# Episode 052: Looking back, Looking ahead (again)

- Show: [Making It](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it)
- Published: 2016-01-01
- Length: 1h 06m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again
- Listen: https://making-it-with-jimmy-diresta-bob-clagett-and-david-picciuto.castos.com/episodes/episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again

## Summary

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto reflect on their 2015 experiences and set goals for 2016. Diresta discusses building a custom fantasy knife, learning to manage heat in metalworking with bandsaws and milling machines, and his transition away from installation work toward branding and YouTube revenue. Clagett shares lessons on managing audience expectations, the emotional ups and downs of full-time content creation, and plans to expand his shop. Picciuto recounts building his first guitar, identifying wiring and routing mistakes, and resolving to increase his video output while saving money for a home purchase.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again#t=0) Introduction and Weather Chat
- [2:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again#t=160) Diresta's Fantasy Knife and Metalworking Lessons
- [10:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again#t=600) Picciuto's Guitar Build and Shop Updates
- [22:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again#t=1354) Clagett's Reflections on Community and Tools
- [35:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again#t=2124) Managing Expectations and Audience Feedback
- [43:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again#t=2624) 2016 Goals: Content, Shop Expansion, and Lifestyle
- [55:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again#t=3315) Stolen Tools, Steel Sourcing, and Recommendations

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Arduino (other)
- S Wing Hammer (other)
- Grizzly (other)
- Harbor Freight (other)
- Baldor (other)
- Miller 211 (other)
- Tractor Supply (other)
- Crimson Custom Guitar (other)
- Purgatory Ironworks (other)
- Tested (other)
- Star Wars (other)
- Phil Tippett (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [134: Kevin Kelly Remains Undefeated](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-06-24-134-kevin-kelly-remains-undefeated) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [S2E41 The Hacksmith | James Hobson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-09-24-s2e41-the-hacksmith-james-hobson) (Being an Engineer)
- [STL250: Catching up with Ed Pirnik](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-09-24-stl250-catching-up-with-ed-pirnik) (Shop Talk Live)
- [Theater, MMA, and Starting a Manufacturing Web Series with Eddie Saunders Jr. Of Flex Machine Tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-02-15-theater-mma-and-starting-a-manufacturing-web-series-with-eddie-saunders-jr-of-fl) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Shop Talk Live 9: Four Finger Swipe](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-06-22-shop-talk-live-9-four-finger-swipe) (Shop Talk Live)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-01-01-episode-052-looking-back-looking-ahead-again. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Making It.