Episode 056: #freetools

Making It · 29 Jan 2016 · 1h 00m

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the #freetools movement, encouraging makers to source used equipment from Craigslist, pawn shops, and estate sales rather than buying new. They share personal anecdotes about acquiring vintage machinery for free or cheap, such as a 1920s bandsaw and a Crescent joiner, and propose a national tool exchange to help beginners get started. The hosts also touch on the technical challenges of shooting 360-degree video for shop tours and recommend resources like Bill Hammock's 'Engineer Guy' videos and the book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up'.

Mentioned

Companies
Albany Steel
Tools
Craigslist, Google Cardboard
Also
Bill Hammock, Frank Haworth, Winston Moy, Robbie Cuthbert, Fargo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Protocon, Ord Camp, Emporium, DeWalt, Delta, Craftsman, Laguna, Porto-Cable, Stabilo, Dymo

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Shop Talk Live · 1h 09m

    STL358: He Hunts For Tools, So You Don't Have To

    Joshua Clarke, founder of Hyperkitten Tool Company, discusses his business sourcing and selling high-quality vintage hand tools, explaining how he transitioned from a hobbyist on the Old Tools email list to a professional dealer after being featured by Christopher Schwarz. Clarke details the specific market dynamics for Stanley planes, noting that user-focused tools like the No. 4 and No. 5 sell rapidly, while collectors focus on rare items, and he highlights alternative brands like Sargent, Miller's Falls, and Craftsman as valuable, affordable options. He also covers the historical context of New England tool manufacturing, the importance of estate sales for sourcing, and current trends in woodworking such as the resurgence of interest in vintage tape measures and shrink pot tools.

  • Embedded.fm · 46m

    1: Start Tinkering

    Elecia White, Jen Costillo, and Starr Simpson discuss their personal journeys into hardware tinkering and the practical tools needed to get started. They share detailed stories of specific projects, including Costillo’s RFID dance system, Simpson’s Taco Copter drone, and White’s posture-correcting t-shirt, highlighting the technical challenges and lessons learned. The conversation covers essential gear for beginners, sourcing components from markets like Shenzhen, and the importance of documenting projects for career development.

  • Shop Talk Live · 48m

    STL 69: Mike's Goldrush Doppelganger

    Fine Woodworking editors Mike Pekovich, Asa Christiana, and Ed Kernick discuss restoring vintage Miller's Falls hand planes, milling painted reclaimed lumber, and laminating Western Red Cedar for carriage doors. They also share personal anecdotes about finding bargain tools at estate sales and demonstrate a broken screw remover tool from Lee Nielsen. The episode concludes with listener questions on extending drill press handles and comments on the podcast's content.

  • Shop Talk Live · 1h 01m

    STL202: This guy found a workbench on the side of the road!

    Hosts Chris Schwarz, Anisa, and Barry discuss woodworking techniques, tool safety, and project challenges. They address listener questions about refurbishing a found workbench, the safety of ripping on a radial arm saw, and the validity of using Dowelmax joinery. The episode also features the hosts sharing their 'smooth moves' (mistakes), including a ruined ukulele fretboard and a misassembled box jump, before recommending tools and media.

  • Shop Talk Live · 56m

    STL141: Vic Tesolin's Tool Bomb

    Hosts Tom McKenna, Mike Pekovich, Matt Kinney, and Ben Streno answer listener questions on sharpening stones, budget vices, and fretsaw blades before welcoming guest Vic Tesolin. Tesolin discusses his 'tool bombs,' specifically a useless compass plane and an unused disc sander, while the hosts debate the utility of tool cabinet doors and recommend books like 'The Book of Shaker Furniture' and 'The Unknown Craftsman.'

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