Ask Adam Anything: From Shop to Kitchen
While cleaning up after a One Day Build, Adam answers a question from the Premium Member community about how his shop organization and philosophy translates to other work spaces, like the kitchen.
Shot and edited by Joey Fameli
67 thoughts on “Ask Adam Anything: From Shop to Kitchen”
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Funny you mentioned the “type of glue” question cause that’s exactly what I need! 🙂
I’m experimenting with clear plexiglass and I really can’t find the best glue to use to leave a really nice finish…
Best one I tried so far is “plastruct” but then again it’s difficult not to leave a bad, not uniform finish… Probably I use it wrongly, really hope you can help me with this one!
Thank you sir, keep being amazing!
Giaco
My question: How can I work for you?
I am trying to figure out what type of glue should I use for 3D printing cases for raspberry pi’s .So that they don’t fall out ,What should I use for that I’m also using ABS for printing if that helps.
You need an acrylic adhesive like this: http://amzn.com/B0096TWKCW
Also, the pros use the little bottle with the needle on (looks like a hypodermic needle). They apply the glue very carefully so that it just wicks under/between the two pieces of acrylic (plexiglas).
If the filament is ABS, use an aBS cement like this: http://amzn.com/B000UG1C74
You can find this in pretty much any plumbing department at your local hardware store. The link above is to a black cement — most of what I’ve used has been black since ABS plumbing pipe is generally black. You may be able to find other colors (clear?) though.
Hey Adam!
Thanks for yet another great AAA video! That’s right, I call them triple As!
My main hobby is 3d printing, thanks to Tested.com no less, a lot of my friends want me to make bowls or glasses for them but I always tell them I can’t because FDM prints are porous and can trap moisture and bacteria etc… And it’s not safe.
I was wondering if you know a coating I could apply to my prints to make them food safe. There must be something I can use since wood and clay dishes are safe?
Thanks and keep on Testing!
Here’s a test piece for the box I’m working on now (inspired by Adam and Louis Vuitton):
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3024799/Test_Build.jpg
Laser printed paper applied with Mod Podge
Can you talk about the dust collection and air quality in your shop? I haven’t been able to afford a full dust collection suite as of yet so I wear a really good mask when I work in mine.
Thanks
Shane
you could use some of the mold-making techniques that Frank and company have shown us to make a mold of your 3D-print and then cast pieces out of foodsafe silicone or something… others may have better ideas for materials to use, but my main point was to use the 3D-print as a ‘master’ to make a mold from, and then cast whatever you want. We haven’t seen any ceramic casting, but I know that’s possible…
What are your thoughts on the meme of fedoras being worn exclusively by MRA’s and losers? I like wearing fedoras, but people keep trying to turn them into the new “mullet.”
While I’m working in the shop I find having music helps me concentrate, I was wondering what your musical tastes are, especially while working. I noticed that you have buds in occasionally, so I know you’re listening to something.
I find my setlist depends on what I’m working on. For detail work I like things like Pink Floyd, but for automotive I like hard rock and metal.
Thanks for your time.
Great video. Always like to hear your insight on things. (I just wish I could keep my work space clean!)
I have a question about your reference library. In a couple talks and interviews you briefly mention it and how much data you have saved. I was wondering how you keep that all organized. Do you organize images in folders by subject or do you tag them in a certain program (like Bridge or Lightroom)? I’ve been trying to organize my reference collection and it is pretty daunting.
Thanks Adam and I can’t wait to hear what you answer next!
Wooden items are usually treated with mineral oil, but that won’t be absorbed by plastic. Epoxy is a great waterproofer, but most isn’t safe for food contact. You’ll have to find a specialty supplier, with certification from the FDA to be safe. Something like http://www.masterbond.com/properties/food-safe-adhesives-sealants-coatings-encapsulation-compounds, though I don’t have first hand experience.
Historically tar has been used for drinking vessels, but has some pretty obvious problems.
