Whatcha Makin' Show

In this episode of What You're Making, Alex Duffey of Duffey Woodcraft and Alex Adams of Type-A Furniture dive deep into the world of woodworking finishes—how to choose the right one, the science behind how they cure, and why you might actually be eating bug poop with your favorite candy.In This Episode:The Legend of Johnny Appleseed: Celebrating Johnny Appleseed Day (March 11th) with the strange history of hard cider and a 180-year-old tree in Ohio that refused to die even after two lightning strikes.What’s on the Bench:Alex Duffey talks about a massive rush order of acrylic sock forms for Columbia Footwear and his latest obsession: building an emergency Mesh communication network for the Pacific Northwest.Alex Adams details the painstaking process of domino alignment for a walnut table and his "unpopular opinion" on why he doesn't lend out tools.Shop Talk & Fails: From 4.1 magnitude earthquakes in Nebraska to shattering antennas and getting "hit in the groin" with apples during a double date, the guys share the messy reality of maker life.Main Topic: Choosing the Right Finish: * Durability vs. Aesthetics: How to balance the "look" of the wood with the lifestyle of the client.The Big Three: A breakdown of Oils (Hard Wax, Tongue Oil), Film Finishes (Lacquer, Polyurethane), and the universal binder, Shellac.The "M&M" Secret: Why Shellac is actually a bug byproduct and how it keeps your chocolate from melting in your hand.The Nuclear Option: When and why to use Tabletop Epoxy (and why Alex Duffey is using it for a tattoo shop coffee table).

This week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams are joined by the multi-talented Jeremy Hilliard of Ten10 Woodworxs and host of the Against the Grain podcast! Jeremy shares his journey from running a print shop to building a successful maker business specializing in custom foam inserts and high-end epoxy signage. We dive deep into the world of advertising for small businesses—discussing the difference between marketing and advertising, the effectiveness of direct mail and local networking, and how to represent your brand through custom banners and vehicle decals.The trio also catches up on their latest bench projects. Alex Duffey recaps his successful run at BrewFest, selling out of his new dice games, and his recent transition into the world of Meshtastic off-grid radios. Alex Adams shares a "science fair" update on testing 3D print filament strength with his son and the nerve-wracking process of pushing a BB gun buttstock through his bandsaw.In "Whatcha Watchin'," the hosts highlight incredible community work, including Happy Life Wood’s mind-bending wooden sneaker sculptures, a functional sculptural decanter by Mahad Art, and the playful marquetry of RP Basilio.Whether you're looking to refine your customer "persona" or just want to hear about the "CNC vasectomy" challenge, this episode is packed with business insights and plenty of maker humor!

This week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome the "secret third host" of the show, Patrick Gensel from Crafted with Machines! The trio dives into the often-expensive world of tool purchase regrets. From the proprietary ecosystem of the Glowforge to the surprising realization that a track saw isn't for everyone, the hosts get honest about the machines that mostly just collect dust in their shops. They discuss how targeted social media marketing can lead to "buyer’s remorse" and the importance of researching an ecosystem before committing.The guys also share their current shop updates: Alex Duffey recaps his successful Sasquatch Fest prep using ColorCore HDPE and his seamless transition to the Bambu Lab 3D printer. Patrick details his new Thunder Aurora Light fiber laser and a clever desktop focus timer built with an Arduino, while Alex Adams continues his marathon walnut dining table build, dealing with the frustration of a track saw that fell out of 90-degree calibration.In "Whatcha Watchin'," we highlight some incredible community talent, including Happy Life Wood's wooden sneaker sculptures, Night Carver Designs' ice-carving eulogy, and a "last of us" inspired marquetry piece by Albert A. Klein.Whether you're looking to avoid your next bad tool purchase or just want to hear about Alex's "midlife crisis" ear piercings, this episode is packed with hard-earned maker wisdom!

SummaryIn this episode, hosts Alex Duffey and Alex Adams discuss their recent experiences in woodworking, including challenges faced in the shop, the importance of finding one's style, and the impact of market experiences on their craft. They share insights on epoxy projects, CNC technology, and upcoming events for makers. The conversation emphasizes the value of experimentation, community engagement, and the journey of personal growth in the woodworking field.

