エピソード

  • Ep. 014 Kids in the Shop: A Maker's Guide to Safety and Fun
    2025/09/10

    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 Yahtzee boxes and a new run of laser notebooks, and Adams’s jigsaw work on serving trays and side tables. They also get real in "Whatcha Breakin'," with broken bits and a close call with a smoking dust collector. Plus, in "Whatcha Watchin'," they spotlight incredible maker creations from the community and new documentaries you need to see.


    Tune in for practical safety tips, creative ideas for engaging the next generation of makers, and plenty of laughs about the triumphs and tribulations of shop life!

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 54 分
  • Ep. 013: Intro to CNC with Jay from Goat Haunt Woodworks
    2025/09/04

    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, understanding feeds and speeds, and why a spindle is a must-have upgrade.

    The trio also catches up on their latest projects, from holiday production runs of Yahtzee boxes and wooden notebooks to flattening live-edge walnut slabs. Hear what broke this week (an expensive router sled mishap, dull bits, and a broken immune system!), and get an honest look at their sales strategies and recent successes. Plus, in "Whatcha Watchin'," they highlight a masterclass video on the ABCs of CNC, an amazing veterans' woodworking project, and other inspiring creations from the maker community.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone new to CNC or looking to take their woodworking to the next level!

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 59 分
  • Ep. 012: The Solo Shop - Flying Solo in the Maker World
    2025/08/27

    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 production run of 120 wooden cheese knives to new vendor signs with QR codes, and get updates on the latest in 3D printing and side tables. They also get real about what's "breaking," including a CNC water pump issue and scratched 3D printer coolplates. Plus, don't miss Duffey's record-breaking sales numbers and a fresh "Whatcha Watchin'" segment that spotlights incredible projects from fellow makers in the community.

    Tune in for an honest look at the maker life, packed with practical insights, laughs, and solid advice for anyone thinking of going it alone!

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 49 分
  • EP 011: All About Markets
    2025/08/20

    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 happening in their shops, including Duffey's restock of beach-themed items and a new focus on Christmas production with wooden notebooks and cheese knives. Adams shares his latest projects, from walnut benches to 3D-printed door stops. They'll also get real about their latest "Whatcha Breakin'" moments, from a broken tape measure to a busted bandsaw blade. Plus, don't miss "Whatcha Watchin'" for a look at inspiring woodworking, CNC, and maker projects from the community!

    Whether you’re a market veteran or a first-timer, this episode is packed with invaluable advice to help you maximize your sales and build your brand.

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 48 分
  • Ep. 10: Mastering Customer Service & Shop Life
    2025/08/06

    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 website, this episode is packed with tips on how to turn one-time buyers into loyal customers.

    But it’s not all business—hear what’s been happening in the shop, including Duffey's work on Squirrel Feeders and wooden NES carts, and Adams's adventures in 3D printing dragons for the county fair. Find out what broke this week (think failed prints and busted tools) and get the scoop on their sales strategies from various events. Plus, in "Whatcha Watchin'," they highlight incredible projects from fellow makers like intricate scroll saw art and beautiful wooden boats.

    Tune in for a masterclass in maker-level customer service, behind-the-scenes shop talk, and plenty of inspiration for your next project!

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 49 分
  • EP 009: Preferred Finishes & AWFS Recap!
    2025/07/30

    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 questions to ask customers for ideal results.

    Plus, Alex Duffey gives a full (and honest!) AWFS Fair recap from Las Vegas, sharing highlights, experiences, and shout-outs to listeners! Hear what they've been making in their shops, including funeral boxes, custom keychains, Pokeballs, and 4H projects. Find out what broke this week (stinky walnut, failed 3D prints, and washing machine overflows!). And don't miss "Whatcha Sellin'" for updates on funeral box deliveries and popular laser-engraved items. Finally, in "Whatcha Watchin'," they'll spotlight amazing maker projects and tools from the community, like a baby gyro dust collector and innovative CNC bit sets.

    Tune in for invaluable woodworking and maker insights, real-world shop challenges, and expert advice on making your creations shine!

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    2 時間 18 分
  • Ep. 008 - Retail Partner Relationships
    2025/07/16

    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 inventory and ensuring you get paid.

    Tune in to hear what they're making (from AWFS Fair gifts and urn boxes to custom keychains and new 3D printer setups), what's "breaking" in their shops (hello, stubborn Bambu A1 and tricky filament!), and their latest sales strategies from successful markets. Plus, get inspired by incredible woodworking and maker projects from their "Whatcha Watchin'" segment, featuring everything from hidden shop beer coolers to functional scale models and hilarious shop reels.

    If you're a maker looking to expand your reach and successfully sell your creative products, this episode is packed with invaluable advice on navigating vendor relationships and making money!

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 55 分
  • Ep. 007 - Carving Chronicles: Hand vs. Power
    2025/07/09

    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, including AWFS Fair thank-you gifts, wooden notebooks, laser-engraved cutting boards, and keeping up with 3D printing demands. They'll also reveal their "Whatcha Breakin'" moments, from fixing the Rendyr laser and clogged 3D printer nozzles to an exploding bandsaw blade! Plus, get an update on their successes with digital files and market keychains. Finally, don't miss their "Whatcha Watchin'" segment for inspiring maker projects from the community, including incredible tables, scroll saw art, and clever shop solutions.

    Tune in for practical carving tips, shop humor, and a peek into the real-world challenges and triumphs of the maker community!

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 50 分