My first introduction to tinkering was my household’s black rotary phone. I always found the ringer obnoxiously loud, so eight year old me resolved to fix the issue. One screwdriver and several hours later, I managed to completely dull the bells, much to my mother’s chagrin.
Are tinkerers and makers the same kind of person? What should I do if I know I want to work with my hands, but can’t find the inspiration to create something from scratch? (I’ve all but run out of household projects that don’t require the removal of drywall)
Thanks,
Long time listener, first time caller (nomnaut)
I’ve watched several of your build videos where you make a model. In some, you assemble the whole model and then paint the completed piece. In others, you paint each part and then assemble. Can you discuss some of your painting techniques and decision making processes in this field? What types of paints (enamel, lacquer, oil, etc.) do you use in what situations and how do they work with each other?
Thanks Adam! I’ve been so inspired by all your projects for so many years.
Go with a pork pie hat. Problem solved. 🙂
You’ve shown lots of videos in your shop, but there must be instances when you go out on site and do work or repairs on parts or props. What sort of tools or sets do you carry with you when you leave the shop, and how do you continue with your philosophy of retrievability when you are dealing with portable tools?
Many thanks
I am building a workshop and saw your video where you visited another shop and he had a paint booth. A few years ago I bought a air brush, Paache I think, and thought I would love to build a spray booth like that. You see, the main reason I don’t tinker is because it takes soo much time to set up and so much time to take down, so when i set up my shop I want to focus my time on time efficiency.
Ok, back to my question, paints for my air brush, and primarily Interior and Exterior paints. Does it make sense to have two different kinds? And the obvious question, what kind of paint.
Hi Adam, I’m a technical theater student that’s graduating from undergrad in 9 days(Yikes!). I was wondering if you’ve ever worked on a job where you HAD to leave mid job (poor work conditions, bad coworkers, etc.) and if so, how did you know it was time to go?
Thanks!
Just a quick one. How is Jamie doing?
Adam,
Where do you find your plastic models at? Is there a certain website you check and or follow? I’m having a hard time finding cool models other then cars, trucks, planes, etc. Any input or Ideas where to look?
Thanks,
Tony Savage
Question I was taught growing up to ‘waste not, want not’ and many projects on Tested can be very resource intensive (using lots of paper towels, 3D printing scaffolding, foam core for molds, etc.). What steps can be taken to reduce waste? Sorry this question might be too broad.
Question: Any stories of a project that went terribly wrong? Learning points from the mistakes or issues you encountered?
Thanks Adam!
the “fedora” that is the meme is actually a trilby, so if you wear REAL fedoras, it’s ok. Trilby, in my opinion, doesn’t even look good.
Thanks for answering my question. Kinda knew you’d be butchering my name 🙂 (It’s more like Trell-yeh but no worries).
Drawers in the kitchen has really won me over. The fact that I can easily reach the items furthest in without moving the stuff in front has simplified getting the right tool out and made me far less likely to use the tool I can reach instead of the tool I should use.
Mise en place is really something I could do more of (kitchen and workshop), problem is that many times when I cook I’m winging it and only have a limited idea of the steps I’m going to take when I’m starting. This is another reason I love having easy access to most of the stuff.
Future me is often angry at past me for not doing stuff to simplify future me’s life. Past me really need to stop whining and help out a bit.
Again, thanks, and I’ll include a pronunciation guide in my questions from here on.
Question: What’s that hanging light thing in the background around 3:19? I’ve seen it in a few videos and it’s an odd shape that catches my eye. It kinda looks like a bundle of fiber optics with bulbs on the end.
Really, they mock the fedora as much as the trilby. Strangely, It used to be a symbol of women’s rights, since it got it’s name from a play starring Sarah Bernhardt as a cross dresser.
Adam used to do a talk about failure a few years ago, in which he covered two big projects he’d failed on.
If you go on youtube and search for “Adam Savage failure” you should find a couple of different versions of the talk. 🙂
I really enjoyed your Martian suit patterning video, and look forward to more about that project. I’m curious about some of your patterning process:
Do you add notches for registration to your patterns?
