Cool machines make the job faster and more accurate. This is an old Blum mini press, you can find them on marketplace pretty easily. Usually priced around $1500-$2500. Worth every penny. There are other attachments too, like line-boring and metabox fixtures, but I only use it for hinges. But that dust shroud from @kourostools is a massive upgrade. No shavings, no dust. Seriously an awesome attachment. #cabinetmaker #cabinetshop #cabinetry #tipsandtricks #kitchencabinets #cabinets #cabinethardware #blum #blumhardware #tools #machines

The latest addition to the shop, and one of the best investments I’ve made this year. I used to own an older Italian edge bander, it basically applied the edge banding and trimmed most of the edgebanding. No scrapers, just a flush trim. This meant I had to dress every edge by hand afterwards. It added roughly 4 hours to the edgebanding process per kitchen. I would inevitably have to replace some pieces also, as a small slip of the hand would damage parts. This led me to researching new edgebanders. I had to find something with a small footprint, I wanted pre-milling and corner rounding(the ends of the parts like doors and drawer fronts). This Cantek MX350mr was the winner. I’ve operated high end banders and low end banders, and I’m very happy with the results I get out of this little machine. After setting it up I have yet to dress an edge by hand, it works flawlessly. It’s got my stamp of approval. #cabinetmaker #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #cabinets #edgebander #cantek #akhurstmachinery

These things made this install go so smoothly. I couldn’t have asked for a better tool. The Door Stud is what they’re called. #doorinstall #doorinstallation #doors #foldingdoor #carpenter #carpentry #carpentrywork #carpentryskills #tipsandtricks

Cutting a hinge mortise. Jobsite made jig, 1/4” large to accommodate the 1/8” offset on the router bushing. Bushing rides the jig, holds the router bit 1/8” away from the edge of the jig at all times. Use a corner chisel to square the round corners, use a box bit to center the pilot holes in the hinge. #Doors #doorhardware #hinges #doorhinge #doorinstallation #carpenter

A little throwback gem tip for ya #tipsandtricks #masking #painting #maskingtape

And yeah, you can play music from your phone simultaneously while the 1/4” jack input is going too. So I know this isn’t a music practicing tool, but it could be…or you can use it as a PA system with a mic, next I’m going to see if they broadcast the 1/4” input via Bluetooth when they’re paired to more than one speaker… Makita GRM05 speaker, 18v LXT or 40v XGT #jobsitespeaker #jobsitemusic #speaker #bluetoothspeaker #quadcortex #bass

CNC vacuum hack: use a thinner spoil-board. On most cabinet shop cnc tables, the parts are held in place via suction from a vacuum pump. A problem with that system is sometimes the force of the vacuum on small parts isn’t enough to hold them in place. I’ve used tile gaskets before and found that while they’re great for holding small parts, the suction compresses the gasket irregularly across the spoil board making you Z axis hard to calibrate accurately. I’ve since moved to using a thinner spoil-board on my cnc for small parts. Less spoilboard thickness, less vacuum resistance, more holding power for the cut parts. #Cnc #cncrouter #shopsabre #shopsabrecnc #cabinetshop #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #tipsandtricks

And no, saving the bricks was not a concern. Bricks are easily made, and easily recycled. #chimneyrepair #chimneydemolition #demolition #chimney #chimneys #comments

These Door Studs are the MVP on this door install job. Not only do they act as door movers, but you can adjust each individual wheel height to achieve perfectly plum door placement in the opening. These doors are heavy, and scratching the finish is a real danger when installing them solo. It’s incredible to be able to move them into place, and adjust them in order to hang the door perfectly. The customer wanted to use the original leaf hinges, and the door studs made mounting them easy and precise. It’s not always about the tools you use, but sometimes they can make or break an install. @thedoorstud #door #doorinstallation #doorinstall #woodwork #tipsandtricks #toolsofthetrade

A before and after of the coach doors on this old blacksmith shop. I was hired to make new doors, repair the rot at the bottom of the frames, make new door stop, and paint the frame. I think it turned out awesome #restoration #beforeandafter #doors #doorrepair #woodwork #woodworking

Let’s answer some questions from the comments shall we? #doorframe #repair #doorrepair #tipsandtricks #tips #woodwork #woodshop

