Whatcha Makin' Show
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!Â
The Maker's Bond: Adhesives, Glues, and Shop Secrets
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Episode 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...
Ep. 019 The Scroll Saw Superwoman w/ Chelsea
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This 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...
Ep. 018: Online vs. In-Person: The Maker's Guide to Learning
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This 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...
Ep. 017 The Power of Short Form w/ Jeff of Makers Way
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This 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 <...
Ep.016: Woodturning 101with TJT Workshop
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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 be...
Ep. 015: Woodworking on a Budget: Your Guide to a Thriving Shop
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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...
Ep. 014 Kids in the Shop: A Maker's Guide to Safety and Fun
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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...
Ep. 013: Intro to CNC with Jay from Goat Haunt Woodworks
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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 ...
Ep. 012: The Solo Shop - Flying Solo in the Maker World
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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...
EP 011: All About Markets
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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...
Ep. 10: Mastering Customer Service & Shop Life
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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...
EP 009: Preferred Finishes & AWFS Recap!
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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...
Ep. 008 - Retail Partner Relationships
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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<...
Ep. 007 - Carving Chronicles: Hand vs. Power
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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 "W...
Ep. 006 - Buying Tools (New vs Old) with Lee Dumond
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This 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...
Ep. 005 - Designing with Lasers
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Get 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...
Ep. 004 - Organizing your Shop and Order Inventory
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Whatcha 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...
Ep. 003 - Favorite & Feared Shop Tasks
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Get 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...
Ep. 002 - All things Sandblasting
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Get 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...
Ep. 001 - What’s in your shop?
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Summary
In 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...
