Jimmy DiResta AMA !!! ask me anything about DIY

makermarknap · 2017-02-24T20:30:26+00:00

Hey Jimmy, We all know David Waelder well but know very little about Willi. How did you guys meet and what is your relationship and back story? Not to pry just interested since he seems like a very important person to you. (perhaps your 1Million collection video. The collection of really awesome people you surround yourself with?) And - Are you going to sell the Diresta Star Key Kit you posted on Instagram?

mirceastefan · 2017-02-24T20:10:14+00:00

Hi Jimmy, big fan,

Thanks to You, Matthias and Izzy i got the bug and started my maker shop.

As in Europe it's hard to find some of the chemicals by brand name, like Bondo is a polyester resin and i can ask for an alternative at the car shop but other aren't that easy to find out.

Can you name the active ingredient/generic name of the stuff you are using in your videos, or maybe do a Tip video where you give us alternatives or main ingredients of stuff you use. I just want to copy what you do until i build confidence and develop my own style.

All the love and respect, Stefan.

BriantWoodworks · 2017-02-24T20:35:18+00:00

When you have various customer projects, how do you charge? Obviously not the variance in material cost but do you base your labor off of hours? As a custom builder I often struggle with the leaving money on the table. Learning your worth is the hardest part for me. Thanks

theshadowisfading · 2017-02-24T20:20:54+00:00

Does Willy live at the farm full time to watch the animals?

Vx2100 · 2017-02-24T21:00:31+00:00

Jimmy, what's it like to have grown men spray paint your name all over their clothing and swoon over you like you're a teen heart throb?

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T19:26:28+00:00

I don't know much about welding, but I see you use a MIG or TIG welder most of the time. Why choose those over stick welding?

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T19:28:39+00:00

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JCrowley2478 · 2017-02-24T20:34:32+00:00

Jimmy I'd like to send ya a challenge coin from my PD. NYC Environmental PD. What's your policy on dropping it off at your shop or do you prefer mail?

tbone752 · 2017-02-24T20:37:44+00:00

i get really disheartened when i go into the workshop to make something and it ends up taking me a week. you, and most other youtubers, make it look so easy and quick.

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T21:21:56+00:00

When are we going to see a proper blacksmithing video from you? You mentioned you wanted to learn more of that, maybe take us (virtually) on the ride? ;D

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T21:20:16+00:00

Adam Savage has stated he's completely aware of your role in the maker community. Is there any chance for a collab or something between you guys?

jakkarth · 2017-02-24T20:49:28+00:00

Do you have any future plans for books, with or without Make as the publisher? Do you find the experience of writing books or chapters of books rewarding in itself, or is it frustrating to have time taken away from being in the shop?

jakkarth · 2017-02-24T19:50:37+00:00

Hey Jimmy, thanks for taking time out of your day to chat with us :) I'm a big fan of your videos; it seems like every time I watch one I learn something new. Thank you for the education and inspiration. Two questions for you:

In the 62 frames video, when chopping the wood at the miter saw you were holding it at an angle instead of keeping it flat. I know you don't do anything by accident. What's the reasoning there?
Whether it's grinding or bandsawing or using the lathe, whenever you work with metal it looks like tiny shavings of metal just fly all over the place. Do they ever get into the machinery and short things outs? How do you clean it all up?

Thanks for being awesome man.

MTLEGeek · 2017-02-24T20:42:32+00:00

What's is a Diresta? And why is it everywhere?

leleoalmeida · 2017-02-24T19:50:54+00:00

Hey Jimmy! Had a chance to meet you at the maker faire this year.

How much do you plan before start making something, and are you often ahead or behind the schedule?

Cheers from Brazil! Hope I get to visit your workshop someday! :D

OteeseDreeftwood · 2017-02-24T20:41:53+00:00

Thanks Jimmy, big fan of your work - making things, making videos and teaching!

As a maker/woodworker at heart who spends most of his life in a cubicle, I find myself discouraged because I only get the occasional weekend in the shop. Were there any times in your life when you felt this way, and how did you cope with it?

oogletoff · 2017-02-24T20:14:40+00:00

Hi jimmy, I'm a 17 year old woodworker and just started a business. I'm a huge fan.