Shop sound just got a massive upgrade… The new @makitatools XGT wireless speaker, and they pair with each other to form stereo sound, or daisy chain up to 10 speakers, yeah that’s right 10! Pretty sick. They run on 18v LXT or 40v XGT batteries or a AC power adapter for continuous use. They are Bluetooth, you can connect them to a mic to use as a PA system, connect via 3.5mm jack for a non wireless connection, or connect to a usb thumb drive to play music files on that. All in all, pretty dang cool and versatile, and they sound awesome too. #cabinetmaker #cabinetshop #makita #makitaxgt #speakers #bluetoothspeaker #jobsiteradio

Patching a door frame… Moisture has rotted this whole lower section of this door frame, so I’m patching in a new section. I make sure it’s a bit off the ground, as that will give it the ability to dry out. This is an unsealed addition on a heritage building in Red Lodge MT. I make sure the patch is primed on all surfaces, and I’ll paint it to match the existing frame once the glue is dry. I use shims to add upward pressure on the joint until the glue dries. Once it’s dry I’ll sand and prep the joint for paint. #Carpentry #restoration #doorframe #woodrot #patch #carpenter #woodwork

Finish elasticity, cause wood moves more than you think. Icro W5000 clear topcoat. #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #tipsandtricks #icro #woodfinish #woodfinishing

When you’re working with the Stenes, everywhere is the Danger Zone… That’s why we wear @originusa #originusa #workboots #demolition #demo #remodel #danger #dangerous #dangerdanger

You don’t see this every day… I went to check kitchen measurements at this remodel and they were knocking down the old chimney. This whole area is getting an addition. #remodel #cabinetmaker #kitchenremodel #construction #constructionlife #demolition #demo

Where’s the overspray?! 🤯 The @anest_iwata Icon Pump paired with @hartley_group Icro W5000 make for an impressive combo 🤩 #sprayfinish #sprayfinishing #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #spraybooth #icro #anestiwata

How thought out is this 👀. Probably my favorite part of these organizers, as I need a wide variety of fasteners, many of them small, and usually don’t want to dedicate a full bin to 1/2” #8 screws 😂. This level of detail in something as small as an organizer bin has me optimistic to how this system will progress over time. What do you think? #maktrak #makitapoweron #screworganizer #cabinetmaker #organizer #toolstorage

MAKTRAK slim organizer holds a lot of stuff. Twice that of a slim organizer packout. I like the way the lids separate the bins, but don’t infringe on the capacity. Great design in my opinion. #maktrak #makitapoweron #makita #makitausa #toolstorage #toolorganizer

Helping the new #maktrak escape from the Makita facility… These are the new storage solutions from @makitatools they released at the #makitapoweron event. From what I experienced at the event, I can say a lot of time and effort went into designing these, and they have some excellent features that solve problems other brands left unaddressed. But my interest is how well they fit on this powered Makita cart…don’t mind if I do! #powertools #makita #cabinetmaker #toolboxes #toolstorage

The dynamic duo of the shop, the Shop Sabre Pro408 and the Cantek MX350mr. Load the sheet goods on the cnc, unload parts ready to edge on the Cantek. The parts come off the bander ready to assemble. This is certainly the most feature rich, compact edgebander I’ve ever used. Pre-milling, corner rounding, this is a great machine. Reliable production machines. #shopsabre #cantek #edgebander #cnc #cabinetmaker #cabinet #cabinetry #cabinetmaking #cabinetshop

Cleaning dust filters, my favorite. Loss of suction means time for some dust collector maintenance. These are a pain to clean but it’s gotta be done. I just beat them with a stick, I find this gets the most fine dust out of the bags. Maybe next time I’ll hit them while on the machine and see how much that helps. But now that the suction is back, time for work!! #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #cabinets #tipsandtricks #shopmaintenance

One door or 100, I like using @lewiscabinet for all my cabinet door needs. They have a great website for ordering that makes it simple and stress free. Quick turnaround times and fast shipping, with carful packaging that keeps my door safe. That along with great construction and attention to detail makes Lewis the best choice for my door requirements. Check them out! #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #cabinets #cabinetdoors

