Explore every episode of the podcast Whatcha Makin' Show
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 012: The Solo Shop - Flying Solo in the Maker World | 27 Aug 2025 | 01:48:30 | |
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! | |||
| EP 011: All About Markets | 20 Aug 2025 | 01:48:20 | |
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. | |||
| Ep. 10: Mastering Customer Service & Shop Life | 06 Aug 2025 | 01:49:17 | |
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! | |||
| EP 009: Preferred Finishes & AWFS Recap! | 30 Jul 2025 | 02:17:43 | |
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! | |||
| Ep. 008 - Retail Partner Relationships | 16 Jul 2025 | 01:54:33 | |
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! | |||
| Ep. 007 - Carving Chronicles: Hand vs. Power | 09 Jul 2025 | 01:50:23 | |
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! | |||
| Ep. 006 - Buying Tools (New vs Old) with Lee Dumond | 02 Jul 2025 | 02:14:59 | |
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 houses, and optimizing 3D prints. They'll also reveal what's "breaking" in their shops (from stubborn filament to broken knees and drum sander woes!) and share their sales strategies from recent markets and events. Plus, don't miss "Whatcha Watchin'" for inspiring woodworking, CNC, and maker projects from the community! Tune in for practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and invaluable insights into running your creative business. | |||
| Ep. 005 - Designing with Lasers | 18 Jun 2025 | 02:05:09 | |
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 and hilarious shop realities. Tune in for practical advice, creative insights, and honest talk about the maker journey! | |||
| Ep. 004 - Organizing your Shop and Order Inventory | 11 Jun 2025 | 01:44:27 | |
Whatcha Makin' - Episode 4: Shop Organization, Sales & The Wild World of Making! | |||
| Ep. 003 - Favorite & Feared Shop Tasks | 04 Jun 2025 | 01:35:08 | |
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 anxiety of changing saw blades and tackling complex finishing techniques on large projects. We share insights on dealing with unexpected repairs and the importance of tool investments. Tune in for candid conversations, valuable woodworking wisdom, and a dose of humor from the heart of the maker shop! | |||
| Ep. 002 - All things Sandblasting | 30 May 2025 | 01:46:48 | |
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 UFO Fest sales and get inspired by fellow makers in "Whatcha Watchin'," including a deep dive into starting a woodworking business and insights from other creators. Plus, get creative ideas for selling 3D prints at unexpected places like swim meets! Tune in for authentic conversation, valuable shop tips, and plenty of humor about the maker life. | |||
| Ep. 001 - What’s in your shop? | 28 May 2025 | 01:48:13 | |
Summary | |||