The Maker's Quest
@themakersquest.com
A Podcast exploring the journey of making things and living a creative life. Hosted by Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts and Greg Porter from Skyscraper Guitars
https://www.themakersquest.com/
https://www.themakersquest.com/
Untitled
Dive into the latest Maker's Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.
Dive into the latest Maker's Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.
Untitled
Dive into the latest Maker's Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.
www.themakersquest.com
September 7, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Untitled
Dive into the latest Maker's Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.
Dive into the latest Maker's Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.
Explore how millwright techniques—precision alignment, trueness, and flatness—can be applied to home workshops.
www.themakersquest.com/setting-up-t...
www.themakersquest.com/setting-up-t...
Setting Up Tools Accurately EP27
Podcast - In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how they set up their tools in their shop and how important it is to set up tools accurately They then share a few tips on tool setup.
www.themakersquest.com
May 13, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Explore how millwright techniques—precision alignment, trueness, and flatness—can be applied to home workshops.
www.themakersquest.com/setting-up-t...
www.themakersquest.com/setting-up-t...
On this episode, we share our go-to sources for design inspiration—both online and offline. From woodworking to metal shaping, Photoshop to sci-fi architecture, it spans a wide range of creative disciplines.
www.themakersquest.com/our-secret-d...
www.themakersquest.com/our-secret-d...
Our Secret Design Inspirations EP 26
Podcast - In this episode, we talk about people we follow for design inspiration. Some of them might surprise you, as inspiration can come from anywhere.
www.themakersquest.com
May 12, 2025 at 4:11 PM
On this episode, we share our go-to sources for design inspiration—both online and offline. From woodworking to metal shaping, Photoshop to sci-fi architecture, it spans a wide range of creative disciplines.
www.themakersquest.com/our-secret-d...
www.themakersquest.com/our-secret-d...
The guys talk about staying safe in the shop, how to stay safe, wanting to look out for you, and developing good shop habits. They finish the episode by sharing some of their horror of unfortunate shop accidents; the end gets gruesome, so you’ve been warned!
www.themakersquest.com/shop-saftey-...
www.themakersquest.com/shop-saftey-...
Shop Safety, and Tragic Endings EP 25
Podcast - The guys talk about staying safe in the shop, how to stay safe, wanting to look out to keep you safe, and developing good shop habits. They finish the episode by sharing some of their horro...
www.themakersquest.com
May 12, 2025 at 12:05 AM
The guys talk about staying safe in the shop, how to stay safe, wanting to look out for you, and developing good shop habits. They finish the episode by sharing some of their horror of unfortunate shop accidents; the end gets gruesome, so you’ve been warned!
www.themakersquest.com/shop-saftey-...
www.themakersquest.com/shop-saftey-...
Trade shows and art exhibitions can be game-changers for small businesses and makers. Whether selling handmade furniture, custom guitars, or unique woodworking tools, these events offer invaluable opportunities to connect with customers and boost sales.
www.themakersquest.com/tips-for-sel...
www.themakersquest.com/tips-for-sel...
Tips for Selling at Trade Shows, Art Galleries, and Craft Shows - EP24
Podcast - In this episode, the guys talk about their experiences at tradeshows, art galleries, and arts and crafts shows. They talk about what they do to make the show a success and things that are a ...
www.themakersquest.com
May 11, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Trade shows and art exhibitions can be game-changers for small businesses and makers. Whether selling handmade furniture, custom guitars, or unique woodworking tools, these events offer invaluable opportunities to connect with customers and boost sales.
www.themakersquest.com/tips-for-sel...
www.themakersquest.com/tips-for-sel...
In this episode, we step away from our usual deep dives into techniques and instead share what we’ve been working on in our shops. We’ve got plenty to talk about from steel table bases to acoustic guitar tooling.
www.themakersquest.com/new-projects...
www.themakersquest.com/new-projects...
New Projects In The Shop - EP23
Podcast - Today, we take a break from discussing designs and making topics and talk a little about what we have going on in our shops: current projects, new projects on the horizon, and the daily grin...
www.themakersquest.com
May 11, 2025 at 11:25 PM
In this episode, we step away from our usual deep dives into techniques and instead share what we’ve been working on in our shops. We’ve got plenty to talk about from steel table bases to acoustic guitar tooling.
www.themakersquest.com/new-projects...
www.themakersquest.com/new-projects...
We sat down with Curt van Polski from Confounded Machine. Known for his meticulously crafted titanium pens, Curt shared his journey from electronics engineering to full-time pen making and the challenges of running a small-scale manufacturing business.
www.themakersquest.com/making-pens-...
www.themakersquest.com/making-pens-...
Making Pens with Curt Van Filipowski From Confounded Machine EP22
Podcast - Curt creates handmade pens from Titanium that are precision machined in his home workshop. He got his start from his curiosity in machining and CAD. He created a pen for himself and start...
www.themakersquest.com
May 11, 2025 at 11:23 PM
We sat down with Curt van Polski from Confounded Machine. Known for his meticulously crafted titanium pens, Curt shared his journey from electronics engineering to full-time pen making and the challenges of running a small-scale manufacturing business.
www.themakersquest.com/making-pens-...
www.themakersquest.com/making-pens-...