The best work pants I’ve ever worn are coming October 11th, and I’m excited. They’re called the American Canvas Pants made by @originusa Three things we’re focused on when making these awesome pants: Fit Durability Comfort The fit from the jeans are now in a pair of work pants. No baggy, loose fitting pants that make you look like a hobo, they give room where you need it but are trim enough to look professional. None of that skinny jean nonsense either, these are full T work pants. Duck canvas construction made from USA materials, with added reinforcement in high wear areas. I hate getting used to a pair of work pants just in time to blow out a knee or rip a thigh. The material comes “sueded”, meaning they buff the fibers so that they feel like you’ve worn them for months right out of the package. Plus with the crotch gusset you won’t have to worry about bulky seams up in your business… Made by American workers for the American tradesman, child sweat sold separately. #Tradesman #workwear #originusa #dirttoshirt #usamade #usamadeclothing

Big doors, and in a one man shop it’s hard to spray big stuff like this and then move them around. I took my pro cart from @paintlineco and cut some of the divider bars short, then attached plywood to the tops in order to create a sawhorse like rest for them. After I spray and let the finish dry enough so nothing will stick to it, I roll them out of the booth. I would have preferred to put them on the wide rack behind me, but there is no way I could have safely moved these doors by myself without messing up the finish. Spraying Icro E-106 exterior 2k from @hartley_group on these doors, the coverage is amazing. And it’s pretty thick so I used my @gracopaintsprayers quick shot to lay it down. Such a handy tool! #cabinetmaker #cabinetshop #tipsandtricks #gracopaintsprayers #paintline #icro #spraybooth #sprayfinish

Kitchen design, there are lots of opinions out there. One thing I try to do in my builds is provide balance to the space. I’m not a fan of bulky, heavy looking details. I like everything to flow and jive with each other, while utilizing as much available space as possible. Some of the most difficult details to design around are windows and doors, as how they are placed dictate how you balance a room. #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #tipsandtricks #cabinets #kitchendesign #cabinetdesign

You never know what you’re going to see outside the shop window… #cabinetshop #cabinetmaker #montana

My rundown of the @icro_coatings Colormix 2.0 system. It’s about as simple as it gets when making or matching stain. All in house, complete control over the entire process. Compatible with all their finishes, it’s a killer way to upgrade your finishing process. This has been a huge help in my shop, and I wanted to give you a run down of how it works. Questions? Go ahead and ask them in the comments and I’ll answer them! #icro #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #tipsandtricks #spraybooth #stainmatch

Montana pomade we call it. #Windy #montana #treasurestate #bigskycountry

Making a custom utensil drawer! When I make these, I like to let the customer determine how they will be laid out, as they know their needs best. Then I can make what will suite their lifestyle, and they get exactly what they want. Questions on how I did this? Leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them in a video remix #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #utensildrawer #silverwaredrawer #organization #kitchenorganization #kitchenorganizer

#cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #cabinetinstall #kitchencabinets #cabinets #tipsandtricks #cabinets #kitcheninstall #drawers #softclose #softclosedrawers

Final assembly after install Slide in the drawers, check functionality and adjust for alignment. #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #cabinetinstall #tipsandtricks #cabinets #kitcheninstall

Install part 2 As in my previous video, if you have any questions about the process, or want any clarification, ask them in the comments and I will answer them in a remix of the video! #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #cabinetinstall #tipsandtricks #kitcheninstall #cabinets

Install time! Any questions on my process? Let me know in the comments and I’ll remix the video to answer them! #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #cabinetinstall #tipsandtricks #kitcheninstall

Mounting drawer fronts Everyone has a method, this is mine. I didn’t go over getting the cabinet level and square before mounting, but that is imperative to a good finished product. This is by far the most straightforward and accurate way I’ve found, and I’ve had great results. But I want to know how you do it, let me know in the comments. #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #cabinetinstall #kitchencabinets #cabinets #tipsandtricks #kitcheninstall

Teach them how… I find it important to equip my kids with skills that will serve them in life. Whether it’s how to balance a budget, or emotional resilience, the last thing I want is for them to go out into the world at 18 unprepared for the REAL world(not expecting an ideal world). Teaching them to respect and care for their fellow man, and to stand up and protect what they hold dear. We’ve all had to deal with a whining or malicious co-worker, I am determined to not produce adults like that. And what is childhood except training for adulthood? And what are parents if not adulthood trainers? Love, encouragement, correction, and equipping for life, that’s how I see my role in my kids lives. This camera angle makes it look like he almost got smoked by that scope, I can assure you that wasn’t the case, I was right there 😉. #dad #son #parenthood #teaching #teachthemyoung

