2025-11-21T00:35:33Z https://nostr.now TheShopRat https://nostr.now/npub1sd3wwlvl6f58yzs4ss90x07e4dwd7yl6h3n0pygpz9vqjcxd99aq90vwne https://fabricatorsfieldguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Headshot-new.png https://fabricatorsfieldguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Headshot-new.png https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsq7uy5fzqs8xsumq9dyd6985szwwcuvr5d7zmf28qlu2zk3ct5jaczyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5ek6zqa I’ve been working on something I’ve wanted to build for a long time: a way for people to develop practical skills and learn to make things with their own hands.<br/><br/>Fabricator’s Field Guide is about learning by doing. Each project is designed to help you build real skills, understand the process, and gain the confidence to take on more ambitious projects.<br/><br/>You don’t need prior woodworking experience or your own tools. Module 1 provides the materials and essential tools, along with detailed instructions and instructional videos to guide you through building a simple cedar box from start to finish.<br/><br/>I’m putting the finishing touches on the first project now.<br/><br/>If you’d like to be among the first to purchase it when it’s ready, you can join the waitlist below…<br/><br/><a href="https://fabricatorsfieldguide.com/guided-fabrication-program/">https://fabricatorsfieldguide.com/guided-fabrication-program/</a><br/><br/>#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr<br/><br/> <img src="https://image.nostr.build/302340af425733ddcfbf98ee5acf49071ca47cf133618e940ae121f993d917ac.jpg"> 2026-10-16T20:38:31Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsy6mx8ur9cwvexmzfn6lyq26pgpdt5z6gcqt9wazmht75hkyj64lszyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5lrrsyn One of the most useful things a child can learn from building something…<br/><br/>Is that problems are often solvable.<br/><br/>A piece doesn’t fit. A measurement is wrong. Something isn’t straight.<br/><br/>You don’t necessarily have to abandon the project. You can investigate, adjust, and try again.<br/><br/>That experience builds practical problem-solving skills, but it also teaches a broader lesson…<br/><br/>That a mistake doesn’t have to be the end of the story.<br/><br/>#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #education 2026-10-14T19:17:05Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsvljht4mq30q7z0qvxswyxjze5er8eu6v675yplkgee9nyftmgx5czyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5dvmc0f Why do I need to learn fractions?<br/><br/>It’s a fair question if all you ever do is work problems on paper.<br/><br/>But start measuring a board, and fractions suddenly have a purpose. You’re working with halves, quarters, eighths, and sixteenths because the physical world demands it.<br/><br/>Academic knowledge and practical experience aren’t competing forms of education. <br/><br/>They’re two ways of understanding the same world.<br/><br/>We need both.<br/><br/>#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #education 2026-10-13T16:09:08Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsqjxt2hc4v9t2l5ap3tc0vgku820a680pchvq0ceg3h5ghvjmmt3gzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h59kvmx4 When I first started woodworking, I thought dovetails were really important…<br/><br/>I thought if you wanted to build boxes and furniture, you needed to learn how to cut dovetails.<br/><br/>More than 30 years later, I’ve never cut a dovetail.<br/><br/>And I’ve built a lot of things.<br/><br/>That’s one of the things I’ve learned about woodworking. Some of the things you think are essential when you’re starting out aren’t nearly as important as you think they are.<br/><br/>Learn how to measure. Mark. Cut. Join. Glue. Finish.<br/><br/>Build things.<br/><br/>The fancy stuff can wait…<br/><br/>#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #woodworking #DIY<br/><br/> <img src="https://image.nostr.build/bf8f37789ff642517118f9a185c285c94e1706c0bb49bfea03fa555c8f144e46.jpg"> 2026-09-25T19:56:56Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsy3k8cz5sy4d93nd6qu9vskjvq3n6t0yq2pl2wa2nxqlkv8z672nqzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5sw57cf I haven’t posted much lately…<br/><br/>I’ve been pretty focused on writing and testing the first hands-on project for Fabricator’s Field Guide. It’s a curated build for beginners to learn real shop skills by doing the work.<br/><br/>I’m working through the manual and the short videos that go with it, going back through the build and asking, “Would this make sense if I’d never done this before?”<br/><br/>That led me to change how I’m teaching the mitered cleats. It’s a slower process, but the fit is better and the process is easier to understand.