74. We're Back

Welcome to season 3 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

We’re back with a new season, after a long break and a false start. Here’s what’s been happening over the past few months. It’s great to be back!

Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/

Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/

Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

73. The Year That Was 2020, Season Finale

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

It's almost over, there's only a few weeks left in 2020. In this show we go through some of our favourite episodes and talk about what's coming up in 2021.

We’re also ending the season here. We’ll take a break while Robin has his second child and Bryan makes his way back to Melbourne, then come back for season 3 in 2021.

Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/

Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/

Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

72. The Staircase

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

A couple weeks back Joey completed a massive project; building and installing 2 spiral staircases. In this episodes we go into the project, from design to fit out and talk about the challenges. If you haven’t already, head over to Joey’s Instagram page to see the pictures.

Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/

Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/

Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

71. Straw Marquetry ft Arthur Seigneur

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

In this episode we meet our first Parisian, although he currently lives in Sydney. Arthur Seigneur is a world renowned furniture maker, specialising in the art of straw marquetry. It’s a woodworking technique whereby straw is veneered to a substrate, and the straw can be dyed before being applied. It’s a fascinating process, this episode is an eye opener for sure.

Arthur Seigneur: https://www.instagram.com/arthurseigneur/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

70. Finding Australia's Best Recycled Timber - ft Andy Mineur

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

In this episode we meet Andy Mineur, the owner of Urban Salvage in Melbourne. He’s an incredibly passionate timber merchant, specialising in recycled products. We go through the process of salvaging wood from demolished houses in and around Victoria, and some of the challenges facing the upcycling industry.

Urban Salvage: https://www.instagram.com/p/CG8qNrHFDeN/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

69. A Lot Can Change In A Month

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

It’s been just over a month since our last episode and we’re here to tell you why. We also get into Joey’s curved staircase, a behemoth of a project. It’s had some client challenges, as well as the practicality issues of building 2 staircases in a woodworking workshop. It’s good to be back after a short break.

Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/

Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/

Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

68. Working With Ancient Redgum

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

Tonight we’re talking to an award winning craftsman from Melbourne. He specialises in eucalypts, creating some amazing pieces from ancient red gum that was around during the last ice age. Welcome to the show, Damien Wright.

Damien Wright: https://www.instagram.com/damienwrightstudios/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

67. Light Is Something You Subconsciously Get Affected By ft Duncan Meerding

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

Tonight’s guest is another woodworker from Tasmanian, and his focus is on furniture and lighting. And while that’s a particular specialty that we haven’t had on the show before, he’s also the first legally blind woodworker we’ve spoken to. His awards list is pretty impressive and his pieces are on display around the world. It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Duncan Meerding to the show. 

Duncan Meerding: https://www.instagram.com/duncanmeerding

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

66. Can't Believe We're Talking About This Again!

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

Well here we are again, talking about COVID-19. Unfortunately the coronavirus pandemic has hit New Zealand and Australia for a second time and it’s affecting us all very differently. Bryan’s working from home, Joey can’t get on site, and Robin’s waiting for it to hit Queensland any day now.

In this episode we talk about our current situation and what we working on.

Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/

Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/

Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

65. Sometimes It's More About Theatre Than Furniture Making ft Laura McCusker

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

This week we had a chat with Laura McCusker from Tasmania. She’s been making furniture, officially, since 1996, and has piled on the awards in that time. She’s worked on some amazing pieces that are still being sought after today. We go into some of her history, her techniques, and what it’s like being a wood worker in Tasmania.

Laura McCusker: https://www.instagram.com/theladyinthewhiteute

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

64. Should Ethics Influence Profit Margins?

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

It’s just the 3 of us this week, talking about whatever came to mind. That included another horror client for Joey and a recent controversy surrounding a well-known maker. We ask the question; should ethics impact what you’re charging a client? If the client’s willing to pay more than your perception of the value, are you at fault for making that extra money?

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

63. The Life Of A Propmaker - ft Nick Pledge

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

This week we spoke to a propmaker from Melbourne, the one and only Nick Pledge. He’s THE guy in Australia when it comes to props, and he’s worked on some high profile films because of it; Ghost Rider, Where The Wild Things Are, and The Pacific, to name a few. He’s also worked with a number of large brands, and in this episode he talks us through what it means to be a propmaker and how these large projects work.

