I am Jimmy Diresta and I love DIY! Ask me your questions!

jasonellis · 2014-05-29T21:14:11+00:00

Hi Jimmy. I have enjoyed your shows and your YouTube videos. Here is my question: Often your videos are posted on Reddit, and they get these 2 types of responses:

Wow, what he is making is pretty cool.
Wow, he is insanely unsafe how he makes things. He does not practice shop safety, and routinely uses tools in ways that they aren't intended (which also means unsafely).

How do you respond to the second type of opinion? Do you think your videos set a bad example? If not, why not?

Honestly, I don't give two shits either way. You are an artist, and you do what you want. I just always wondered if you had these types of reactions before, and what you thought of them.

Keep up the good work. And, by the way, tell Nick Offerman I said hi when you see him. He doesn't know who I am at all, but as a huge fan it makes me feel cool to know I can act like I do. Tell him his book was a fun read.

davidrafe · 2014-05-29T21:31:36+00:00

Jimmy, youre a huge inspiration! just wondering though, what do you think of your nephew matt's work? Also did you make the cabinets for your new kitchen? I remember seeing them in the background of your shop in a video. Keep up the awesomeness!

Kimbo98 · 2014-05-29T21:49:43+00:00

What would you say are your most used tools, and what tools would you advise buying for a beginner woodworker? I love your videos and your designs are inspirational!

jimmydiresta · 2014-05-30T00:31:20+00:00

going to step away for few hours but ill check back later tonight THANK YOU ALL FOR THE support and love!

Chiselperch · 2014-05-29T21:18:29+00:00

Do you sleep under your work bench , or at all?

tomc_nola · 2014-05-29T21:32:26+00:00

whats your career path leading to where you are now? previous jobs? did you go to college or just start working straight out of high school?

guywhoburpsfarts · 2014-05-29T22:03:12+00:00

Hey Jimmy, your videos were the inspiration to begin building things! Thanks! Also, when is your TED talk going to be available online?

Dr_Solfeggio · 2014-05-30T00:41:37+00:00

How are there 619k subscribers to /r/DIY and currently only 26 upvotes and 173 comments in Jimmy Diresta's AMA. Jimmy Fuckin' Diresta! And you call yourselves DIYers... smh...

(just humorous sarcasm, guys) (and I don't think his middle name really is "Fuckin.'")

jwatson1978 · 2014-05-29T21:08:33+00:00

What have you been up to lately?

BSTRuM · 2014-05-29T21:09:28+00:00

Diresta, you're a rad dude. Are you going to come out with anymore toys?

jimmydiresta · 2014-05-29T21:32:32+00:00

[deleted]

muratthe · 2014-05-29T22:04:37+00:00

Hi jimmy! A big fan of you from TURKEY. I just want to say you live my dream life ;) I wish i could visit you in the shop. Why do you paint most of your tools to white such as drill, hammer etc.

viveksaikia · 2014-05-29T23:54:16+00:00

Hi Jimmy, Let me start by saying that I totally admire your work and your creations. I have literally watched every video of yours and eagerly waiting for the next one on YouTube.

My question is Have you been recently approached by the TV channels for any new series like Dirty Money? Will love to see a show like that!

Oh and yes, I love your Submariner as well ;)

Charlie_Kong · 2014-05-30T14:24:26+00:00

Hey there Jimmy.

I posted on your Youtube page a while back asking if you could make a video showing lots of little tips and tricks for good building practices. Lots of people don't know all the tricks of the trade like counter-sinking screw holes or spinning dowels when you cut them to get them straight.

Any hopes of a video like that? I know your style is not to talk all that much, but we don't mind hearing you in a video or two.

tomc_nola · 2014-05-29T21:20:28+00:00

how much freedom do your clients give you? if a client is very specific about what he/she wants, do you consider it an easy job or a hindrance on your artistic abilities?

jimmydiresta · 2014-05-29T21:22:45+00:00

[deleted]

freeseasy · 2014-05-29T21:23:20+00:00

Hey Jimmy, couple of questions.

Where do you get inspiration for your builds
What's happened with many of your smaller projects, are they things for yourself or are they for customers.
Any memorable builds?
Is the printing press still in use?

rebeccaapov · 2014-05-29T21:35:34+00:00

What's your brother and Rat Face up to?

