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
8 episodes
Chin Up: How My Wife and Sam Maloof Saved My Woodworking Career
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 stor...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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20:55
S1E7 - Sharpen Your Skills
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 h...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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36:09
S1E6 -All About Bandsaws
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 understandin...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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33:15
S1E5 — Measuring: Consistency Over Precision
Episode date: September 10, 2025Host: Steven RicksLength: ~28 minutesEpisode SummaryMeasuring might sound basic, but it’s where most beginner mistakes start. In this episode, Steven breaks...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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28:17
S1E4 - From Button Pusher to Craftsperson
Host: Steven RicksRelease Date: August 25, 2025Length: ~38 minutesListen in as Steven explores the difference between simply operating a tool and truly mastering it. From the “ballet” of the miter saw t...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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23:39
S1E3 - “Wood Moves… and So Do We”
Host: Steven RicksRelease Date: August 5, 2025Length: ~33 minutesListen in as Steven explores the ever-shifting world of wood movement—what causes it, how to plan for it, and ...
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33:39
S1E2 -The Tool That Change Everything
🪑 Episode 2: The Tool That Changed EverythingHost: Steven Length: ~23 minutes🔧 In This EpisodeIn Episode 2, Steven dives into the transformative power of tools—not just how they cut wood, but how they shap...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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23:42
S1E1 Measure Once - Just Get Started
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 a...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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19:35