TheShopRat
Jeremiah Baker

Mechanical Engineer & Fabricator | 30+ years of hands-on experience from woodworking to aerospace. Founder of Fabricator’s Field Guide, sharing practical skills, tool reviews & shop wisdom to empower the next wave of makers & engineers.

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randomgadfly@strike.me

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Last Notes

2025-05-12 15:09:01

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Or what we are taught about success?

2025-05-12 14:04:48

GM! Nostr,
Which has more risk…
To live out someone else’s dream with your limited time and be successful?
Or, to live out your dream and be unsuccessful?
#grownostr #gm #coffeechain #asknostr

2025-05-09 15:43:17

The first time I ever made a plywood workbench top, I used just a sheet of plywood and some supports.
It was not successful. It sagged and was not good.
Now, I am testing torsion boxes to be sandwiched in between two plywood sheets.
The boxes (pictured) should give the benchtop extra strength.
Will see how it goes this weekend, when I glue the plywood on.
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #woodworking #diy https://image.nostr.build/8cd3f909428365b839e4b1fd9775f7647bc8d0c533a1cabc48287fb069c9271c.jpg

2025-05-07 19:33:57

We’ve all used it…
Construction lumber from the big box store in woodworking.
2x4s, 2x6s, etc.
In this weeks Fabricators Field Guide. I discuss ways to make it more presentable for your wood projects.
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #diy #woodworking #grownostr
https://youtu.be/PhIcE7CKAV0

2025-05-01 18:41:33

What’s one tool in your shop you own but aren’t totally confident using?
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #DIY #woodworking #metalworking #asknostr #tools

2025-04-24 15:04:51

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And from what I have seen dental development?

2025-04-23 18:49:14

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Soldering is basically ‘glueing’ with lead or lead free metal.
Brazing is ‘glueing’ with brass.
Welding is melting the metals together so they are uniform though out.

2025-04-23 18:46:21

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I thought about what you want to do. I recommend a map gas torch. Bernzomatic is a good brand. Not sure if they are sold in Germany. You can definitely solder with it a possibility braze steel with it. I did a write up on my feed and tagged you. As far as materials any materials for soldering copper gutters or plumbing will work. Let me know if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing your work!

2025-04-23 15:29:11

GM! Nostr
I just learned about Howard Gardner’s different kinds of intelligences.
Cheers!
#grownostr #coffeechain https://image.nostr.build/279fa7e35fbc8d94498a454e2e53d3d1a58b4ed0d88f53dd6d4d7a38b94323fb.jpg

2025-04-23 01:04:34

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Welding is something to learn so it counts! The kind of 'welding' depends on the type of metal and connection you want. Lowest barrier to entry is soldering or brazing that can be done with fairly inexpensive torches. Soldering being the easiest. Soldering can be used to connect brass and copper (Good sculpture metals). To connect steel you need to braze or weld. These need little bit bigger setups. MIG is probably the easiest welding to do on steel and probably what most steel sculptures are made with. What are you thinking?

2025-04-22 17:59:17

What’s a machine or tool you want to learn—but haven’t touched yet?
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #metalworking #woodworking

2025-04-21 18:34:46

Spray paint…
It makes a great wood finish!
No, really!
If you know the coating to apply after you paint it.
In the latest Fabricator’s Field Guide, I break down my go to antique black painted finish!
Cheers!
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #DIY
Spray Paint + Wax = Instant Antique Wood Finish (Easiest Ever!)
https://youtu.be/y_9Ptrtodac

2025-04-16 14:23:30

GM! Nostr!
This place is special…
I hope you all see it?
It may not be as big as people would like. However, it has life that most other platforms don’t have…
This place is raw and unhindered by the ‘algorithm’.
You know that unseen force you can sense on other social media sites?
As a relatively new member of social media, I can feel that force on the other sites.
The bots and forced negativity…
But on nostr it’s different, there is community, friends, and engagement.
Is possible that a prosperous social network doesn’t look like the ones in the past?
Small and real beats large and manufactured?
Instead of worrying about drawing in millions of users…
Let’s all continue to build a real community…
We will not get everybody to come along…
But, we will gather up the right ones.
Just my thoughts…
Cheers!
#nostr #grownostr #gm #coffeechain #plebchain

2025-04-16 12:27:49

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I needed that quote today! Thanks!