This week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome special guest Thomas from Thomas Custom Woodworks! Thomas, a former PE teacher turned viral woodworking creator, joins the show to discuss the art of the shop project. Operating out of a 198-square-foot garage bay, Thomas has mastered the niche of designing space-saving workshop furniture like flip-top tool carts and folding workbenches. He gives us a deep dive into his upcoming digital course, "Master Your Power Tools," designed to help beginners calibrate and safely operate the seven most common shop tools.The hosts recap their own busy weeks in the shop: Alex Duffey celebrates his "Lego January" break while successfully transitioning to a Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer and prepping for Sasquatch Fest. Alex Adams shares a marathon update on his 11-foot walnut dining table, detailing the "Jenga-like" process of milling boards around hidden nails and iron staining. He also wraps up a massive corporate order of cherry serving trays and turned barbecue handles.In "Whatcha Watchin'," the crew highlights mind-blowing work from the community, including Happy Life Wood's incredible wooden Solomon shoes, a Lord of the Rings popup book by Lyman Jeffrey, and a custom 3D-printed vintage radio designed for dementia patients.Tune in for a wealth of knowledge on shop layout, the benefits of digital plans.

In this episode of Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams pull back the curtain on one of the most stressful aspects of running a maker business: quoting custom projects. Alex Duffey shares his hard-and-fast formula for pricing (Material Cost x 1.3 for wear + Shop Rate x 2 for profit), while Alex Adams discusses his more exploratory approach, involving detailed client interviews, sketching, and the "all-upfront" payment model to weed out non-serious leads. They also dive into the infamous "F-Off price"—when to use it and why you should never lower your rates just to "get the job."The hosts also catch up on their current "bench" status. Alex Duffey is prepping for Sasquatch Fest using ColorCore HDPE for the first time to create unique caution signs and catchall trays. He also details his foray into resin casting with silicone molds for his UFO lamps. Alex Adams is deep into holiday serving tray production, dealing with dull helical head jointer blades, and navigating the logistical nightmare of milling 11-foot-long sentimental walnut boards filled with hidden nails.In "Whatcha Watchin'," the duo highlights incredible work from the community, including a Lord of the Rings popup book by Lyman Jeffrey and a high-stakes table restoration video by Johnny Builds. Plus, a science-nerd tangent on the Northern Lights and solar flares!

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome the talented Winnie from Standish WoodStory! Joining us from Ontario, Canada, Winnie shares her journey of building a thriving YouTube channel and business by creating accessible, step-by-step woodworking plans for the "weekend warrior." We dive deep into the business of digital products—how to design plans in Fusion 360, the effort required to document a build (spoiler: it's a lot!), and how Winnie uses free plans and newsletters to grow her audience.The trio also discusses their latest shop updates and "new year resets." Alex Duffey recaps his transition to Bambu Lab 3D printing (and the mysterious disappearance of his delivery driver), while Winnie shares tips on shop maintenance, including how she finally fixed her stubborn Laguna bandsaw foot pedal. Alex Adams provides an update on his massive 11-foot walnut dining table project, including the high-stakes task of digging buried nails out of sentimental lumber.In "Whatcha Watchin'," the hosts spotlight incredible projects from the community, including a vintage-style radio for dementia patients, a 3D-printed Hangman book game, and a hyper-realistic fossilized-look tackle box. Whether you're looking to start selling your own plans or just want to hear about "Lego January," this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice!Tags#WhatchaMakin #StandishWoodStory #WoodworkingPlans #DigitalProducts #YouTubeWoodworking #BambuLab #3DPrinting #ShopMaintenance #CNC #MakerCommunity #FurnitureDesign #Fusion360 #LumberSourcing #WorkshopOrganization #WoodworkingPodcast #DIYBusinessSupport the show

