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This week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams delve into the massive undertaking of shop layout transformation! Alex Duffey details the organized chaos of tearing down his old workbench and implementing the fourth layout of his garage shop to maximize space and efficiency. He explains his decision to move his lathe into storage, prep his CNC for a movable base, and ultimately plan for a two-CNC production and content system.

Alex Adams shares his own journey of reclaiming his workspace and discusses the principles of shop flow, using height for storage, and the necessity of discarding unused tools to avoid "hoarding."

The hosts also catch up on their week: Alex Duffey gives a detailed recap of his record-breaking holiday market (despite being down year-over-year) and shares his bestsellers (D&D dice boxes and pocket cribbage boards) versus his slow movers (coffee scoops and bookmarks). Alex Adams finishes restoring an antique table leg, overcoming drilling and veneer challenges, and deals with a faulty dehumidifier and cat pee damage to his hardwood floors.

In "Whatcha Watchin'," they spotlight fellow makers creating incredible 3D carved dragons on redwood, elaborate segmented jewelry, and high-quality mosaic panels.

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Get your shopping lists ready! On this special holiday-focused episode, Alex Duffey and Alex Adams dive into their ultimate recommendations for tools to buy for the holiday season. They offer a comprehensive list of tools at different price points—from stocking stuffers under $20 to major shop upgrades—that any maker would love to receive.

Alex Duffey shares his budget-friendly picks, including the must-have silicone glue pot and the CNC bit-saver clamps, while Alex Adams focuses on quality-of-life tools like the ergonomic sanding block and the Drill Guide for perfectly straight holes. They also discuss major purchases, with Alex Duffey detailing the value of the WEN mobile base and oscillating spindle sander, and Alex Adams advocating for the Benchcrafted Moxon Vise and the versatility of Besse Parallel Clamps.

The hosts also share their busy week: Alex Duffey gives an exciting recap of his record-breaking first holiday market, detailing surprising bestsellers like the D&D boxes and the new herb strippers. Alex Adams, meanwhile, is focused on restoring a table leg and troubleshooting a failed film finish attempt. The episode concludes with a spotlight on fellow makers preparing for Cutting Board Awareness Month and a reminder about the Vectric User Group Meeting for CNC enthusiasts.

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Episode 21: This week on Whatcha Makin', Alex Duffey and Alex Adams are joined by special guest Braden of Littlebug Woodworking from Another Wood Shop Podcast for a masterclass in making content deals! Drawing on his extensive background in recruiting and buying, Braden shares his strategies for reaching out to brands, negotiating partnerships, and proving value—even as a smaller creator. They discuss how to shift the conversation from "send me free stuff" to "how can I help achieve your marketing goals" and highlight the importance of personal relationships and knowing a brand's needs.

Hear about Braden's hilarious, last-minute approach to craft fairs (where he sells whiskey smokers faster than he can make them!), and Alex Duffey's rigorous 10-week holiday production schedule. The hosts get real in "Whatcha Breakin'," with snapped bandsaw blades, shattering storage totes, and a close call with a powerful flush trim router bite.

Plus, they shout out fellow makers creating impressive custom hatchets, unique table designs, and a shout-out to Xyla for her incredible work fighting for mental health for pilots. Tune in for invaluable business advice, behind-the-scenes podcast talk, and plenty of laughs!

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