Episodes

Dec 14

Our 100th episode and our last. Esther and James recall the journey and talk about what the future holds for the Boatswain's Call Woodworking brand. Send us a text Support the show

Dec 6

James and the girls talk about going "barking mad" and fixing common mistakes in the woodshop. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 29

This week, Esther and James talk about cold weather and the woodshop. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 22

James, Esther, and a plus one are here to talk about glue. We also have the phrase "in a sticky situation" to dig into. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 15

Esther and James talk about "overhauling" furniture in this episode. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 9

This week, Esther and James have an important announcement. They also talk about sales in the small woodworking world. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 1

Happy Halloween! Esther and James talk about whatever the future holidays have in store. Send us a text Support the show

Oct 25

This week, my neighbor Seamus joins me to talk about his livelihood, sales. In this first episode on sales, we talk about turning your sawdust-making ambition into dollars. In this first segment, we talk about starting out with the first steps. Turning your shop talent into marketable products that sell. Oh, and we also dig into the term "Selling Snake Oil", enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Oct 18

This week, James and Esther talk about game design. Whether you want to make a new game from scratch, add a twist to an old game, or mix some known concepts into a new one, this is the episode for you. We also talk about the not-so-mysterious but thematic phrase "throw your hat in the ring". Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Oct 11

Halloween is just around the corner, and in this episode, James and Esther talk about some unique ideas to elevate your Halloween decorations. Send us a text Support the show

Oct 4

James and Esther talk about "going the extra mile", story sticks, and the current project - a mini basketball connect four game. Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Sep 27

Part three of the sharpening series. Send us a text Support the show

Sep 20

Part 2 of the sharpening series. Send us a text Support the show

Sep 13

This week, James and Esther do a deep dive into the world of sharpening. As Fall arrives and shops get busy, there is likely to be a little cleaning and space prep to include sharpening up tools. In this first part of a multi-part topic we start with some of the basics, including various sharpening methods and common mistakes. We also talk about the term "Sharp as a tack". Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Sep 6

Today James and Esther talk about gaming tables and have a phrase about the game being worth the candles used to light it. Send us a text Support the show

Aug 30

In this episode, the Captain and the Boatswain talk about Escape room puzzles and more about the Dautless project. Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Aug 23

This week, the Captain joins me again, and we talk about The Dauntless, escape room puzzles and more. Send us a text Support the show

Aug 16

This week, James and Esther talk about the word "POSH", wooden workout equipment, Woodshop etiquette, and the all-important woodshop med-kit. Send us a text Support the show

Aug 9

This week, we are talking about Wood and Water. How wood and water are used together and their relationship in every facet imaginable. We also get into the Term "Dead in the Water". Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Aug 2

This week, James and Esther talk about what came before drywall, the term "crackpot," and how to make canvas stretcher frames. Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Jul 26

This week, Esther and I discuss creating fake beams and pillars. We also talk about floating shelves, indirect lighting, shave horses, and the phrase "Jury-Rigged". Send us a text Support the show

Jul 19

This week, James and Esther talk about book binding, the process, and the tools involved. The term "Crocodile Tears" and its origin. Most of the tools are wooden and can be made in your shop. We also talk about cutting clean circles out of things and how to make wooden threads. Send us a text Support the show

Jul 12

This week Esther and I do a state of the podcast and talk about the phrase "work your salt". Send us a text Support the show

Jul 5

This week, James and Esther talk about lawn games. A list of 20 lawn games, familiar and new, along with directions, history, and fun facts. They also have the term "In the limelight" and its origin. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Jun 28

This week James and Esther talk about their current projects involving some woodworking adjacent skills. They talk about the origins of the term "the whole nine yards" offering up a cool tool. They also talk about drywall work and the tools you need versus the ones you can skip. Send us a text Support the show

Jun 21

This week we talk about pool tables and dartboards. We get into some details on how these games are made and where they evolved from. We also dig into the oragins of the term "Bullseye" and offer up a cool tool you may not have known about. Send us a text Support the show