In this episode, we sat down with Brian Bales, a drum builder and Halloween costume maker. Known for his experimental drum designs and over-the-top costumes, Brian shared insights into his creative process, shop organization, and the evolution of his craft.
www.themakersquest.com/bryan-bales-...
www.themakersquest.com/bryan-bales-...
Custom Drums With Bryan Bales EP21
Podcast - Today, we talked with Custom Drum maker Bryan Bales. Bryan got his start in drum making from his curiosity of wanting to learn how to make drums and his love for making things.
www.themakersquest.com
May 11, 2025 at 11:21 PM
In this episode, we sat down with Brian Bales, a drum builder and Halloween costume maker. Known for his experimental drum designs and over-the-top costumes, Brian shared insights into his creative process, shop organization, and the evolution of his craft.
www.themakersquest.com/bryan-bales-...
www.themakersquest.com/bryan-bales-...
In today’s digital age, social media is often touted as the go-to platform for marketing. But is it still an effective way to advertise your business, especially for makers, craftsmen, and small business owners?
www.themakersquest.com/social-media...
www.themakersquest.com/social-media...
Is Social Media Still Viable to Promote Your Business
Podcast - Is social media still a viable way to promote your business, or is the new business model to be a content creator, making products secondary? Today, we talk about our past successes and our ...
www.themakersquest.com
May 11, 2025 at 11:18 PM
In today’s digital age, social media is often touted as the go-to platform for marketing. But is it still an effective way to advertise your business, especially for makers, craftsmen, and small business owners?
www.themakersquest.com/social-media...
www.themakersquest.com/social-media...
Whether you’re crafting one-of-a-kind furniture or producing items in bulk, understanding the financial side of your work is crucial. In this episode, they dove deep into the business of making, pricing, overhead, efficiency, and how to ensure profitability.
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-price...
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-price...
How to Price Your Creative Work and Avoid Pitfalls - EP19
Podcast - Tonight, we talk about how to price your work so you can run a successful business and put food on your table. Whether it is pricing a custom piece or a mass-manufactured piece, we've got y...
www.themakersquest.com
May 11, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Whether you’re crafting one-of-a-kind furniture or producing items in bulk, understanding the financial side of your work is crucial. In this episode, they dove deep into the business of making, pricing, overhead, efficiency, and how to ensure profitability.
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-price...
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-price...
Whether you’re a woodworker, artist, musician, or any creator, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of obsessing over tiny flaws that no one else notices. But when does striving for excellence become detrimental?
www.themakersquest.com/the-unhealth...
www.themakersquest.com/the-unhealth...
The Unhealthy Pursuit of Perfection: A Maker’s Dilemma
Podcast - The Unhealthy Pursuit of Perfection, we have all been there. Every one of us who makes things tries to make it perfect, but perfection is a fool's earned and unattainable. The more you kno...
www.themakersquest.com
May 8, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Whether you’re a woodworker, artist, musician, or any creator, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of obsessing over tiny flaws that no one else notices. But when does striving for excellence become detrimental?
www.themakersquest.com/the-unhealth...
www.themakersquest.com/the-unhealth...
This is a common issue for creatives who make things. We all have active imaginations; we can visualize lots of things. Then the distractions come into play. We are drawn to the new shiny project, or derailed by another project
www.themakersquest.com/how-many-pro...
www.themakersquest.com/how-many-pro...
How Many Projects are Too Many Projects Ep17
Podcast - This is a common issue for creatives that make things. We all have active imaginations; we can visualize lots of things. Then the distractions come into play. We are drawn to the new shiny ...
www.themakersquest.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:45 AM
This is a common issue for creatives who make things. We all have active imaginations; we can visualize lots of things. Then the distractions come into play. We are drawn to the new shiny project, or derailed by another project
www.themakersquest.com/how-many-pro...
www.themakersquest.com/how-many-pro...
In this episode, the guys discuss the power of staying curious and how it can help you stay creative in your journey as a maker.
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-stay-...
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-stay-...
How To Stay Curious to Stay Creative
Podcast - In this episode, the guys talk about the power of staying curious and how it will help you stay creative in your journey as a maker.
www.themakersquest.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:44 AM
In this episode, the guys discuss the power of staying curious and how it can help you stay creative in your journey as a maker.
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-stay-...
www.themakersquest.com/how-to-stay-...
Design is an ever-evolving process shaped by inspiration, collaboration, and sometimes even happy accidents. On this episode, we had the chance to reflect on how creativity flows through different mediums—whether it’s woodworking, music, or storytelling.
www.themakersquest.com/gathering-in...
www.themakersquest.com/gathering-in...
