We’ve all used it… Construction lumber from the big box store in woodworking. 2x4s, 2x6s, etc. In this weeks Fabricators Field Guide. I discuss ways to make it more presentable for your wood projects. #FabricatorsFieldGuide #diy #woodworking #grownostr

🛠️ Friday Fabricator’s Mad Libs: Fill in the Blanks! “If I could magically master one shop skill overnight, it would be ______ because ______.” Post your version 👇 #FabricatorsFieldGuide #DIY #metalworking #woodworking #games #artstr

GM! And happy Friday! You don’t need to know exactly how a project ends—just take the first step… Trust your intuition. The best builds evolve as they go. A plan is needed, but the ability to fix mistakes is what makes pros different. #FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #coffeechain #diy #woodworking #metalworking

What’s one tool in your shop you own but aren’t totally confident using? #FabricatorsFieldGuide #DIY #woodworking #metalworking #asknostr #tools

TOOL TRACKER TUESDAY: When I first got into woodworking, I picked up an 18-gauge brad nailer as my first pneumatic nail gun. It was a solid choice—but it only shot brads up to 1 1/4”. That limitation showed up quick on deeper or tougher projects. If you’re just starting out today, I’d recommend an 18-gauge nailer that can handle up to 2” brads. It’s still beginner-friendly, doesn’t require a big compressor, and can cover most trim, cabinet, and small project work. Reliable brands to check out: DeWalt, Senco, Metabo. What was your first nail gun—and would you still recommend it? Drop your thoughts below! #FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #DIY #projects #grownostr #proofofwork #asknostr

🛠️ Friday Fabricator’s Mad Libs: Fill in the Blanks! “The weirdest tool modification I’ve ever made was ______. It may not be pretty, but it works great for ______.” Post your version 👇 #FabricatorsFieldGuide #DIY #metalworking #woodworking #games #artstr

GM ! Nostr! Happy Friday! What projects do you have planned for the weekend? I will be making a new wood table top for an old metal bench that I have… More horizontal surface to collect clutter! Cheers!

Focus on learning… not accumulating tools. Skills will get you further than gear ever will. #FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #DIY #metalworking #proofofwork”

I had a question the other day from someone that wanted a soldering set up to be able to solder together copper sculptures. I came across this map gas set up that would be good for small to medium size sculptures. Map gas would be good for this purpose, because it burns hotter than propane gas and is able to get hot enough for soldering and possibly even brazing work (brazing is soldering with brass, good for use with steel) Tips for soldering/brazing: -Clean the metal surface, solder will not stick to oxidized metal. -Use the appropriate flux, this keeps the metal from oxidizing. -Apply heat to the metal not the solder, you want the solder to melt into the hot metal. -The solder will flow towards the heat, this is how you can move it once melted onto the metal. -Practice I am by not means an expert so if anyone has any other things to add, it would be appreciated! @Nela #grownostr #artstr #diy #sculpture #metalwork

GM! Nostr I just learned about Howard Gardner’s different kinds of intelligences. Cheers! #grownostr #coffeechain

What’s a machine or tool you want to learn—but haven’t touched yet? #FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #metalworking #woodworking

TOOL TRACKER TUESDAY: Buying a wood planer will be one of your better decisions… It is the one thing you put off for the purchase of other seemingly more important tools. However, the planer is something you will use all the time. It is especially good for turning nasty scrap wood into nicely surfaced usable pieces. Like this wood I am using for a work table. It was originally left over construction lumber. Nothing special… Now, very useful! Cheers! #FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #tools #woodworking

GM! Nostr! YOLO You Only Live Once… That means those creative ideas you have had… You only have a limited amount of precious time to get them done. Go out and create them! #grownostr #coffeechain #gm #diy

Spray paint… It makes a great wood finish! No, really! If you know the coating to apply after you paint it. In the latest Fabricator’s Field Guide, I break down my go to antique black painted finish! Cheers! #FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #DIY Spray Paint + Wax = Instant Antique Wood Finish (Easiest Ever!)

Some of the most enigmatic pottery in the world comes from the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico. Maria Martinez is one of the most famous potters that practice this Pueblo’s style. Known for its jet black polished finish. This video, one that I watched as a kid and recently found on YouTube, documents the process of crafting the world famous pottery. Including the secret ingredient at the end to make the black fired finish… #artstr #grownostr

Rushing ruins good work… I’ve seen people try to “knock out” a project in a weekend, only to waste time fixing mistakes later. Good work is the reward of patience. Think your next 3 steps before you take one. Craftsmanship isn’t about speed—it’s about momentum in the right direction. #FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #DIY #proofofwork #grownostr

🛠️ Friday Fabricator’s Mad Libs: Fill in the Blanks! “The strangest material I’ve ever worked with was ______. It was supposed to be easy, but instead, it ______.” Post your version 👇 #FabricatorsFieldGuide #DIY #metalworking #woodworking #games #artstr

What is the scorecard of failure? My wife and I were at our Bitcoin meetup last night and ran into an old acquaintance. He was a business owner that was manufacturing and selling kettlebells in our city a few years ago. Long story short, we purchased some and started going to his workout gatherings. They were great fun and we met really interesting and great people. Fast forward a few years, the company had to close down. It’s hard to start a manufacturing business… Last night he described that venture as a failure… Was it? We told him that those workout groups were a highlight of that time for us and we still remember them fondly. He was unaware of the impact that he had on us and others. He was only focused on the revenue that wasn’t brought in. Money is not the only scorecard in life. Relationships, experiences, and personal growth are as important. We never grow unless we are stretched and forced to respond to circumstances in and out of our control. They are the tools that we use going forward in life. Sometimes our impact is not seen by us until years after. Happy Friday! Cheers! #grownostr #coffeechain

Failure isn’t the enemy… Failure to continue on is. I’ve messed up more projects than I can count. But every mistake taught me something a book never could. Learn to fail smart, analyze what went wrong, and move forward with better skills. That’s how you grow. What is something you failed at first but learned from? #FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #woodworking #metalworking #diy

GM! Nostr! I hope you all have a great day! #coffeechain #grownostr #gm