Hardware Podcasts

510: My Office is a Mess, My Head is a Mess… Everything’s a Mess

Making It · 9 Jan 2026 · 1h 05m

AI in practice: 2 real uses of AI described

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their New Year's resolutions and recent projects. Bob Clagett shares his experience making leather bags and branding irons, while David Picciuto details his efforts to organize his workflow and shop by hiring help and using AI tools like ChatGPT for technical queries. Jimmy Diresta talks about his decision to buy a fish tank, his struggle with content creation pressure, and his development of Fusion 360 plugins to improve his design efficiency.

AI in practice

Where this conversation describes AI being used to build or deliver a product. Part of the AI in practice tracker.

Engineering & simulationChatGPT

The speaker used ChatGPT to troubleshoot sewing machine issues by asking for specific mechanical adjustments, receiving detailed instructions on screw locations and turning directions to tune older machines.

“anytime I have an issue with the sewing machine, I ask ChatGPT and it's like, oh, there's a screw under the thing behind the logo. If that screw is there, turn a quarter inch to the right. And, you know, I'm just making that answer up, but that's kind of how detailed the answers could be.”

Speaker 2 · Hear it at 8:09

Engineering & simulationCustom GPT (ChatGPT)

The speaker created a custom GPT containing manuals, forum links, and website info for a plasma cutter to instantly retrieve correct settings for materials like 14-gauge carbon steel, including gas/air requirements.

“In chat GPT, you can create custom GPTs where you can upload files and then you can always reference them. And so I made a custom one that I've uploaded the, the, all the manuals to the metal fab and uh, gave it links to the, the forums and uh, and the website.”

Speaker 3 · Hear it at 9:04

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
AutoDesk, Infinity, Creality
Products
Weaver, Carhartt
Tools
ChatGPT, VCarve, Fusion 360

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