Do you account for seam allowance with your patterns or just add that in later?
Do you need to elongate or shorten any sets of pieces so that it fits you, presuming that the suit was custom fit for a differently-bodied actor?
Do you notate direction of fabric stretch on your patterns from the master? (although if this is all neoprene, maybe it doesn’t matter here)
Or are you leaving all of these details to ‘a person who sews well’?
Will you be publishing your patterns to the public?
Adam,
I have a bit of a broad question but I think that for the younger audience may be quite useful. How did you go about creating a “brand” for yourself; as a graphic designer I am finding that you need to present your self as a working entity; specifically if you are doing freelance work. I am curious if you have some tips you learnt in the way of your quite extensive career in making and design. How do you create a name, and what are somethings you would recommend to do or avoid as a new face in a creative field.
Thank you,
Santiago
Hello Adam,
My name is Erik and I’m 34yrs old. Im trying to turn my life around and do good with my life not only for me but mainly for my little daughter. I have ALWAYS been super interested in welding and really would like to do it for a living. However I never knew anyone that could teach me or show me anything about it. I heard that they have schools for learning to weld. However I dont have money for something like that. Right now I live in Puerto Rico and have no idea if they have schools like that here or not. I do want to move back to the states. And be a welder there. If you happen to have a min then please ANY info at all would be great. I know your a super busy person so I wont take up ur time. If theres a way you could maybe contact me privately I would be able to really explain whats going on and and ask you a few more questions that I would rather keep private between us. Well and my daughter also since she is the reason Im trying to turn my life around. I thank you for your time even if you were able to if only read this post and nothing more. Please NEVER stop being you and doing what you do. You bring smiles to so many people around the world including myself and my daughters. I wish you and your whole family nothing but the VERY BEST in life and everything you do.
Thank you so very much
Erik
Puerto rico
Paywalls are a great way to alienate your audience. It seems to be a trend. Can you be honest and tell me if this will be the standard, so I can make a decision about following this site.
Really? I never heard anyome mock fedore, only mocikg the trilby kids for wearing a “fedora”. Well, a hat is a hat. I don’t see a reason why you should care about others mocking it, if you like to wear it.
Hi Adam,
I’m of course a big fan of yours. I am also very inspired by your philosophy of putting everything on wheels. I was trying to do this as well, but I stumbled upon a problem. The floor in our workplace is very very hobbly and I don’t have the money nor the time to go and fix this. Do you have any tips or past experiences on this problem? I really would like to have my tools mobile, but it’s not really doable this way.
Thanks alot and keep up the good work! I have really been enjoying all the exciting stuff on Tested lately.
Groetjes from the Netherlands,
Tjasse
It’s more about the assumption that you must be an MRA since (the trilby) was one of their signifiers. This phenomena may mostly be online, though. 🙂
Paywalls are a great way for people to get paid for their hard work, that is indeed standard. Not just on Tested, but across the internet.
If you enjoy Tested’s content, most of it is free, on the site and on youtube. Free shows and series include One Day Builds, Still Untitled, This is Only a Test, The Talking Room, Maker Spaces, Inside Adam Savage’s Cave, Tested the Show, Unlicensed Commentaries, Simple Feats of Science… as well as Tested In Depth product reviews, Quick Looks, Cosplay Galleries, Convention-coverage etc. Hours of free, high quality entertainment every week.
A handful of series, such as Ask Adam Anything, Lego with Friends and Week of Builds, are behind the paywall. The premium membership costs about $3 a month, and comes with a poster and priority access to live events. A fair deal to keep the site going.
Hey Adam,
I’m about to turn 18, and I can now get a member ship to a really cool maker space near me called Artisan Asylum. I have a small shop in my house, but i only have basic tools, and this would give me access to some really cool stuff like mills, lathes, vacuforms, laser cutters… etc. The problem is, I have never used any tools like that. The space runs classes on how to use some of those types of tools, but their classes start at $100 and I am a high school kid with nowhere near that kind of money. How would you recommend I learn how to use some complex tools without spending hundreds of dollars on classes? Also, do you have any advice for a first time user of a shared shop space?