<br/><br/>I’m trying to take 30-plus years of hands-on experience and put the lessons that matter into one build, so a beginner has a place to start and doesn’t have to figure it all out alone…<br/><br/>#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #woodworking #DIY #proofofwork<br/><br/> <img src="https://image.nostr.build/d36b76b6debdbe94aac8cd3200b8cbf4d1225eb7ffa3eb994cc1118d6ea02303.jpg"> 2026-09-24T20:07:14Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqszkhn9jnf67r2mt9j49ked0up5suklvg8amfewhv8428vew99d3jgzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h53qcal7 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsfqzeg2nps605xpxes66hclqsmz5qyn2u04r4amyc4v09n5m02zjcgvxurw'>nevent1q…xurw</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Mine is nothing fancy…<br/><br/>Utility plywood and roller wheels. <br/><br/>All cut to the height of my table saw. <br/><br/>I made it out of utility grade plywood because I don’t have to worry about ruining it with paint or glue… take it off and recut a new piece. <br/><br/>The ONLY Woodworking Workbench You Need (AND SIMPLEST)<br/><a href="https://youtu.be/tlVhD2pLPV8">https://youtu.be/tlVhD2pLPV8</a> 2026-08-27T01:56:58Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsrxx0586kuk9g46euxf3x7j7ydknu5ydqe7wet3c43jjvdlv8ltgqzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h59sz49k Still working through the manual for the first project…<br/><br/>I’ve been using the Japanese pull saw I’m putting in the kit. I’d never really used one before, and I wasn’t sure how much I’d like it…<br/><br/>It’s a much smoother cut. Since you’re pulling instead of pushing, you can use a lighter stroke, especially when you’re starting the cut. There’s less tendency for the saw to dig in, bind, and jerk around…<br/><br/>I can see why this might be a better experience for someone learning to saw for the first time. It may look a little strange compared to a traditional saw, but it’s actually a much better experience…<br/><br/>The funny thing is, after using it for this project, I’m thinking I could have built a lot of things with this saw and never touched a power saw…<br/><br/> <img src="https://image.nostr.build/08079349bfe5e517c55db0162d09e58911eefefc04d8849a80467988d5754521.jpg"> 2026-08-24T14:47:21Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqs0kduy00hslsdgwaun99ca0wqhe43mwqhjw4qk88zaehv6nnmchzgzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5j3rgmd In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsycqpnjd5c4gv7ld05aq7fxypa4pl0gkxm4r87t6nkhx3nr856sfcptel9r'>nevent1q…el9r</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>The best! Hard to find around here. 2026-08-06T23:57:59Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsv6edgqrnk9akawrqslsz7elg755feecd2vl0hhav3xxgrx7up4lqzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5j2xzwv I finished the first prototype of my beginner woodworking learning module, a project that teaches measuring, sawing, fitting, sanding, and assembly by building a small cedar box.<br/><br/>Now I’m back at the bench with the completed project beside me, working through the manual one operation at a time. It’s amazing how many little improvements you find once you can compare the written instructions to an actual build.<br/><br/>The prototype teaches you how to build the project. Going back through the manual teaches me how to teach it. 2026-07-27T20:20:11Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqspgkc829v60esedyae03xujnqltxqedjeg2t5qtcevqrq4trsg4kgzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5fazwlw <a href="https://youtu.be/fjD78Q7gbQw">https://youtu.be/fjD78Q7gbQw</a> 2026-07-25T15:07:07Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsd9uryr2taw0d7ecddv5vj4rfqnzzly8aes7vgr2q3zm84cevlhsgzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5ljzunh In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsyz45fsn47wzs652j4m0kugv87udl6llh3a9dvrkqdpesf083lwpckrfutp'>nevent1q…futp</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Kettlebells are awesome! 2026-07-25T00:19:38Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqstw8l6gjjtzf6sq4shynmrzpa37a3hx79py6u4an2gffsjnsnxdaqzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h57hzd7y Practice makes perfect…<br/><br/>No<br/><br/>Failure makes perfect.<br/><br/>It is thru failure, that you know where you need to improve.<br/><br/>#coffeechain #grownostr 2026-07-15T13:17:35Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqs8fep0nncus80f9h793lxszs3j8k3cx55guk79p7f06hsuqy9cz2gzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5exdepf The first prototype is complete…<br/><br/>What it has reinforced for me is that beginners don’t need a more complicated first project. They need the right first project.<br/><br/>This little cedar box isn’t the destination. It’s a vehicle for learning.<br/><br/>The goal is to build confidence through measuring, marking, cutting, fitting, sanding, assembling, and finishing. Skills that carry over to every project that follows.<br/><br/>Looking back, what was the first project that really taught you something?<br/><br/>#FabricatorsFieldGuide #grownostr #woodworking #DIY #proofofwork<br/><br/> <img src="https://image.nostr.build/49d3a31754c5966c029da34e012c258e540b5aef62ce34db728844a0d08f5b7e.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://image.nostr.build/c15749c7843da4f89b992271dfd716c3dfd2f14cd16bfe620879c58cd96e55f3.