BSTRuM · 2014-05-29T21:50:21+00:00

Diresta, what is your most prized creation

timpaslay · 2014-05-29T21:57:19+00:00

I consider you my biggest inspiration or role model. Who would you say has influenced you the most?

dbmeister · 2014-05-29T22:09:04+00:00

Was wondering if you would put together a book on the thought process /principles that goes into creating things, like what works together, what doesn't, etc. I know you have a background in arts, so it would be cool if you could distill some of those concepts for a noob.

BSTRuM · 2014-05-29T22:09:53+00:00

Last question, can you make us a set of gargoyles to watch your building?

MarcusSciberras · 2014-05-29T22:16:08+00:00

Ok, last one, Mr. DiResta, in several videos of yours, you use a rather odd black marker / pen with a long nose. Can we know what it's called? Looks very unique.

KIT_CLOUD · 2014-05-29T22:19:24+00:00

Hey, Jimmy big fan. I was wondering if I ever make it back to New York can I drop by your shop and see what you are working on?

Would you ever do another TV series If you have the chance?

Dirty Money was great by the way.

jimmydiresta · 2014-05-29T22:19:26+00:00

[deleted]

8BitNed · 2014-05-29T22:25:29+00:00

Hey Jimmy it's Jack from Florida I was curious about how your doing a ted talk came about? I really like what Ted does and I think it's great that you're going to be apart of it.

troymcklure · 2014-05-29T22:26:23+00:00

Jimmy, thanks for the AMA! Big fan.

I am visiting NYC for the first time the weekend of July 11-13th. Would you mind if I picked up one of those sweet stencils in person at your shop? :)

Thanks again.

-Wes

ShitRandyHates · 2014-05-29T22:28:42+00:00

Hi Jimmy! Seen all your videos, love your work- I've often told people I wanna be you when I grow up (I'm 36). Two questions: where do you get your ideas, and how do you know Nick Offerman? Thanks for everything you do!!!

Blackdavid · 2014-05-29T22:32:12+00:00

Where can i find all the episodes of dirty money and hammered? Also, ever thought of making videos more frequently? I am lost if i dont see your video.really, i love watching only your videos of diy and i have already watched all the dirty money and hammered videos on youtube available. Do you mind sending me a link or something to watch them? Also planning on filming more of that? Sorry for that much questions, i hooe you will answer me!

Shurgosa · 2014-05-29T22:34:19+00:00

I assume you discover things lying around the city in junk piles from time to time. What is the most crazy valuable or sought after item you ever snatched up from a junk pile for free?

twitonreddit · 2014-05-29T22:39:06+00:00

Has anybody ever fallen down the entrance to your workshop?

maker1706 · 2014-05-29T22:55:35+00:00

Hello Jimmy, Big fan, I've watched all of your youtube videos numerous times, and find the your editing very relaxing and mesmerizing.

Two quick questions, how do you like your shop bot? We had a 4x8 in my college wood shop that I fell in love with. The possibilities are endless. I've considered building my own cnc machine because it seems to more cost effective for a diyer. Was this ever an option for you?

Also I've only been to NYC once and made sure to go to the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. I've never been more disappointed. Lots of Chum and no Jimmy Diresta. Any other good stops to make next time i'm in NYC?

Keep up the great work!

khqzxe · 2014-05-29T23:42:51+00:00

Jimmy, I've watched all of your videos (most more than once) and each episode of Dirty Money and Hammered. Thanks for posting the videos on make as I look forward to it every other week.

Do you have any plans to sell any of your work online? I would love to have a Diresta stenciled creation on my shelf some day. Maybe castings, belt buckles, etc that could be produced in a reasonable quantity, like the skull ring which I think you sold some of before?

Thanks!!

twitonreddit · 2014-05-29T23:44:00+00:00

What is it that you teach at college? Is it satisfying?

EmbroideredLexicon · 2014-05-30T00:06:47+00:00

Jimmy, my boyfriend and I live a few blocks from your LES spot. OK if we say hi sometime? Not anytime soon. We're not stalkers, really!

EmbroideredLexicon · 2014-05-30T00:19:16+00:00

We are big fans of Dirty Money. We especially love it every time you tell your brother that he looks like Rosie O'Donnell. :) Bustin' chops!

thejevans · 2014-05-30T00:27:13+00:00

I made a desk a while back, but afterward almost immediately fell away from making. It was your videos that launched me back into woodworking when I found them at the start of this year. The way you film your projects is just too good not to watch. I've since built a few projects, but I no longer can go a day without thinking about new ones. My mind thanks you, my wallet does not, haha.

