Whatcha Makin' Show

Alex Adams & Alex Duffey

Join the conversation with Whatcha Makin', the podcast for makers of all kinds! Each week, Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive into their latest projects, share woodshop insights, discuss selling your creations, and highlight cool finds in the maker community. From learning new techniques to balancing your hobby and business, we tackle the real stuff. Expect a mix of education, entertainment, and genuine chat about the crafts you love, including woodworking, 3D printing, and more. Subscribe and be part of the Whatcha Makin' family! 

  1. 6 GÜN ÖNCE

    Ep. 42 Art & Epoxy Masterclass with Brittany Carbone

    In this episode of Whatcha Making?, hosts Alex Duffey and Alex Adams are joined by mixed media artist and educator Brittany Carbone. We pull back the curtain on the artistic process, exploring how personal history, identity, and science intersect with creativity. What’s In This Episode:The Intersection of Art & Science: Brittany discusses her unique approach to mixed media, why she transitioned from art education to professional creation, and how she navigated a "creative pivot" in her own career.Art-Based Research: We dive into the fascinating academic side of Brittany’s work, specifically how she utilized art as a therapeutic tool during a challenging physical injury and the psychological impact of loss of social identity.Mastering Epoxy: Brittany shares her journey of learning epoxy art—from frustrating early experiments to understanding the chemistry behind creating those perfect, cell-like "ocean" effects.Whatcha Doin? (Shop Update): Alex Duffey preps for the upcoming UFO Fest with 3D-printed card embossers and AI-generated, laser-engraved coaster designs, plus a recap of his recent DIY home repairs (including some intense roofing work).About the Guest:Brittany Carbone is a mixed media artist and educator known for her stunning landscape work and deeply emotional, research-based art. You can follow her creative journey and see her latest pieces as she continues to develop her craft. Note to Listeners: We experienced some minor technical difficulties during our "What You're Watching" segment, resulting in some audio loss for our guest. We have minimized these gaps, and the rest of our main interview and shop talk is fully captured and clear!

    1 sa. 42 dk.
  2. 22 NIS

    Ep. 41 Brooms, Brushes and Hand planes OH MY! : Ashley Pieper

    This episode of What You’re Making features Ashley Pieper of Shallow Creek Woodcraft, a talented maker from York County, Pennsylvania, who specializes in fine furniture and heritage handcrafted brooms. Episode SummaryThe hosts, Alex Duffey and Alex Adams, dive into the world of "brushes, brooms, and hand tools" with Ashley. The conversation explores the intersection of traditional heritage crafts and modern furniture design. Ashley shares her journey from self-taught woodworker to professional maker and teacher, detailing her unique approach to creating functional art. Key HighlightsThe Art of Broom Making: Ashley explains the process of working with sorghum grass, from dyeing the fibers to weaving intricate patterns like the popular "turkey wing" design.Heritage Meets Modern Design: A look at Ashley’s furniture portfolio, including her "Beauty Queen" standing cabinet, which features bird’s-eye maple and playful pink "ballerina" legs.The Power of Hand Tools: Why Ashley prefers the quiet and control of hand tools and how they allow for a personal, "hand-done" aesthetic that machines can't replicate.Woodworking Education: Ashley discusses her role as a teacher for Plain Wellness, an organization that supports mental health through woodworking, and the joy of seeing students (both kids and adults) empower themselves through the craft.Farm Life: A glimpse into Ashley's life outside the shop, managing beef cows and her family's deep roots in the dairy industry.What’s on the Bench?Alex Duffey: Prepping for "UFO Fest" with 75 D&D dice boxes, Sasquatch and UFO earrings, and custom LED UFO lights.Ashley Pieper: Finishing a set of countertop stools and a scale model commission of a historic corner chair for a client.Alex Adams: Recovering from a busy track coaching schedule and preparing to set up his new Next Wave Shark CNC for upcoming projects.Makers MentionedThe crew discusses inspiring work from the community, including: KG Woodcraft: A massive 48-inch hand-carved musky fish.Lou Taylor: Vibrant marquetry patterns and brooches.Merg Works (Morgan Pell): Incredible pictorial woven brooms.Nora Burghardt: A whimsical 8-foot tall rocking chair collaboration.Giles Newman: Intricate nature-themed carvings and wooden rings.Shock the Fox: Specialized CNC-aided guitar building.Legards Furniture: Elegant seating with unique stretcher designs.Guest Info: Find Ashley Pieper at shallowcreekwoodcraft.com or on Instagram @shallowcreekwoodcraft. Learn more about her classes at plainwellness.org.

