Hardware Podcasts

An Interview with Spencer Wright

The Amp Hour · 3 Sept 2018 · 1h 07m · Episode 405

What this episode covers

Spencer Wright, host of The Prepared newsletter and employee at Entopology, discusses his journey from construction management to building custom robotic doors and a mass-customized FM radio. He details the manufacturing challenges of assembling 5,000 radios in the US using Worthington Assembly and the role of Tulip software in managing work instructions. Wright also critiques the hype around 3D printing, advocating for precision casting's hidden importance, and highlights PartsBox as a critical tool for personal inventory management.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies and companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Entopology, Worthington Assembly, Precision Cast Parts Corp, GE, Berkshire Hathaway, Relativity Space, Shapeways, Formlabs, Materialize, Autodesk, EOS, Nike
Chips
Arduino, AT tiny
Tools
Tulip, PartsBox
Also
The Prepared, MFG.com, DigiKey, McMaster-Carr

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 1h 09m

    469: It’s My Fault, But Also Your Fault

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Diresta’s accidental launch of a 3D-printed webcam mount, Clagett’s zinc casting of ‘steal apples’ and stained glass work, and Picciuto’s restoration of a Juno 106 synthesizer. The hosts also critique modern smart TVs, specifically LG models, for intrusive pop-ups and input switching, contrasting them with ‘dumb’ monitors. They explore the rapid iteration of small-batch manufacturing, from sourcing hardware to packaging, and share recommendations for YouTube channels like Veritasium and Dave’s Auto Center.

    Prototyping & iterationDirect-to-consumer & e-commerce
    9 chapters

  • Thoroughly Considered · 51m

    120: Imbue All of the Choices

    Dan Provost of Studio Neat discusses his completed custom Stratocaster-style guitar build, detailing the woodworking, finishing, and hybrid design choices. He and co-host Tom Gerhardt review the ongoing production status of the Keen pen, noting supply chain delays but positive early user feedback. The conversation shifts to Studio Neat's strategic pivot toward a 'new lean' operational model, leveraging AI to maintain product opinion and quality without excessive headcount. Finally, the hosts debate the future of all-in-one computers versus modular setups in an era of ambient computing.

    Scaling productionAI & machine learning
    6 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 24m

    Adapting to New Manufacturing Technology w/ Matthew Wright

    Matthew Wright, founder and CEO of Specright, discusses the critical need for digitization in manufacturing, specifically through product and packaging specification management. Drawing on his 25-year career in the packaging industry, including leadership roles at International Paper and Temple-Inland, Wright explains how legacy processes create waste and inefficiency. He argues that adopting consumer-grade technology is essential for retaining the next generation of the workforce and driving profitability through better data management.

    AI & machine learningHiring & workforce
    6 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 08m

    Episode 272: Play stairway to Heaven on the trumpet

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Jimmy's production of bullet bourbon trailers using CNC nesting, Bob's construction of a walnut and PVC chair, and David's installation of a DRO on his Bridgeport mill. The hosts also share personal updates, such as Jimmy's acquisition of a 1985 Chevy K30 truck, David's search for an FJ40 Land Cruiser, and general reflections on setting short-term goals and laser etching techniques.

    Scaling productionDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 15m

    445: Look For The Lightning Bolt

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects and shop management philosophies. Diresta shares the completion of a custom Johnny Walker liquor cart and his work on the Graveyard House renovation, while also detailing a 3D printing project involving heated brass inserts. Picciuto explains his workflow using Notion to manage a project list and his construction of a nesting keyboard stand that doubles as a bench. Clagett outlines his organizational 'shop rules,' including strict protocols for trash management, tool placement, and battery charging systems to maintain efficiency.

    Prototyping & iterationDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    7 chapters

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