The Woodworking Morning Show for April 4, 2025

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00:00 Technical Flubs and New Camera Setup
00:43 Morning Greetings and Tech Blame Game
01:00 Tech Love and Relationship Banter
01:37 Concert Night: Jack White Experience
02:32 Concert Pit Adventures
03:32 European Style Dining and Late Night Effects
04:34 Missouri Thank Yous and YouTube Members
06:03 Wood Talk and Long-Time Supporters
06:21 April 4th: Birthdays and Tell a Lie and Ramen Day
07:07 David Marcs’ Artwork and Store https://djmarks.com/product-category/art/
08:58 Costa Rica T-Shirt and Tool Swap Event
09:34 Woodcraft Tool Swap and Shop Details https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store-events/st-louis
12:15 Video Release: Budget-Friendly Workbench https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFTnNtRuGjs
14:36 National Ramen Day and Wood Talk Episode
15:02 Woodworking Blue Balls and Sponsor Conversations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DiZDvezAN0
15:57 Lost Treasure: Personalized Jewelry
19:41 Hand Tool Drip Campaign and Certificates
21:50 Check out Nicole’s interview with the Workshop Therapy Podcast https://www.patreon.com/posts/who-knew-that-of-125890515
23:21 3M Work Tunes Pro Connect Review https://amzn.to/420YZOB
27:22 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway https://www.instagram.com/p/DH36J7cJfOG/?img_index=1
30:23 Quilt Rack Project and Viewer Showcase
36:19 Sharpening Methods and Tools https://amzn.to/3E7K4c4
37:57 Hide Glue vs. Traditional Glue https://amzn.to/4jfqoBV
39:18 Old Projects and Concert Reflections
39:40 Cool Concerts for Formerly Cool People
39:47 Reflecting on Coolness
40:08 Merch Table Ideas
40:43 John Popovich’s Vice Question
41:36 Raphael’s Blanket Chest
42:20 Revisiting Old Projects
43:12 Teaching and Skill Development
43:33 Iterative Design Process
44:23 Legacy of Early Work
45:06 Advice for Beginners
45:46 Social Media and Skill Comparison
46:20 Run Your Own Race
46:56 Shop Visitors
48:39 Girl Scout Cookies
51:32 Tool Swap Event
52:50 Baggy Jeans and Nerve Pain
54:55 Band Stories
01:08:36 Shop Consultations https://twwstore.com/collections/services
01:08:55 Final Questions
01:11:12 Woodpeckers Dado Nut
01:11:37 Fiber Internet Installation
01:11:53 Show Setup at Home
01:12:54 Tick Season
01:13:51 Video Quality Discussion
01:15:29 Concluding Remarks and Goodbyes

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Small workshop? Tight budget? Here’s a workbench for you!

If you’re looking for a small, mobile, budget-friendly and compact workbench that’s easy to build and surprisingly sturdy, I’ve got you covered. When I decided to start teaching in-person woodworking classes here at the shop, it quickly hit me: five students per class, three classes scheduled—and not nearly enough work surfaces for everyone.

That’s when I realized I needed to build some new workbenches. But not just any benches—I wanted something compact, storable, cost-effective, and quick to build (because I had to make four of them… fast). After some research and a whole lot of plywood, I came up with a design that checked all the boxes.

Why I Designed This Workbench

Storage space in my shop is always at a premium, so whatever I built had to be small enough to tuck away when not in use. I also wanted mobility so we could rearrange the space depending on what we were doing. And of course, it had to be something I could build multiple times without losing my mind (though I definitely tested that theory). The final design is simple, sturdy, and gets the job done—perfect for students or anyone working in a small space.

The Build Breakdown

• Plywood Base: I used laminated plywood for all the base components. It’s strong, heavy, and affordable—especially if you go with shop-grade material. Credit to Rob Cosman and the Purple Heart Project for the inspiration here.

• MDF Top: I went with three layers of 1″ MDF. It’s flat, stable, and cheap—perfect for a functional benchtop. You could absolutely use 3/4″ plywood (I recommend 4 layers) or solid wood (if you want an upgrade).

• Knockdown Design: This base comes apart using bolts and dowels, so it’s easy to disassemble and store. I only glued the dowels into the rails, which makes reassembly simple and consistent.