Sheet goods sawdust, what’s it good for? I hope this video helps clarify why I dumped mine this morning! #cabinetshop #sawdust #cabinetry #cabinetmaker

Bin full of sawdust, I’ve never wanted a forklift dump bin so bad before 😂 But with using leverage to my advantage it wasn’t so bad. #cabinetmaker #heavy #crossfit #shopgym

Appliance garage anyone? This deep corner cabinet created an awkward space beside the refrigerator that’s to the right, so to help with the design we decided to opt for an appliance garage. Simple and effective! #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #cabinetinstall #cabinets #kitcheninstall

I would never take a job like this… If it wasn’t for @lewiscabinet that is. A small job like this interrupts the workflow enough to where it can actually cost the shop money rather than make it money, that’s another reason why I like using Lewis. I can quickly and easily price and order the exact door I need, and then match the finish when it arrives. A big value add to my customer, and a reasonable way for me to provide that value. Check them out! #cabinetmaker #cabinetshop #cabinetdoors #cabinetry #kitchendoors

Be a good neighbor, eat more cake

A day to remember! One thing I wished I’d done with my dad was fish more, so now I am working on investing in these memories for my kids. My son Gavin is the only one of my kids that could have managed this hike, and we had an awesome time together. The mountains near my home are full of lakes, and those lakes are full of trout. There’s no way I’d rather spend a day than casting a spoon into a lake like this. Another great day in the books! @originusa @jockofuel @eberlestock

Just call me Jim Craig… Points to anyone who understands that reference…

Icro spray stain for the win! Spraying the underside of this table, to get the correct hue I had to do two coats. In order to avoid striping I did a 50% overlap and sprayed the second coat perpendicular to the first. And the benefits of a spray stain is that immediately after spraying I can spray the primer coat. I love this stuff. #cabinetmaker #cabinetmaking #cabinetshop #icro #icrocoatings #paintlineco #thepaintline #spraybooth

How dare you doubt me I can’t believe the vile vitriol that was slung at me in the comment section of my last video, saying it was fake, that I am a terrible craftsman, and an incredible lover. At least two of those statements are true. But I decided to “kick it up a notch” and do some more freehand work on these table base parts. The first one is the hardest, as I have to focus on exactly what I want the shape to look like in my head, and transfer that shape to my hands, the tool, and finally the wood. After that it’s easy, I just focus on the shape I already cut and use the force to guide my hands. Perfect every time. BOW TO YOUR SENSEI!! #woodworjing #woodwork #woodworker #makersgonnamake #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #kitchencabinets #woodfurniture #tablebase #tipsandtricks #tips

I quickly learned when going out on my own that I can’t do everything on my own AND still be profitable. I wanted to control every aspect the kitchen build, but it became clear that I couldn’t do this and remain competitive in my market. I needed to find a solution that maintained my quality standards while making my process faster and more profitable. I decided to give @lewiscabinet a try. 3 years later I’m still using them and couldn’t be happier. It was an immediate problem solver. If you are where I was, give Lewis a try, I bet you’ll find they can help you too. #cabinetmaker #cabinetshop #kitchencabinets #kitchens #cabinetry #cabinetdoors #doormaker

Cutting circles freehand I didn’t think I’d actually do it, but there it is!! The main idea is to keep the image of a perfect circle in your mind while cutting. The guy I learned this trick from said he found it easier to do with his eyes closed. One of the most important things is to have a sharp bit with a router you can easily handle with one hand. What’s your best skill when working freehand? #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #tabletop #furniture #tipsandtricks #tooltricks #tooltips #woodshop

Make it flat! Yet another awesome use for the #shopsabre cnc. This is by far the most versatile machine in the shop. I glued up this table-top and had to flatten it. I screwed it to the spoil board to keep it in place on the first side, and when that side was flat I flipped it and used the vacuum table to keep it in place. Since this will be a round table-top, I put the screws in the corners where they will be cut out. I set a program to take off 1/16” passes, and reset my z axis zero after each pass and re-used the same program. After removing about 1/4” from both each side, there was only 1/32 deflection across the entire top. I’ll take that. #shopsabrecnc #tabletop #woodtable #cabinetshop #woodshop #cabinetmaker #cncwood #cncwork #cncrouter #cncwoodworking