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome the "Wonder Woman" of woodworking, Yesi from Knock on Wood Florida! A former attorney who traded the courtroom for the workshop, Yesi shares her explosive growth in the maker community and her unique niche in creating knockdown furniture. We dive deep into the business of mobile bars—how she transitioned from a hobbyist to a pro, the logistics of shipping large units across the US, and her process for designing high-end, functional retail displays that can be assembled in minutes.The trio also catches up on their current "bench" status. Alex Duffey recaps his Lego January tradition and his upcoming burley maple guitar build, while Alex Adams details his simulated live-edge serving trays and his latest adventures in 3D printing battle bots with his son. In the "Whatcha Breakin'" segment, they cover everything from snapped Kreg pocket hole bits to 3D printer bed adhesion woes and frozen dehumidifiers.In "Whatcha Watchin'," we shout out some incredible makers, including the hand-carved robots of Sawdust Imagery, the hyper-realistic embroidery of Embroidery by Nusik, and a hilarious influencer parody by Woodwind LLC.Whether you're looking to scale your furniture business or just want to hear how Gumby became a shop companion, this episode is packed with practical business advice and shop humor!Tags#WhatchaMakin #KnockOnWoodFlorida #MobileBars #KnockdownFurniture #WoodworkingBusiness #3DPrinting #CNC #MakerCommunity #BambuLab #Makita #Vetric #ShopOrganization #LegoJanuary #SmallBusinessTips #CustomFurniture #Intarsia #WoodworkingPodcastSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to the first episode of 2026! Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive deep into the world of content creation for makers. Whether you are a "beginner" filming on an old iPhone or an "intermediate" creator investing in lighting and specialized gear like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, this episode breaks down how to get started and refine your style. The hosts discuss the importance of "frictionless" filming, the power of good audio, and how even mundane shop tasks like flattening a router sled can go viral with the right camera angles.In the shop, the guys are shaking off the holiday rush. Alex Duffey recaps his factory tour at Next Wave CNC in Ohio (and a legendary "punch bucket" incident), while Alex Adams is deep into milling a massive walnut dining table and troubleshooting 3D printer bed adhesion issues caused by the winter cold. Plus, the duo talks about their current "Lego January" tradition and the launch of a new CNC coaching community with Andy Bird. #WhatchaMakin #ContentCreation #MakerCommunity #WoodworkingPodcast #3DPrinting #CNC #NextWaveCNC #YouTubeForMakers #ShopOrganization #LegoJanuary #BambuLab #MakerBusiness #VideoProduction #Vetric #DigitalMarketing #DIYContent Support the show

Send us a textIn the final episode of 2025, Alex Duffey and Alex Adams take a trip down memory lane to recap a massive year in the maker community. Alex Duffey shares his experience visiting the Next Wave CNC headquarters, offering a sneak peek into his factory tour and a major upcoming announcement. Meanwhile, Alex Adams detail his "ordeal" of milling a massive walnut tree and the meticulous process of removing buried nails to save his blades.The hosts dive into their Best and Worst of 2025, covering everything from the triumph of the 27 church pews project and the redesign of the light-up UFOs to the disappointment of overproduced items like wooden notebooks and cheese knives. They also look ahead to 2026, setting ambitious goals for YouTube content, expanding retail partnerships, and making the pilgrimage to Maker Camp.The episode wraps up with a huge thank you to the patrons who have supported the show's first year and a look at upcoming events, including the 2026 CNC Summit and Papa Chad’s spring event.Support the show

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams talk theatrical sets and props with special guest Danny Van Meter of Upper Room Creations! Danny, a retired firefighter and experienced prop master, shares how he got into the unique business of building and renting out set pieces for local schools and community theaters. He gives insight into the logistics of creating custom items like the Cinderella carriage, dealing with storage for large, bulky props, and the revenue model of renting versus selling show-specific items.The hosts also catch up on their week: Alex Duffey is in the final stage of his shop rebuild, installing faux wood paneling on the walls, and is officially done with his holiday markets, being down 20% year-over-year but up 7% in transactions (selling out of D&D boxes and pocket cribbage boards). Alex Adams has been upgrading his 3D printing setup with a filament dryer and new PETG filament for outdoor projects.In "Whatcha Watchin'," they spotlight fellow makers making awesome creations, including a walnut and ash river hutch, a stop-motion Gumby interview, and a terrifyingly realistic dead mouse stuck in epoxy (with hilarious community responses).Tune in for a fascinating look at a specialized niche of woodworking, tips on liability and pricing in the rental market, and a reminder about the Woodworkers with Disabilities fundraiser.Support the show

Send us a textOn episode 25 of Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams tackle a core topic for any woodworker: the pros and cons of sourcing wood rough versus pre-milled (S2S, S3S, S4S). Alex Adams explains his preference for rough lumber due to the flexibility and cost savings when dealing with thicker slabs and figured woods, noting that processing rough stock is necessary to access larger and more unique material.Alex Duffey discusses his transition to buying milled lumber for production runs on his CNC, valuing the efficiency and time savings. The hosts share crucial advice for buying any type of wood, emphasizing the importance of asking sellers about drying methods (kiln vs. air-dried), being wary of movement and warping when buying pre-milled stock, and letting new lumber acclimate in your shop for at least a week before cutting.The hosts also catch up on their busy week: Alex Duffey is in the final stages of his shop upgrade, assembling a new mobile bench, and a successful but slower holiday market weekend. Alex Adams is troubleshooting PETG bed adhesion issues due to winter temperatures and is focused on building up stock of popular 3D prints for upcoming charity donations and holiday markets.Tune in for tips on setting up a lumber sourcing database, best practices for dealing with wood moisture, and how to be a "small cookie" when visiting professional lumberyards.Support the show