• Casters: I used workbench casters that are super easy to engage and disengage. With four of these benches rolling around the shop, that flexibility is a lifesaver.

Yes, I Splurged on the Vise

Okay, here’s the deal: Andy Klein’s Twin Turbo Vise costs more than the rest of the bench combined. But Andy’s a good friend, we worked out a deal, and honestly, I just wanted the students to have an awesome experience. A good vise can make or break your time at the bench. But don’t worry—you can absolutely use a different vise if you want.

I even have a coupon code if you do want to grab a Twin Turbo Vise: WHISPERER20 gets you 20% off vises at In-Kleind.com.

Building Tips and Real Talk

• Cut List Strategy: The plans I offer are designed to be material-efficient, but you don’t have to follow them to the letter. Cut your plywood down into manageable chunks and do your final rips at the table saw.

• Setup Blocks Are Your Friend: They make layout faster and more consistent than a tape measure.

• Be Strategic With Tools: If you don’t have a full-length track saw, no problem. Just plan your cuts based on what you do have.

• Hold-Downs Help: I used JessEm hold-downs for consistent, safe cuts. But feather boards or board buddies work too—or just go old-school and push carefully.

• Staple with Purpose: I used narrow crown staples to speed things up, but you need to plan ahead so you don’t accidentally drill or cut through them later.

Let’s be real: laminating all those plywood parts eight times over was a grind. I powered through with caffeine and mild existential dread, but it got done.

Assembly and Final Touches

Once the base was built, I rounded over the edges, drilled the bolt and dowel holes, and fitted everything together. For three of the benches, I used large dominoes instead of knockdown hardware because I knew they’d be staying assembled permanently.

Then it was on to the tops—three layers of MDF glued together. I used my vacuum press to save time, but you could use screws and clamps just as effectively. Once the tops were squared and attached, I installed the vises.

A Note on Stability

To install the Twin Turbo Vise, I needed a big overhang on the front. That’s not ideal—it means you can tip the bench forward with enough pressure. So I just tossed a dumbbell on the bottom shelf during class and that worked fine. But if you’re building one of these from scratch, consider adjusting the base to support the vise more directly and reduce that overhang.

Still to Come…

I didn’t have time to fully finish the benches before the classes started, but I do plan to:

• Add a bottom shelf

• Wipe on a protective finish

• Line the vise jaws with rubberized cork (I highly recommend the stuff Andy sells—it’s fantastic)

• Consider wrapping bench top with solid wood

Want to Build One?

You can grab the cut list and measurements at TWWStore.com. And if you want to dive deeper into workbenches, check out the two full workbench builds I offer in the Wood Whisperer Guild: the Split-Top Roubo (our most popular course), and the Hybrid Workbench, which blends high function with a smaller footprint.

Thanks for checking out the build! Hopefully it gives you some inspiration for your own shop setup.

Important Links:

• Use my code WHISPERER20 to get 20% off any Twin Turbo Vise at In-Kleind.com
• Pre-order the Tablesaw Cabinet Course
• Get the measurements and plans
• Split-Top Roubo Course
• Hybrid Workbench Course
• Learn more about the Bench Brigade 
• Rich Hedman’s video on his workbench

Suff You’ll Need:

• Workbench Casters
• Cross Dowel Bolts
• 1/4-20 Tee Nuts
• 3/4″ WoodOwl Auger Bit
• Jessem Clear-Cut Guides 
• Microjig GrrRipper
• Titebond Hide Glue
• Narrow Crown Stapler 
• Glue Roller 
• Woodpeckers Drill Guide 

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The Woodworking Morning Show for March 28, 2025