Tool review… When this sander quit, I had lots of feedback from other owners, many saying that they had the same problem. Most had more time with the tool, but it was incredible the response that came from you all sharing your dead sander experiences. It’s too bad because it performed well, I especially liked it for doing solid surface countertops. But with only 10 hours on a $450 sander, it shouldn’t have died. Now the only question is this: should I send this thing off to the afterlife with an arrow through its middle?! Let me know in the comments! #sander #toolreview #3msander #tools #cabinetmaker #toolsofthetrade

Right angle drill are pretty neat And multi chuck drills are even neater. When working in tight spaces they’re the unsung hero of the cabinet install game, here I’m removing a cleat I used to hole the end panel in place while I scribe and mounted it. I’ve found this particular brand has a lower profile than most 👍🏻 #hiltitools #hilti #cabinetibstall #cabinetmaker #kitcheninstall #tipsandtricks #toolsofthetrade

I keep finding uses for this stuff… I used it for protecting my drawer fronts from scratches during transport, then for protecting the countertops during the install, and now for keeping my belt buckle from scratching my truck fender. It’s called Stay-Put, and it’s made by Trimaco. New spark plug day for the truck! #trucks #automotive #truckmaintenance #automotivemaintenance

Protect the finished parts… The last thing I want is to damage a finished part, and it always happens when moving parts. After the finish cures, I always wrap the drawer fronts and finished ends. I’ve been used the Trimaco Stay-Put surface protector. Sticks to the part, but doesn’t leave a residue. Perfect combination. #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #cabinetinstall #kitcheninstallation #kitchencabinets

Dialed saws and an attention to detail… It all pays off. #cabinetinstall #cabinetry #kitchencabinets #cabinetmaker #tipsandtricks #kitcheninstallation #cabinetshop

All that work down the drain… Dropped this scribed piece of crown off the work bench and chipped the miter. Classic What did you screw-up this week? I showed you mine… #cabinetmaker #cabinets #cabinetinstall #kitcheninstallation #cabinetshop

When I started my own business there were a lot of unexpected requirements that I needed to address, one of which was acquiring business insurance. NEXT makes that process simple and easy to understand, and with a focus on helping small businesses like mine they understand exactly what I was going through. Finding the right insurance was made simple and easy to understand by NEXT Insurance, a company that focuses on helping small businesses like mine. #businessinsurance #nextbuisnessinsurance

I call this the Mary Poppins method.. Fast and easy way to make a beautiful joint for fillers, light valence, and crown trim. I put that stuff on everything… #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #kitchencabinets #cabinetinstall #woodworking #woodworker #cabinetshop #tipsandtricks

No climbing into the truck bed… Cause the #decked cargo glide holds all my tools well past the payload capacity of my truck, which means I’ll never have to worry about overloading it. And at the end of a long install, the last thing I want to do is crawl into my truck box to fish out tools. #truck #f150 #cargoglide #cabinetinstaller #cabinetmaker #tools

Floating shelves above the sink, with the lower shelf routed for an LED strip. Clean, snug, and seamless. Just the way we like it. #cabinetmaker #cabinetinstall #kitchencabinets #kitcheninstall

Floor protection, because I’m not perfect. The last thing I want to do is damage a customers home, so I make sure to avoid the potential. It also adds a good dose of professionalism, and with the way the public views the trades these days, every little bit helps. #cabinetinstall #cabinetry #kitcheninstall #kitchencabinets #cabinetmaker

Archery post… New quiver, the Tournament Quiver from @marsupialgear. I bought this yesterday and used it at the TAC event. It was excellent, and for shooting at home it will be awesome. Yet another product I really like from those guys. USA MADE 🇺🇸

Using string lines to evaluate the flatness of a wall… I can’t overstate the value of using a good string line on an install. It instantly gives you a reliable straight reference that is small enough to fit in your pocket. They are simple but powerful tools, you should have one in your tool box. I’ll put a link in my bio to the one I use. These walls are pretty good, there’s only a few spots where the wall dips in an 1/8”-1/4”. If it was worse I would likely pre-shim to make sure my cabinets were running straight. #cabinetinstall #cabinets #cabinetry #kitcheninstall #kitchencabinets

Pre-install layout, the first and most important step. Take stock of the materials you have, verify the sizes with the drawing, and become aware of potential problems with plumbing, electrical fixtures, etc. Use painters tape to avoid making a bunch of messy pencil lines on the walls.