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome special guest Jessie from Building Jessie for a deep dive into home renovation! Jessie, a co-host of Sawdust Talk and experienced renovator, shares her advice on tackling DIY home projects, stressing the importance of knowing when to call a professional for structural, plumbing, or electrical work. She offers insight on simplifying large projects, overcoming the challenge of tedious tasks like drywall, and utilizing resources like YouTube University and knowledgeable friends.The hosts share their busy week: Alex Duffey is deep into his third annual shop tear-down and rebuild, installing faux wood flooring on his walls for a better video backdrop and getting a rush custom order for Columbia Footwear templates. Alex Adams is fighting cat pee damage on his hardwood floors with a hydrogen peroxide concoction, troubleshooting his 3D printer's AMS unit, and preparing for his local holiday market with 3D-printed ornaments.In "Whatcha Watchin'," they spotlight fellow makers doing incredible work, including Albert A. Klein's masterful marquetry, Gepetto and A Weezy's epoxy-coated Pokemon card guitar, and the epic reel of Slab Shucker finding a whole dead mouse in his epoxy pour.Tune in for practical renovation wisdom, shop insights, and a reminder that 290,000 Americans visit the ER annually from DIY projects—so wear your PPE!Support the show

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams delve into the massive undertaking of shop layout transformation! Alex Duffey details the organized chaos of tearing down his old workbench and implementing the fourth layout of his garage shop to maximize space and efficiency. He explains his decision to move his lathe into storage, prep his CNC for a movable base, and ultimately plan for a two-CNC production and content system.Alex Adams shares his own journey of reclaiming his workspace and discusses the principles of shop flow, using height for storage, and the necessity of discarding unused tools to avoid "hoarding."The hosts also catch up on their week: Alex Duffey gives a detailed recap of his record-breaking holiday market (despite being down year-over-year) and shares his bestsellers (D&D dice boxes and pocket cribbage boards) versus his slow movers (coffee scoops and bookmarks). Alex Adams finishes restoring an antique table leg, overcoming drilling and veneer challenges, and deals with a faulty dehumidifier and cat pee damage to his hardwood floors.In "Whatcha Watchin'," they spotlight fellow makers creating incredible 3D carved dragons on redwood, elaborate segmented jewelry, and high-quality mosaic panels.Support the show

Send us a textGet your shopping lists ready! On this special holiday-focused episode, Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive into their ultimate recommendations for tools to buy for the holiday season. They offer a comprehensive list of tools at different price points—from stocking stuffers under $20 to major shop upgrades—that any maker would love to receive.Alex Duffey shares his budget-friendly picks, including the must-have silicone glue pot and the CNC bit-saver clamps, while Alex Adams focuses on quality-of-life tools like the ergonomic sanding block and the Drill Guide for perfectly straight holes. They also discuss major purchases, with Alex Duffey detailing the value of the WEN mobile base and oscillating spindle sander, and Alex Adams advocating for the Benchcrafted Moxon Vise and the versatility of Besse Parallel Clamps.The hosts also share their busy week: Alex Duffey gives an exciting recap of his record-breaking first holiday market, detailing surprising bestsellers like the D&D boxes and the new herb strippers. Alex Adams, meanwhile, is focused on restoring a table leg and troubleshooting a failed film finish attempt. The episode concludes with a spotlight on fellow makers preparing for Cutting Board Awareness Month and a reminder about the Vectric User Group Meeting for CNC enthusiasts.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 21: This week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams are joined by special guest Braden of Littlebug Woodworking from Another Wood Shop Podcast for a masterclass in making content deals! Drawing on his extensive background in recruiting and buying, Braden shares his strategies for reaching out to brands, negotiating partnerships, and proving value—even as a smaller creator. They discuss how to shift the conversation from "send me free stuff" to "how can I help achieve your marketing goals" and highlight the importance of personal relationships and knowing a brand's needs.Hear about Braden's hilarious, last-minute approach to craft fairs (where he sells whiskey smokers faster than he can make them!), and Alex Duffey's rigorous 10-week holiday production schedule. The hosts get real in "Whatcha Breakin'," with snapped bandsaw blades, shattering storage totes, and a close call with a powerful flush trim router bite.Plus, they shout out fellow makers creating impressive custom hatchets, unique table designs, and a shout-out to Xyla for her incredible work fighting for mental health for pilots. Tune in for invaluable business advice, behind-the-scenes podcast talk, and plenty of laughs!Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 20: This week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive into a sticky topic: adhesives in the workshop! They break down the different types of glues, from standard PVA wood glue and its necessary clamping pressure to the brittle vs. flexible bonds of CA glue (super glue) and E6000 (or "Shoe Goo"). Learn when to use the right adhesive for the job, whether you're securing magnets, filling a knot with epoxy, or working on delicate joints.The hosts share their favorite tips, including the trick of mixing sawdust and wood glue to create a seamless putty, best practices for preventing air bubbles in an epoxy pour, and why flexible glue is the secret weapon for components that experience wear and tear.Hear what the guys are making, including custom epoxy river cribbage boards, Sasquatch figurines, and holiday production runs of herb strippers. Alex Adams shares his troubleshooting woes with a three-day-delayed epoxy mix and his continuing turning projects. Plus, they discuss the hilarious but serious issue of an IP infringement on a public domain game.Tune in for practical advice, chemistry lessons, and all the sticky details on making sure your projects hold up!Support the show