2025-04-15 18:14:04

If you could take a time machine to watch any historical craftsperson at work, who would it be?
#asknostr #grownostr #proofofwork

2025-04-15 14:16:53

GM! Nostr!
Progress is still progress,
No matter how small!
Cheers!
#grownostr #coffeechain #gm

2025-04-14 14:28:04

You thought the hard part was assembling your wood project…
Now comes time to put a finish on it!
In the latest Fabricator’s Field Guide, I break down the best beginner wood finish and how to apply it!
Cheers!
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #DIY
The BEST Wood Finish for Beginners (Durable & Foolproof!)
https://youtu.be/-zyZweOZxvc

2025-04-14 13:30:17

GM!
Spark of creativity…
People talk about it like it is a brilliant flash of inspiration.
It most often is not…
It is the quiet small ember in one’s soul that needs encouragement to grow…
Even to a tiny fire.
Listen to those quiet whispers…
They are trying to tell you something!
Have a great week!
Cheers!
#coffeechain #grownostr #gm

2025-04-14 13:17:31

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GM! I value my 36 bot followers on Twitter!

2025-04-13 20:30:37

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But their real trick is…
Getting us to think we are free.

2025-04-12 14:33:33

Old school machinists are slowly becoming extinct.
Which is problematic because not every part needs to be ran on a high end CNC.
#metalworking #machining #proofofwork
https://youtu.be/OuZjjActWmQ?si=Mx-tmgViBGczTL5n

2025-04-11 18:23:57

It’s time we get back to making things in America again! #note176k…t33x

2025-04-11 14:10:24

GM!
It’s Friday! Any projects planned for the weekend?
#asknostr #grownostr #diy #coffeechain

2025-04-09 14:11:10

GM!
Sawing, drilling, assembling your woodworking project is only half of your effort…
Just as important, is your finishing.
This has the ability to trash your whole project!
Spend some time learning finishing techniques.
Your projects will be that much better!
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #grownostr #coffeechain

2025-04-08 01:39:16

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Sounds like a great plan, simple would sometimes be better. Good luck!

2025-04-07 14:02:12

Pro woodworking secret:
Most furniture is just fancy boxes…
Master basic box construction, and you're halfway there!
This is especially true with cabinets!
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #diy #woodworking

2025-04-04 14:59:46

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I understand where you are coming from, I too have that same hazy guiding feeling.
I’m not sure we truly will know the full story this side of eternity.
Life is way too ethereal…
However, I do know that the One that guides us whispers the instructions that we need in the moment.
Outcome uncertain…
I find myself I must listen…
Someday, we will look back and all those mile markers that we lay down. That seem chaotic…
Will be straight…
Cheers!

2025-04-04 14:07:45

GM!
I was hit this morning with a profound question…
Most people may go through their whole lives not asking themselves…
What do you REALLY want out of life?
#asknostr #grownostr #coffeechain

2025-04-03 17:54:29

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The vibe is SO much better here!

2025-04-03 14:43:59

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That’s when you know the plane is about to crash!

2025-04-03 14:35:19

GM!
Prove me wrong…
Meetings are the biggest waste of time…
But, management doesn’t agree…
“I was SO busy, was in meetings ALL day!”
Have a great meetingless day!
#grownostr #coffeechain

2025-03-31 18:24:54

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There is a lot to the hydraulic press.
The English wheel seems like black magic to me!

2025-03-31 18:14:08

Question:
What’s one shop skill you wish you had learned sooner?
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #woodworking #DIY #metalworking #asknostr

2025-03-31 15:40:53

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It has a chance to correct.

2025-03-31 14:19:22

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Mike Rowe - The way I heard it

2025-03-31 14:17:57

If the United States wants to bring back manufacturing into its own borders.
We are going to find out how bad of a mistake it was to push every high school kid into a four year degree.
There is not enough skilled craftsmen out there as is.
#grownostr #manufacturing #skills

2025-03-31 13:28:35

GM! Nostr!
Use this week to make something great!
#grownostr #coffeechain

2025-03-29 19:07:19

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“Back in my day…”

2025-03-29 18:44:00

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Stone surgery was nothing. They have to get the stint out two weeks later… that was worse waiting for than doing…
But hey! You got though it!
And… you have a cool “war” story!

2025-03-29 18:17:42

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Ouch! 😬
I got away easy on the stone. Had to go for surgery. Didn’t pass it “o’ natural”.

