We’re joined this week by science communicator and writer Alie Ward, to catch up and talk about the making of her podcast series Ologies. Adam and Alie reminisce about working together on a project a few years back, and trade notes about interviewing scientists, storytelling in production, and their roles in science communication. Listen and subscribe to Alie’s podcast series Ologies here: https://www.alieward.com/ologies
Adam Savage’s Favorite Tools: Annular Cutters!
Adam recently picked up a set of these annular cutters on the recommendation of his good friend John Knoll, and their efficiency in cutting large holes through aluminum blew Adam’s mind. Adam demonstrates how they work compared with a normal milling bit, and explains why their design allows them to cut so smoothly. As always, go slowly with a tool like this and use lots of cooling fluid!
Annular Cutter set (7/16-“1-1/16”): https://amzn.to/38s627n
Annular Cutter set (1″-2″): https://amzn.to/3eGQU7o
Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here.
Adam Savage’s Distortion Helmet!
Adam shares an art project he created almost thirty years ago, when he first moved to San Francisco and was looking for galleries to exhibit his sculptures and other creations. This visual “distortion helmet” was inspired by the production design of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, made using a flexible fresnel lens. The transformational power of this helmet was an early precursor to Adam’s obsession with spacesuits and armor, and still works great today!
Adam Savage’s One Day Builds: Han Solo’s Holster Belt!
For Halloween this year, Adam and his wife decided to cosplay together as Chewbacca and Han Solo! And to make Adam’s Han Solo costume work for Mrs. Dontrythis, he embarks on making a new holster belt from scratch. It’s Adam’s favorite film holster, and he transfers his familiarity with the original to leatherworking and machining the accessories and greeblies of this iconic piece of Star Wars costuming!
Shot by Adam Savage and edited by Gunther Kirsch
Show and Tell: Bandai’s 1/144 Saturn V Model Set!
Adam unboxes and reviews the Bandai die-cast model of NASA’s Saturn V rocket and Apollo 11 lunar module! This 1/144 scale model was desinged with input from Apollo Maniacs fan group, helping provide accurate details in the various stages of the iconic launch vehicle. Adam marvels at the casting details and paint application, and sets up the model for display in his shop!
Bandai Apollo 11 & Saturn V 1/144 Scale Vehicle set: https://bit.ly/2I97el0
Disclaimer: BigBadToyStore provided us this product for review. https://bit.ly/36b24xm
Shot and edited by Norman Chan
Feel Good Special Episode – This is Only a Test 574 – 11/5/20
There’s a lot of stressful stuff happening in the world this week, so the gang finds solace in checking in on each other this week to talk about more cheerful things in life. We catch up on each other’s Halloween celebrations, review the first episode of The Mandalorian Season 2 (spoiler warning midway through), and give some recommendations for feel-good television and movies to help us get through the rest of the week. Take care of yourself and each other! (Thanks to Tobias for creating this week’s intro theme music!)
One Day Build Commentary: NASA Spacesuit Parts!
In this Tested Premium/Patron exclusive, Adam watches and comments on a build that not only “kicked his ass,” but one that changed the way he thinks about what is “reasonable to talk about” (especially his emotional rollercoaster as a maker) in a Tested video: NASA Spacesuit Parts. It ALSO happens to be the first build Gunther shot and edited! Non-Tested Premium or Patron Members: Please click here for more information on this and other perks of Tested channel membership, which includes watching this video and asking Adam a question.
Adam Savage’s One Day Builds: Hellboy’s Samaritan Prop, Part 4!
With Adam’s replica of the Hellboy Samaritan prop mostly completed, Adam turns his attention to replicating the large bullet props that would go in the chamber. It’s a machining exercise that calls upon the use of a custom profile tool to shape the aluminum, and then pair with a brass casing–all made on the lathe. As a finishing touch, Adam sends his pieces to collaborator Victor Broadley, who uses an amazing vintage toolmaker’s mill to etch the proper labeling to match these props in the Hellboy universe!
Watch the full build of the Samaritan Prop here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtitKU0CAej3SEadB2CaVTJ-M-MNYsjO
Shot by Adam Savage and edited by Gunther Kirsch
Additional footage courtesy of Victor Broadley
Music by Jinglepunks
Ted Lasso SPOILERCAST – The Adam Savage Project – 11/3/20
One TV show we’re currently obsessed with is Ted Lasso (on Apple TV+), which feels like the perfect show for these stressful times. Adam, Norm, and Joey dive into why this show is so resonant, our favorite characters developments and interactions, and how it subverted our expectations at every turn. As always, spoiler-free review is at the top before we jump into plot details!
Adam Savage’s Favorite Tools: Wireless Endoscope!
Adam marvels at the advances in electronics miniaturization on display in his recently acquired enscope. This is a flexible wireless camera with a built-in light that you can snake into hard-to-reach places and crevices around your home or workshop. It sends HD video you watch remotely on your phone, and this model has the smallest diameter of any endoscope Adam has seen–plus it’s only $30!
$30 Nidage Wireless Endoscope: https://amzn.to/3eih4x2
Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here.