Thanks a bunch,
Jakob Kahler
I am building a Life size replica of ED-209 from Roboco 1987 the main shell will be fibreglass but I’m not sure what to make the frame out of wood or steel. I know how to weld but I have concerns about the size of the replica and it flexing / moving if it is made out of steel, the dimensions would be 7ft and a half tall by around 7ft wide/deep. its going to be massive. I am close to where I want to start casting up some of the fibre glass parts and start slotting the frame work together and knowing the material I am going to use will help me plan it.
https://www.facebook.com/lifesizeded209/
Thanks
Chris
How did you go from more accessible skills, such as wood working and model making, into more the more complex skill of machining that has its own language and precision tools. In your shop tour with Mr. Nagata, he had invested in hobby scale machines to teach himself with. While that approach definitely works with certain skills, is it the best way to learn machining? If not, what is? In general, how do you go approach the learning of a new skill?
Yes, I believe. It’s just a “fun” thing, and will be gone in probably months, like most trends. People who would mock someone will always find something to mock about others.
I use field notes to track things, lists, food, workouts etc…what is the best way to use them as a resource and come back to them for reference? Evernote? something similar? I recall you using them for the drone outings and tracking your flights. I Love the analog feel of jotting down my items but most of my books go in a file and I never really reference them again. Thoughts? Ideas?
Adam-
I’m a long time fan and daily Tested visitor. I love all the content provided here.
My niece is an intelligent 13 year old that has interests in robotics, building models, and gaming. We were discussing options on how she should spend her summer break. Our family lives in the Chicago suburbs and I’ve struggled to find maker spaces that are a good fit for kids. Many of the local maker groups seem to be a better fit for an older demographic or groups with a bit more experience. What advice would you give for teens with maker interests – especially with 3 months of time on their hands.
Thanks!
Colin
Love the videos! My question is: As an avid cosplayer, what do you have in your ComicCon “gobag”? Or if you were to put one together, what would you put in it? And how would that change if you had to take it on a flight?
Adam,
I am currently a web developer and teacher but am very interested in making and have some artistic ability. I live a small apartment so my “shop” is mostly just a spare bedroom. I know you started out in a small space as well. What are some great beginner projects or tools you recommend for someone like me that is just starting out?
Thank you,
Steven
I could listen to Adam read out a Chinese take-out menu.
Another great video.
Would you watch this video and let usknownwhqt you think? https://youtu.be/e8LZ2Ji27zI
Thanks Adam/everyone.
Hi Adam, I’m in my first year at high school and have considered myself a maker most of my life but have only recently actually been able to start on any projects. I would like to get into higher level medians like woodworking but I don’t have the money to buy most of the basic tools (band saw, table saw, etc.). I was wondering if you had any ideas as to how I might be able to make some money through making at this early stage to afford the necessary equipment needed to advance in making?
They are food grade FDM plastics filaments that are safe. But really expensive however.
Yeah how is Jamie?
Adam, what kind of CAD software do you use for your projects? I know you have a designer perhaps work on projects with. Or do you use hand-drafting technique to illustrate your point across?
Adam, i have made a custom grill for my jeep it is all abs and i had aluminum letters cut i have attempted super glue and gorilla glue with no luck both have failed any suggestion on what i should use next? it off roads so i need something strong to with stand a lot of vibration and hard knocks?
One thing I’ve carried over from working in kitchens to my shop is a magnetic knife holder. In the kitchen all the larger knives one would use in a kitchen are held on a magnetic bar on/by the flat side… This keeps the sharp edge from contacting anything that will prematurely dull it. In my shop I keep all my exacto blades and the like off the bench and up on a variety of magnets (usually liberated from objects or equipment that no longer needed them). The blade is up off the bench when not in use and it’s not in a cup or a tray where it could come into contact with other blades or things that may dull them.
