Shows
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 31: Quoting Custom: Formulas, Red Flags, and the F-Off PriceIn 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 jo...
2026-01-281h 25Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 30: The Blueprint for Success: Crafting Woodworking Plans and Digital Assets with WinnieSend 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 "ne...
2026-01-211h 32Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 29:Knockdown Success: Building Mobile Bars and Making it Functional with Yesi of KnockonwoodSend 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 re...
2026-01-141h 29Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 28:Lights, Camera, Action: Mastering Maker Content in 2026Send 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...
2026-01-071h 30Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 27: 2025 A Year to Remember: Markets, Milestones, and 2026 GoalsSend 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...
2025-12-311h 37Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 26:Props, Sets, & Storage: The Business of Theatrical WoodworkingSend 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...
2025-12-171h 32Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 25:Rough vs. Milled: Sourcing Lumber for Your Maker ProjectsSend 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...
2025-12-101h 10Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 24:Home Renovation 101 with Building JessieSend 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...
2025-12-041h 17Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 23:Tear Down & Transformation of the ShopSend 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...
2025-11-261h 47Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 22: Tools for the Holidays: Your Maker Christmas Wish ListSend 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 bloc...
2025-11-191h 36
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 21 Working with Brands & Vendors with BradenSend 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...
2025-11-122h 15
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 20 The Maker's Bond: Adhesives, Glues, and Shop SecretsSend 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...
2025-10-291h 47
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 019 The Scroll Saw Superwoman w/ ChelseaSend 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...
2025-10-222h 02
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 018: Online vs. In-Person: The Maker's Guide to LearningSend 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...
2025-10-151h 29
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 017 The Power of Short Form w/ Jeff of Makers WaySend 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
2025-10-081h 52
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp.016: Woodturning 101with TJT WorkshopSend us a textStep 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 essential tools you need to start—from affordable beginner lathes (like the Harbor Freight Bauer) to the debate be...
2025-10-011h 51
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 015: Woodworking on a Budget: Your Guide to a Thriving ShopSend us a textThis 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 Fest, sharing his experiences from the classes and the expo floor, along with some memorable moments with...
2025-09-241h 13
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 014 Kids in the Shop: A Maker's Guide to Safety and FunSend us a textThis 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...
2025-09-101h 54
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 013: Intro to CNC with Jay from Goat Haunt WoodworksSend us a textOn 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 ...
2025-09-041h 58
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 012: The Solo Shop - Flying Solo in the Maker WorldSend us a textEver 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...
2025-08-281h 48
Whatcha Makin' ShowEP 011: All About MarketsSend us a textThis 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...
2025-08-201h 48
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 10: Mastering Customer Service & Shop LifeSend us a textOn 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...
2025-08-061h 49
Whatcha Makin' ShowEP 009: Preferred Finishes & AWFS Recap!Send us a textJoin 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...
2025-07-302h 17
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 008 - Retail Partner RelationshipsSend us a textThis 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
2025-07-161h 54
Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 007 - Carving Chronicles: Hand vs. PowerSend us a textJoin 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 "W...
2025-07-091h 50Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 006 - Buying Tools (New vs Old) with Lee DumondSend us a textThis 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 meet your shop's needs.Beyond the main discussion, discover their latest projects, including speaker gifts for AWFS, wooden notebooks, line drawings of...
2025-07-022h 14Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 005 - Designing with LasersSend us a textGet 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 strategies from events like BBQ Fest and swim meets. Plus, don't miss their "Whatcha Watchin'" segment for inspiring maker projects...
2025-06-182h 05Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 004 - Organizing your Shop and Order InventorySend us a textWhatcha 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 carts and squirrel feeders to laser cutting boards and church pew restorations. We also reveal what we "broke" this week (think drum sander conveyor belts and lost ceramic coating...
2025-06-111h 44Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 003 - Favorite & Feared Shop TasksSend us a textGet 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. From the reflective calm of long sanding sessions and the satisfaction of woodturning, to the an...
2025-06-041h 35Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 002 - All things SandblastingSend us a textGet 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 projects and 3D printing hoody string holders), and get a laugh with "Whatcha Breakin'" (yes, that includes poop chisels!). The guys also recap Duffey's successful...
2025-05-301h 46Whatcha Makin' ShowEp. 001 - What’s in your shop?Send us a textSummaryIn 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 touches on the use of laser cutting technology for creating unique products, such as earrings and bookmarks, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of makers. In this conversation, Alex Adams and Alex Duffey discuss various...
2025-05-281h 48
Another Woodshop PodcastEpisode 236: North, South, West, &East w/ Kara Estep @_And_EastEpisode 236Special Guest:Karahttps://www.instagram.com/_and_east/Onefinity CNC:The industry standard for at home production CNCs. Ball screw and linear rail construction - No beltsCompatible with all popular software, 15 minute setup, infinitely upgradable, and world class tech support!And its made in Canada. Which means Maple Glazed Rails!One Machine - Infinite possibilitieshttps://www.onefinitycnc.comBits+Bits CoGet your hands on the best bits in the business! With their proprietary AstraHP Coating that helps keep your bits c...
2025-01-181h 52Another Woodshop PodcastEpisode 230: Furniture Grade PVC w/ Malcom McCutcheon [@bossanovawoodworks]Episode 230Special Guest:https://www.instagram.com/bossanovawoodworks/https://bossanovawoodworks.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/bossanovawoodworks (Woodfluencer shirts)Sponsor:WTB WoodworkingCheck out WTBwoodworking.com for all your woodworking needs! In store specials, Giveaways, custom wood milling, and more!Huntingdon Valley PA Store now open!Enter the giveaway by going to:...
2024-12-092h 05Another Woodshop PodcastEpisode 230: Furniture Grade PVC w/ Malcom McCutcheon [@bossanovawoodworks]Episode 230Special Guest:https://www.instagram.com/bossanovawoodworks/https://bossanovawoodworks.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/bossanovawoodworks (Woodfluencer shirts)Sponsor:WTB WoodworkingCheck out WTBwoodworking.com for all your woodworking needs! In store specials, Giveaways, custom wood milling, and more!Huntingdon Valley PA Store now open!Enter the giveaway by going to:...
2024-12-092h 06