The Maker's Quest

In this episode, Greg and Brian discussed their experiences mentoring interns and apprentices in their respective woodworking and architecture businesses. They discussed the potential benefits and challenges of hiring an intern, with Brian stressing the importance of fair compensation.

Greg and Brian discussed their experiences mentoring interns and apprentices in their respective woodworking and architecture businesses. Brian shared his experience teaching a new student how to use tools safely, emphasizing the importance of patience. They talked about an apprentice with no prior experience learning woodworking through hands-on projects guided by Brian. Greg recounted a past project involving the installation of an MRI machine that required structural modifications to be made to the building. They also discussed the potential benefits and challenges of hiring an intern, with Brian stressing the importance of fair compensation. The two shared their experiences working in small shop spaces, noting the need for larger workspaces to handle bigger materials efficiently.

Greg and Brian discussed the concept of interns in the architectural world, with Greg explaining the three levels of interns and their involvement in real projects. They also discussed the firm’s involvement in education, focusing on K-12 and higher education, and the company’s approach to hiring and training young professionals. Brian raised a question about whether the company needs to break bad habits that these new hires might have. The conversation ended with Greg explaining their process-oriented approach to client work and the importance of hands-on technical skills for architects. Greg also shared his diverse background in construction and emphasized the importance of understanding various systems in a building. The conversation concluded with Brian suggesting that the architectural internship program should include more on-site work to provide designers with practical experience.

Greg emphasized the importance of experience in the field of building and design, using the analogy of a high school progression to illustrate the learning curve. He and Brian discussed the challenges of transitioning from a doer to a manager, with Brian sharing his own experience of starting as a project manager after years of working in the field. They agreed on the difficulty of human resource management and the importance of learning from experience. Greg also stressed the importance of building respect and understanding in their work, including learning people’s names and providing guidance without insulting someone’s intelligence.

Brian and Greg discussed the complexities of architectural design, particularly in residential and commercial settings. They highlighted the challenges of coordinating different design elements and the issue of liability in cases where design elements fail to meet expectations or safety standards. Greg emphasized the importance of clear specifications and responsibilities in design projects and the need for architects to take responsibility for certain design elements. They also discussed the design of handrails, which must meet both aesthetic and safety requirements.

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/

Brian’s Woodworking Plans: https://www.digitaldesignconcepts.art/

Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/

In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how they set up their tools in their shop and how important it is to set up tools accurately  They then share a few tips on tool setup.

Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/custom-furniture-colorado-springs/

Brian’s Woodworking Plans: https://www.digitaldesignconcepts.art/

Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

Greg and Brian discussed the setup of their tools, revisiting a previously discussed topic. They talked about the cost and accuracy of machinist tools, with Greg estimating costs to be around $400. They also explored the application of millwrighting principles to home workshops, with Greg suggesting a focus on prioritizing tools and tool levelness. Brian agreed, proposing to start with the table saw as the hub of his shop. The discussion also highlighted the need for understanding millwrighting concepts for those unfamiliar with the term.

Greg and Brian discussed the role of a millwright in factory machinery setup and the precision required in their respective woodworking projects. Brian shared his approach to tool leveling and truing, emphasizing the importance of aligning tools for optimal performance and discussing the challenges of working with a naturally variable material like wood. They also highlighted the significance of maintaining and adjusting machinery for precision and longevity, and the impact of environmental factors on their work.

Greg and Brian discussed the importance of precision in woodworking and metalworking, with a focus on the use of torsion boxes and solid surface materials. Greg shared his approach to ensuring accuracy in woodworking, including the construction of a torsion box router extension and the use of a solid surface top. They also discussed the benefits of a torsion box workbench, the potential issues with embedding materials into the grain of a project when using a steel table for woodworking, and the advantages of investing in a good setup table for metalworking. Lastly, they explored the use of phenolic resin and solid surface materials in their woodworking projects, with Greg sharing his experience of sourcing a large piece of solid surface for a new fixture in his shop.

