I’ve been slowly building an e-book since the summer, and I made some great progress on it this weekend. It’s now sitting at about 40 pages. It’s a beginner-friendly guide to the main woodworking machines I use in my own shop, written from my real experience. Every tool in the book is one I actually own and use, and the photos are all from my shop. The goal is to help new woodworkers figure out which machines really matter and how to build a capable home shop without wasting money. Getting close to wrapping up the draft. More updates soon… #woodworking #diy #grownostr

Fiat Appliances… Over the weekend, my wife and I needed to get a new oven… Our old one died after 7 years. The salesman said to us that due to energy standards most appliances are only expected to last 7-8 years! This is because of all the electronics embedded in them. How in the hell is this a good idea? Every 7 years we get to replace a major appliance? Supposedly to save the planet? We have a LONG way to go to bring back sanity in this world! #grownostr

New video up! It’s a quick reminder not to overlook the boring stuff in your shop… Even scrap materials have potential if you know what to do with them! Cheers! #woodworking #grownostr

TOOL TIP TUESDAY: Need equal spacing between things in a project? Most will use nails, however they can fall down… I needed spacing in a project over the weekend and used washers. They worked great and don’t fall over. When you need spacing under 1/8 inch. Washers do the trick! #grownostr #diy #tools #woodworking

This is great… In a very nerdy way!

I took last week off from posting about the classes, but I’ve been thinking a lot about what would make them actually useful. The idea that keeps coming up is micro skills… the small, foundational abilities that make every project easier. Things like making a clean cut, measuring accurately, choosing the right fastener, or understanding what a tool is really doing. Most people never get taught these basics. But once you learn them, everything clicks. So I’m sketching out simple lessons built around these micro skills, taught step by step to build real confidence with tools. If you could learn one small skill that would make everything else easier, what would it be?” #grownostr #asknostr

This week’s video is hot of the press! Cheers! 3 Better Woods for Woodworking Beginners (Stop Using Pine!)

Tried clear alder for a project last weekend... Very nice! Cuts clean, sands smooth, and has a really nice, consistent grain. Way less sap than pine, and the finished look is a step up without costing more!

Pine is everywhere… Big-box stores make it the default, but it’s not always the best choice. This week’s Fabricator’s Field Guide Newsletter dives into three inexpensive woods that cut cleaner, finish nicer, and look way better than pine… all perfect for a small shop! Want to see what they are and how to use them? Sign up here:

Fabricator's Field Guide | Jeremiah Baker | Substack

Fabricator's Field Guide offers invaluable tips and techniques for fabricators and makers, helping you navigate the workshop jungle. Click to read ...

Here’s the truth about shop accidents: They don’t usually happen when you’re focused and careful. They show up when you’re relaxed, when the work feels “easy,” when you think you’ve got it all figured out. That’s when the soldering iron sneaks a burn. The table saw takes a bite. Stay intentional. Stay aware. Even on the routine stuff. ~Cheers! #FabricatorsFieldGuide #tools #grownostr

Can you spot the bitcoin ‘Easter egg’ in the video? View quoted note →

You don’t need a CNC to cut complex shapes… Just a few simple tools and an old-school trick… #grownostr #woodworking #tools

I’ve been working behind the scenes on how to make these hands-on classes actually work… Not just as another online course, but something people really learn from. Still early days, and I’m balancing it with my regular videos, but it’s starting to take shape. I’m still collecting feedback, so if you haven’t yet, check out the original post and drop your vote (A, B, or C) or your thoughts in the replies. It really helps me shape where this goes next. No big announcements yet… just steady progress! Cheers! #grownostr #asknostr #woodworking #tools #diy View quoted note →

“A good shop isn’t built—it evolves.” — Unknown

Ahhh… the chip brush… A disposable brush for all your minor painting and finish work. Just use it and throw it away… But, forget this rule and you will possibly ruin your finish! #woodworking #grownostr #diy

This was one of the most entertaining… and surprisingly insightful replies. “Pre-trade school” really stuck with me. Learning about tools, materials, and how things fit together early on just makes sense. It got me thinking… what if we actually built something like that? A way for both kids and adults to learn real, hands-on skills again. It’s never too late to get comfortable with tools, materials, and fixing things yourself. If there were a modern “pre-trade school,” what would you want to learn first? Drop a comment below 👇 #grownostr #asknostr View quoted note →

MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION WEDNESDAY: I gave clear alder a try for the first time this weekend, and I was surprised by how nice it is to work with. It’s got that same kind of softness and texture as pine, but with a smoother, more even grain. It can get a little chippy when routing edges, but overall it cuts clean and finishes well. For the price, it’s a really solid option, definitely one I’ll be using again. Cheers! #grownostr #woodworking #diy #proofofwork

Thought that old can of varnish was trash? Turns out, it’s not dead yet. I found a simple way to bring dried-up wood finish back to life… no special tools, no waste. Watch below 👇

Option C – Practical STEM / Pre-Engineering This one is a bit more niche. It’s a live, hands-on class for students interested in engineering or design. It would walk them through the real process of turning an idea into something tangible: sketching, choosing materials, using basic tools, and building a working prototype. The goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the kind of practical skills they rarely teach in engineering school but that matter most in the real world. If this sounds like something that would fit your family or homeschool, go back to the original quoted post and choose Option C. No pressure, just gauging interest. Comment or react below.👇 #grownostr #asknostr View quoted note →

GM! In a recent video, I give a tour of my wood shop / metal shop. Haven’t posted a tour in over a year. Lots of progress! #grownostr #woodworking #metalworking #proofofwork