The Maker’s Quest

著者： Brian Benham & Greg Porter
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  • The Maker’s Quest explores the journey of making things and living a creative life. From how to be creative, design things, and bring those things to life through physical fabrication or digital mediums. Join us on our quest to explore the world of how to make things and meet other makers.
    Copyright 2022 Brian Benham
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The Maker’s Quest explores the journey of making things and living a creative life. From how to be creative, design things, and bring those things to life through physical fabrication or digital mediums. Join us on our quest to explore the world of how to make things and meet other makers.
Copyright 2022 Brian Benham
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  • Shop Improvements

    Shop Improvements
    2025/04/20
    We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to look back at 2024—our favorite shop upgrades, biggest projects, and lessons learned—and then peek ahead at what’s in store for 2025. Listen Waiting for upload, please check back in a few minutes Watch on YouTube Waiting for upload, please check back in a few minutes Hosted by Brian Benham Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/ Brian Benham on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/benhamdesignconcepts.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage Show Notes Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025: Shop Upgrades, Projects, and Goals Shop Upgrades That Made a Difference in 2024 Organization & Tool Storage One of the biggest game-changers for both of us was improving shop organization. A mechanic once said, "Don’t put it down—put it away." That mindset has helped keep tools in their proper places, eliminating the frustration of searching for misplaced items. - Brian’s Upgrade: A high-quality toolbox (not just a basic Harbor Freight or Home Depot option) made a massive difference. A well-organized toolbox reflects a well-organized workflow. - Greg’s Upgrade: Adding Husky cabinets under his table saw extension improved storage and accessibility. The Incra Miter Gauge Brian recommended the Incra Miter Gauge, and it quickly became one of Greg’s most-used tools in 2024. - Why It’s Great: - Eliminates play in the miter slot for precise, repeatable cuts. - Features an integrated stop block system (similar to high-end aftermarket options). - Fine-adjustment capabilities make it perfect for exact angles. Greg admits he was skeptical at first, preferring crosscut sleds, but after a year of use, he hasn’t touched his sled since. The Black Box Vacuum Pump for CNC Workholding Greg’s Black Box vacuum pump transformed his CNC workflow. - The Problem: Workholding on a CNC can be a nightmare—tabs, screws, and clamps often lead to failed cuts. - The Solution: The vacuum pump holds sheets firmly in place, reducing material waste and improving efficiency. - Success rate went from ~75% to 98%. - Added automation: The CNC now turns the pump on/off automatically via relay control. The Track Saw Revolution Greg was a longtime skeptic of track saws, preferring a circular saw and straightedge. But after breaking down hundreds of sheets of MDF, he caved and bought a Ridgid cordless track saw. - Why It Won Him Over: - Faster, more accurate breakdown of sheet goods. - Paired with an MFT-style workbench (from Fred Sexton of Bristol Artisan Co.) and Bora Speed Horses, creating a portable, efficient cutting station. - No more wrestling full sheets—everything gets broken down outside before entering the shop. The Festool Debate Brian and Greg had a fun back-and-forth about Festool. - Pros: - Industry-leading dust collection (great for job sites and clean shops). - The Domino joiner is a game-changer for furniture makers. - Cons: - High price tag. - Some tools may not justify the cost for hobbyists or those who don’t need ultra-portability. Packout Systems & Tool Storage Both Brian and Greg explored different modular storage systems (Milwaukee Packout, Klein, etc.). - Greg’s Pick: Klein Tool Cases—expensive but rugged, with clear lids and customizable bins. - Brian’s Experience: Packout systems are great for contractors but may be overkill for shop-only use. Harbor Freight’s Improvement Greg noted that Harbor Freight’s quality has significantly improved over the years. - Icon Tools Line: Their ratcheting wrenches and socket sets now rival mid-tier brands like Husky and Craftsman. - Toolboxes: No longer the flimsy junk of the past—now a solid budget option. Notable Projects from 2024 Brian’s Big Builds - Las Vegas Casino Project: A massive, high-profile installation that pushed his team’s limits. - Red Rocks Amphitheater Work: A challenging but rewarding project (technically late 2023, but close enough!). Lesson Learned: Installation is just as critical as fabrication. Even the best-built pieces can fail if not installed correctly. Greg’s Product Expansion When a competitor in the guitar-making jigs and tools space went out of business, Greg saw an opportunity. - Redesigned & Released Over 20 New Products, including: - Side benders (for shaping guitar sides). - Outside molds & cutaway forms (previously unavailable). - Mortise & tenon jigs (V3 design, improved from older versions). - Backward Compatibility: Ensured his new tools worked with older systems, earning gratitude from customers. Looking Ahead to 2025 Greg’s Goals: Build His First Commissioned Guitar – Learning from luthier Robbie O’Brien to refine construction techniques.Expand Skyscraper Guitars – Transition from a one-man ...
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    1 時間 27 分
  • Are You CNC Curious?