When I say I do “plant-on” finished ends, this is what I mean. It’s a finished panel that is the finished color, and it cut to match the contours of the wall to get a seamless look to the cabinets. All of my cabinets mate made exactly the same, and then the colored bits are added on-site. #cabinetmaker #cabinetry #customcabinets #cabinetinstall #cabinetmaker

How do you protect delicate surfaces? I’ve been using this stuff, it’s called Stay Put from Trimaco. I wrap cabinet components with it like finished end panels and doors, and when I get to the job site I use it to protect the countertops while I’m doing hardware install and such. Grippy on the white side, it clings to surfaces but doesn’t leave a residue. Great for scratch and moisture protection. Sure beats wrapping in dusty moving blankets, and I fold it up and re-use it on the next job. It comes in rolls, and I cut to length as needed. #trimaco #cabinets #cabinetmaker #cabinetinstall #kitcheninstall

Another long week, but the work’s not done yet. Who else is working this weekend?

Adjacent cabinets to the corner go fast, usually install one in about 5 minutes tops. I always measure my stud distance, and drill the screw holes before lifting the cabinet in place, that way I can make them equidistant inside the cabinet. Drill the holes 3 1/2” from the top and bottom, and one drilled in the center along the stud line. Very strong, clean looking, and very fast. Is this how you install your uppers? If not how do you?

Upper corner cabinets, it all starts here. Put the effort in to get these as perfect as possible, as it will pay off x10 later on. Trust me, 90% of the work here is pivotal for the rest of the upper cabinet install. #cabinetmaker #cabinetinstall #cabinetry #customcabinets #cabinetshop #installtips #tipsandtricks

Countertop install, and luckily my brother Aaron was willing to lend a hand for a few minutes. I can make these on my own in the shop, but hauling it into the house is a bit much. Also, that @grabo.tools vacuum handle is where it’s at. #cabinetmaker #cabinets #countertop #grabo #grabotools #cabinetmaker #brothers

Sneak peak at one of the details going into the kitchen I’m installing this week. Just a quick video from the work bench #cabinetry #cabinets #cabinetshop #kitchen #kitchencabinets #cabinetmaker #cabinetmaking #cabinethardware

Always grateful and proud of those that served and sacrificed for our freedom. #neverforgotten

What my mornings before work look like…more work! I think I’d go crazy without work, or at least a goal to strive towards. What about you?

Spring clamps and glue, that’s all you need! And alcohol to clean the surfaces…

Well it’s feeling more like summer every day. This fella was ready to rock and roll #rattlesnake #rattler #montana What would you do with him?

Pro-Tip: Keep your reference surfaces clean. Dried glue or other junk can create high spots on the level, throwing off its accuracy. Keep it flat, keep it clean. #stabila #stabilalevels #protip

She’s back together! I am thrilled with how this guitar turned out, and the resonance is on 🔥 now that all that chunky plastic filler is gone. It will wear more with a thinner finish, but honestly I really like that. I have a 2008 Highway 1 Tele that shows all my wear marks, and I think that’s awesome. When I’m gone and my kids/grandkids are playing my guitars, they’ll have a bit of me to remember! That pick guard is a nice minty white too, almost like it was meant to be! What do you think?! Finished with #icrocoatings and #anestiwata #fender #fenderstratocaster #fenderstrat #strat #quadcortex #quadcortexneuraldsp

I think this 10° is gonna be killer… And what better way to test the durability of the finish than putting it on my own guitar?! Clear coat: Icro W-5000 2K Spray gun: Anest Iwata WS-400 Series 2 What do you think? Better than blue? #anestiwata #icrocoatings

Well I did it, I stripped my Strat And you wouldn’t believe how much filler was on this guitar, in some places over 1/8”!! Talk about killing the resonance… But here we are, on the second to last coat, and she’s looking beautiful 😍. I was going to spray it a matte coral color, but last minute changed my mind. Did I make the right choice?! #icro #anestiwata #fenderguitars #fenderstratocaster

Being aware of the inconsistencies of your tools is important. You can do two things: 1. Fix the issue 2. Adjust your methods to accommodate the inconsistency If you’re determined to produce high quality work, you can’t choose ignorance.

Would you walk with me?