This is our new time! 10am Eastern/7am Pacific

00:00 Good Morning!
01:09 Spring Break Chaos
01:46 Schitt’s Creek Reference
02:02 Woodworking Morning Show Begins
02:16 Audience Appreciation
02:34 Live Questions and Super Chat
03:39 Patreon Supporters Shoutout
05:43 It’s National Hot Tub Day
05:51 Hot Tub Debate aka People Soup
07:55 Ryan Smith’s Custom Sign https://www.smithmakes.com/
09:05 Smith Makes and Class Posters
11:06 Maverick Abrasives Skincare Gift :)
13:20 3D Printing and Fidget Star
13:52 Wood Whisperer Store Updates https://twwstore.com
14:42 Home DIY Bike Repair Space
16:13 California Compressor Issues
17:22 Wall Control and Craft Room
18:07 CNC Workholding System
19:15 Table Saw Cabinet Pre-Order
23:03 Subscription and Customer Service
28:55 Guild Jewelry Box Question
30:30 Cleaning and Organizing Old Shop
30:30 Super Chat from Tristan
34:19 Super Chat from Eoen
34:53 Crafting a Serving Tray from a Wine Box
35:14 Choosing the Right Finish for Engraved Surfaces
35:32 Tips for Applying Lacquer
36:24 Alternative Finishes: Shellac
36:38 Sports Talk: Mike and Mad Dog
36:48 Discussing Sports Preferences
37:36 Building a Hybrid Workbench https://thewoodwhispererguild.com/product/the-hybrid-workbench/
38:00 Workbench Height Considerations
38:50 Testing Workbench Height in the Kitchen
39:29 Vision and Glasses Discussion
41:26 Making a Sofa Arm Table
42:12 Rubio Finish for Furniture
42:31 SCM Bandsaw vs. Minimax 16
45:09 Table Saw Storage Project is out for pre-order https://thewoodwhispererguild.com/product/table-saw-cabinet/
46:43 Wood Talk Podcast Updates https://woodtalkshow.com/
47:10 Wood Talk Podcast Future Plans
47:31 Health Challenges and Work Balance
49:38 The Importance of Community and Joy
53:28 Antique Tools and Personal Preferences
54:32 Nicole’s Hallmark Ornaments and Personal Joys https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18385298044064571/
01:02:03 Girl Scout Cookies and Shop Visit https://thewoodwhisperer.com/tww-shop/
01:04:16 Laser Setup and Local Help
01:05:35 Sharpening Hand Plane Blades
01:07:27 Boom-Based Dust Collection
01:14:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Support us directly and buy some swag! It comes directly from us! https://twwstore.com/collections/apparel

Who is Marc Spagnuolo? Watch Behind the Scenes with a YouTube veteran and find out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htZVfB4z2l8 –~–
Check out all of the NEW benefits in Guild+ https://thewoodwhispererguild.com/product/subscription/

Would you like your questions pre-loaded into the show? Join our YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKp44bWWZIiOPShPN_ytShw/join or Patreon http://patreon.com/woodwhisperer. and look for the Wednesday question post!

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The Woodworking Morning Show Dec 13, 2024

Show Notes Coming Soon

Some of our Amazon Black Friday finds! https://ift.tt/jbFX5cu Check out the NEW Guild+ https://ift.tt/P4DVnga Would you like your questions pre-loaded into the show? Join our YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKp44bWWZIiOPShPN_ytShw/join or Patreon https://ift.tt/qmzedxk

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Recovered and Recovering

A Year’s Worth of Work for Paul Sellers since my ribs were broken by an assailant in Abingdon. This is how I recovered and why. I’m sorry it’s such a long post, but it is a year in the saddle for me. My Longest Single Blog Post Yet I often ask myself the question and...

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Understanding the Chair

My recent blog post on chairs was my attempt to bridge a gap or two in the age-long passage of chair making. Just how did we end up with faults through mass-making the builds in a certain unintentional obsolescence by the original designer? Whether you buy a vintage Michael Thonet from the late 1800s or...

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Choices

I remember my introduction to machining wood. I was aged sixteen, when every task seemed to become a machining moment in small and long bites of soul-destroying boredom that just kept building. Oh, I’m not talking about the hobbyist woodworker who sets up a mini-conveyor belt system of minor operations going from crosscuts to ripcuts...

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The Woodworking Morning Show – Nov 15, 2024

Would you like your questions pre-loaded into the show? Join our YouTube Members or Patreon . A post goes out every Wednesday in these groups for you to ask your question if you can not be there live.