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams are joined by the incredibly talented Chelsea from Evergreen Daydreams! Chelsea shares her inspiring story of turning a layoff into a full-time career as an intarsia artist, with pieces famously featured in art galleries and in the home of Mark the Wood Whisperer.Chelsea gives a scroll saw 101 crash course, explaining the difference between the saw and a bandsaw, the importance of blade tension and squareness, and her preference for high-end Pegas blades. She defines intarsia as the art of creating three-dimensional pictures from natural hardwoods and reveals her process for creating flawless patterns using a Cricut for precise, tiny cuts.The hosts also recap their week: Alex Duffey is deep into holiday production of over 30 dice sequence games, CNC board games, and small stocking stuffers, while Alex Adams shares his process for milling walnut table legs and finishes the custom cane for his grandfather. In the "Whatcha Breakin'" segment, they cover a broken lacquer can cap, a malfunctioning bandsaw, and the chronic pain of planer blade replacement.Finally, in "Whatcha Watchin'," they shout out fellow makers creating impressive 3D-carved whales, ultra-detailed inlays, and the highly useful, tool-less countersink from Katz-Moses. Tune in for expert advice, behind-the-scenes shop talk, and a lot of laughs!Support the show

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive into the ultimate maker debate: learning online versus learning in person! They compare the pros and cons of YouTube University and paid online courses (like those offered by The Wood Whisperer and CNC Kickstart) against the invaluable, immediate feedback of hands-on, in-person classes. The hosts discuss how free online content is great for quickly absorbing many methods, while paid courses offer structured, step-by-step guidance necessary for mastering a new skill.Hear what the guys are making, including Duffey's new run of CNC two-player games and a reverse production strategy for the holidays, and Alex Adams’s custom walnut wand for his son and his ongoing cross-country coaching duties. They also talk about their latest "breaking" moments, from smashed fingers to a spray-paint incident in the car.In "Whatcha Watchin'," they spotlight fellow makers crushing it with CNC 3D carving, simple-yet-beautiful cedar centerpieces, and the inspiring work of a shipping container shop in Costa Rica.Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on education models, shop efficiency, and great tips on making the most of your learning journey, no matter which path you choose!Support the show

Send us a textThis week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome content master Jeff from Johnny Builds to dive deep into short form content! They break down the science behind viral success, discuss the importance of shot planning for efficiency, and debate the future of platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Jeff shares his strategy for helping makers grow their audience, emphasizing the need for consistent posting and engaging storylines.Hear what the hosts are making, including CNC-cut Yahtzee boxes and Christmas ornaments, and Alex Adams's whimsical spatulas and unique wood-bent charcuterie boards. They also spotlight incredible maker projects from the community, like a magnet-floating CNC whale, hyper-realistic marquetry moths, and a woodturner who uses his creations to make ice cream! Plus, they have a lot of fun with the F*ck, Marry, Kill segment and the ongoing "Snake Saga."Tune in for invaluable tips on lighting, editing, avoiding burnout, and maximizing your reach in the digital maker space!Support the show