Jun 14

This week James and Esther talk about the project graveyard and how to build momentum to get those forgotten projects done. There is also a cool tool and the phrase "The real McCoy" along with some current projects.. Send us a text Support the show

Jun 7

This week James and Esther talk about joints with a cool tool and the phrase "in the groove". Send us a text Support the show

May 24

This week Esther and James talk about trimwork, the phrase "saved by the bell", a cool tool, then bird houses and bat boxes. Send us a text Support the show

May 17

This week, we talke about scrap wood and whether hoarding it is a bad thing. Making chopsticks and quick boxes for gifts. We also talk about the term "Mad as a hatter". Send us a text Support the show

May 10

This week, Esther and James talk about the all-important sticky stuff, glue. How does it work? What different kinds are there? A cool tool and term are in there as always. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

May 3

This week, Esther and James talk about what tools would have been aboard ships of sail in their respective times. The term "Not enough room to swing a cat", quick and easy saw horses, and some of our recent projects. Send us a text Support the show

Apr 26

This week, Esther and James talk about Balsa and basswood. Their qualities and uses along with some interesting factoids. We also get into the phrase "Beyond the pale", its oragin and meaning. There are some cool tools and the largest historical ship gathering in the world. Send us a text Support the show

Apr 19

This week, James and Esther discuss wood bending in its various forms. The term "Reading the Riot Act" and the Shinto rasp is the cool tool of the week. Send us a text Support the show

Apr 12

This week we talk you through deep pour casting resin for things like River tables. A vacuum chamber is our cool tool in this episode and we have the term "Breaking the Mould". Thank you for listening, enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Apr 5

This week we have the phrase "cold shoulder", the froe is our cool tool. We are talking about how lumber is processed and how to impress with grain matching. Send us a text Support the show

Mar 29

No idea what this week's episode is about. We do have the term "winging it" a cool tool and talk about winging it. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Mar 22

This week, James and Ester discuss "spilling the beans," rust, shellack, and laser cleaning. There are fun facts and surprises, for Esther, in-store. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Mar 8

This week Esther and James talk about woodworking as it relates to gunsmithing. The cool tool is a ring cutter for your drill press. We also have the term "The writing is on the wall" and Esther takes a ship naming quiz. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Mar 1

This week Esther is here and we are talking about puzzle boxes and hidden things. This includes false bottoms, hidden drawers, and even secret passageways. we also talk about the GOAT modular multi tool and the term "by hook or by crook". Send us a text Support the show

Feb 22

Esther and I are alive again and back with some 3d printing for the woodshop. We also have a cool tool and the sailor term "Fair winds and following seas". Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Feb 9

This week Esther and I talked about woodworking in survival situations and our favorite survival show. We also have the term "sawbuck" and a cool tool for you. Send us a text Support the show

Feb 1

This week Esther and I talk about my totally healthy and not at all obsessive love of hammers. We also have a cool tool and the sailor term "Going at it hammer and tongues". Send us a text Support the show

Jan 25

Esther is on to ask me about Jigs. We also have a cool tool that will help keep your shop glue spill free. We also talk about the legend of "Nelson's Blood". Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Jan 18

This week the Captain joins me to talk about small things that take your projects from good to great. We also have the sailor term "Turn a Blind Eye" and a cool tool to help you see. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Jan 11

This week Esther and I make our predictions for woodworking in 2025. We also talk about the phrases and theories on the origins of Davy Jones. Send us a text Support the show

Jan 4

Hello, and Happy New Year! We are back in the new year with some wood terminology and some updates about the channel. I talk about what is on the bench and its challenges. I also get into a cool tool, the sailor term "Two Ships Passing in The Night". Send us a text Support the show

Dec 28, 2024

We made it! A full year of woodworking, sailor terms, guests, cool tools, beer tastings, and adventure. Esther and I wrap up a successful year of on-time podcasting and what next year may look like. We also have the sailor term "Chock-a-block" and its relation to the term "Chock full", and a cool tool. We look back on this year along our journey and what milestones we achieved. Thank you so much for listening. See you next year. Send us a text Support the show

