Welcome to the woodworking podcast that feels like home. Rich Murphy brings his 50 years of woodworking expertise to the mic, sharing wisdom, stories, and practical advice to help you build projects with confidence and joy.
Some of the best tools in my shop cost less than a takeout lunch. In this episode, I talk about cheap but essential woodworking tools that are often overlooked—but make your work smoother, cleaner, a…
Some tools you can buy cheap. Others? You’ll regret it later. In this episode, I go over the woodworking tools that are worth spending more on, even if you’re just getting started. If you want to set…
Some cheap tools are fine. Others will ruin your project—or worse. In this episode, I go over the woodworking tools you should avoid buying on the cheap, and why spending a little more up front can s…
Miter saw or table saw? It’s one of the most common questions I hear—and the answer depends on the kind of work you love to do. In this episode, I share how each saw handles cuts, the pros and cons o…
No, it’s not made of apples—but ApplePly is one of my favorite types of plywood to work with. In this episode, I break down what ApplePly actually is, how it compares to standard plywood, and why I k…
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…
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 matte…
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 c…
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 t…
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…
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 …
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 kno…
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 rig…
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 …
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 ep…
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 real…
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…
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 …
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 underva…
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…