Good Enough #2: Low Tech, Big Wins

🪵 From the Workshop —

A big milestone was achieved last weekend: I finally cleared out the garage. To many this might seem trivial, but to myself and others facing this hurdle, it is a great accomplishment.

This gave me the best path forward for setting up the workshop. Now there's space for cutting down sheet goods or assembling different projects. Another added benefit is being able to park the car inside. This is a big thing, as I was getting tired of constantly dropping into a vehicle that had been literally baking in the hot Florida sun for hours.

Opening up the garage also kicked off getting another project or two off the ground. I've had the internet installed to come into the garage. On the face of it, this was fine, but I've always worried about the heat and, more so, the dust intrusion that could affect the equipment. So, the next project will be moving the networking equipment out of the garage and into the office closet. That means rerouting the Cat6 cables in the attic. Fun.

🔧 Tool/Tip of the Week —

Everyone likes to promote a tool dedicated to making their workflow easier, perhaps something touted as the very best in technological advancement. My pick this week is probably the lowest tech of them all.

The simple tape measure. This humble tool has been a staple for just about every maker in existence. Probably the most often-used tool you could have on hand, and likely the one many of us own more than two of.

I know for myself, I've used the tape measure to second, third, and even fourth-guess my own measurements. There's always that little nagging thought in the back of your mind: "Did I mark this correctly? Let me just make sure again." So for my Tool of the Week, the simple tape measure is being heralded as that coveted piece of tech we've counted on for generations.

📡 Tech for Makers —

For this week I want to showcase a platform that I'm sure many of you are familiar with, or at least know of. Patreon is a place where you can create a way for your community to come together and support your efforts. Whether through simple engagement or tossing some coin your way, Patreon has probably become a cultural touchstone for many makers and creators.

This is one arena I really haven't had much experience in, and I'm slowly trying to fix that. I've been working on getting a page set up for potential members to visit and, if they're interested, sign up to support what I'm doing here. I'd love to hear about your experiences with Patreon, how you've built up your community, or even if you've moved on to something else.

🎙️ Latest from the Podcast —

Everything costs more right now, and if you have been thinking about getting into making or woodworking, those price tags can feel like a wall before you even start.

A sheet of birch plywood that used to run 30 to 40 dollars is now sitting at 80 dollars or more. Tool batteries alone can set you back 100 to 170 dollars each, and that usually does not include a charger. It is a lot to take in, and lumber prices have not really moved since COVID.

But here is the thing: waiting for prices to drop is not really a strategy. They may not come down in any meaningful way for a long time, if ever.

In this week's episode I get into the real cost of making right now and, more importantly, what you can actually do about it. We talk through the used tool market, maker-spaces you might not know exist in your area, how to pick a tool ecosystem without burning your budget, and how smarter planning can stretch every dollar further.

It is not doom and gloom. It is just real talk about making things work with what we have.

Can We Even Afford to Be Makers Right Now? | Podcast Episode on RSS.com

Can We Even Afford to Be Makers Right Now? | MDP005The cost of everything has gone up, and if you are trying to get into making or woodworking right now, those price tags can feel like a wall before you even start. In this episode, I get into real talk about the current state of material and tool costs, and more importantly, what you can actually do about it.What We CoverHow wood pricing has changed since COVID, and where sheet goods stand todayThe real cost of getting into a cordless power tool ecosystem (hint: it is the batteries)Why mixing tool brands is a trap, and how to think about picking one ecosystemThe rising cost of art supplies beyond woodworkingFinding tools and materials in the used market: yard sales, garage sales, and secondhand findsMakerspaces: what they are, what they cost, and why they are worth consideringHow libraries are quietly running their own makerspaces for freeThinking long-term vs. immediate gratification when it comes to gearSetting small, realistic goals to build toward bigger projectsWhy prices are not coming down anytime soon, and how to plan around thatResources and LinksThe Maker Dad–themakerdad.comDiscord Community–https://discord.gg/xDpzcugFwsPatreon–https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheMakerDadApple Podcasts–https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1881396004Spotify–https://open.spotify.com/show/5vvoiC3ccHFG7HWt3mWxUHMentioned in This EpisodeBirch plywood pricing (pre- vs. post-COVID)MDF for speaker and subwoofer boxesCordless tool ecosystems: DeWalt, Craftsman, Cobalt, Bosch, RyobiRyobi’s 200+ product battery compatibility platformSawStop cabinet sawMakerspaces and library-based creative spacesPottery wheels and kilns at public librariesSubscribe and ReviewIf you got something out of this episode, a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way. And if you have thoughts, leave a written review too. Constructive feedback is always welcome.The Maker Dad is a podcast about making, building, and figuring it out as you go. New episodes at themakerdad.com.

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💬 Community Spark —

Tell us about a project where "good enough" was actually the right call. What did you make, and what did you let go of? There is no shame in crossing the finish line. Share your story and see what others in the community have to say about it.

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