This week on The Green Woodworker Podcast, Episode 051, I have not one but two awesome guests. Mikey The Maker and Ed Ford, inventor of the Shapeoko line of CNC machines. These guys along with Kyle Stumpenhorst (episode 009) have there own podcast named If You Build it. Definitely a must listen to podcast. Mike is a software consultant and loves what he does on a daily basis but he also loves his new found hobby of woodworking. It’s hard for me to believe that he’s only been woodworking for a year. His attention to detail and knowledge already are very impressive. I look forward to seeing what he will do in the future, that’s for sure.
Then there’s Ed! Ed Ford, as I stated before, is the mind behind the Shapeoko line of CNC machines. After wanting a CNC for himself and not really seeing a good solution out there for the average person, Ed designed the Shapeoko. I have one of Ed’s machines and I must tell you it’s very solid. It’s well thought out and does everything I’ve asked of it so far. I was very surprised about how well packed and put together it was when I received it. It was pretty much assembled and only took me a few hours before I was cutting my first part. I actually have previous CNC experience from building a machine a few years ago. It was made from 80/20 aluminum and had some pretty high dollar parts. I ended up with about 6k in this machine and wasn’t happy at all. That’s why when I received the Shapeoko, I was very surprised by how solid it was.
Both of these awesome fellas are a big part of the maker community, especially on Instagram. Mikey has over 35K followers and continues to inspire us each day with the tips and tricks he’s learned in his short woodworking life. Ed, with over 20K followers has an outlook on things that definitely makes me think about things a little more than before I knew him. He’s straight forward and says what he means. I like how he approaches the building process. According to Ed, “building is the easy part”. He knows that the daily hustle and staying motivated is where it’s at. I love how he explained whether things are hectic or not for himself, “I know if I’m making stuff, things are generally balanced”.
Episode 051 with these two has been one of the best conversations I’ve had in awhile. It was good for me to just listen and learn about other people’s ideas and thoughts. I think that’s why I love hosting a podcast so much. The interaction and knowledge I gain from each of my guests. It’s definitely good for the soul.
Make sure to leave a comment below for a chance at some cool Mikey and Ed (Shapeoko) SWAG!
I hope you’re enjoying the podcast and these new blog posts. Please be sure to share them with your friends and family. Heck, share them with your enemies also! Thanks so much for the continued support!
-Donny
The randomly chosen winner from the comments below for some cool Mikey The Maker and Shapeoko goodies
Donny is the man having shoptalk conversations that most makers dream about with the keynote movers and shakers in the IG community and as of late he’s been blazing a trail with mentors like The Godfather of the makers Jimmy Diresta and now The Godfather of CNC Ed Ford accompanied with an up and coming trend setter Mikey the Maker. Also show them and Kyle of RRBUILDINGS some love on IFYouBuildIt Podcast. Donny too is working his way to be a Godfather of his trade too so stick around and listen to what he’s throwing down each week on the podcast, YouTube and IG even if it’s 2 recordings we all make mistakes and he’s the man for owning it and we should all follow suit.
Great episode Donny
Great! Thanks for listening Utkan!
Another great episode Donnie, and now I’ve got to check out their podcast too!
Congrats, Chris! You won some goodies from Mikey and Ed!
Another great podcast, Donny! And I just subscribed to their podcast. Thanks for all you do for the community.
Awesome! Thanks for the support Russ!
Good show as always
Thanks very much Aaron!
Great episode! I’m really enjoying these.
Thanks for listening Michael!
Donny! Another great episode! I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one that could have geeked out on their BONUS podcast episode.
I wanna see your CNC lift video!
Thanks Marc! And yes…lift video shortly!
Donny, pick me, pick me! I really want to win! In all seriousness, it was a great episode. I really enjoyed hearing about how the Shapeoko was transformed from an idea to reality.
Lol! Thanks Devin for all you support!
Love the podcast Donny. You have an awesome way of getting all these makers to talk about new and interesting things. Thanks for doing it!
You’re welcome! Thanks for listening Derek!
Love what your doing Donny. Keep up the great work and bringing us the awesome guests.
Glad you enjoy it John! Thanks for listening!
That Shapeoko really is an awesome machine!!! After seeing it in action its cool to hear about the man who created it!!
Thanks for the support Josh!
Great show as usual! One of my favorites to listen to while I’m in the shop.
Thank you very much Aaron!
Mikey and Ed were great! I just subscribed to their podcast. Looking forward to listening to them.
Thanks Tom! I definitely enjoy it!
I really enjoyed listening to this episode, Donny! I learned a ton about cnc and it really got me thinking seriously about getting one myself. I love what you’re doing with and for this awesome community, Donny! Keep it up.
Thanks as always for the support Joshua!
Thanks for the awesome podcast and the information you provide on your web page.
Thanks for following along Grant!
Shipping to Australia? Lol. Look forward to hearing this one, Donny.
Thanks Rob! Yea, I wish shipping to Australia was cheaper!
Hey TGWPodcast!
I listened to this podcast the other day and it’s awesome. I bought my Shapeoko XXL in November 2016 and have been loving it since. It was cool to hear from Ed how Shapeoko got its start.
It was also great to hear from Mikey the Maker. I can’t imagine doing all the traveling he does and still finding the time to have a hobby/side gig.
Keep up the great work … Love the podcasts!
Thanks Nathan!
I really enjoyed the podcast with Mikey and Ed. I already followed Mikey on Instagram, but had the pleasure of meeting him in Atlanta before the Workbenchcon at JD’s welding shop. He informed me about their podcast and I have enjoyed it ever since. I’m not sure I’m following Ed’s Instagram but of course I have been following Shapeoko on Instagram and from doing my on research they are leading all the other CNC machines for me and my goal is to purchase one this year. Thanks for doing a great job Donny!
JB_Woodcraft
Thanks Jason! Yes, Shapeoko is definitely a great machine!
Great episode. It’s crazy and ispiring hearing how Mikey’s was able to grow his IG in such a shkrt time. Their poscast is one I’ll have to make sure to check out!
Thanks Bill!
God I wish the shapeoko was available when I bought my art router. Look for me in a year or so.
I’ll try again.
So what’s the most likely tool to steal wedding rings? Mine popped off last weekend while fast orange cleaning my hands, wasted a week, bought a metal detector, sifted dust. Ugh!
I’ve been very busy lately but came across your post and found it very informational or I should say enjoyable. Can’t believe I have not made some time in my busy schedule to listen to the podcast ! Keep up the great work!
Thanks Doug and welcome!
Enjoyed your show as usual. Haven’t got into CNC yet, but who knows maybe someday I’ll have the funds for one. Still building my tool collection in my shop.
Thanks for listening Allen! I think we’re always building our tool collection! 🙂
Donny, I’m amazed at the quality guests your able to get to join you on your podcasts. I enjoy listening to each one. It feels like I’m getting to know them in each episode. Thank you.
Thanks John!
Great episode as always Donny! I look forward to them every week. I’m a part time woodworker and a CNC is definitely next on the list
Thanks for listening Mike!
Donny, I enjoy listening to listening to your podcasts and look forward for each new episode. Keep up the good work. Thank you for all the effort!
Thanks Bill!
Once again another great episode, and some very good insight and info. Keep up the great work Donny
Thanks Justin!