Whatcha Makin' Show

Send us a text On 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...

Send us a text This 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...

Send us a text This 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 ultim...

Send us a text Get 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 pic...

Send us a text Episode 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 c...

Send us a text Episode 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 se...

Send us a text This 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 di...

Send us a text This 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...

Send us a text This 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, emphasiz...

Send us a text Step up to the lathe! On this episode of Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome master woodturner and host of Sawdust Talk, TJ from TJT Workshop , for a deep dive into the world of woodturning . TJ breaks down the basics, explaining what woodturning is, why it offers instant gratification, and the exciting possibilities of working with green wood . They discuss the esse...

Send us a text This week on Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams tackle a topic every maker can relate to: woodworking on a budget ! They share their best tips on scoring hand-me-down tools and affordable wood on Facebook Marketplace , plus creative ways to supplement your income by selling at markets or filming your own DIY projects. Alex Duffey gives a full recap of the Texas Woodworking...

Send us a text This week on Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams tackle a topic close to every maker's heart: kids in the shop ! They share invaluable advice on setting clear safety rules, staving off curiosity, and getting kids involved with hands-on projects, from hammering nails to using tools like a hand drill or spokeshave. Get an update on their latest projects , including Duffey’s Ya...

Send us a text On this episode of Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams welcome special guest Jay from Goat Haunt Woodworks to demystify the world of CNC ! They provide a beginner's guide to Computer Numerical Control , breaking down the six main parts of a CNC machine and the key differences between end mills, V bits, and bull bits. Get practical advice on choosing your first machine, under...

Send us a text Ever wonder what it's like to run a one-person shop ? In this candid episode of Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams pull back the curtain on the upsides and downsides of flying solo. They discuss the freedom of being your own boss, the struggle of having no helping hands, and how to combat burnout when everything falls on you. Hear what they're making this week, from a produ...

Send us a text This week on Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams pull back the curtain on all things markets ! From finding the right events to setting up your booth and tracking sales, they share their best advice for turning craft shows into a major success. Learn what to bring, how to set up your displays to attract customers, and why repeat business is a game-changer. Hear what's been h...

Send us a text On this episode of Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams pull back the curtain on the business side of being a maker with a deep dive into customer service . From quoting custom orders and setting clear lead times to handling problem customers, they share invaluable advice on communication, deposits, and follow-ups. Whether you're selling at a bustling market or through your w...

Send us a text Join Alex Duffey and Alex Adams on Whatcha Makin' as they dive into the art and science of preferred finishes ! This episode covers everything from Tung Oil and Hardwax Oil with Ceramic coating for furniture, to durable sprays for display pieces and food-safe options for kitchen items. Get practical advice on choosing the right finish for indoor and outdoor furniture, and learn what...

Send us a text This week on Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive deep into the crucial world of retail partnerships ! Learn the ins and outs of connecting with vendors, from warm introductions at networking events to effective cold pitches. They'll break down different partnership types like consignment vs. wholesale, discuss display strategies, and share essential tips on managing inv...

Send us a text Join Alex Duffey and Alex Adams on this episode of Whatcha Makin' as they tackle the age-old debate: hand carving vs. power carving ! They'll share their go-to tools and techniques, from Kutzall Extreme bits and Dremel attachments to Sloyd knives and spokeshaves, offering insights into work holding  and achieving those perfect layout lines. Hear about their latest projects , includi...

Send us a text This week on Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams tackle a classic maker's question: buying tools – new vs. used ! Joined by special guest Lee Dumond from Busted Knuckle Woodworks, they dive into the pros and cons of snagging deals on Facebook Marketplace versus investing in premium brands. Hear their candid thoughts on "buy once, cry once" and how to decide what tools truly...

Send us a text Get ready to level up your laser game! On this episode of Whatcha Makin' , Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive deep into designing for laser cutters , sharing essential tips on jigs, testing materials, and navigating copyright. Hear what they're making (from wooden notebooks for AWSF to custom 3D prints ), what broke in the shop (hello, stubborn filament!), and their latest sales strate...

Send us a text Whatcha Makin' - Episode 4: Shop Organization, Sales & The Wild World of Making! Join Alex Duffey and Alex Adams as they pull back the curtain on the maker life! This week on Whatcha Makin', we're diving into the essential art of organizing shops and managing orders, sharing practical tips (and confessions about messy woodshops!). Discover our latest projects, from wooden NES ca...

Send us a text Get ready for a deep dive into the maker community with Alex Duffey and Alex Adams! In this episode of Whatcha Makin' , we kick things off with a crucial discussion on the Vetric 12.5 update , exploring its significant new features and enhancements – a must-hear for all CNC users. We then pull back the curtain on our shop operations , revealing our favorite (and most feared!) tasks....

Send us a text Get ready for a deep dive into the dust (and grit!) on Whatcha Makin' Episode 2: Sand Blasting ! Alex Duffey and Alex Adams tackle everything from Duffey's compact Vevor setup to Adams' Lematic gravity-fed blaster, sharing practical insights and limitations of these essential tools . This week, hear what's on their benches in "Whatcha Makin'" (think Goonies-inspired woodworking proj...

Send us a text Summary In this episode of Whatcha Makin', hosts Alex Duffey and Alex Adams discuss their current projects, including preparations for the McMinnville UFO Fest, the challenges of refinishing church pews, and innovative uses for scrap wood. They share insights on event logistics, material selection, and the importance of local connections in the maker community. The conversation also...