Interview
My name is Peter Brown, and I like spending time in my shop. I work on whatever piques my interest at the time and I honestly have no clue what I plan to make next. My YouTube channel is relaxed and focused on trying new things rather than building what everyone else has already made. This is not your traditional woodworking channel.
Shop Time channel click here
Stats: Hobbyist & self-proclaimed evil scientist…
Wacky Wood Works: See we told you…
Shop size: My shop is a detached building off the back of my house. It is a good deal smaller than my last shop, which was a two car garage. When we moved into this house I had to sell many of my tools to make room. I have plans for upgrades and improvements, but for the most part I don’t mind being in a smaller space. The major benefit is not having to share the space!
How long have you been woodworking?
I started woodworking as a hobby in 2007. I was saving up for a new laptop when I impulsively bought, a router a dovetail jig and a circular saw. I’ve still never used the dovetail jig to this day…
What is your day job?
I’m a network engineer. I design, build and maintain large scale IP networks. Basically everything I do disappears when the power goes out. It’s nice to have a hobby that works in a medium that is much more real. The pieces I make are a way of relaxing but I do appreciate their permanence.
Can you remember your first project and what was it?
I was asked by my wife to make a bookshelf/storage cabinet for a small space in our living room. The project was an ugly and unruly monstrosity, but it was my baby, I loved it and was hooked on woodworking because of it. That bookcase was replaced a few years later, as I got better at building furniture, and all evidence of its existence has been purged. Good riddance.
What made you decide to start producing online content?
I’ve had a woodworking blog since I started in 2007, but I started making videos in August of 2013 after binge watching all of Jimmy Diresta’s videos. My early videos are evidenced by that style. In fact it was only in March of 2014 that I first appeared in one of my videos.
What was your first video project?
I made an oval table from an old crib that was used for my daughters. It was fun to give videos a try and I really enjoyed the process and more so the feedback in the comments. I try and respond to every comment I get. I find more great ideas in comments that in some videos…
What camera setup and editing software do you have, do you have someone helping you, any extra gadgets that you use that helps you film?
I started filming with a flip camera, and editing with free software called OpenShot (a Linux based software). After my first paycheck from YouTube (May of 2014) I bought a $100 Samsung camcorder that shoots in 720p and a $75 video editing program called PowerDirector12. Honestly, OpenShot was easier to use.
Do you only do woodworking or do you work with any other materials?
I think of myself as a woodworker, but most of my projects involve some other material. Let me think, demin, phone wires, cotton, epoxy, paper books, cardboard coasters, pennies, HDPE, copper pipe & colored pencils to name a few. For me when I’m mixing odd materials together is when I’m having the most fun. It’s nothing new, but I feel like my viewers have been enjoying it.
What is your favorite project you have made so far and why?
My favorite projects are always the geeky projects. In my office I have my Star Wars clock and my Flash Wall Light hanging up. I also use my Batman Pint Glass every day. What’s funny is I’m always surprised at what strikes a chord with viewers. You never can guess when something you make will be popular. My colored pencil ring isn’t even in my top 10.
Do you have a favorite tool, if so what is it and why?
The favorite tool in the shop is my 1950 Delta Unisaw. It was my first tool restore and was a great accomplishment. I know that tool down to the nuts and bolts. It’s over-engineered, over built and has never said, “no thank you” to any piece of wood I needed to cut up.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywhere. I have a folder called “Ideas” which is just full of future projects. I doubt that I’ve ever made anything that is truly original. Someone is always head of you, but I do try to make everything my own, by adding my own style or methods. There is always use in trying something new, even if it’s only new to you.
What do you have coming up in the near future?
I love working on the lathe, so I’m sure I’ll have lathe projects in the future. But when I say, “I have no idea what I plan to make next.” that’s not just a line. It’s the truth. I’ll look through my folder, check out my favorite websites (Instructables, Reddit, Lumberjocks) and along the way something will pop into my head.
In addition I have I framed out a new wall in my house, built some cabinets for the kitchen, a screen door for a friend and desks for my office. I call these my, “grown up projects” but I don’t make videos or post them online.
What advice would you give someone that may want to start making things?
Have fun. Seriously, there are so many expectations we put on ourselves. I’m going to make an awesome project and a beautiful video. In the process I’ll be frustrated, angry and bitter. Why? Shouldn’t your time in the shop begin from having a good time? Relax, take it slow and enjoy yourself. If you need to take a break, then do so. Your sanity and most likely, your end project will thank you.
Anything else you want to add…?
Don’t fret failure. Failure is a part of making. May times videos and blogs are void of the struggles of a project. But those people had failures too. Sometimes an idea doesn’t come together, but it doesn’t mean that the thought was bad. All ideas deserve to be tried, even ones that flop.
Fun Fact
I’ve broken over a dozen bones. None of those hurt as bad as having to sell my second band saw to make enough space to work in my small shop.
You can visit Shop Time YouTube channel by clicking here
Regards
Peter Brown
Shop Time
Wacky Wood Works would like to thank Peter Brown from Shop Time for his time for doing this interview. We hope it will inspire others to just get out to their shop and make something.
Regards
Nighthawk
All photo’s on this page are the property of Peter Brown from Shop Time, Wacky Wood Works has written permission to use them exclusively for this interview.
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Peter Brown is one of those makers that uses humour and show of talent to show how he makes various projects with his alter ego (He pops in from time to time). Using a mix of wood and various other materials including plastic.