00:00:00 Good Morning!
00:01:20 TWW Video release today!
00:01:50 Thank you Michael for the PHP gift!
00:02:41 Order a Wood Whisperer shirt today!
00:04:13 Pre-loaded questions come from Patreon and YouTube members, but if you are in the chat please ask questions!
00:05:00 Marc is making 4 student workbenches for classes in 2025
00:06:01 Question from Joe – Thoughts on traditional mortise and tenon vs domino
00:06:48 Question from Tim – Any recommendations on fog-free safety glasses?
00:08:49 Question from Richard – If I use dewaxed shellac as a finish on the cherry, will it block UV and prevent the cherry from darkening? https://amzn.to/3UWJT8S
00:12:01 Can you recommend a durable, humidity resistant router table? https://amzn.to/48W0yiG
00:14:37 Why are top-bearing flush trim router bits hard to find? Try Whiteside https://amzn.to/4hNyCS1
00:16:06 Thank you for the superchat Mark!
00:16:42 Have you thought of doing a catio project?
00:18:52 Any ideas for Xmas gifts this year?
00:20:59 Scrap Wood Boxes https://thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/scrapwood-jewelry-boxes/
00:21:39 Marc did an Instagram live interview with @newmanspecialswoodwork last night. Check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCX-mW1tlSs/
00:22:34 New Wood Talk episode is out! https://woodtalkshow.com/
00:22:45 Where did the dogs go?
00:23:24 Anti-fog safety glasses from MCR Safety https://amzn.to/3Od88vu
00:24:02 Did you see Blue Spruce’s new router plane?
00:25:40 What is your process on installing hinges? Horton brack stop hinges or Brusso hinges
00:25:59 Installing butt hinges https://thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/a-butt-hinge-mortise/
00:27:14 Speaking of a fun holiday project! https://thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/advent-calendar-pt-3/
00:27:47 Recommendation on a good budget-friendly dust collection system?
00:29:06 What do you think of SPEtools from Amazon?
00:30:19 Is it odd that I can see the outlet and cords in the background?
00:31:03 How durable is Osmo compared to Shellac? https://amzn.to/4eAshqj
00:32:45 Chat recommendations for budget friendly dust collection
00:35:00 What is the deal with reviews?
00:37:17 Recommendations for a dovetail saw?
00:38:29 Which is better, drawers or slide out shelves?
00:39:54 Did you struggle in your early days to prioritize which tool/shop purchases to make before others?
00:42:00 Do you have casters on your outfeed table? https://amzn.to/3YOhD9v
00:43:37 What can I do to help prevent chip out using a decorative ogee bit?
00:45:39 Thank you BobbyC for the superchat!
00:46:04 Have you ever repaired a hair line crack in porcelain?
00:46:50 We don’t have all the answers :)
00:47:33 Will changing my contractor saw to 220V keep the saw from bogging down so easily?
00:49:31 Would PVC be ok for permanent ductwork compared to metal piping?
00:51:03 Thank you for the superchat Robert!
00:51:20 Where can I find VJ’s Shellac Videos? https://www.shellacfinishes.com/videos-2/
00:53:13 Do you own anything Harbor Freight?
00:54:15 Any suggestions on hiring an electrician?
00:56:11 Guild project giveaway! Congrats Greg!
00:57:02 Check out Guild+ https://thewoodwhispererguild.com/plus
00:58:46 Does the 5% apply to other items or just courses? Just courses but it does include 10% off coupon for anything in twwstore in the Discounts section!

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Dark and Light Things

It’s a day like any other. I open the door and everything is just as it should be. I stand in the doorway for just a few seconds and then drift towards my bench, the tools and the piece I’m working on. I want to take in everything as I left it last night; the...

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Small But Mighty: 5 Woodworking Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed! 💡

As woodworkers, we tend to be drawn to big, impressive tools—the kind that make a statement in the shop. But sometimes, the most valuable tools aren’t the largest or most powerful. In this video, we take a closer look at five small but mighty tools that offer precision, versatility, and sheer enjoyment in woodworking.

1. Violin Maker’s Plane

The Lee Nielsen Violin Maker’s Plane may be tiny, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to detailed work. Its solid bronze body and fully adjustable blade make it a go-to for refining edges, breaking corners, and working on small parts where a full-size block plane would be cumbersome. Whether you’re softening drawer edges or working in tight spaces, this mini plane is a joy to use.

Why It’s Essential:

• Perfect for breaking edges with subtle precision.
• Small enough to fit into tight corners inside drawers.
• Compact and comfortable in hand, making it easy to control.