Who are your favorite makers to watch on youtube?

AstroNotBad · 2014-05-30T00:58:49+00:00

Hi Jimmy, I absolutely love your work! I watch all your MAKE videos, and wonder if you would ever release full-length (edited down, but no high speed sections) for those of us die-hard fans? I just really like watching the process, including the tool use!

BSTRuM · 2014-05-29T21:18:17+00:00

I should have just added these to the first. Do you find that your underground laboratory has ample space? Do you have any other workshops? Are you limited to what you can build by said area?

tobim · 2014-05-29T21:38:03+00:00

Hi, Have you had any special training? (i know u talked about art school in hammered) or are you self taught

MadMattTweets · 2014-05-29T21:38:42+00:00

Hey Jimmy what age did you start? What was the first thing you can remember that inspired you to say yup I'm going to build all sorts of crazy stuff?

davidrafe · 2014-05-29T21:39:31+00:00

oh, also what ever happened to the giant bandsaw from hammered?

subshiny · 2014-05-29T21:55:40+00:00

Who are some people youre subscribed to on yt? and how often do you go through bandsaw blades haha

Krizsanscustoms · 2014-05-29T21:58:13+00:00

Hey Jimmy What are your shop hours? thanks

ldsscg · 2014-05-29T22:01:46+00:00

Hi Jimmy !

Can you get me a list of the top 5 tools everybody must have !

timpaslay · 2014-05-29T22:02:22+00:00

Do you enjoy the actual making of a video (shooting, lighting, editing) or is it just part of the process that allows you to do what you really love, making things and sharing that with people.

Bobby_beans · 2014-05-29T22:06:49+00:00

I'm a blacksmith and am having difficulty selling my work. Fortunately I don't need the money as a primary living recourse as I'm 17. How would you suggest I grow my customer pool. Also I'm quite interested in metal casting, I can get the white metal casting alloy but what type of silicon should I use for casting high temperature meterials I.E. Steel,bronze,copper. Keep doing what you're doing, you're awesome.
Many thanks, Steven

MarcusSciberras · 2014-05-29T22:10:05+00:00

Hi Mr. DiResta, always love your work. Do you ever plan on exploring the world? Say, Australia for example?

dbmeister · 2014-05-29T22:10:38+00:00

If you don't write a book, can you recommend some, or some resources. Thanks!

AlessandroLandi · 2014-05-29T22:12:44+00:00

Would you please suggest me a nice project to do?It would be a big honour for me

twitonreddit · 2014-05-29T22:17:29+00:00

Can you make a living doing YouTube videos.

tomc_nola · 2014-05-29T22:17:53+00:00

How many projects do you have in the works at any given time?

guywhoburpsfarts · 2014-05-29T22:19:12+00:00

How did you get into guitar making?

Shurgosa · 2014-05-29T22:25:28+00:00

What is the oldest, most heavily used/most treasured hand or power tool you have? and do you have a crazy story about it?

89sh · 2014-05-29T22:46:44+00:00

any advice for a 18 year old aspiring designer/maker? p.s your business card is badass!

Portr8 · 2014-05-29T22:46:51+00:00

Have you ever considered building your own bandsaw like Mathias Wandell?

jimmydiresta · 2014-05-29T22:53:12+00:00

[deleted]

MarcusSciberras · 2014-05-29T22:55:35+00:00

Oh, before I loose the chance, would you ever considered a Workshop Tour?

FallosLudo · 2014-05-29T22:56:01+00:00

Is that small hatch the only entrance to your shop? If so, is it not darn inconvenient when working with bigger stuff?

KIT_CLOUD · 2014-05-29T22:59:59+00:00

I just put Dirty Money on and noticed you have a Church of the Subgenius Pirate flag.

That's Awesome!
Where can I get one. (I guess I could screen print it my self though.)

twitonreddit · 2014-05-29T23:12:59+00:00

On one of the Dirty Money shows you made a coffin/drinks cabinet and decorated it with some pieces from a spin casting mould you bought. Do you do much spin casting.

dbmeister · 2014-05-29T23:17:26+00:00

How long did it take to reupholster the love seat? I really enjoyed that video, would like to try it.

twitonreddit · 2014-05-29T23:37:49+00:00

Do you play music in the background when your working? What sort of stuff are you into?

