I’ve been working on a hands-on shop class… Focused on building real skills with tools, measurement, and fabrication. It’s still coming together, but if you want to follow along or get in early, here’s the waitlist.

Fabricator's Field Guide -

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...

Had a conversation with a CNC repair technician working on one of our very specialized machines. I mentioned I’ve been building a class around basic shop skills… tools, measurement, and problem solving. He said the older experienced guys are leaving his company, and there’s no one there to teach this kind of work anymore. It made me realize there is a real shortage of places where you can learn the practical skills this kind of work depends on. Curious how many people have run into that in their field? #asknostr #grownostr

TOOL TIP TUESDAY: Today’s tool tip is not about a tool.. It’s about alcohol! No, not the drinking kind… Denatured alcohol, the kind you get at the hardware store… Denatured alcohol has some great uses… 1️⃣ It is a great general degreaser. 2️⃣ Mix 1:1 with water and a drop of soap, it makes an eyeglass cleaner. 3️⃣ It dissolves and cleans latex house paint off of surfaces. Cheers! #grownostr #homestead #diy

So, if capital gains tax is a tax on your fiat currency gains on your investment… And inflation causes all prices to rise… including your investment… Then, our government is taxing us on their devaluation of the currency… Sounds about right…

Instead of chasing every new tool, focus on mastering the basics. Great craftsmanship starts with skill, not gear. #woodworking #DIY #metalworking

I am working on an essential tools list for beginners… One of the tools I suggest is a pair of groove joint pliers. However, I really think the Knipex Cobra Plier looks to be superior. Does anyone have experience with this brand? I may have to test one! #asknostr #grownostr #tools

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

Fabricator's Field Guide -

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!