Gathering Inspiration For Designs - EP15
Podcast - In today's episode, Brian and Greg Talk about different techniques for gathering inspiration for their designs and then iterating from basic design principles to more abstract concepts and t...
www.themakersquest.com
May 7, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Design is an ever-evolving process shaped by inspiration, collaboration, and sometimes even happy accidents. On this episode, we had the chance to reflect on how creativity flows through different mediums—whether it’s woodworking, music, or storytelling.
www.themakersquest.com/gathering-in...
www.themakersquest.com/gathering-in...
In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how to learn new things by learning how to learn.
Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach learning with an open mind
www.themakersquest.com/learn-how-to...
Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach learning with an open mind
www.themakersquest.com/learn-how-to...
Learn How To Learn EP14
Podcast - In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how to learn new things by learning how to learn. Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach...
www.themakersquest.com
May 7, 2025 at 3:09 AM
In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how to learn new things by learning how to learn.
Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach learning with an open mind
www.themakersquest.com/learn-how-to...
Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach learning with an open mind
www.themakersquest.com/learn-how-to...
They dive into some of the biggest challenges they’ve faced—whether in business, craftsmanship, or personal growth. From acquiring the right tools to navigating social media, they share candid stories and lessons learned along the way.
www.themakersquest.com/how-makers-h...
www.themakersquest.com/how-makers-h...
How Makers Handle Challenges - EP13
Podcast - We dive into some of the biggest challenges we’ve faced—whether in business, craftsmanship, or personal growth. From acquiring the right tools to navigating social media, they share candid s...
www.themakersquest.com
May 7, 2025 at 2:29 AM
They dive into some of the biggest challenges they’ve faced—whether in business, craftsmanship, or personal growth. From acquiring the right tools to navigating social media, they share candid stories and lessons learned along the way.
www.themakersquest.com/how-makers-h...
www.themakersquest.com/how-makers-h...
We talked with Eric Gorges about designing and building Motorcycles and his show on PBS, A Craftsman’s Legacy, where he seeks out other master craftspeople to get a taste of their craft and learn from their experiences.
www.themakersquest.com/building-mot...
www.themakersquest.com/building-mot...
Building Motorcycles With Eric Gorges From A Craftsman's Legacy - EP12
Podcast - In this episode of the Makers Quest Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Eric Gorges, a master craftsman known for his custom motorcycle builds (Voodoo Choppers) and his PBS/You...
www.themakersquest.com
May 7, 2025 at 2:12 AM
We talked with Eric Gorges about designing and building Motorcycles and his show on PBS, A Craftsman’s Legacy, where he seeks out other master craftspeople to get a taste of their craft and learn from their experiences.
www.themakersquest.com/building-mot...
www.themakersquest.com/building-mot...
In this episode, we discuss the phrase by Microsoft Manager Paul Maritz: Eat Your Own Dog Food. You should use and live with your own designs to know they are good. Test your design and iterate on better versions.
www.themakersquest.com/eat-your-own...
www.themakersquest.com/eat-your-own...
Eat Your Own Dog Food to Design Better - EP11
Podcast - We discussed a crucial concept for designers, builders, and creators of all kinds: "eating your own dog food." This phrase, originally coined by Paul Maritz at Microsoft, refers to using you...
www.themakersquest.com
May 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
In this episode, we discuss the phrase by Microsoft Manager Paul Maritz: Eat Your Own Dog Food. You should use and live with your own designs to know they are good. Test your design and iterate on better versions.
www.themakersquest.com/eat-your-own...
www.themakersquest.com/eat-your-own...
We sat down with Bernie Solo—artist, designer, and maker extraordinaire—to discuss creativity, design philosophy, patents, and the joys (and challenges) of bringing ideas to life.
www.themakersquest.com/bernie-from-...
www.themakersquest.com/bernie-from-...
Bernie From Works by Solo on Inventing With A Creative Mind
Podcast - Bernie Solo, known for his innovative projects like the Sprocket Socket fidget spinner and his stunning concrete lamp, shared insights into his creative process, the realities of intellectua...
www.themakersquest.com
May 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
We sat down with Bernie Solo—artist, designer, and maker extraordinaire—to discuss creativity, design philosophy, patents, and the joys (and challenges) of bringing ideas to life.
www.themakersquest.com/bernie-from-...
www.themakersquest.com/bernie-from-...
In this episode, we talk about how to get the job done with the tools and skills we have on hand, even if they are not right for the job.
www.themakersquest.com/make-it-work...
www.themakersquest.com/make-it-work...
Make It Work With What You Got EP9
Podcast - explore the art of "making it work with what you've got." Whether you're a woodworker, metalworker, or just a DIY enthusiast, you’ve likely faced moments where the perfect tool or material w...
www.themakersquest.com
May 5, 2025 at 3:48 PM
In this episode, we talk about how to get the job done with the tools and skills we have on hand, even if they are not right for the job.
www.themakersquest.com/make-it-work...
www.themakersquest.com/make-it-work...