# 528: Grippy Bits

- Show: [Making It](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it)
- Published: 2026-06-05
- Length: 1h 05m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits
- Listen: https://making-it-with-jimmy-diresta-bob-clagett-and-david-picciuto.castos.com/episodes/528-grippy-bits

## Summary

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's restoration of a 1920s carnival crane toy and his go-kart build, Picciuto's creation of 3,500 wooden chopsticks for an art show, and Clagett's construction of a home climbing wall. The hosts then explore the value of apprenticeships and mentorship in learning new skills like upholstery, pottery, and mechanics, contrasting the intimacy of in-person guidance with the limitations of YouTube and formal education. They also share recommendations for channels like Spark Cycle Works and discuss the importance of slowing down rather than optimizing every task.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=1) Introduction and Project Updates
- [0:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=37) David Picciuto's Art Show and Chopstick Panels
- [7:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=429) Jimmy Diresta's 1920s Crane and Go-Kart Builds
- [12:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=757) Bob Clagett's Home Climbing Wall
- [22:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=1325) DIY AC Repair and Technical Tips
- [24:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=1459) The Value of Apprenticeships and Mentorship
- [36:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=2172) Learning Mechanics and Overcoming Insecurity
- [45:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=2713) Handmade vs. Digital Tools and Optimization
- [59:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits#t=3575) Recommendations and Show Wrap-up

## 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)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Creator business](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/creator-business)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Spark Cycle Works (other)
- Dominic Hart (other)
- Ottali (other)
- Dave Doherty (other)
- Napa (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [STL318: Back to School](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-06-14-stl318-back-to-school) (Shop Talk Live)
- [STL342: What We Wish We Knew](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-05-30-stl342-what-we-wish-we-knew) (Shop Talk Live)
- [STL 142: Live from AWFS with John Ratzenberger and Rollie Johnson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2017-07-21-stl-142-live-from-awfs-with-john-ratzenberger-and-rollie-johnson) (Shop Talk Live)
- [STL 105: Why We Build What We Build](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2016-02-26-stl-105-why-we-build-what-we-build) (Shop Talk Live)
- [STL339: The Woodshop is a Play Room](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-04-18-stl339-the-woodshop-is-a-play-room) (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/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits. 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.