Dec 28, 2024

This week this loggerhead is joined by his lovely wife Esther to talk about woodworking improvements to the home and furnishings. We also have the sailor term "At Loggerheads" and a cool tool. Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Dec 21, 2024

This week Esther and I talk about some interesting and possibly lesser-known tree products. I revel in the variety of tree species that seem designed to serve certain purposes. Then we talk about doomsday prepping and woodworking, so sharpen your hand tools and light a candle. There is a cool tool and then origin of the sailor term "Toe the line". Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Dec 14, 2024

This week Esther and I talk about the fiddly bits of wood weaving and inlay. There are more types of both than you thought. We also have a cool tool and the sailor term "take it down a peg". Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Dec 7, 2024

Esther joins me in the shop for a ship cook's tour of the space and the items in it. we also talk about a cool took for organizing your shop and the sailor term "Overhaul. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 30, 2024

This week Esther and I talk about experimental archeology from ships to castles. We have the sailor term taken aback and a cool tool for your lame batteries. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 23, 2024

The Boatswain travels to SE SD Rough Sawn Lumber in Lennox SD to interview owner Chris Dehaan. We talk about running a sawmill, kiln drying lumber, and his journey from garage startup to purveyor of exotic hardwoods, tools, and supplies. We also have the sailor term "Jury-Rigged" and a cool tool that will come in handy at the lumber yard. Enjoy. Check out SE SD Rought Sawn Lumber at: https://www.sesdroughsawnlumber.com/ Or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/755490547883723/ Send us a text Support the show

Nov 16, 2024

Esther joins me to talk about holiday projects, gifts, sellable items, and decorations. We have the sailor term "Square Meal" and a cool tool that will save you but. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Nov 9, 2024

Esther joins me to talk about some weird and interesting facts about woodworking. We also have a cool tool and the sailor term "Son of a Gun". Send us a text Support the show

Nov 2, 2024

This week my mother Robbin is in the studio and we are talking about Japanese Woodworking and woodworking tools. We also have a cool tool and the Sailor term "Hunky Dory" with some variations on its possible origins. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Oct 26, 2024

Here it is, the mysterious missing episode 25. The original was lost at sea but Mom is in town and sharing her knowledge about wood turning. We have the sailor term "Turn To" and a bonus phrase "Turn of Phrase". The cool tool today is a laser tape measure. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Oct 19, 2024

This week Dylan, owner of East to West Paint is here to talk about everything you never wanted to know about painting. We have a beer tasting, a cool tool, and the sailor term "Smart as Paint". (I see a theme forming) Enjoy! If you need something painted and are in the Sioux Falls area you can find Dylan at the following: East to West Painting (605) 360-3821 EasttoWestPaint.com Facebook.com/EasttoWestPaint Send us a text Support the show

Oct 12, 2024

This week we get into wood carving in all of its forms. We also have a cool carving tool and the sailor term "Pipe Down". Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Oct 5, 2024

THIS WEEK! Esther and I (James your host with the most) talk about dust management. We also have for you a cool tool related to dust management and the sailor term "took the wind out of my sails" and its variants. Wow what an episode, no need to thank us you are welcome. :P Send us a text Support the show

Sep 28, 2024

Halloween! and other holidays are right around the corner and it is time to decorate. If you have a workshop there are so many possibilities to wow and scare. Here are some of my best ideas for some spooky and festive decorations. Esther is with me and we have, as always, a sailor term and a cool tool for you. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Sep 21, 2024

Money! Making money with woodworking, and how! This week Esther and I talk about the tip 20 woodworking projects that will make you the most money for your time. We also have a cool tool and the sailor term "changing tack". Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Sep 14, 2024