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://image.nostr.build/f778ae35930ed96f02ff0fb78903b0e59ae4511c1139697c7dd23308e47a3a16.jpg"> 2026-07-09T14:18:39Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsthc9rnhklzh7gtek2skzr2k2uzxmljhyqt0gc79d5kywepvndsnczyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5capuw5 So, if capital gains tax is a tax on your fiat currency gains on your investment…<br/><br/>And inflation causes all prices to rise… including your investment…<br/><br/>Then, our government is taxing us on their devaluation of the currency…<br/><br/>Sounds about right… 2026-03-16T15:31:10Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsqzkeuup4f7pgzkza8gh8yj8ecc6sc6s3u88rtp6hsx8ksuln6l6czyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5kwhkzn In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsy9dycvleycfwx2juzp7me9398w3n08qyrjz99csdmvgdx3amh5rc6rnk93'>nevent1q…nk93</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>That is something that I think about. Kids aren’t allowed to have struggle in life. To me that is the best way to learn. You must learn the feeling of busting your knuckles on the rusty headers of an old 66 mustang (don’t ask me how I know) to know what not to do next time. It builds an intuition that is invaluable and carries on to other pursuits. Thanks for your reply! 2025-10-09T23:26:03Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqszn33eqlw3cpxxdwacrcktwg28tn50y6uxua73sk3qvmx70lgazmqzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h50a20zw In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsrmkqz8j40ksnqxluuq94tmzumrn3sj299h07rpsqws0crv9xvw3spzemhxw309ucnjv3wxymrst338qhrww3hxumnwfqpq3k'>nevent1q…pq3k</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Welding is something to learn so it counts! The kind of &#39;welding&#39; 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? 2025-04-23T01:04:34Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsp5j66kjuwujmctff27sh8fhd9znc78ptq3zz9gjxcvk4kwcpd32szyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5zt69vu In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs8n2gmw9rhxqltcjq7q7z545rtz5m6592sqk0w0gpkf0rx8rrjnqgh3n3hl'>nevent1q…n3hl</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>It’s a good method. <br/><br/>Just make a sample first. This will give you an idea of how it will look and give you some practice and compatibility with the wax. 2025-04-21T21:07:06Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqs9h2jyptja9pjr029vhl840fgsf3e5dkp4e4er7jwyllg20wjuf6qzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h50pjwtg Spray paint…<br/><br/>It makes a great wood finish!<br/><br/>No, really!<br/> <br/>If you know the coating to apply after you paint it. <br/><br/>In the latest Fabricator’s Field Guide, I break down my go to antique black painted finish!<br/><br/>Cheers!<br/><br/>#FabricatorsFieldGuide #woodworking #DIY<br/><br/>Spray Paint + Wax = Instant Antique Wood Finish (Easiest Ever!)<br/><a href="https://youtu.be/y_9Ptrtodac">https://youtu.be/y_9Ptrtodac</a> 2025-04-21T18:34:46Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqs90ywmye9gtjemkdx5j23lah7wnckwds4n9kxr42vuftdk5l9776szyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5z6dkpy GM!<br/><br/>Prove me wrong…<br/><br/>Meetings are the biggest waste of time…<br/><br/>But, management doesn’t agree…<br/><br/>“I was SO busy, was in meetings ALL day!”<br/><br/>Have a great meetingless day!<br/><br/>#grownostr #coffeechain 2025-04-03T14:35:19Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqsfunxxttjhwvk0klxupn2845hpz9uxcccel69838p94pgmjelc8eszyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h57yaksr In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqszyzgj0x3dxjty6xqrt8qvgl5tls4d4dpqta0hcghc8u9j69krrtgd4wctv'>nevent1q…wctv</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>I wish you could’ve. He was the best manager. Thanks for the zap! Cheers! 2023-10-31T18:09:28Z https://nostr.now/nevent1qqs0u4yjapngrernzutshqfr346ua85sn7vx5dkgqt22gxrxecq84qqzyzpk9emanlfxsus2zkzq4uelmx44ehcnl27xduy3qyg4sztqe55h5ahugdq Hello! I would like to introduce myself to the nostr community. I have been in the woodworking and furniture making trades for the first twenty years of my career, ending up with a hand-carved art framing and gold gilding business. In 2009, the economy took my business down. That is when I began my second career as a mechanical engineer in military aviation specializing in jet engine propulsion MRO. <br/><br/>I have all my life enjoyed building and restoring things, whether furniture, art, CNC machines, or the maintenance of airplanes. It has been a passion of mine. I have often wanted to share my successes and my failures along the way. This is now the forum to start.<br/><br/>This channel is going to be for the sharing of ideas, techniques, and end products of things made in wood, metal or other materials. I would invite you to follow me as we build a community of makers and help restore the the lost art of the craftsman.<br/><br/>#grownostr #introductions #newbie #newbies #plebchain #Nostriches 2023-06-22T01:45:21Z