S1E3 - “Wood Moves… and So Do We”

Host: Steven Ricks

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Length: ~33 minutes

Listen in as Steven explores the ever-shifting world of wood movement—what causes it, how to plan for it, and how it’s more than just a technical detail. From humid summers in Wisconsin to blown-apart breadboard joints in Texas, this episode blends woodworking wisdom with a bit of lived humility.

🪚 What You’ll Learn:

• Why wood moves (hint: it’s not just a tree being difficult).
• Practical tips for:
• Acclimating lumber to your shop
• Managing moisture during milling
• Designing with seasonal expansion in mind
• The surprising physics of “a bundle of straws”
• Real-world examples: from Juniper firewood to Hickory heartbreaks

🔧 Tools & Tips Mentioned:

• Unifi by Ubiquiti video camera system: Ubiquiti’s UniFi product line
• USDA Wood Handbook — the go-to guide for movement values by species
• 📘 Download the PDF here
• By Hand & Eye by George R. Walker and Jim Tolpin
• 🛒 Available from Lost Art Press

🪑 Segment Highlights:

• Bench Notes – Upgrades at The Joinery: video monitoring, facial-recognition door locks, and mentoring moments.
• The Craft – A deep dive on how, why, and when wood moves—and what that means for your projects.
• Maker’s Moment – Steven shares the story of his beloved (and betrayed) hickory blanket chest.
• Ask the Joiner – A question from listener Steve on how to approach proportions in furniture design, with a sneak peek into future episodes on the topic.

📬 Have a Question?

Send your woodworking quandaries to: [e-mail]

Steven might answer it on a future episode!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review—it helps us grow this community of curious, confident woodworkers.

Until next time: keep making and keep discovering what you’re made of.