Okay, off we go into the Renaissance area. Today Ester and I talk about a sailor term you have all used and its origins, along with a cool tool. Then we talk about the wooden wears you may find at the renaissance fair and some of the craftsmen there. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Sep 7, 2024

This week Esther and I talk about cutting irregular shapes, tools, and techniques. We have the sailor term “cut of your jib” and a cool tool. Enjoy. All Purpose Cutter Amazon UPC: 695501501103 Send us a text Support the show

Aug 31, 2024

Esther is with me to talk about all the awesome types of drill bits. Our cool tool is a very special type of drill bit. We introduce the sailor term "loose Cannon" and preview our next episode. Send us a text Support the show

Aug 24, 2024

Esther and I are reporting on our findings at the Sioux Falls Woodworking Expo! We also have a cool took and the sailor term "Learning the ropes". Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Aug 17, 2024

This is the fourth and final part of our wood finishing series. Esther banters with me about the sailor term "high and dry" and we have a cool tool. We have several tips and lists pitting the various finishes against each other and a choose your own adventure flow chart to help you choose the perfect finish. 1 Send us a text Support the show

Aug 10, 2024

Part 3 of our tour of wood finishes, a cool tool, and the sailor term "Above Board". This week Esther and I talk about wax-based finishes and some alternative finishes that don't easily fit into other categories. Send us a text Support the show

Aug 3, 2024

This week is part 2 of our wood finishing series and we are talking oil finishes and stains. Esther joins me for witty banter, a cool tool, and the sailor term "Cut and Run". Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Jul 27, 2024

This week we start a multi-part series on wood finishing. Esther is with me with a cool tool and the sailor term "Feeling blue". Stand fast for all you need to know about wood finish and how to choose the right one for your project. Send us a text Support the show

Jul 23, 2024

Episode 29 Take Two! Wow, just wow. This fallible mortal managed to upload episode 28 in 29's place. I am sure you all listened to the whole episode again because it was so good, but here is the genuine article. Esther joins me with the sailor term "The Bitter End", a cool tool. This week we talk about Kumiko Woodworking and leatherwork in your wood projects. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Jul 13, 2024

This week Esther reads listener questions, I talk about leaving clues for your future self, and the sailor term Red Herring. Keep those questions coming and let's get Kraken! Send us a text Support the show

Jul 6, 2024

This week Esther is with me talking about screams, nightmare bugs, a cool tool, the sailor term "Chewing the fat", and all things nerd woodworking project. Happy 4th of July and Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Jun 29, 2024

The Captain, The Rat, and Esther are in the studio this episode! Pay no attention to the out-of-order episode everything is fine. This week we have a cool tool, the saying "Dead as a Door Nail" origin, and we are talking about antiquing and flipping/repairing old furniture. Send us a text Support the show

Jun 22, 2024

This week we have a very special guest, my father the Captain. We are talking about cool tools, extra origin story content, CNC Woodworking, and the sailor term "Slush Fund". Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Jun 15, 2024

Put em in the closet with the Captain's Daughter! Well, that is our pirate term for the day and we have a cool tool for you. That is not all because today we had three guests in the studio talking about woodworking as a family activity. We also have some fun round table Q and A. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Jun 8, 2024

Cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey. Hopefully, that describes a tasty frozen treat and not the weather for you. Today we are talking cool tools related to shop patience and some things to keep your shop running like a top. I am Han Solo today talking about everything from sharpening to rust prevention. Let's Get Kraken! Send us a text Support the show

Jun 1, 2024

It's a Birthday Q & A episode featuring the lovely Esther, a cool tiny tool, and the sailor term True Colors. Send us a text Support the show

May 25, 2024

Episode 20! Wow, here it is! That's right we made it to episode 20 and boy do we have an episode for you. Esther and I are here to tell you about dog projects, garage sale tactics, and display pieces. we also have a cool tool and the sailor term "down the hatch". Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

May 18, 2024

Floating tenons, the sailor term "Ship Shape", and a cool tool that will protect your ears and keep you jamming. Esther joins us again and there are a few announcements for out listeners. Send us a text Support the show