2025-03-29 18:13:21

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I’ve had an aortic dissection and heart surgery…
Kidney stones were BY FAR the worst ever.

2025-03-29 18:08:02

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You are a hardass! That’s damn impressive. Kidney stones are the worst pain ever!

2025-03-29 16:41:20

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Statistics trips many people up. They end up believing in nonsense that statistically can never happen. Keep fighting the good fight! Cheers!

2025-03-29 14:49:23

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Critical thinking is a lost art.
We need to help bring it back.

2025-03-28 18:39:12

I hate tripping over extension cords on my shop floor…
But, often that is the only way to get power to your table saw…
In the center of your shop!
In the latest Fabricator’s Field Guide, I give you the solution to this problem that used to trip me up…
Cheers!
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #diy #woodworking #tools
Table Saw Power Upgrade: A Smarter, Safer Way to Power Your Workshop
https://youtu.be/X0r-5xxR0jU

2025-03-28 16:24:02

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Awesome!

2025-03-28 15:36:06

🛠️ Fabricator’s Mad Libs: Fill in the Blanks!
Let’s have some fun!
Fill in the blanks in the sentence below with your own shop story and drop it in the comments. It’s a great way to swap experiences, share laughs, and talk shop!
“The strangest thing I’ve ever used as a tool in my shop was ______, and surprisingly, it worked great for ______.”
👇 Post your answer below! ⚡ Tag a fellow fabricator to join in! 🛠️ Follow for more shop fun!
#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #woodworking #DIY
#asknostr

2025-03-26 19:09:27

What is the one tool or machine you dream of owning someday?
#woodworking #metalworking #tools #asknostr #grownostr

2025-03-26 14:25:49

GM!
#quotes #artstr #art https://image.nostr.build/e33431114effdc523c436d62cc2b438a8832a62b79e20abfa1eef4c6317ad829.jpg

2025-03-22 01:19:16

I am in love with the Japanese art of Kintsugi or the celebration of imperfection by highlighting the cracks in ceramics with gold.
We need more of this in our throw away world...
#grownostr #artstr #art https://image.nostr.build/f7796acbff8e5ceca4ca8d3f4df9bd9d9f697adcfbe72c268a4afd49a29a1e2d.jpg

2025-03-21 18:31:09

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That’s too bad. What kind of classes?

2025-03-21 15:18:58

What is holding you back from learning a shop skill, whether woodworking or metal working?
Tools?
Knowledge?
Someone to teach?
Let me know!👇
#asknostr #grownostr #woodworking #metalworking

2025-03-20 11:14:46

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My dad used it too. He was the one that taught me about it.

2025-03-20 01:22:28

Two-part epoxy:
The woodworker's secret weapon that does WAY more than just glue!
Outdoor projects, waterproofing, gap filling - this stuff is magic.
Pro tip: Get a kit with different cure speeds for maximum flexibility.
Have you ever used two-part epoxy?
Let me know in the comments.
#grownostr #woodworking #tools #diy

2025-03-18 15:24:11

This is going to be a crisis…
The lack of skilled trades people is going to be bad…
AI will not help with this one.
#grownostr #trades #diy https://image.nostr.build/5547235d797f9ad75d67e85c7280f6b774b489009d89f303eda4f2ee3cddfbf3.jpg

2025-03-13 18:11:48

It seems to me…
Starting a handyman business is one of the easiest and most practical ways for a young adult fresh out of high school to dive into entrepreneurship.
The demand is there — especially from those who struggle to find trustworthy help, like the elderly. Build a solid reputation, invest in a few tools, and you’re off to the races.
Low overhead. High demand. Infinite potential.
#grownostr #diy #plebchain

2025-03-12 18:46:48

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At the very least it is a skill that can never be taken away. A tool in your back pocket.

2025-03-12 13:54:51

The push to send everyone to college instead of learning a skilled trade wasn’t about better opportunities—it was about money.
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training used to be the norm, allowing people to build skills while earning a living. But colleges saw a chance to cash in, convincing the public that a degree was the only path to success.
The result? Mountains of student debt, a shortage of skilled workers, and industries struggling to find talent.
It’s time to rethink the narrative. Skilled trades aren’t a backup plan—they’re a vital part of the economy.
#grownostr #college #trades

2025-03-11 18:20:05

What is your favorite tool brand?
And why?
Mine WAS Porter Cable…
Then they went to crap!
#grownostr #asknostr #tools #diy #woodworking

2025-03-11 01:50:09

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My dad was a narcisist, he was very abusive to my mom and I when I was growing up. When my mom died last year we found poems expressing how she just wanted a shred of love from my dad. This was many decades after leaving my dad. She never even hinted to us that she wrote poetry. Cheers!

