some of the masters of the craft. Find out how these experiences led him to where he is today. Andy is both a skilful furniture maker and a true inspiration to others in the craft. Check it out!

Andy Rawls Links:

• andyrawls.com
• @ar_txwoodcraft on IG
• Andy Rawls on YouTube

We're excited to have Frank Strazza as our guest for this episode. Frank is an award winning fine furniture maker, instructor, hand-tool enthusiast, musician, and cyclist.  From fine workbenches, to marquetry, to cello podiums, to cycling adventures; this is fun and fascinating interview with one of true greats in our craft. Check it out!

Episode Links:
Texas Woodworking Festival
Frank Strazza: strazzafurniture.com & @strazzafuniture on IG
Japan's Puzzle Makers

WWing News

• LAP New Headquarters Building & Fundraiser 
• New Tapering Plane by Kelly Harris
• Woodpeckers Spline Jig
• Woodpeckers Engle Angle Divider

Frank returns to answer the 5 questions and doesn't disappoint. This episode has it all - There are some  great tips and techniques on marking knives, saws, etc. We find out about Frank's boyhood passion for woodworking, and his current fascination with the works of Silas Kopf. Check it out!

Episode Links:
Texas Woodworking Festival
Frank Strazza: strazzafurniture.com & @strazzafuniture on IG
Pfeil #4 Chip Carving Knife
Crown 8" Gents Saw

Finally back from their shows, Dyami & Kyle join Sean to chat about what they saw and what they're working on.

Sean, Kyle & Dyami talk about their shops and what makes a good shop.

Andrew Hunter as our guest on this episode. Andrew is an amazing furniture maker, instructor, and well known Japanese hand-tool enthusiast. We delve into his current work, Japanese hand tools, and Chinese and country furniture. It's a great conversation. And you can meet Andrew at the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival. Check it out!

Episode Links:
Texas Woodworking Festival

Andrew Hunter:  @andrewhunter_funiture

WWing News 

• LAP - Coming Soon - Gibson Chair Video & Crucible Cross-Peen Hammer
• Woodpeckers CornerLock Clamps

Andrew returns to answer the 5 Questions. Find out how Andrew started his journey in becoming a professional woodworker, his favorite tool, and new the camera rabbit hole he finds himself in these days. It fun and engaging conversation - check it out!

Episode Links:
Texas Woodworking Festival

Andrew Hunter:  @andrewhunter_funiture

Phil joins us on this episode to talk about his outstanding custom furniture, teaching, and what he is presenting at the upcoming Texas Woodworking Festival. Phil is a classically trained fine furniture maker, WWing instructor, and a devoted father, husband & troublemaker. And if you listen to the end, you may get a hint about next week's episode. Check it out!

Episode Links:

Philip Morley

• https://philipmorleyfurniture.com/
• @philipmorleyfuniture on IG
• Philip Morley Furniture on YouTube

WWing News:

• Shawn Murphy - Maple Turning Blanks for Windsor Chairs
• Woodwhisperer’s Harbor Freight Parallel Clamp Review

Engles Coach Shop

Phil returns to answer the 5 Questions. Phil's has a fantastic and heartfelt journey into the craft of fine furniture making. He also has a couple of favorite tools and some great mentors. Check it out!

Philip Morley

• https://philipmorleyfurniture.com/
• @philipmorleyfuniture on IG
• Philip Morley Furniture on YouTube