A tape measure works well for rough measurements, but it’s limited by the divisions printed on the tape. Most tapes only go down to a thirty second of an inch, which means anything smaller requires estimating between the lines. Calipers remove that guesswork by giving you a direct reading of the measurement.

Online advice can be loud, conflicting, and overwhelming… Essential Woodworking Machines provides a calm, experience-based guide for beginners to make confident equipment decisions while building a shop that grows with them… #grownostr #tools #woodworking

A common mistake when using calipers is assuming they only measure outside dimensions. The outside jaws are the most obvious feature, but calipers are designed to measure several different things including inside dimensions, depth, and step measurements. Learning these functions makes the tool much more useful in the shop. #grownostr #tools

What’s the most frustrating part of setting up a new shop? #asknostr #grownostr

Many of you have seen me mention the fabrication class idea over the past year… Something practical for adults who never had a shop class but want to get comfortable with tools. I’ve been quietly working on the structure and curriculum. It’s still under development, but I’ve opened a waitlist for people who want to follow along as it takes shape. If that sounds interesting, you can join here… #grownostr #tools #woodworking #metalworking #proofofwork #diy

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Guided Fabrication Program Waitlist - Fabricator's Field Guide

Guided Fabrication Program I am developing a cohort-based format for those who want structured progression through the Fabricator’s Field Guide c...

A simple shop tool that’s easy to overlook… but once you start using it, it changes how you measure things. This week’s video is a beginner’s introduction to calipers and the different ways they can measure parts in the shop. How to Use Calipers (Beginner’s Guide)

I’m almost 2 years into my YouTube channel… Never would I have thought to myself… before this adventure… “Monday I’m shooting B-roll and Tuesday is A-roll.”

I put out a video last week on transferring measurements without numbers. The focus is simple… If two parts must relate to each other, let one part be the measurement. It is way more accurate! It walks through five direct transfer methods that reduce error and improve fit. Here is the video:

Since when did shop class become a nastalgic relic of the past. Just had a younger engineer wish that he had that opportunity at school…

A great example of craftsmanship.

Oops here’s my latest video… I killed the link in the last post. Master Accurate Layouts: Using Combination, Speed, and Framing Squares for Beginners

Spent some time in the shop teaching layout basics. A 90-degree angle is the foundation of almost every project. I cover three essential squares: combination, speed, and framing. They help keep projects square and save time and frustration. https://youtu.be/30KAMW8kvp

Found this song today!

I read this today and it profoundly struck me… “When systems fail, guides become essential.” We are living inside a profoundly broken system.

Quick poll: If I ran a hands-on maker skills program, what would you want to learn first? A) Woodworking fundamentals B) Metalworking basics C) Both together

New video is up on YouTube! How to Read a Tape Measure with Confidence — No More Guessing

Been heads-down the past few weeks building something… I’ve been teaching maker skills on YouTube for 2 years now… 80+ videos, 1200+ subscribers, but it’s all been scattered. So I’m creating a structured curriculum. Hand tools → woodworking → metalworking → CAD → designing for manufacturing. The full path from zero to making real things... More soon. Cheers!

I’ve put together my first short field guide for woodworkers who are starting to think about a real shop and buying their first stationary equipment. What tools really matter first, what can wait, and how to avoid wasting money. It’s based on decades in my own shop and the same kind of perspective I share on my YouTube channel at Fabricator’s Field Guide. Not affiliate lists or how-to instructions, just practical guidance to help you make confident decisions. You can check it out here:

Fabricator's Field Guide -

Essential Wordworking Machines Landing Page - Fabricator's Field Guide

A Clear, Practical Guide to Buying Your First Real Shop Equipment — Without Wasting Money or Overbuilding Your Shop For woodworkers who are getti...