2025-03-10 20:05:48

Just in case someone hasn’t told you…
Don’t be afraid to try something new…
And possibly fail at it.
That’s what it means to truly learn.
You got this!
Cheers!
#grownostr #quotes #plebchain

2025-03-07 15:09:02

GM,
I am increasingly of the option that young adults right out of high school are better served by getting some sort of skill that is in demand.
This is before college…
That skill can be a fall back when times are difficult.
This notion that everyone MUST go to college is old and outdated.
And only benefits the college endowment…
What is your opinion?
#asknostr #coffeechain #grownostr

2025-03-04 15:12:32

Starting woodworking?
Don't get intimidated by YouTubers with $7,000 table saw setups!
A quality contractor table saw with a good fence is all you need to begin your journey.
Focus on the fence quality - it affects every cut you'll make.
#grownostr #woodworking #tools #DIY

2025-02-27 14:43:28

Skills are not developed through perfection…
Skills are developed through failure…
after failure…
after failure.
#grownostr #DIY #skills #coffechain #woodworking

2025-02-26 20:36:09

The great debate: Corded vs. cordless tools.
While cordless gives you mobility, remember you're buying into a battery system. Often replacing a dead battery costs more than the entire tool!
Corded tools give you reliable power without the battery headache.
#grownostr #woodworking #tools #diy

2025-02-04 02:48:58

What are some lightning wallets that work with nostr? My daughter is getting a nostr account but I don't know the latest wallet list?
#bitcoin #asknostr

2025-01-31 01:35:46

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I don't see the pictures, so I am guessing on the profiles. Most trim profiles can be made on the table saw (see attached video for a video I made on he subject). Out of all the tools out there a table saw is the most versatile even some smaller portable saws. So i don't think it is a bad idea to get one. The trick is to have a good blade, most saws come with a crappy blade. Go slow and don't get in a hurry and you should be fine.
https://youtu.be/LvEI44FLJuk

2025-01-30 19:29:30

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If you have any questions, let me know.

2025-01-30 19:13:46

In this video I give 5 tips for the table saw beginner that I have learned through the years.
They will help you make good decisions as to what you need as a table saw user.
#woodworking #tools #diy #renovation #grownostr
https://youtu.be/Ae1EB3EYH2A

2025-01-19 18:23:05

This sums up how I have been feeling lately…
I just wish I could have saved my mom from the ‘safe and effective’…
#grownostr #plebchain
https://x.com/bgatesisapyscho/status/1881012687624372351?s=46

2024-09-28 16:45:43

Latest Fabricator's Field Guide video!
Cheers!
#grownostr #woodworking #diy
https://youtu.be/k1ns_UVxYXc

2024-09-21 01:36:58

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Is that going to take 80% of your time? 😉

2024-09-20 19:46:13

It’s Friday! Any projects planned for the weekend?
#asknostr #grownostr #diy

2024-09-18 17:26:31

When I was first exposed to the machine shop setting , the language used to communicate measurements was confusing...
What is a tenth? or a half a thou?
Learn about this machinist language in my latest video! 👇
https://youtu.be/6rRLu-0mRRA

2024-09-18 16:15:59

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Sell you something like another mixture of high fructose corn syrup and seed oils? Yummm!

2024-09-16 12:52:53

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Who knew this was counter culture??? Cheers!
https://youtu.be/d-diB65scQU?si=O43IrCoOZvBQiRm8

2024-09-14 00:11:52

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Well... that was fun to watch! Cheers! @npub1kyk…ea0g

2024-09-13 21:59:54

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You are going to wish you could delete notes on nostr!

2024-09-13 21:38:44

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Thank you! It's nice to almost put the inspection behind me.