When building something that you've never built before and have no experience in. How do you approach it? Like figuring out how and planning? Also how do you give a customer a quote on something that you don't know the value of?

jeffmason756 · 2017-02-24T21:12:25+00:00

Thanks for your "open resource" position when it comes to teaching/learning and making. At what school do you teach? What is the curriculum? and What age group?

p0tat07 · 2017-02-24T20:23:36+00:00

Jimmy, I'm a huge fan, you're a huge inspiration.

My question is, who sells better band saw blades. Timber wolf or sawblade.com?

CaptainTomCrunchJr · 2017-02-24T21:45:00+00:00

Jimmy, i have seen some of you old stuff with your brother, he is hilarious. i know you tried the television thing before with HGTV. I think you need to meet us up Adam Savage and do a One Day Build together. All my questions have been answered, thank you for making great content.

poxopox · 2017-02-24T20:39:24+00:00

I live in an apartment. What's your advise to some one who wants to wood work in a confined environment?

bennnrenshaw · 2017-02-24T19:46:39+00:00

Jimmy!!!!!! i love your videos and podcasts so much, will you ever do talks/lectures in the UK/Europe? I would love to meet and listen to you in real life sometime

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T22:22:09+00:00

How do you keep creative specially when you're stressed or worn out?

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T20:44:16+00:00

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GameOverMan541 · 2017-02-24T20:02:13+00:00

Hey Jimmy! 1) Besides the delicious chocolate Jimmy mold, what are some other unique applications you've seen using your famous toy statue? Mine remains unpainted. I wonder if you have any funny/crazy ideas of what you'd like to see come of your toy. 2) Puerto Rico video was really cool. It's great that you featured such a diy superfan, Luis. Looks like you had lots of fun in warm weather. 3) I enjoy your videos and podcast. Keep up the good work! 💚

DavidLuizshair · 2017-02-24T20:50:43+00:00

You can only teach ONE skill to someone who's never ever touched anything related to DIY. What skill would that be, and why?

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T20:37:04+00:00

Hey Jimmy. First a thank you note: thanks for teaching me everything I needed to become a maker, sell my stuff and make enough money to move out and get married! My life right now is 100% your fault! lol

And since we need a question: from one teacher to another: what's the most satisfying thing you get from teaching? =)

JLMcGu · 2017-02-24T19:43:19+00:00

Hey Jimmy, thanks for all the awesome content! Your Casper bed video inspired me to build my own platform bed and get a Casper so thanks for that. Have you thought about doing pre orders for your icepick? I've been trying to get my hands on one for a while now but they are always out of stock. Also are you planning any more products with the printing press? Thanks again for all the inspiration and quality content.

Soilmonster · 2017-02-24T21:20:26+00:00

Hey Jimmy!

Quick question - what's the best way to ensure squareness, and exact fits? I've adapted your technique of cutting proud, then trimming back as needed, but always seem to have square issues and gaps in a lot of pieces (no jointer or planer).

Thanks so much for everything you do and show. You are an inspiration every single day. When my days are low, I simply watch one of your vlogs (my favorites btw) or build vids, and my spirits get back up.

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T21:19:22+00:00

Is the thinker lamp mold still in existence? you should totally auction those!

EatMoreCheese · 2017-02-24T22:11:07+00:00

In your videos, do you have your projects 100% planned out? How much is figured out or made up along the way?

cowsmith · 2017-02-24T20:44:06+00:00

You've made both hex and cylindrical ice picks in your videos. Do you prefer one handle shape over the other? If so, why? Thanks for all that you do!

jakkarth · 2017-02-24T22:19:31+00:00

You've done a bunch of projects over the years. A lot of the videos that stick out in my memory have been things like bar carts and furniture with drawers etc. You've got a CNC now, have you considered putting your metalworking skills to use in building your own? Not necessarily all of the electronic parts, but maybe fabricating the frame/rails to be able to route a full sheet of plywood for example? How do you see technology like hobby-level CNC and 3d printing changing the maker movement?

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T21:56:15+00:00

What was your favourite and least favourite projects on both dirty money and hammered?

russki516 · 2017-02-24T21:10:27+00:00

Hey Jimmy, thanks for all the great videos.

How long does it take you to plan out a project, like the incredible Fireman's axe? Do you just see the axe head and it pops into your mind fully formed and then you just make that happen?

I've only recently started making stuff, just woodworking so far. Thanks for all the tips videos, they're great resources.