The problem with FDM is not only the plastic, but the entire process.
Even if the plastic is safe for food, FDM prints are layered and have tiny crevices where moisture and bacteria can stay and proliferate. Plus, most prints are not filled on the inside, something can get trapped in there and get all nasty. Even high quality prints can’t fix these issues. The extruder needs to be food safe as well.
That’s why I’m looking for some sort of coating. I know about molds but it seems hard to mold bigger things like dishes.
Hey Adam,
I’m a…well I do everything for a small scale theatre company producing, directing, writing, prop, costume & set making. Until now I’ve been carrying a minor repairs kit of screwdrivers, gaffa tape (can’t use Duct because the glue gets left behind everywhere) sewing kit etc. Is there anything you would suggest that would be a useful addition to a repairs kit?
Regards,
Martin
I am an avid collector much like yourself and the bane of my existence is dust. How do you deal with dust and your many and varied collections?
I have a group of questions which are all surrounding one topic. I love the carts and first order retrievability setups you have put together. They are practical and in the case of your toolboxes (just got my print; amazing.) also beautiful. My questions are, are you familiar with H.O. Studley’s tool chest? Would you ever consider doing something on that level of intricacy? Any chance tested/you do a piece on it? Thanks.
What video hosting company do you use for the player in your Premium area?
Hi tested.
I have receantly moved, and I now a space of abort 2 by 6 meters that I am going to use AS A workspace. I brew beer, make aquariums, and different small stuff. What tools do I need, and how do I set up my new workshop?
Are we ever going to get a video on your R2 build??? I would really like to see how yours is constructed and might differ from those on the astromech.net club site.
Thanks,
-Don
Have you checked out Lost Art Press’s coverage of the Studley Chest? They have a bunch of information including a DVD that has a complete unload/reload along with other information. If I remember right, the Studley Chest is in the hands of private collector and Lost Art got special access.
My Question: When given a job for a client or doing a project for yourself how do you plan the project, How do you estimate materials needed and how much of them do you need. How do you estimate how much you will be spending on materials and how much time you will take. Keep making and F drawers!
Allister Towndrow
Hey Adam,
Have you ever used thistothat.com? It’s a drop-down experience from the internet circa 1995 that is all about adhesives. It’s outdated but combine your knowledge and model makers perspective on adhesives would translated to an amazing flowchart style info graphic. If I put one together would you give notes on it?
Thanks,
Ed
Hey Adam!
I’m making some clear resin casts, and I’d love to be able to capture the effect of clouds or dark smoke captured inside of the piece. Have you ever worked on something similar?
Thanks,
Garrett
I have been interested in prop making ever since I first came across the tested channel on you tube… My question is how do you get started into the industry? I will attach a pic of a Nerf gun that I painted up recently.
HI Adam, I would love to know more about your organizational habits and techniques. I have watched your one day builds for the glue stand, sewing table, pliers stadium seating, drill bit organizer, and sortimo. I have enjoyed watching every single one and would love to see more. Even how you utilize your drawers.
I have to use drawers to keep other college kids from taking off with my stuff in plain view but I love your first order retrievability and try and use that as much as I can when still using drawers. Any thing that you can input or show us would be greatly appreciated.
-Brice Sechrist
As a chef I add quite a lot of new kitchen stuff to my home kitchen/extended kniferoll and we sure use a lot of drawers as we work in the professional kitchens as well. I think that the main difference between home and pro-cooking is that you cook from start to finish at home but we split it up. We have a prep part when we organize, “knoll”, prepare and get ready for when we are going into service. When we step from prep to service we usually work with a station that keep what you need close at hand, no use running around looking for something that you need now.
I like your shop videos as I can find ideas on how I can arrange my equipment and tools into a more organized fashion.
Cheers Per
same
Adam is like the Mr. Rogers of Making.