I never thought I’d use this tool here But guess what? It made an awkward one man job into a simple, and safe way to move this panel. And that drying rack 🤩 How do you spray large panels? #paintline #paintlineco #sprayfinish #sprayfinishing #grabo Was this interesting?

Right tools for the job… With all the new WB finish products available these days, the struggle for finishers is to lay that material down evenly. This Anest Iwata iCon pump lays it out beautifully. And it wasn’t even working hard. If you get one of these pumps, make sure to get the additional hopper, it makes the cleaning process a whole lot easier. #anestiwata #sprayfinishing #cabinetry #cabinets #cabinetmaker

Horizontal, now I’m THAT guy 🙄 Where we live is beautiful, and I love sharing it with you. The portrait view just didn’t do the video justice, so turn that sucker! #montana #elk #mountains #sunset #views

Spray stain with this kind of grain clarity?! Take my money

Quick tip: be careful what stains you use. Most diy type stains come with a sealer mixed in. This helps with the stain not smudging when handled after drying, but makes it nearly impossible to fix if you cut through the stain when sanding the primer.. It also makes it impossible to darken the stain saturation because the sealer keeps any more stain from adhering to the material. They make retail products so the most inexperienced can get decent results, but that hinders performance when used in the hands of a competent finisher. Have you experienced cutting through stainless steel when sanding? How did you fix it?

Want to know one of the best spray systems available? You’re looking at it. I’m a minimalist, and I don’t want lots of gear that do one thing each. Which is why I got this iCon pump from #anestiwata. This company isn’t very well known in the wood coatings industry, but is a dark horse in the race. They are a major manufacturer of automotive spray equipment, which is super technical. You want good stuff, often times look to the automotive spraying community. This pump will spray anything, drop it in the hopper and it will spray it, wonderfully. I wouldn’t trade it for anything(and I’ve used a lot of spray equipment in the past). What setup are you currently running for spraying?

Anything that helps be more consistent, and that’s what Tradify does. It works for me!

Use your stir sticks for pouring… The material will follow the sticks like a slide. #paintingtips #sprayboothtips #sprayfinishtips

In my previous post I talked about how I’m going to be using this for hunting, but I’ll also be using it to achieve my fitness goals too. Rucking is something I’ve been curious about for a long time, but I hadn’t pulled the trigger on getting an adequate pack to do so. I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone using this @eberlestock mainframe. No expensive proprietary weights, just buckle in a bucket of rocks and go. Why spend money on something I have readily to hand? Any of you rucking guys out there? Any tips you’d be willing to share? #eberlestockpacks #eberlestock #eberlestockoutdoors

It arrived! I did a lot of research and sought out the opinions of people who I trust, and I landed on the @eberlestock mainframe pack. I paired it with the Vapor 2500 pack, but the great thing about this frame is I can add larger or smaller packs as needed. I’ve been showing more hunting content here because it’s something I’m passionate about, I’ve been blue collar hunting since I was 12, and shooting since I could hold a rifle. Do you hunt? What do you hunt? I mostly go for deer, elk, and upland bird but have been branching out in the last 3 years. Let me know! #eberlestock #eastmanhuntingjournal

Early mornings make relaxed evenings possible, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

There’s something about working early in the morning that makes me happy. Seeing the sun rise and knowing I have a head start on the day, wonderful. Are you a night owl or an early riser? Let me know!

How I mix my own wood stain in my shop. Pretty simple, and I can make almost any color under the sun. Not only that, but I can use these colorants to tint lacquer too. Compatible with water based and solvent based finishes. I use alcohol as my thinner because it dries faster. Was this interesting?

I’ve been using @lewiscabinet whenever I order my solid wood doors. Their attention to detail is awesome, the construction is solid, and they are fast. Blazing fast. 1 1/2 weeks from ordering and they were in my shop. Hard to find a company like that these days. How do they look?

How I make my light valence for my kitchens. Tight, clean, and unobtrusive. #cabinetry #cabinetmaker #kitchens

The new Hybrid boot from @originusa came today. It’s cool to see them breaking new ground in the footwear space. Made in USA, by American hands, it’s a small step towards bringing this industry back to our country. Boot still needs a break in, but the initial fit is promising.

Putting the finishing touches on these cabinet parts. Every edge needs to be flush, if it feels good to my hands, it’s ready. Eased edges and clean lines is the name of the game.