    1 sa. 15 dk.
  3. 15 NIS

    Ep. 40 The Maine Event

    Hosts Alex Adams and Alex Duffey welcome a powerhouse duo to the show: Hunter Locke and Brandon Smith co-hosts of the upcoming Maine Woodworking Event. This episode is a deep dive into high-end shop setups, niche product development, and the hilarious perils of Facebook Marketplace. Shop Talk & Tool Envy: The Alexes' get a virtual tour of Brandon’s impressive shop, featuring a massive "tool wall of fame" stocked with Woodpeckers, Bessie clamps, and premium saws. Meanwhile, Alex Adams shares his recovery from a back injury and the chaos of prepping his garage for a brand-new CNC delivery—all while helping his son navigate the "teachable moment" of a woodworking mishap involving a bowl gouge. Niche Craftsmanship: Hunter Locke discusses his fascinating shift into the world of traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, designing custom Kumiko tea tables for a certified tea sommelier.Brandon Smith reveals his new "Book-Tok" inspired product line: laser-engraved bookmarks themed for horror and sci-fi, sparking a collaborative brainstorming session on creative packaging.Alex Duffey is in "full UFO mode," prepping 80 custom lamps and painting Northern Lights-inspired wall art for the upcoming UFO Fest.The "What’s Your Breaking Point" Segment: Hunter recounts a heartbreaking (and relatable) "Marketplace Fail" where he sold his current drum sander before securing a new one—leaving him sander-less but with enough cash to pivot into a new 3D printer. Show Support & LinksSpecial Guests: Hunter Locke & Brandon Smith Sponsor: Next Wave CNC (American-made desktop CNCs)Patreon: patreon.com/whatchamakinshopInstagram: @DuffeyWoodcraft | @TypeAFurniture

    1 sa. 31 dk.
  4. 8 NIS

    Ep. 39 PPE, April Fools, DIY Clones, and Candy Sushi

    Hosts Alex Adams and Alex Duffey are back after a week off to talk about the intersection of woodworking, technology, and life’s unexpected hurdles. Recorded on April Fool’s Day, the duo kicks things off by dissecting the best industry pranks—from Vectric’s "Easy Clone" software to Festool’s "wireless" wormhole dust collection. In the shop, Alex Duffey shares his progress on a massive batch of D&D dice boxes and reveals his "cheat code" for sourcing metal tulip bases from overseas. He also gives a deep dive into his latest artistic endeavor: two walnut end tables featuring intricate patterns made from 1,400 pennies (which required a trip to nine different banks!). Meanwhile, Alex Adams discusses the technical challenges of large walnut panel glue-ups and the importance of "show face" positioning to manage glue squeeze-out. The conversation takes a turn into lifestyle and health as Alex recount his son's "Candy Sushi" birthday party—including a Pinterest-fail Jell-O experiment—and a gym-related back injury that put him on the sidelines. Topics covered include: April Fool's Shenanigans: Reviewing the best and worst pranks from CNC bit manufacturers and tool brands.What's on the Bench: Penny-inlay tables, walnut furniture, and prepping for the upcoming UFO Fest.Maker Tips: Using blue tape on panel clamps and sourcing small quantities from Alibaba.Personal Life: March Madness, retro Pokemon emulators, and recovering from back spasms.Show Support & LinksSponsor: Next Wave CNC (Makers of the Shark CNC)Patreon: patreon.com/whatchamakingshowInstagram: @DuffeyWoodcraft | @TypeAFurniture

