Over the years, I’ve worked with both pine and maple more times than I can count—and they each have their strengths. In this episode, I break down the practical differences, how hardwood and softwood really behave, and what you should consider when choosing between a budget-friendly wood like pine and a denser hardwood like maple. Join 1,000+ woodw…

Band saw or scroll saw? It’s a question I get asked all the time. In this episode, I share what each saw is designed for, how they perform on different types of cuts, and what features actually matter when buying. If you're looking to add one to your shop—or just want to understand the difference—this one’s worth a listen. Join 1,000+ woodworkers, …

Don’t throw out that sawdust just yet. In this week’s episode, I talk about the three types of sawdust and 13 different ways I’ve put them to use. From compost and cleanup to gift wrapping and odor control—this stuff’s more valuable than you think. Join 1,000+ woodworkers, absolutely FREE: 📌 Skool Woodworking Community Check more of our content: 📌 …

If you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade without overspending, this episode’s for you. I go over 20 woodworking tools under $30 that every shop should have. Some are basics, like a good try square or dust mask. Others might surprise you—like how useful an automatic center punch or brad point bits can be. These are tools that punch way a…

Lumber prices have gone through the roof—but you don’t always have to pay. In this episode, I’m sharing 16 real ways to get wood for free. Some are obvious, like keeping an eye on what your neighbors are throwing out… others might surprise you (like the cull cart at Home Depot or Facebook Marketplace freebies). These are all places I’ve used myself…

Let’s talk cutting boards—specifically, which woods you should (and shouldn’t) use. I’m diving into what really matters: food safety, porosity, Janka hardness, and even toxicity. I’ve built a lot of boards over the years, and in this episode, I share my go-to choices. Join 1,000+ woodworkers, absolutely FREE: 📌 Skool Woodworking Community Check mor…

Let’s stir the pot a bit. This week, I’m talking about 5 woodworking tools that, in my opinion, just aren’t worth the hype. Some are pricey, some are gimmicky, and some are just plain overused. I know not everyone will agree—but after five decades in woodworking, I’ve got some thoughts. You might be surprised by a few of them… maybe even a little o…

If staining and finishing wood feels intimidating, don’t worry—I’ve got you. In this episode, I break down the full process step by step: why stain and varnish matter, how to use wood fillers the right way, how sawdust and glue can save a project, and the best way to get an even, clean finish. It’s packed with simple tips that’ll make your next pro…

If I could go back and teach my younger self a few things about woodworking, this would be the list. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 things every woodworker should know—from understanding how lumber is really sized, to getting accurate measurements, sanding properly, gluing up right, and more. These tips might just save you a lot of time, money, an…

If you've ever wondered what woodworking will look like in 10, 20, or even 50 years—let’s talk. After five decades in the craft, I’ve seen tools evolve, materials shift, and methods adapt. In this episode, I take a step back and look at where we’ve been, what’s changing, and why the best part of woodworking might still be ahead of us. Join 1,000+ w…

Let’s talk wood. In this episode, I break down everything you need to know before you buy lumber. I walk through the key differences between hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered wood, how sizing really works (it’s not always what the tag says), and what those grading stamps actually mean. I also share the main factors I consider when buying wood—fr…

I own a track saw. I rarely use it. In this episode, I break down why I think track saws are overrated, when they’re useful, and what tools I reach for instead. Join 1,000+ woodworkers, absolutely FREE: 📌 Skool Woodworking Community Check more of our content: 📌 Youtube 📌 Tiktok 📌 Instagram 📌 X 📌 Facebook Group 📌 Pinterest…

Lumber prices have been on a wild ride—from record highs to sudden drops and back up again. But what's actually driving these fluctuations? In this episode, we uncover the key factors affecting wood prices, what’s happening in the market today, and what to expect in the future. Join 1,000+ woodworkers, absolutely FREE: 📌 Skool Woodworking Community…

Woodworking for profit sounds great, but is it right for you? I’ll walk through the key questions to ask before jumping in—what to sell, where to sell, and how to price your work so you don’t undervalue your skills. Join 1,000+ woodworkers, absolutely FREE: 📌 Skool Woodworking Community Check more of our content: 📌 Youtube 📌 Tiktok 📌 Instagram 📌 X …

We all love a good woodworking tip—but not all of them are worth following. Some woodworking “truths” have been repeated for so long that they’re just accepted as fact, even when they aren’t. In this episode, I’m calling out 27 common myths and sharing what actually matters when you’re in the shop. Join 1,000+ woodworkers, absolutely FREE: 📌 Skool …

Over 50 years in woodworking, I’ve made plenty of changes to my shop—some great, some not so much. In this episode, I’m sharing seven upgrades that have truly made a difference in how I work. Let’s make your shop the best it can be! Check more of our content here: Youtube Tiktok Instagram X Skool Woodworking Community Facebook Group Pinterest…

Is there really a “best” power tool brand? After decades in woodworking, I’ve learned that the answer isn't that simple. In this episode, I dive into the key factors that matter when choosing a power tool brand and how to make sure you're getting the right tool for the job. Check more of our content here: Youtube Tiktok Instagram X Skool Woodworkin…

Woodworking doesn’t have to break the bank. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the best ways to cut costs without cutting corners. We’ll talk about smart tool buying and finding great wood for cheap (or even free). If you love woodworking but want to keep it budget-friendly, this one’s for you. Check more of our content here: Youtube Tiktok Ins…

Not all tools are worth the investment when you’re just starting out in woodworking. In this episode, I’ll highlight the beginner woodworking tools that are better left on the shelf, saving you time, money, and frustration. Learn what to avoid and set yourself up for success! Check more of our content here: Youtube Tiktok Instagram X Skool Woodwork…

We discuss the most common mistakes that can completely ruin your wood! Learn how to avoid costly errors like improper storage, not checking moisture content, and many more. These tips will save your projects and keep your wood in perfect condition. Check more of our content here: Youtube Tiktok Instagram X Skool Woodworking Community Facebook Grou…

In this episode, I give you 7 simple tips to maximize your small workshop space to optimize it for efficiency and productivity. Check out more of our content! Website Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook X Skool Woodworking CommunityAv Rich Murphy