Nick Pledge: https://www.instagram.com/nickpledgepropmaker/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

62. How To Set Fire To A CNC Machine ft Jem Freeman (Like Butter)

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

Jem is a pretty rad guy. He’s one half of Like Butter, a design and fabrication operation in Melbourne, Victoria. They make a range of products, mostly focussing on CNC work. We had a chat to Jem about how the business grew and how they’ve managed to innovate in their space to become industry leaders. He also once set fire to a CNC machine.

Like Butter: https://www.instagram.com/likebuttermelbourne/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

61. What We're Working On

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

It’s been a long time since we talked about our current projects. Joey’s back in the swing of things with some interesting new jobs, Bryan’s just finished a chest of drawers, and Robin’s sitting at his new round dining table. We go through some of the hurdles and successes.

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

60. We Need To Be Making Heirlooms ft Aidan Mackinnon (Cut Throat Knives)

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

We have out first knife maker on the show, Aidan from Cut Throat Knives, based in Melbourne. The knives coming out of his workshop are nothing short of spectacular and he has some amazing thoughts on the making process and our role as craftsman.

Check out Cut Throat Knives: https://www.cutthroatknives.com.au/story

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

59. Everyone Needs A Friend In The Shop - ft Audi & Ivy (Siosi)

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

Today we talk to Audi and Ivy, 2 incredibly talented makers from Indiana in the US. They share their story of how they grew from a needs must environment, where everything was learned on the fly for a particular task, to now running a successful business creating high-end furniture.

Check out their Instagram feed for more of their amazing pieces.

Siosi Design: https://www.instagram.com/siosidesign/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

58. A Roundy Stripey Zebra Table

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

With the COVID-19 pandemic losing steam in many parts of the world, Australia and New Zealand included, Joey and Bryan are heading back to their workshops. This week we discuss what the next few months might look like. We also talk about an interesting table design that Robin’s working on. It started as a specific idea but got reworked into the very odd design it is today.

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

57. The Windsor Chair Maker Himself ft Bern Chandley

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

Today we have another guest on the show, this time a local chair maker from Melbourne, best known for his windsor chairs. He uses both modern and traditional techniques, something I’m looking forward to going deeper into, and I think above all he’s incredibly well known in the woodworking circles of Australia. Say hello to Bern Chandley. 

Bern’s website: https://www.bernchandleyfurniture.com/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

56. When You Put An Airbus On Your Amex - ft Neil Ferrier (Discommon)

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

It’s not everyday we get to talk to someone with such an adventurous past so we jumped at the opportunity to have Neil Ferrier tell his story. His business, Discommon, is a leader in the design game and has worked with some major, high profile clients.

Neil studied mechanical engineering in Glasgow then moved to the US to continue his studies. There he graduated and got a job working in Advanced Product Development for Oakley in California. Whilst working at Oakley, he started Discommon as his side-hustle, to test his design and production skills on everything from CNC-milled whiskey lowballs and flasks to furniture, wall art, bespoke watches, leather goods and is now pivoting his business to produce protective face masks in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Neil’s website (Discommon): http://www.discommon.com/

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/

55. I Guess It's Time We Talk About This

Welcome to season 2 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).

By now we’re all aware of the coronavirus outbreak and the devastating affect it’s having on people’s lives. Up until now we’ve steered clear of the topic because it hasn’t impacted us enough to warrant our thoughts. But that all changed this week when Joey announced his business is officially in crisis after the recent lock down in New Zealand. And while this is only one example, it’s just a matter of time before COVID-19 changes how we all interact with local businesses.

In this special episode we discuss the future of woodworking in this climate and how small business will look on the other side of this pandemic.

It’s not all doom and gloom though, we also celebrate Bryan’s first child, born earlier this week.

Robin Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TIGDEkNJzdYCZUKJFtmxQ

Joey Chalk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwkFVvmhR6JmDgdWkio2kA

Bryan Cush: https://www.sawdustbureau.com/