2024-09-13 13:07:00

My new shop is almost complete!
It has been several years in the making.
I am looking forward to using it to help teach others valuable shop skills so they can go out and make great things!
Here is my latest video on the unique features that have been built into it.
Cheers!
#grownostr #diy #woodworking #metalworking
https://youtu.be/WuHvJTdKaIU

2024-09-11 14:00:59

Quality is not how perfect your work can be when you give it out.
Quality is how flawed something can be and you still call it your work.
#quotes #grownostr #coffeechain #quality

2024-09-10 15:17:48

Don’t foam insulate your exterior door installations, you will regret it later.
I know the foam can they sell is fun to play with, just don’t inject it between you door jam and wall framing.
It will glue your door in place!
See, you may need to adjust that door in the future and the foam will not allow the movement you need.
Use batt insulation instead.
Install with a putty knife loosely in the space between the jam and framing and you will have the flexibility later to adjust.
Cheers!
#building #diy #grownostr #woodworking https://image.nostr.build/96a894cd74fa950a0f4bc443a6b4f6c712c76ebe10e8217c470fb841742c65b3.jpg https://image.nostr.build/4047c6b2dc217a27da1be8c23d046a941d239ddf32e4c9abb4a10841cd7e617b.jpg

2024-09-09 02:03:08

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GN!

2024-09-08 19:14:45

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😬

2024-09-08 17:59:12

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Will it survive when the software needs an update?

2024-09-08 17:57:39

There is something special when you get to the sheetrock stage of a construction project.
The space that you imagine has up to that point only been a construct in your mind.
When the true walls go up, your imagination becomes reality.
Cheers!
#grownostr #diy https://image.nostr.build/09b934f088e8d11570023c1f891f45487365fa7ae6825785448ad9144bd4fabf.jpg

2024-09-08 16:23:11

“People like us, do things like this.”
~Seth Godin
#quotes #nostr #grownostr #plebchain

2024-09-08 14:15:20

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Well then, a simple and humble ‘Thank You!’ to you and all the others that work so hard to make Nostr successful. I enjoy this community very much! I look forward to meeting more of you in the future…

2024-09-07 15:04:43

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Saw one of these on the showroom floor with steer horns on the hood...
I have to say, it had STYLE...😉

2024-09-07 13:35:29

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Thank you, Mr. nostr!

2024-09-04 01:25:08

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I'm not smart enough to design something like that...😁

2024-09-04 01:23:26

To all the people out there that want to learn woodworking; here is a simple wood joint anybody can do!
With it you can easily get to building simple wood projects.
It is all about learning and doing!
A special thanks to @npub1n0p…pfp6 for the inspiration to make this video! Cheers!
#woodworking #grownostr #plebchain #diy #build
https://youtu.be/dT22297EjmY

2024-09-04 00:48:22

Awesome work!
#note1akm…pc0e

2024-08-29 01:22:36

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The one thing I forgot in the video, with the miter box you just need to buy the pre-milled wood stock at like Lowes and such. The pine and poplar they sell is ver straight and smooth and you can buy it a the widths good for the box shelves. Like I said, start small so you are just measuring and cutting to length. The width you have already bought.
Also there is a larger miter box that Stanley sells that is a hand saw you might look at. I was pretty limited by what I wanted to do within the budget.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Stanley-22-in-Blade-x-8-in-D-Metal-And-Plastic-Miter-Box/1208303

2024-08-29 01:07:22

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I am very glad you enjoyed it! You are very welcome. I could do some videos on how to do it. However, I don't have the hand miter saw like the Stanley. But, it will take some practice to get the hang of it.
You can do this! You just take things a step at a time. First learn to measure and cut, then saw, nail, glue, etc. Your want to do projects will push your learning. Any questions you have just let me know. I can answer them for you and others.
I am doing this as I have a lifetime of skills to pass on. Its fun to watch others being excited to learn a new skill.

2024-08-28 22:13:56

ANOTHER ADDITION OF NOSTR Q&A!
This time answering a question about buying your first woodworking tools on a budget!
🫡 Thank you, @npub1n0p…pfp6 for submitting a great question!
⬇️ If you would like to submit a workshop based question... just reply to this note and I will do my best to answer it! ⬇️
#woodworking #tools #diy #asknostr #homesteading #projects #coffeechain #grownostr
https://youtu.be/h1gwpm-EJgQ

2024-08-27 01:06:00

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Thats the second thing I saw.

2024-08-27 00:57:03

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Did it distract you from picking up the nickel? 😁

2024-08-25 02:07:09

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It's talking about nostr and bitcoin for us. About the only place we can talk freely is at our bitcoin meetup! I agree with you about my wife, she pretty cool!

2024-08-24 03:03:26

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My wife @npub1pmq…0gwm and I know that feeling...