Greg emphasized the importance of leveling and truing machines, particularly milling machines and table saws, to ensure their longevity and accuracy. He detailed the use of a Sterett 12-inch machinist level and the potential issues with an unleveled machine, particularly in the context of glue-ups and welding. Greg also explained the intricacies of milling machine tolerance adjustments, focusing on the table, head, and Z travel. Brian, seeking to understand the application of these principles in CNC machines, was informed that the same principles apply, with the router head needing to be as perpendicular to the spoil board as possible. They also discussed the potential issues with using a mobile base and the benefits of removing it.

Brian and Greg discussed the challenges and solutions related to using band saws and drum sanders in a woodworking shop. They shared their experiences with the tools, highlighting issues such as blade wear, heat generation, and paper slipping. Greg suggested using wider blades on band saws and a more powerful Powermatic drum sander to avoid frustration and damage to work pieces. They also discussed potential solutions, including the use of precision ground steel blocks to adjust the drum height and a dial indicator with adjustable arms to accurately measure its position. Brian and Greg also considered the longevity of the digital control panel of the Powermatic and the possibility of it becoming obsolete in the future, with simple, mechanical solutions being seen as more reliable and easier to repair.

Greg and Brian discussed the significance of precision equipment in woodworking and machining. Greg stressed the importance of using tools like squares to ensure accuracy and true setup and shared his appreciation for instructional videos by Tubal Cane and Randy Richards. Brian shared his experiences with setting up a jointer, highlighting the challenges he faced and the solutions he found. Both agreed on the importance of properly setting up and adjusting tools to ensure accurate cuts and prevent future problems, emphasizing the value of taking the time to fine-tune tools for improved performance.

In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how they set up their tools in their shop and how important it is to set up tools accurately. They then share a few tips on tool setup.

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/custom-furniture-colorado-springs/

Brian’s Woodworking Plans: https://www.digitaldesignconcepts.art/

Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/

In this episode of The Maker’s Quest Podcast, hosts Brian Benham and Greg Porter explore how millwright techniques—precision alignment, trueness, and flatness—can be applied to home workshops. While most of us don’t work in factories, many woodworking and metalworking tasks benefit from the same attention to accuracy that millwrights use when setting up industrial machinery.

Greg explains that millwrights are responsible for installing and aligning machinery in factories, ensuring that conveyor belts, worktables, and other equipment are perfectly level, square, and true. This precision ensures repetitive tasks are performed accurately over time.

In woodworking, similar principles apply—especially when setting up tools like table saws, jointers, and bandsaws. While we may not need industrial-level precision, small adjustments can significantly impact the quality of our work.

For many woodworkers, the table saw is the centerpiece of the shop. Brian and Greg discuss the importance of aligning key components:

Miter Slots to Blade: Brian uses a dial indicator (or even a combination square and single-tooth method) to ensure the blade runs parallel to the miter slots.

Fence Alignment: A common debate is whether the fence should be perfectly parallel to the blade or slightly toed out to prevent kickback. Brian prefers perfect alignment for precision joinery, while Greg notes that modern riving knives reduce kickback risk.

Outfeed Table Leveling: While the table saw itself doesn’t need to be level, the outfeed table should be coplanar to prevent workpiece tipping during cuts.

Greg shares his experience setting up his SawStop table saw, praising its out-of-the-box accuracy but ultimately replacing the factory extension wing with a custom torsion-box router table for better precision.

Both hosts agree that bandsaws are among the most frustrating tools to keep dialed in. Heat expansion in the blade, tension changes, and wheel alignment all contribute to inconsistency.

Blade Drift: Even after careful setup, bandsaws can drift due to heat and tension changes.

Wider Blades Stay Truer Longer: Greg notes that resawing with a wide blade holds alignment better than narrow blades used for curves.

Jointer Setup: Ensuring infeed and outfeed tables are coplanar is critical. Greg recommends using a precision straightedge and feeler gauges to check alignment.

Drum Sanders: Brian struggled with inconsistent sanding until he used a dial indicator to align the drum to the bed. Greg upgraded to a Powermatic with automatic feed-rate adjustment, reducing burn marks and snipe.

Greg, with a metalworking background, emphasizes the importance of leveling milling machines and welding tables:

Milling Machines: Must be leveled to prevent twist in the frame, which accelerates wear and reduces accuracy.

Welding Tables: A flat reference surface (like a cast iron table or granite slab) ensures precise fabrication.

Brian adds that his Langmuir Systems welding table transformed his metalwork by providing a reliable reference surface.