2. Veritas Medium Router Plane

A router plane is indispensable for cleaning up dados, hinge mortises, and fine joinery adjustments. While full-size models are great for general work, the Veritas Medium Router Plane is ideal for getting into small spaces where precision is key.

What Makes It Special:

• Small footprint allows for better maneuverability in tight areas.
• Blade can be reversed for extended reach.
• Compatible with full-size Veritas router plane blades, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit.

3. Trim Router (Compact Router)

Despite its small size, a trim router (also called a compact router or laminate trimmer) is an incredibly useful power tool. It’s great for light edge profiling, shallow mortises, and flush-trimming tasks. Battery-powered models, like the Milwaukee compact router, provide cordless convenience, making them even more versatile.

Key Benefits:

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver for edge profiling.
• Interchangeable bases for increased flexibility.
• Cordless versions allow for unrestricted movement around the shop.

4. 7-Inch Modeler’s Rasp

For shaping and refining contours, a 7-inch modeler’s rasp is a must-have. Unlike traditional files, a quality rasp is designed to cut cleanly through wood, leaving behind a smooth surface without excessive tearing. This small but aggressive rasp is ideal for shaping sculpted parts, rounding over edges, and refining details in carved work.

Why It Belongs in Your Shop:

• Compact size makes it easy to control.
• Sharp teeth remove material efficiently without excessive roughness.
• Great for shaping small parts or adding subtle curves to projects.

5. 4-Inch Combination Square

A 4-inch combination square may seem insignificant compared to its larger counterparts, but it’s one of the most frequently used measuring tools in the shop. Whether checking for square, laying out joinery, or setting blade heights, this small square is always within reach.  Hillview Wood & Metal

How It Improves Workflow:

• Ideal for small-scale layout work.
• Perfect for checking board squareness and tool setups.
• Small enough to keep handy at all times.

Why Small Tools Matter

While large machines and heavy-duty tools often take the spotlight, these small tools prove that sometimes, bigger isn’t always better. Their compact size, precision, and ease of use make them indispensable in a well-equipped woodshop. Plus, they bring a certain joy to woodworking—because let’s face it, using tools that feel good in the hand makes shop time even more enjoyable.

What are your favorite small tools that you just can’t live without? Let us know in the comments!

Look for Guild+? Check it out here!

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The Remarkable Challenge of Wood

There are challenges we can do nothing about, and then there are the challenges we face in the work we do and might choose to present to ourselves on purpose. That curved balustrade that sweeps gracefully between floors up and along many metres, following the sweep of the stairway to the stars, can be complicated,...

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Designing a Design

The only thing two days might have in common with one another is the unpredictability of them. We plan one thing, and then something happens that turns what we hoped to accomplish completely on its head. It’s life. A road works, temporary traffic lights and a redirection sends us a different, much longer way. Today...

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Upgrading Our Windows: DIY Custom Casings & Smart Motorized Shades!

Our kitchen has a cozy little eating area surrounded by five big windows, which sounds great—until you realize they were covered with cheap, malfunctioning shutters. Not only did they look better from a distance than up close, but they also made opening and closing the windows a hassle. So, it was time for an upgrade with DIY Custom Window Casings!

The Plan: A Full Window Trim Makeover

I knew we wanted to ditch the shutters, and shades seemed like the best replacement. But not just any shades—smart motorized shades! Enter today’s sponsor, SmartWings, but we’ll get into that later. First, I had to tackle the window trim.

When I removed the shutters, I found that the windows had drywall returns. That meant I had a choice: slap some new trim over the existing drywall or go full-send by removing the drywall returns and making new ones as part of the window casing. Naturally, I chose the harder route in the name of quality.

Designing and Building the New Window Casing

To ensure a clean, professional look, I designed a two-frame system:

• The jamb frame sits against the window.
• The outer casing frame sits on top for a finished look.

Since nothing is ever perfectly square in a retrofit, I left a small gap that would later be covered with trim. I milled poplar for the job (since it would be painted) and carefully cut each piece to size.

One detail I paid extra attention to was the casing width. Because the windows are tall, I made the top and bottom rails slightly wider than the vertical stiles for a balanced look—just like on high-end doors.

