Ep. 40 The Maine Event

Hosts Alex Adams and Alex Duffey welcome a powerhouse duo to the show: Hunter Locke and Brandon Smith co-hosts of the upcoming Maine Woodworking Event. This episode is a deep dive into high-end shop setups, niche product development, and the hilarious perils of Facebook Marketplace.Shop Talk & Tool Envy: The Alexes' get a virtual tour of Brandon’s impressive shop, featuring a massive "tool wall of fame" stocked with Woodpeckers, Bessie clamps, and premium saws. Meanwhile, Alex Adams shares his recovery from a back injury and the chaos of prepping his garage for a brand-new CNC delivery—all while helping his son navigate the "teachable moment" of a woodworking mishap involving a bowl gouge.Niche Craftsmanship:Hunter Locke discusses his fascinating shift into the world of traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, designing custom Kumiko tea tables for a certified tea sommelier.Brandon Smith reveals his new "Book-Tok" inspired product line: laser-engraved bookmarks themed for horror and sci-fi, sparking a collaborative brainstorming session on creative packaging.Alex Duffey is in "full UFO mode," prepping 80 custom lamps and painting Northern Lights-inspired wall art for the upcoming UFO Fest.The "What’s Your Breaking Point" Segment: Hunter recounts a heartbreaking (and relatable) "Marketplace Fail" where he sold his current drum sander before securing a new one—leaving him sander-less but with enough cash to pivot into a new 3D printer.Show Support & LinksSpecial Guests: Hunter Locke & Brandon Smith Sponsor: Next Wave CNC (American-made desktop CNCs)Patreon: patreon.com/whatchamakinshopInstagram: @DuffeyWoodcraft | @TypeAFurniture