    1 sa. 42 dk.
  5. 25 MAR

    Ep. 38: CNC Bits with Liberty from IDC Woodcraft

    In this episode of Whatcha Makin', hosts Alex Duffey (Duffey Woodcraft) and Alex Adams (Type A Furniture) dive deep into the sharp world of CNC router bits. They are joined by special guest Liberty the Creator from IDC Woodcraft, who shares her journey from a small-town barista to a CNC bit expert and content creator. On the BenchThe crew discusses their current projects, ranging from high-end furniture to experimental 3D builds: Alex Duffey: Wrapping up a custom cribbage board video for the CNC Summit, finishing a reclaimed barnwood piece, and installing a unique "L-shaped" floating walnut bookshelf for his wife.Alex Adams: Battling "bowed and cupped" boards for a massive walnut dining table and managing the "creative chaos" of his son’s spring break shop projects.Liberty: Developing a complex 3D spiral dice tower using only 2D toolpaths—avoiding 3D modeling software as a personal challenge.Main Topic: The Cutting Edge of CNC BitsLiberty pulls back the curtain on IDC Woodcraft, discussing why quality carbide and proper "chucking" (bit placement) are the difference between a clean carve and a snapped tool. The "Starter Six": Alex Duffey breaks down his essential list for beginners: V-60, 1/4" down-cut, bowl bit, 1/8" down-cut, 1/4" ball nose, and the specialized Lightning Drill Bit for cribbage boards.Pro Tips: Why you should avoid bit adapters, the science behind bit coatings, and the importance of chip ejection to prevent shop fires.Behind the Scenes: Liberty shares the "small-town" origin story of working with Garrett (the IDC Woodman) and how the company maintains a personal touch—velvet bags and M&Ms included.The "Falling Off the Bench" SegmentBroken Bits: Alex Adams laments a 1/16" drill bit permanently embedded in a door.Restoration Fails: A struggle to repair a sentimental shark toy with CA glue and heat before turning to construction caulk.Aging Makers: The group reflects on the physical toll of "wood reorgs" and moving heavy slabs.Featured Makers of the WeekEdick Wood Carving: Incredible hand-carved maple owl feathers.Standish Wood Story: A philosophical look at when one truly becomes a "woodworker."Citrus Cedar: A clever, non-utilitarian dumbbell cabinet with a transforming lid.Alexander Brothers: Exquisite rocking chairs featuring tiny, hand-carved mice and cats.John Malecki: The massive, multi-material Stranger Things Upside Down table.Evergreen Daydream: Intricate Intarsia landscapes with natural-colored woods.Fog River (Ben Whitten): An 8-foot round conference table made from a single slab of the world's largest walnut tree.Shallow Creek Woodcraft: Ash side tables featuring striking diagonal walnut accents.

    1 sa. 35 dk.
  6. 11 MAR

    Ep. 36 The Quest for the Perfect Finish

    In this episode of What You're Making, Alex Duffey of Duffey Woodcraft and Alex Adams of Type-A Furniture dive deep into the world of woodworking finishes—how to choose the right one, the science behind how they cure, and why you might actually be eating bug poop with your favorite candy. In This Episode:The Legend of Johnny Appleseed: Celebrating Johnny Appleseed Day (March 11th) with the strange history of hard cider and a 180-year-old tree in Ohio that refused to die even after two lightning strikes.What’s on the Bench:Alex Duffey talks about a massive rush order of acrylic sock forms for Columbia Footwear and his latest obsession: building an emergency Mesh communication network for the Pacific Northwest.Alex Adams details the painstaking process of domino alignment for a walnut table and his "unpopular opinion" on why he doesn't lend out tools.Shop Talk & Fails: From 4.1 magnitude earthquakes in Nebraska to shattering antennas and getting "hit in the groin" with apples during a double date, the guys share the messy reality of maker life.Main Topic: Choosing the Right Finish: * Durability vs. Aesthetics: How to balance the "look" of the wood with the lifestyle of the client.The Big Three: A breakdown of Oils (Hard Wax, Tongue Oil), Film Finishes (Lacquer, Polyurethane), and the universal binder, Shellac.The "M&M" Secret: Why Shellac is actually a bug byproduct and how it keeps your chocolate from melting in your hand.The Nuclear Option: When and why to use Tabletop Epoxy (and why Alex Duffey is using it for a tattoo shop coffee table).

    1 sa. 24 dk.

Hakkında

Join the conversation with Whatcha Makin', the podcast for makers of all kinds! Each week, Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive into their latest projects, share woodshop insights, discuss selling your creations, and highlight cool finds in the maker community. From learning new techniques to balancing your hobby and business, we tackle the real stuff. Expect a mix of education, entertainment, and genuine chat about the crafts you love, including woodworking, 3D printing, and more. Subscribe and be part of the Whatcha Makin' family! 

Beğenebilirsiniz