Not every tool needs millwright-level precision:

Mobile Tools: Bandsaws and drill presses on wheeled bases don’t require perfect leveling since they’re constantly moved.

Workbenches: While flatness matters, minor deviations (like Brian’s 1/16″ over 8 feet) are often negligible in woodworking.

Both hosts agree that taking the time to properly set up tools—whether it’s a table saw, jointer, or milling machine—saves frustration later.

Dial Indicators & Feeler Gauges: Inexpensive tools that make a big difference.

Revisiting Adjustments: Tools drift over time; periodic checks ensure ongoing accuracy.

Know Your Tolerances: Wood moves, so ultra-fine precision isn’t always necessary—but machinery setup should be as accurate as possible.

While most home workshops don’t need factory-level precision, applying millwright techniques to key tools can drastically improve accuracy and repeatability. Whether you’re dialing in a table saw or wrestling with a bandsaw, a little extra setup time pays off in the long run.

In this episode, we talk about people we follow for design inspiration.  Some of them might surprise you, as inspiration can come from anywhere.

On this episode of The Maker’s Quest Podcast, hosts Brian Bynum and Greg Porter shared their go-to sources for design inspiration—both online and offline. From woodworking to metal shaping, Photoshop to sci-fi architecture, their picks span a wide range of creative disciplines. Here’s a breakdown of their favorite channels, creators, and philosophies on staying inspired.

Brian kicked off the conversation with a surprising admission: he rarely watches woodworking content anymore. Instead, he seeks inspiration from adjacent fields to push his craft forward.

A Pixar colorist and lighting expert, Jeremy’s channel dives deep into light, shadow, and digital painting in Photoshop. Brian credits him for elevating his photo-rendering skills, helping him create more realistic and dynamic presentations for clients.  https://www.youtube.com/@LightingMentor

While Chris Do’s main channel focuses on business, his secondary channel, The Futur Academy, explores graphic design principles—layout grids, typography, and composition. Brian applied these concepts to furniture design, even using the Fibonacci sequence in a table project.  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFuturAcademy

Dami’s channel analyzes fictional architecture from movies like Dune and Blade Runner, blending storytelling with urban design. Her thought experiments—like “What would living in this sci-fi city feel like?”—push Brian to think beyond traditional forms.  https://www.youtube.com/@DamiLeeArch

SketchUp’s live drawing sessions (hosted by artist Aaron Dixon) taught Brian sculptural modeling techniques—like designing the Toy Story dog in 3D—which he now applies to furniture. The community’s accessibility (even direct messaging experts) makes it invaluable. https://www.youtube.com/@SketchUp

Grady breaks down real-world engineering—why bridges stand, how dams work—in digestible ways. Brian emphasized how understanding mechanics can improve design, especially for functional pieces. https://www.youtube.com/@PracticalEngineeringChannel

Greg’s inspirations skew toward craftsmanship with a technical twist.

Leo restores historic wooden sailboats, showcasing traditional shipwright techniques. Greg admires his problem-solving, like hand-carving complex joints, and the channel’s archival value for vanishing skills.  https://www.youtube.com/@TipsfromaShipwrightvideos

This builder frankensteins cars, merging halves of different models, then hand-shapes new panels. Greg loves the deep dives into hidden details (door sills, firewalls) that make a design functional.  https://www.youtube.com/@iNVisionPrototypes

The mind behind the revolutionary Parker Fly guitar, Ken now crafts composite archtop guitars. His blend of carbon fiber innovation and traditional luthiery inspires Greg’s own guitar-making ventures.  https://www.youtube.com/@kenparkerarchtoppery9440

A Nike and automotive designer, Michael’s live sketching sessions reveal his design process. Greg studies how he refines thumbnails into fully rendered products—applicable to any craft.  https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelDiTullo

Wray’s metalwork videos (like building an Alfa Romeo prototype) emphasize form development. Greg calls his approach a masterclass in translating 2D sketches into 3D objects.  https://www.youtube.com/@proshaper

Look Outside Your Niche: Brian’s best ideas come from non-woodworking sources.

Embrace Adjacent Skills: Greg’s guitar bender project fused welding, machining, and electronics—skills learned from diverse channels.

