Hardware Podcasts

Episode 284: Speaking of wiener dogs…

Making It · 13 Nov 2020 · 1h 01m

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Diresta's molding and casting experiments with Alumilite and Smooth-On, Picciuto's CNC work and wedding rings, and Clagett's one-board challenge. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the complexities of business insurance, with Diresta and Clagett sharing frustrations over rising premiums, coverage gaps, and bureaucratic hurdles when dealing with equipment loans and state regulations. The hosts also recommend resources like the Essential Craftsman YouTube channel and discuss the importance of high-quality educational content from manufacturers.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Alumilite, Smooth-On
Products
Stepcraft
Tools
Fusion 360, VCarve
Also
Essential Craftsman, Frank Ippolito, The Thingery

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 1h 12m

    96: How Much Could a Banana Cost?

    Myke Hurley of Cortex Brand discusses the manufacturing challenges and high cost of his new Sidekick Notepad, which features paper made from recycled coffee cups and was hand-assembled in London. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat share their experiences with product video production, highlighting the difficulty of lighting and the value of tools like Dragonframe and motorized sliders. The hosts then help each other decide on new computer hardware, debating the merits of Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, and monitors for heavy video editing tasks.

    Materials & manufacturing processesAI & machine learning
    5 chapters

  • Shop Talk Live · 1h 02m

    Shop Talk Live 9: Four Finger Swipe

    Asa Christiana and Matt Kenney of Fine Woodworking magazine discuss their career paths, the challenges of balancing safety with realistic shop photography, and practical advice on buying lumber and selecting routers. They also address listener questions about lacquer finishes and explain why they discontinued the video podcast format due to low viewership and production effort.

    Careers & educationSourcing & supply chain
    9 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 03m

    Bob Widlar, Electronic Design, FIRST Robotics - Monday, Meta Monday

    Hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss format changes to The Amp Hour, including the potential removal of Workbench of the Week and the introduction of sponsorship. They review low-cost PCB manufacturing from IT'd Studio, noting the $12 fixed-price service for small boards, and discuss the logistics of automated assembly. The conversation also covers the FIRST Robotics competition, Bob Widlar's legacy, and the value of practical engineering education over pure theory.

    PCB design & layoutManufacturing partners & offshoring
    6 chapters

  • Shop Talk Live · 57m

    STL354: Go and Do the Thing

    Erik Curtis, a furniture maker and YouTuber based in Philadelphia, joins Shop Talk Live to discuss the realities of running a woodworking business, teaching, and creating content. Curtis and hosts Amanda and Vic explore the myth of the solitary furniture maker, arguing that modern makers must diversify through teaching, writing, and media to sustain their craft. They debate the role of YouTube in woodworking, distinguishing between entertainment-focused channels and those that provide substantive technical education, while addressing the accessibility of high-end tools versus the necessity of skill. The conversation also covers design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of grain selection, proportion, and stripping away excessive ornamentation to achieve clear, functional aesthetics.

    Creator businessIndustrial & consumer product design
    6 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 08m

    Vecordious Vacation Variorum

    Jeff Keyzer of MightyOhm.com joins Dave Jones and Chris Gammell to discuss the challenges of hardware engineering, including the disruptive nature of context switching and the potential for internal technical sabbaticals. The hosts critique a spray-on RF antenna product for its lack of technical data and discuss the business models of 3D Systems and MakerBot, specifically regarding the pricing of 3D model files. They also debate the viability of selling electronics kits versus pre-assembled units, citing the MakerBot Cube and EEVblog power supply as examples.

    Careers & educationPricing, margins & unit economics
    7 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Making It. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.