Assembly and Installation

The jamb frame went together with butt joints, glue, and 18-gauge brads, ensuring everything stayed square. The casing was assembled with Dominos for extra strength because one of my biggest pet peeves is trim that separates over time.

Before installing the frames, I sanded and painted everything—primer plus two coats of paint. The biggest challenge? Waiting for the paint to dry when all I wanted was to get these things installed!

Once dry, the frames went in, but not without a little persuasion. Some old caulk and drywall mud buildup caused small gaps, but a quick pass with the sander fixed that. Instead of relying on caulk to hide imperfections, I used thin trim strips for a cleaner, more professional finish.

The Finishing Touch: Smart Motorized Shades

To complete the project, we installed SmartWings motorized shades in a 70% light-filtering white fabric. Ordering was simple, and the shades came with everything needed for installation, including mounting brackets, a remote, and a solar charging strip.

Setup was a breeze:

1. Attach the brackets to the window frame.
2. Click the shade into place.
3. Connect the solar strip to keep the battery charging.
4. Program the remote to control all five shades individually or together.

With Matter compatibility, these shades integrate seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and other smart home systems. I even set up automations so that:

• Morning sun is blocked just enough for comfortable breakfast lighting.
• Later in the morning, the shades fully open to give my plants some sun.
• In the evening, the shades close completely for privacy.
• Voice control lets me adjust the shades on command.

Final Thoughts

This project was a total success! We now have beautiful, custom window trim and smart shades that enhance both privacy and convenience. Even our dog, Abby, approves—she still gets a clear view to keep an eye on those pesky squirrels!

A huge thanks to SmartWings for sponsoring this upgrade, and to all of you for following along! If you’re considering a similar project, I highly recommend upgrading to smart shades—it’s a game-changer.s

Stuff Featured in the Video:

• Festool Domino 500
• Milwaukee Trim Router
• Timbermate Wood Filler
• Titebond Speed Set

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Nine Years a Café Chair Equals . . .

. . . 50–200 years, a home version. At least that’s my consideration from what I found in the facts surrounding this mass made chair from the café I go to each day. At first, I said 50 years service, but then I thought, in careful use, an average family size of 1.7 children under...

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Replacing My Electric Fireplace with a Custom Built-In

If you’ve ever let “resale value” dictate your home improvement decisions, it’s time for a reality check. Your house should work for you, not for some hypothetical future buyer who may or may not love your style choices. That’s exactly why my wife, Nicole, and I decided to kick our barely functional electric fireplace to the curb and replace it with something way more useful: a custom-built wooden insert that houses a proper center channel speaker.

The Problem: A Fireplace That Did Nothing

Our basement family room had a lot going for it—except for one glaring issue. It wasn’t wired for surround sound, and there was no good place for the all-important center channel speaker. The main culprit? A cheap electric fireplace that:

• Made more noise than heat
• Looked realistic… but only when it was turned off
• Took up prime real estate where my speaker should have been

One day, curiosity got the best of me, and I tugged at the fireplace. Surprise! It wasn’t even secured. It was just sitting there, mocking me. That unexpected discovery gave me the perfect opportunity to run the speaker wires I needed. But it still left me with a dilemma—where would the speaker go?

The Solution: A Custom Wooden Insert

Enter my brilliant wife, Nicole, who suggested the obvious answer: get rid of the fireplace entirely and replace it with a built-in wooden insert. And thus, a project was born.

Designing the Insert

I jumped into SketchUp to design a simple but sturdy box that would fit snugly into the alcove. Nothing fancy—just a well-constructed plywood case with a walnut face frame to class things up.

Choosing Materials

For this project, I treated myself to some high-quality materials:

• ¾” and ¼” walnut plywood – Pricey, but hey, sometimes the cobbler’s kids actually get shoes.
• Solid walnut for the face frame – Because if I’m doing this, I’m doing it right.

Building the Insert

1. Cut the plywood pieces – Two long pieces for the top and bottom, plus shorter side panels. And one piece of 1/4″ for the back.
2. Assembly – Glue, brads, and 90-degree clamps kept everything square.
3. Face frame – I used my Domino joiner for extra strength and alignment.
4. Finishing – A classic combo of Seal-a-Cell and Arm-R-Seal for a rich, durable walnut glow.

