The Maker's Quest

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Dive into the latest Maker's Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.

Failing Your Way to Success Podcast -  Insights from Makers Brian Benham and Greg Porter" In this episode of the Maker's Quest Podcast, hosts Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts and Greg

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Shop Improvements EP31 Podcast - We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to look back at 2024—our favorite shop upgrades, biggest projects, and lessons learned—and then peek ahead

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Are You CNC Curious? EP30 Podcast - If you’ve ever dabbled in CNC machining or dreamed of turning your garage into a mini manufacturing hub, you’ll know that the journey is equally thrilling and frustrating. In this episode, B...

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Influential People That Shaped us Into Makers EP29 Podcast - In this episode, we talk about influential people who shaped us into makers. Brian and Greg reminisce about people from their past who helped guide them and inspired them as they journeyed a...

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Working With Interns EP28 Podcast - In this episode, Greg and Brian discussed their experiences mentoring interns and apprentices in their respective woodworking and architecture businesses. They discussed the potential benefi...

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Same, it was sad to see the downfall of Twitter, I have high hopes for the BlueSky platforms,
Brian

Setting Up Tools Accurately EP27 Podcast - 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.

Explore how millwright techniques—precision alignment, trueness, and flatness—can be applied to home workshops.

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Our Secret Design Inspirations EP 26 Podcast - 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, we share our go-to sources for design inspiration—both online and offline. From woodworking to metal shaping, Photoshop to sci-fi architecture, it spans a wide range of creative disciplines.

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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!

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Tips for Selling at Trade Shows, Art Galleries, and Craft Shows - EP24 Podcast - 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 ...

Trade shows and art exhibitions can be game-changers for small businesses and makers. Whether selling handmade furniture, custom guitars, or unique woodworking tools, these events offer invaluable opportunities to connect with customers and boost sales.
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New Projects In The Shop - EP23 Podcast - 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 grin...

In this episode, we step away from our usual deep dives into techniques and instead share what we’ve been working on in our shops. We’ve got plenty to talk about from steel table bases to acoustic guitar tooling.

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Making Pens with Curt Van Filipowski From Confounded Machine EP22 Podcast - 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 start...

We sat down with Curt van Polski from Confounded Machine. Known for his meticulously crafted titanium pens, Curt shared his journey from electronics engineering to full-time pen making and the challenges of running a small-scale manufacturing business.
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Custom Drums With Bryan Bales EP21 Podcast - Today, we talked with Custom Drum maker Bryan Bales.  Bryan got his start in drum making from his curiosity of wanting to learn how to make drums and his love for making things.

In this episode, we sat down with Brian Bales, a drum builder and Halloween costume maker. Known for his experimental drum designs and over-the-top costumes, Brian shared insights into his creative process, shop organization, and the evolution of his craft.
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Is Social Media Still Viable to Promote Your Business Podcast - Is social media still a viable way to promote your business, or is the new business model to be a content creator, making products secondary? Today, we talk about our past successes and our ...

In today’s digital age, social media is often touted as the go-to platform for marketing. But is it still an effective way to advertise your business, especially for makers, craftsmen, and small business owners?
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How to Price Your Creative Work and Avoid Pitfalls - EP19 Podcast - Tonight, we talk about how to price your work so you can run a successful business and put food on your table.  Whether it is pricing a custom piece or a mass-manufactured piece, we've got y...

Whether you’re crafting one-of-a-kind furniture or producing items in bulk, understanding the financial side of your work is crucial. In this episode, they dove deep into the business of making, pricing, overhead, efficiency, and how to ensure profitability.
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The Unhealthy Pursuit of Perfection: A Maker’s Dilemma Podcast - The Unhealthy Pursuit of Perfection, we have all been there.  Every one of us who makes things tries to make it perfect, but perfection is a fool's earned and unattainable.  The more you kno...

Whether you’re a woodworker, artist, musician, or any creator, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of obsessing over tiny flaws that no one else notices. But when does striving for excellence become detrimental?

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How Many Projects are Too Many Projects Ep17 Podcast - This is a common issue for creatives that make things. We all have active imaginations; we can visualize lots of things.  Then the distractions come into play. We are drawn to the new shiny ...

This is a common issue for creatives who make things. We all have active imaginations; we can visualize lots of things. Then the distractions come into play. We are drawn to the new shiny project, or derailed by another project

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How To Stay Curious to Stay Creative Podcast - In this episode, the guys talk about the power of staying curious and how it will help you stay creative in your journey as a  maker.