    Are You CNC Curious?
    2025/03/24

    If you’ve ever dabbled in CNC machining or dreamed of turning your garage into a mini manufacturing hub, you’ll know that the journey is equally thrilling and frustrating. In this episode, Brian and Greg take you through their CNC journey—from their first modest machine to new upgrades.
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    1 時間 13 分
  • Influential People That Shaped us Into Makers

    Influential People That Shaped us Into Makers
    2024/12/30
    In this episode, we talk about influential people who shaped us into makers. Brian and Greg reminisce about people from their past who helped guide them and inspired them as they journeyed along the path of becoming makers. Hosted by Brian Benham Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/ Brian’s Woodworking Plans: https://www.digitaldesignconcepts.art/ Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage Show Notes Mel's Influence on Greg's Curiosity Greg's grandfather Mel was an influential figure who taught him to pursue his interests and make things himself. Despite having limited resources, Mel built his own house by learning from books and lived in the basement for years while saving money to complete the top floor. Every year, he would take on a project to make something for his grandchildren, like box kites. When Greg expressed interest in having stilts as a child, Mel immediately dropped what he was doing to make a pair with him, exemplifying his willingness to explore new skills and nurture curiosity. Embracing Failure in Creative Endeavors Greg and Brian discussed the importance of allowing children to experience failure in their creative endeavors. Greg shared his childhood experiences of building a skateboard ramp and a pair of stilts, which were not successful but taught him valuable lessons. Brian emphasized the value of spending time with children, even if the projects they work on are not perfect, as it fosters problem-solving and thought processes. They also discussed the concept of failure as a necessary step towards success and the importance of understanding what is acceptable in a project. Both agreed that failure should not be an endpoint but a milestone in the creative process. Mentors and Teachers' Lasting Impact Greg and Brian discussed their experiences with mentors and teachers who had a significant impact on their lives. Brian shared his experiences with his saxophone teacher, James Phillips, who taught him the importance of learning from others and not taking life too seriously. Greg shared his experiences with Mr. Canetto, who taught him about guitar making and the importance of seeing the process of building a guitar from start to finish. Both agreed that these experiences had a profound impact on their lives and shaped their future careers. They also discussed their admiration for guitar makers like Les Godfreed and Lloyd Lohr, who are known for their intricate designs and craftsmanship. Lessons From Craftsmen and Risks Greg and Brian discussed their experiences with craftsmen and the lessons they've learned from them. Greg shared his experiences with Dan Rockhill, a professor who taught him how to weld well and the importance of modifying tools to suit the purpose. Brian shared his experience with a client who had a decommissioned Boeing 727 compressor. They also discussed the importance of learning from others, taking risks, and not letting roadblocks deter them from realizing their vision. They concluded that sometimes, it's necessary to compromise on the design to achieve the desired outcome. Design, Problem-Solving, and Software Evolution Greg shared his experiences and insights about design and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of not being limited by tools or others' opinions. He recounted a story about a challenging ceiling design that was initially dismissed by a contractor, but was successfully executed by a skilled carpenter. Greg also discussed his evaluation of software for architectural design, highlighting the need for tools that don't hinder creativity. Brian then shared his own experiences of learning from clients and how they pushed him to develop new skills. The conversation ended with a discussion about the software Rhino, which was in its infancy when Greg first encountered it. Lessons Learned and Knowledge Sharing Brian and Greg discussed their experiences and lessons learned from various projects and mentors. Brian shared how clients have pushed him out of his comfort zone and helped him develop new skills. Greg talked about the influence of his wife's family on his construction skills and how they continue to inspire him. They also discussed the importance of learning from others and passing on knowledge to the next generation. Greg shared an example of how he taught a high school student about blacksmithing and machining, hoping to inspire him and potentially change his life trajectory. The conversation ended with Greg expressing his desire to continue teaching and influencing others. Personal Journeys and Entrepreneurial Passions Greg and Brian discussed their personal journeys and the impact of influential people on their lives. Greg shared his ...
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    1 時間 29 分

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