May 10, 2024

This week Esther joins me to talk about woodworking projects for kids and by kids. Making unique and mentally stimulating toys for kids and helping them with projects of their own. As always we have a cool tool and sailor term for you. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

May 3, 2024

Bruce joins me again for some banter about how being a hobby woodworker makes you a better homeowner/tenant. We are also talking about "lasers" and how they can elevate your woodworking projects. as always we have a sailor term and a cool tool for you as well. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Apr 26, 2024

Today Esther joins me to talk about DIY woodworking gifts and projects to sell online or at your local craft fair. As always we have a cool tool and a Pirate/Sailor term for you. Enjoy Send us a text Support the show

Apr 19, 2024

Today we are talking about bushcraft carpentry projects and some tools for your bag. I am joined by Esther and we have for you a cool tool and the sailor term "land Legs". If you are ready for camping and want a challenge stay tuned. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Apr 12, 2024

Table saws dominate the shop and this show. Accessories, features, and jigs. As always a sailor term and cool tool and Esther Joins to pick my brain on the king of the shop. Send us a text Support the show

Apr 5, 2024

Esther Joins me for banter about shop organization on paper, things that are bad luck on a ship, and leatherwork to enhance your woodworking. We also have a cool tool and sailor word as always, enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Mar 29, 2024

Esther is in the studio again as we walk through the centuries with all the different woodworking styles. As always we have a cool tool and a sailor word for you to enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Mar 22, 2024

Belay that and stand fast! Bruce is in the studio today to talk about his experience managing a small hardware store and as a jack-of-all-trades handyman at a Christian camp. We have a cool tool and sailor term, as usual, and are talking fasteners and hardware to go with your woodworking. Enjoy! Send us a text Support the show

Mar 15, 2024

Avast! This week's episode is Woodworking Challenges: Overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries. Esther joins me with a cool gadget tool, The sailor term "Avast", and I'll talk about the humador project on my bench currently. The PHC s7: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010GFKEZY?language=en_US Send us a text Support the show

Mar 8, 2024

Esther joins me today talking about working solo in the show and early spring projects. We also crack a cold beer, introduce a cool tool, and talk about the sailor term "no quarter". Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Mar 1, 2024

Esther joins me again for another episode where we explore how woodworking and flamethrowers keep your brain healthy. Send us a text Support the show

Feb 23, 2024

Avast! For those of us who have only a small space to work in, this is the episode for you. Starting out and fitting tools and projects in a small borrowed garage or apartment can be a challenge. Today Justin and I discuss a cool tool, tasty beer, what is on our respective benches, and how to start small in woodworking. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Feb 17, 2024

Today we have Esther as a guest once again, a cool tool, a sailor term. Also Woodworking mistakes and how to avoid and/or fix them. Finishing with a top ten list of beginner projects for the woodshop that will teach you skills. Send us a text Support the show

Feb 9, 2024

Justin joins the show once again for a great episode covering what tools to consider when starting into woodworking. we also have a cool tool, beer tasting, sailor lingo, and more. Send us a text Support the show

Feb 2, 2024

My wife Esther joins me for an episode about shop organization solutions, what it is like to be married to a woodworker, the sailing term "by and large", and a new take on a stapler that you will have to have for our cool tool of the episode. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show

Jan 26, 2024

Exploring the magical stages of woodworking that make the whole process worth while. also a cool tool, pirate lingo, and friend of the show Justin. Send us a text Support the show

Jan 18, 2024

This week everything router related including a sailor term and a cool tool. Send us a text Support the show

Jan 10, 2024

Choosing hand planes and using them to achieve a silky smooth finish. Send us a text Support the show

Jan 4, 2024

In this episode, I sit down with Justin, a friend of the show and a novice woodworker. We talk about our beer pick for the episode, carpenter's tape, the origins of the show, and a little background on me, your host. Welcome aboard. Send us a text Support the show