The Scrap Pile

Nick

Woodworking isn’t always relaxing.Running a maker business isn’t always glamorous.And creativity doesn’t always come easy. The Scrap Pile is a podcast about the messy side of building things — custom orders, burnout, tools, business, YouTube, side hustles, and the pursuit of making a living doing what you love. Hosted by Nick from Rocky River Woodworks. Woodworking talk. Real stories. No perfect cuts.

  1. 3d ago

    Why Woodworkers Can't Throw ANYTHING Away

    Send us Fan Mail Why is it that woodworkers can't throw ANYTHING away?! A tiny piece of walnut? Keep it. A random screw? Might need it. A broken tool that's been sitting in the shop for six years? I'll fix it someday! If you're a woodworker, chances are you've got a scrap wood collection that's gotten a little out of control. And somehow, no matter how much lumber, hardware, or random junk we accumulate, we always convince ourselves we might need it someday. In this episode of The Scrap Pile, we're talking about why woodworkers hoard everything! From overflowing scrap bins and lumber collections to random hardware, unused tools, and workshops that have slowly turned into storage units. We'll talk about why it's so difficult to throw away perfectly good wood, when saving scraps becomes a problem, and whether it's finally time to clean out the shop. And let's be realistic... we're probably keeping most of it anyway. LET'S HEAR IT: What's the most ridiculous thing you've kept in your workshop because you *might need it someday*? A tiny piece of exotic hardwood? A broken tool? A bucket of mystery screws? Tell me in the comments! 🪵 ABOUT THE SCRAP PILE The Scrap Pile is a woodworking podcast from Rocky River Woodworks where we talk about the side of woodworking that doesn't always make it into the project videos. Tools, shop life, woodworking businesses, mistakes, opinions, and everything in between. Woodworking talk. Real stories. No perfect cuts. 🌐 Visit Rocky River Woodworks: https://rockyriverwoodworks.com Subscribe for more woodworking discussions, shop stories, and honest opinions! #Woodworking #TheScrapPile #RockyRiverWoodworks #WoodworkingPodcast #ScrapWood

  2. Oct 31

    10 Woodworking Trends That Need to GO

    Send us Fan Mail Woodworking has its fair share of trends, and some of them have gotten a little out of hand! From epoxy river tables and live-edge everything to expensive tools, overcomplicated jigs, picture-perfect workshops, and overly cinematic YouTube videos, there are a few woodworking trends I'm getting tired of seeing. In this episode of **The Scrap Pile**, I'm talking about 10 woodworking trends that I think have either run their course or become completely overrated. We'll discuss how woodworking has changed, why some trends become so popular, and whether we're spending more time buying tools and following trends than actually building things. And don't worry, it's not all complaining. I'll also share a few woodworking trends I actually think are good for the hobby. Whether you're a beginner woodworker, hobbyist, or experienced maker, I'm sure you'll have an opinion on at least a few of these! LET'S HEAR IT: What's one woodworking trend you're absolutely sick of seeing? And what's one you actually like? Let me know in the comments! 🪵 ABOUT THE SCRAP PILE The Scrap Pile is a woodworking podcast from Rocky River Woodworks where we talk about the side of woodworking that doesn't always make it into the project videos. Tools, shop life, woodworking businesses, mistakes, opinions, and everything in between. Woodworking talk. Real stories. No perfect cuts. 🌐 Visit Rocky River Woodworks: https://rockyriverwoodworks.com Subscribe for more woodworking discussions, shop stories, and honest opinions! #Woodworking #TheScrapPile #RockyRiverWoodworks #WoodworkingPodcast #WoodworkingTrends

  3. Oct 10

    Woodworking YouTube Isn't What It Used to Be

    Send us Fan Mail Woodworking YouTube has changed a LOT over the years. What used to be a place to learn new techniques, discover projects, and pick up tips from fellow woodworkers has evolved into something much bigger. But has it changed for the better? In this episode of The Scrap Pile, I'm talking about how woodworking content has evolved, from simple instructional videos filmed in garages to highly produced videos featuring massive workshops, expensive tools, and elaborate projects. We get into the rise of cinematic woodworking videos, sponsorships, CNC machines, YouTube Shorts, and the pressure creators face to constantly produce bigger and better content. I also share how these changes have affected my own YouTube journey with Rocky River Woodworks, why I've started rethinking the kind of content I create, and why I believe there's still a place for simple projects, practical advice, and honest conversations about woodworking. In this episode: How woodworking YouTube has changed over the yearsAre woodworking videos becoming more about entertainment than education?The influence of expensive tools and dream workshopsHow sponsorships and social media affect woodworking creatorsCNC machines, automation, and modern woodworkingWhy bigger projects don't always make better videosWhat I miss about old-school woodworking YouTubeWhere I think woodworking content is headed nextJoin the conversation: What do you miss about the old days of woodworking YouTube? And what do you think is better today? Leave a comment and let me know! The Scrap Pile is a woodworking podcast from Rocky River Woodworks, featuring honest conversations about woodworking, tools, business, creativity, and everything that happens along the way. Rocky River Woodworks: https://rockyriverwoodworks.com

About

Woodworking isn’t always relaxing.Running a maker business isn’t always glamorous.And creativity doesn’t always come easy. The Scrap Pile is a podcast about the messy side of building things — custom orders, burnout, tools, business, YouTube, side hustles, and the pursuit of making a living doing what you love. Hosted by Nick from Rocky River Woodworks. Woodworking talk. Real stories. No perfect cuts.