Installing and Wiring

With the insert finished, I took care of some bonus upgrades:

• Ran speaker wires and installed a low-voltage bracket for the center channel
• Added extra electrical outlets because future me will thank past me
• Secured the insert in place and even threw in an LED smart light strip for a little extra flair

The Final Result

The new insert fits like a glove (cue the Ace Ventura reference). It’s sleek, functional, and—best of all—it doesn’t pretend to be a real fireplace. Now the center channel speaker sits exactly where it should, and our home theater setup is finally complete…

…except now the built-ins next to the alcove look terrible. But hey, that’s a project for another day.

Until next time—happy building!

• Makrs Stain Pads Use Code TWW for 15% OFF!
• Milwaukee 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
• Domino 500 Joiner
• Titebond Liquid Hide Glue
• Wood Whisperer Guild Courses
• Seal-a-Cell
• Arm-R-Seal

The post Replacing My Electric Fireplace with a Custom Built-In appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.

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What else would you like to see?

It’s Katrina (Paul’s daughter in law here). Since 2021 Paul has been sharing the journey of making all the furniture for his Oxfordshire home at Woodworking Masterclasses, in our series Sellers Home. The idea behind the Sellers Home series is that if you were to follow along and make every piece of furniture you would...

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Hand Tools on Wood

We all have creative ways of entertaining ourselves, but it might be a little more unusual for us to see the contrast between watching as a spectator and creating our way out of one world into another by the doing of things creatively, working with our hands. In my early days, as a new and...

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Writing On a Lived Life

In past years, like many of us, I’ve had to recover from different things. The most recent of these was recovering from three busted ribs after a man, an athletic runner, chased after me and with no warning, rammed into my back. I felt my ribs pop on impact, before I even hit the ground...

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Card Scraper Question

Thanks Paul. I have recently picked up a cabinet scraper. However, I seem to get a better finish with my card scrapers. Is that normal? When do you use a card scraper over a cabinet scraper? I need to revisit your cabinet scraper video as well. These scrapers are amazing. I don’t know why more...

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Another Perfect Scraper Solution

I come up with them all the time and this one should knock your socks off . . . Or at least take incredible shavings for you. New to woodworking or a seasoned machinist, I often get woodworkers lamenting that they sometimes get a good edge to Card Scrapers, but mostly not. I put this...

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Things New

Something stirs deeply in new beginnings. The gestation of an inspired possibility in the ordinary of life prompts us to think of things beyond our capacity for a thought is nothing more than the expansion of a small cell, a pulse of oxygen, of blood and our brain reshaping, refolding itself with valleys between ridges,...

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The Easiest Way to Handle Plywood Without Breaking Your Back!

For all of the great benefits of using plywood in our projects, it really is a pain in the butt to deal with. Every aspect of working with sheetgoods presents challenges, including purchasing it, transporting it, maneuvering it around your shop, and even cutting it down to the sizes you need for your project. In this video, I’ll show you what I think is the easiest way to handle plywood in a one-man shop. With some planning and knowledge, perhaps we can make the prospect of dealing with these big sheets a little less daunting. And most importantly, we can keep our backs safe while we’re at it.

Items You Might Be Interested In:

• Gorilla Gripper
• Rockler Material Mate Panel Cart
• Festool Mobile Sawing Table
• Festool Track Saw and Guide Rail

Looking for a great way to store plywood in a small shop space? Check this out! 

The post The Easiest Way to Handle Plywood Without Breaking Your Back! appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.

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It Came Out Right

I remember when #4 Stanley planes would sell on eBay for around one pound, or even less if it was an English version. There are remarkable differences between some UK Stanley models and US versions. Oh, it’s not really in functionality or quality where the difference lies, none of that, they both work exactly the...

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Dual-Purpose Card Scraper

When you master hand tool methods, developing real skill beats all else. Nothing will better mastery if not for speed and efficiency alone. That’s why my advocacy is to take the path of greater resistance because through resistance training you develop muscle in the whole of your body––along with the ever-important mental acuity too. Don’t...

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Happy Birthday, Paul!

Hello everyone, and Happy New Year to you all! It is my dad’s 75th birthday today. I hope you will all join me in wishing him a very happy birthday. He has shown great resilience this last year. Three broken ribs would have set a lesser man back further than it has him. He has...

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