Dr_Solfeggio · 2014-05-29T23:48:16+00:00

Mr. Diresta, Thanks for all of your inspiring work!

I dare not say "impossible" to a guy who "can make anything," but was there ever a challenge that you just said, "maybe someday, but I can't... yet"?

EmbroideredLexicon · 2014-05-30T00:05:36+00:00

Ugh. Is it over? Did Jimmy leave already?

nothingWolf · 2014-05-30T00:13:56+00:00

Hi Jimmy! Your physical problem solving skills are amazing and inspiring, and I really love your creative use of tools (like that video where you shape a board with a circular saw).

One question: how did you injure your finger? (In one episode of dirty money your brother makes fun of you for it).

And one invitation: I work in fabrication as well, if you are ever in Atlanta I'd love to buy you a coffee and give you a tour of our shop, it has lots of fun toys (ahem) tools -waterjet, cnc routers, laser cutter, etc- PM me.

Thanks for doing this AMA!

Pookie06 · 2014-05-30T01:10:29+00:00

Hi Jimmy, Im a big fan. love your shows and youtube channel. you are a really entertaining guy to listen to and watch. my question is why did you choose to make your youtube videos in the format that they are (no talking just sped up builds), as apposed to like your tv shows are (instructional)?

Dutchman562 · 2014-05-30T01:15:30+00:00

jimmy, I just recently found you youtube channel via r/DIY and has re-inspired me to be more creative in my day to day work. I am a General Contractor and remodel kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Your work is extremely creative but only notice you building smaller things like furniture, trinkets and toys. I was wondering if you have/would ever do anything on a larger scale like building homes, rooms etc.

zeroair · 2014-05-30T01:44:02+00:00

What is the favorite thing you've made?

Zachrjeffrey · 2014-05-30T02:28:37+00:00

Do you recommend buying cheaper tools or top of the line?

blknj · 2014-05-30T03:17:05+00:00

Hi Jimmy, meeting you at Maker Faire NY last September was highlight of my trip. Are you planning to attend again this year? Any idea what you might br making if you are?

Thanks for sharing so many of your great projects with us.

INDUNAart · 2014-05-30T04:26:23+00:00

Thanks for doing this and for all your videos on YT. Do you have an new favorite material, adhesive or technique?

ubersimba · 2014-05-30T07:09:53+00:00

Oh man I hope I havn't missed this! I just saw your link on your fb. I am a huge fan obviously. Just one question, have you ever considered travelling and hosting workshops around the world?

flippertyflip · 2014-05-30T09:44:12+00:00

Your workshop is a great example of creative space in a busy city. I'm hoping to get something similar one day here in London. How did you find it? Is it expensive? Where did you work from previously? Great videos. Big fan.

jayefuu · 2014-05-30T12:18:00+00:00

No questions, just wanted to say I love your work. It's great so see someone inspiring so many people.

EDIT: Just remembered I needed to say thanks for the styrene ruler box video. I bought some styrene and model glue to make a small box for electronics last week. Worked well, but perhaps I need to find a different glue, this one seemed to take a while to set.

INDUNAart · 2014-05-30T12:45:27+00:00

I see your videos as an art form, equal and occasionally surpass the objects being made in someway. They inspire me to document as a fabricator as much as your great projects. As a teacher, have you ever thought of sharing your thoughts about that aspect of your work? I think that could be your biggest contribution as an artist.

jimmydiresta · 2014-05-30T14:34:27+00:00

SUBSCRIBED!

jtrain007 · 2014-05-30T20:55:30+00:00

Jimmy: I am beginner carpenter on the side and I'm constantly frustrated by woodworkers all of the internet making projects with such precision that I don't feel like it is attainable. Machines are all within .0001 inch tolerances and edges are all PERFECTLY square. I simply cannot get all joints, panels and edges to this level of perfection - especially over 2, 3, 4 ft cabinets/projects. Do you make projects with this same precision? Or do you leave room for a little error and "manipulation"? How do I get good like you?!!!

katrillion · 2014-05-30T23:07:25+00:00

My 2nd anniversary is coming up, what are some creative things i can do for my honey with cotton?

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AMA	Date
Travis Larson	Jul 11, 2018
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This Old House	Jan 5, 2017
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