Steal Like an Artist: As Greg put it, “Don’t borrow—steal and make it yours.”

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/custom-furniture-colorado-springs/

Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/

The guys talk about staying safe in the shop, how to stay safe, wanting to look out to keep you safe, and developing good shop habits.  They finish the episode by sharing some of their horror of unfortunate shop accidents; the end gets gruesome, so you've been warned!

https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/custom-furniture-denver-colorado/

Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

• Don't force it, or bad things will happen

The guys talk about staying safe in the shop, how to stay safe, wanting to look out for you, and developing good shop habits.  They finish the episode by sharing some of their horror of unfortunate shop accidents; the end gets gruesome, so you’ve been warned!

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/custom-furniture-denver-colorado/ 

Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/

Woodworking and metalworking are incredibly rewarding crafts, but they come with real dangers. Even experienced makers can have close calls—sometimes due to complacency, sometimes from unexpected mishaps.

In a recent episode of The Maker’s Quest Podcast, hosts Brian Benham (Benham Design) and Greg Porter (Skyscraper Guitars) shared their most harrowing shop safety stories—near misses, painful lessons, and the hard-earned wisdom that keeps them safe today.

Here’s what we learned.

Greg makes 10,000 identical crosscuts per year on his table saw. Repetition breeds familiarity, and familiarity can lead to carelessness.

“Even with small parts, if they bind against the blade, they can become dangerous projectiles. I remind myself every few minutes to step back, reset, and refocus.”

Key Takeaway:

Pause frequently during repetitive tasks.

Stay aware—don’t let muscle memory override safety.

A dull blade forces you to push harder, increasing the risk of kickback or loss of control.

Brian recalled a debate among woodworkers about blade height safety:

Some argued a lower blade is safer (less exposed).

Brian’s Verdict:

A sharp blade cuts cleanly, reducing the need for excessive force.

Both hosts agreed—router tables are deceptively dangerous.

Catch-and-kickback happens fast.

Vibration can tear workpieces from your grip.

Safety Fixes:

Use fixtures or clamps (not just fingers) to hold small pieces.

Climb-cutting? Only on CNC—never freehand!

Greg’s router fell out of its lift mid-cut, bouncing around the shop like a “weasel-chaser firework.” The long cord kept it powered, forcing him to leap over the spinning death machine to unplug it.

Lesson:

Secure router lifts with lock screws.

Use a dust collection box to contain rogue tools.

Brian adjusted the tool rest of his lathe while it was spinning. The rest swung down, crushing his finger between the banjo and workpiece.

Result:

A blood blister the length of his finger.

Now, he stops the lathe for adjustments.

From Brian’s bridge construction days:

A coworker tried to shear a too-small metal piece on an iron worker.

The metal flipped, smashing his fingers between the guard and blade.

Result: Bones shattered, finger mangled.

Lesson:

Respect the shear guards.

Never force a cut—if it doesn’t fit, find another way.

Greg upgraded to a SawStop—not because he’s reckless, but because losing a finger would devastate his guitar-building career.

His Approach:

Still uses push sticks and guards.

Never test the safety feature—treat it like any other saw.

“I don’t want to be the guy posting a bloody finger on Instagram.”

Brian’s theory: Your dominant hand is always trying to kill your non-dominant hand.

Proof:

At age 10, he sliced his thumb to the bone with a chisel.

Now, he never wears gloves near spinning tools (after seeing a radial arm saw suck a glove—and thumb—into the blade).

Greg’s scariest moment? He got his foot pinned under a car lift.

Couldn’t reach the release button.

Yelled until his wife rescued him.

Lesson:

Steel-toe boots aren’t just for kicking metal.

Always have a backup plan if you’re working alone.

Shop safety isn’t just about rules—it’s about staying present, respecting tools, and learning from others’ mistakes.

Key Reminders:

In this episode, the guys talk about their experiences at tradeshows, art galleries, and arts and crafts shows. They talk about what they do to make the show successful and things that are challenging.

https://www.briansbenham.com/ 

Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/Brian_Benham 

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

• Sometimes, the best contacts you make at a show are with other vendors for B2B business.

In this episode, the guys talk about their experiences at tradeshows, art galleries, and arts and crafts shows. They talk about what they do to make the show a success and things that are a challenge.

