Woodworking events, tool chests, Shopsmith controversy, and shop projects! In Episode 289 of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil Huber, Logan Wittmer, and John Doyle are back with another round of woodworking discussions, shop updates, and plenty of good-natured ribbing.
This week, we're recapping Woodworking in America 2026, including highlights from the demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and conversations with fellow woodworkers. We also tackle some listener feedback about the event and discuss why Woodworking in America focuses on hands-on education and personal interaction rather than being a traditional woodworking trade show.
And yes, the Shopsmith jokes continue! After years of teasing the multipurpose woodworking machine, the guys finally spent some quality time with the Shopsmith crew. Even better, there's now a Shopsmith Mark 7 at the Woodsmith shop. Could Logan and John actually become Shopsmith fans?
Phil also brings up an interesting woodworking challenge: What's the best way to organize a traditional wooden tool chest? Should every hand tool have a dedicated spot, or is a more flexible tool tote the better solution? The guys discuss portable tool storage, custom organizers, Dutch tool chests, and ways to transport hand tools and power tools safely.
Plus, Logan shares highlights from his visit to Lee Valley Tools and Veritas in Canada, including an incredible collection of vintage hand planes and woodworking tools. We also get an update on his shop-built table saw outfeed table, featuring a torsion box top and an alternative to plastic laminate.
In this episode:
- Woodworking in America 2026 recap and listener feedback
- Why woodworking demonstrations matter more than big vendor displays
- The ongoing Shopsmith debate — and a Shopsmith Mark 7 in the shop!
- Behind the scenes at Lee Valley Tools and Veritas
- Traditional wooden tool chests vs. portable tool totes
- Organizing and protecting hand tools for travel
- Designing a portable, knockdown woodworking bench
- Logan's table saw outfeed table with an HDPE work surface
- Plans and ideas for future woodworking events
Join the conversation!
How do you organize your woodworking tools? Do you prefer a traditional tool chest with dedicated compartments or a flexible tote that can handle different projects? Share your thoughts in the comments or send photos of your tool storage solutions to woodsmith@woodsmith.com.
And mark your calendars! Woodworking in America is planned for October 8–9, 2027.
Subscribe to the ShopNotes Podcast for weekly woodworking conversations, tool discussions, project updates, shop tips, and plenty of laughs from the editors of Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking.
Woodsmith Magazine: https://www.woodsmith.com
Popular Woodworking: https://www.popularwoodworking.com
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