In this episode, the guys discuss the power of staying curious and how it can help you stay creative in your journey as a maker.

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Gathering Inspiration For Designs - EP15 Podcast - In today's episode, Brian and Greg Talk about different techniques for gathering inspiration for their designs and then iterating from basic design principles to more abstract concepts and t...

Design is an ever-evolving process shaped by inspiration, collaboration, and sometimes even happy accidents. On this episode, we had the chance to reflect on how creativity flows through different mediums—whether it’s woodworking, music, or storytelling.
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Learn How To Learn EP14 Podcast - In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how to learn new things by learning how to learn. Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach...

In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how to learn new things by learning how to learn.

Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach learning with an open mind

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How Makers Handle Challenges - EP13 Podcast - We dive into some of the biggest challenges we’ve faced—whether in business, craftsmanship, or personal growth. From acquiring the right tools to navigating social media, they share candid s...

They dive into some of the biggest challenges they’ve faced—whether in business, craftsmanship, or personal growth. From acquiring the right tools to navigating social media, they share candid stories and lessons learned along the way.

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Building Motorcycles With Eric Gorges From A Craftsman's Legacy - EP12 Podcast - In this episode of the Makers Quest Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Eric Gorges, a master craftsman known for his custom motorcycle builds (Voodoo Choppers) and his PBS/You...

We talked with Eric Gorges about designing and building Motorcycles and his show on PBS, A Craftsman’s Legacy, where he seeks out other master craftspeople to get a taste of their craft and learn from their experiences.

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Eat Your Own Dog Food to Design Better - EP11 Podcast - We discussed a crucial concept for designers, builders, and creators of all kinds: "eating your own dog food." This phrase, originally coined by Paul Maritz at Microsoft, refers to using you...

In this episode, we discuss the phrase by Microsoft Manager Paul Maritz: Eat Your Own Dog Food. You should use and live with your own designs to know they are good. Test your design and iterate on better versions.

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Bernie From Works by Solo on Inventing With A Creative Mind Podcast - Bernie Solo, known for his innovative projects like the Sprocket Socket fidget spinner and his stunning concrete lamp, shared insights into his creative process, the realities of intellectua...

We sat down with Bernie Solo—artist, designer, and maker extraordinaire—to discuss creativity, design philosophy, patents, and the joys (and challenges) of bringing ideas to life.

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Make It Work With What You Got EP9 Podcast - explore the art of "making it work with what you've got." Whether you're a woodworker, metalworker, or just a DIY enthusiast, you’ve likely faced moments where the perfect tool or material w...

In this episode, we talk about how to get the job done with the tools and skills we have on hand, even if they are not right for the job.

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Andy Birkey Preserving History as an Architectural Restore EP8 Podcast - We sat down with Andy Birkey—a master craftsman specializing in historical restoration, particularly in Gothic and church architecture. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and deep reverence...

In this episode, we talk with Andy Birkey, who works as an Architectural Restoration Specialist, restoring old churches and gothic-style buildings in central Illinois. He has a wealth of knowledge, skill, and a loving spirit for all things.

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The Fudge Factor - Understand Accumulative Error - EP7 Podcast - explore the challenges and creative solutions that come with craftsmanship, whether in woodworking, guitar building, or architecture. In this episode, they dive into the concept of the "fudg...

We explore the challenges and creative solutions that come with craftsmanship, and dive into the concept of the “fudge factor”—how and where craftsmen account for (and sometimes hide) their mistakes. The key? Planning for imperfection.

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Developing Design Ideas - Ep5 Podcast - n this episode, we dive into the creative process behind developing new design ideas—whether it’s custom furniture or architectural projects. Join us as we explore how to gather inspiration,...

In this episode, we dive into the creative process behind developing new design ideas—whether it’s custom furniture or architectural projects. Join us as we explore how to gather inspiration, collaborate with clients, and refine concepts into final pieces.

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Machining With Tony Rouleau - EP6 Podcast - On a recent episode of The Maker’s Quest Podcast, hosts Greg Porter and Brian Benham sat down with Tony Rouleau, the mastermind behind Hill View Wood & Metal, to discuss his journey as a too...

We sat down with Tony Rouleau, the mastermind behind Hill View Wood & Metal, to discuss his journey as a toolmaker, his design philosophy, and the meticulous craftsmanship behind his sought-after tools.

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