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

https://www.briansbenham.com/ 

Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/Brian_Benham 

Trade shows, art fairs, and craft exhibitions can be game-changers for small businesses and makers. Whether you’re selling handmade furniture, custom guitars, or unique woodworking tools, these events offer invaluable opportunities to connect with customers, network with industry peers, and boost sales.

In a recent episode of The Maker’s Quest Podcast, hosts Greg Porter (of Skyscraper Guitars) and Brian Benham (of Benham Design) shared their experiences and insights on how trade shows and art fairs can elevate your business. Here’s what we learned.

Greg emphasized that trade shows aren’t just about immediate sales—they’re about building long-term relationships. At guitar shows, he connects with luthiers, repair technicians, and builders—his core customers. These interactions often lead to future sales, referrals, and collaborations.

“So much of conventions and trade shows for me are just the relationship part. There’s the money and ringing up sales, and that’s great. But meeting people, connecting dots—that’s where the real value is.”

Brian echoed this sentiment, noting that even casual conversations at art fairs can lead to unexpected sales months later.

Trade shows allow you to put your product directly in people’s hands. Greg found that items like T-shirts, which rarely sold online, became top sellers at events simply because customers could see and touch them.

Brian shared a similar experience with cutting boards—while they barely moved on his website, they flew off the table at craft fairs.

Greg pointed out that some of the best business happens before and after the show officially starts. Vendors and serious buyers often arrive early or linger late, making it the perfect time for meaningful conversations.

At guitar shows, Greg faced the challenge of competing with loud amplifiers and live demos, making it hard to have technical discussions. His solution? Handing out business cards and encouraging follow-up emails or Zoom calls.

Brian discussed the pros and cons of selling through galleries:

Pros: Exposure to high-end buyers.

Cons: High commission fees (often 50%) and pressure to produce lower-cost pieces.

His workaround? Designing simpler, faster-to-make pieces specifically for galleries, focusing on decorative elements that elevate perceived value.

Both hosts stressed the importance of preparing for logistics:

Bring a friend to help with setup and booth coverage.

Arrive early to secure a good spot and avoid last-minute stress.

Use tablecloths, signage, and displays to make your booth inviting.

Have backup payment options (Square, PayPal, cash) in case of tech failures.

Smile and greet people—even if they don’t stop.

Encourage interaction by letting them hold or try products.

Tell a story about your craft—people remember experiences, not just products.

Brian sets up his booth with:

High-ticket items (furniture) to draw attention.

Mid-range pieces (clocks, plaques).

Affordable impulse buys (cutting boards, small puzzles).

Greg does the same, balancing premium guitar tools with lower-cost accessories.

Business cards, postcards, and stickers help customers remember you.

Giveaways (like candy or small puzzles) create goodwill, especially with kids.

Follow up after the event with a thank-you email or social media shoutout.

Trade shows and art fairs aren’t just sales opportunities—they’re marketing, networking, and brand-building goldmines. Whether you’re a woodworker, luthier, or any kind of maker, these events can help you:

As Greg and Brian proved, success at these events comes down to preparation, engagement, and follow-up. So, if you’ve been on the fence about signing up for a show, take the leap—you might just find your next big client or sale.

Today, we take a break from discussing designs and making topics and talk a little about what we have going on in our shops: current projects, new projects on the horizon, and the daily grind of being a maker.

• Brian has a large steel table base in the shop, working on new patination processes.  The sheer size makes him wish he had a shop helper to help schlep it around.

• He had challenges controlling the chemicals to get the colors he was looking for

• That product is a side heated side bender for acoustic guitars.

https://www.briansbenham.com/

Portfolio https://archinect.com/people/cover/150398593/brian-benham

https://skyscraperguitars.com/

Curt creates handmade pens from Titanium that are precision machined in his home workshop.   He got his start from his curiosity in machining and CAD.  He created a pen for himself and started carrying it around with him, and people noticed and commented on the quality.  It wasn't long before he was able to quit his job and make pens full-time.

You can connect with Curt at

Website: https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRm7BOOAQgbuehhrHCc34Q

Instagram: @confoundedmachine

https://www.briansbenham.com/

https://skyscraperguitars.com/