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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 essential tools you need to start—from affordable beginner lathes (like the Harbor Freight Bauer) to the debate between easy-to-use carbide scrapers and traditional steel gouges. TJ shares crucial safety advice, addresses the importance of high-quality PPE (including the dangers of turning with gloves!), and answers listener questions on preferred cutting techniques and how to duplicate projects using calipers and story sticks.

Plus, hear about Alex Duffey's holiday production run of CNC game boards and wooden earrings, and Alex Adams’s custom laser-engraved memorial piece and beautiful walnut sofa table. In "Whatcha Watchin'," they spotlight incredible maker projects, including intricate puzzle tables, next-level resin art, and the mind-blowing multi-axis woodturning of Derek Weidman.

Tune in for invaluable tips, shop humor, and a renewed appreciation for one of the oldest and most satisfying crafts in the maker community!

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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 Fest, sharing his experiences from the classes and the expo floor, along with some memorable moments with friends (and a CNC tattoo!). Meanwhile, Adams discusses his latest projects, from a sofa/bar table to a charcuterie board. You'll also hear what broke this week (a router and a dust extractor!), and get some inspiration from their "Whatcha Watchin'" picks, which include incredible builds from the maker community.

Tune in for practical advice, real-world stories, and plenty of humor about the triumphs and tribulations of being a maker!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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