Oh, and what did you think of that Rose Engine Lathe I sent you a link to on twitter? That seems like the perfect tool for you to find and restore.

dammitkarissa · 2017-02-24T20:15:16+00:00

Do you have any long-term plans for that gas station once you're done with it? It's really a gorgeous building I'd love to see it being used.

Zipian · 2017-02-24T20:01:16+00:00

I love your videos, and have a few questions about them.

How many hours do you spend editing a video?

You mentioned using iMovie for a while in the making it podcast, what ultimately made you switch from imovie?

What cameras are you currently using?

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T22:07:06+00:00

You're a collector of collections (like me). Which collections do you think you'll probably be starting in the future?

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T21:22:18+00:00

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Apollokubitz · 2017-02-24T21:01:48+00:00

Jimmy, love your content! No question, just wanted to say I really appreciate you giving people inspiration, including me.

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T20:51:12+00:00

Hi Jimmy. Love your stuff, just want to say that you're pretty inspirational. I sent you a tweet the other day about a steering wheel project, still want to see you tackle that!

Wookinponub · 2017-02-24T21:22:29+00:00

Finally got around to ordering an ice pick from the last batch. Love the smell of the Tap Magic cutting lube. Give a heads up when you're back in Pittsburgh. I'll make more Diresta logo Chocolates.

charlieray · 2017-02-24T21:52:28+00:00

What's your favorite Maker Faire? West/East/Atlanta/etc?

Twerkydonut · 2017-02-25T17:39:35+00:00

If you had to build a sign of who you voted for in the 2017 presidential election , what would the sign say? And what do you consider the most versatile tool in your shop?

utkanf · 2017-02-24T21:10:34+00:00

Hey Jimmy do you know why today sucked...... There was no Making It Podcast. Thanks for all you do Jimmy ,
Utkan (Master of None)

ailee43 · 2017-02-24T21:04:37+00:00

Why you gotta put your name all over everything? Comes off as really pretentious.

Let your skill speak for itself.

tbone752 · 2017-02-24T20:34:33+00:00

just wanted to say hi Jimmy, i love your videos. i like the direction you're going with the vlog. i snapchatted you a few times and you replied, not anymore though, you must get a million different messages a day! i love the podcast too, keep up the good work. good luck in the new shop. i'd love to come see your NYC shop, i don't think i'll ever get a chance now (i'm from ireland)

Zipian · 2017-02-24T19:58:30+00:00

When are the ice picks coming back for sale?

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T21:16:26+00:00

[deleted]

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T21:18:31+00:00

How can I encourage my teenage students to become makers?

EatMoreCheese · 2017-02-24T22:04:13+00:00

You have a mastery of many skills. As you know, failure is an important part of learning. Can you tell us about any projects where you gave up, or learned through failure? Do you still have any struggles?

ticcev · 2017-02-24T19:28:53+00:00

Hey Jimmy! Thanks for all the videos and podcasts.

I've noticed you're working on a post frame project with Kyle/RR Buildings, and then you have the gas station thing going on. What's your plan for the upstate shop? What makes you excited about the move?

RyoCali · 2017-02-24T22:07:56+00:00

What was the best diy/maker tip/trick/advice anyone's ever given you?

throwveryfaraway3 · 2017-02-24T20:30:48+00:00

Hey Jimmy!

I know it’s been a while, but when are we finally going to do that huge project we keep talking about? I understand you keep getting busy, and between upstate and work and such but,… Grandma and all. She was just really looking forward to it. Things being the way they are, and the farm with the bad crop these last few years… She really just needs the pick me up.

Thanks again, You have no idea how much this means to all of us here.

swaltz · 2017-02-24T21:17:49+00:00

How do you keep all your projects organized and on time?

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T20:03:21+00:00

What year's your Silverado Jimmy? Any issues with it?

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T19:38:22+00:00

[deleted]

AnIdleCoconut · 2017-02-24T22:11:21+00:00

Saw your post on instagram. Logged into my old account just to say... I love you.

troymcklure · 2017-02-24T21:45:04+00:00

Hey Jimmy! That Geeksmithing guy is pretty awesome, what do you think of him? :P

ulyssanov · 2017-02-25T03:28:14+00:00

Hi Jimmy, I'm probably too late to the party, just wanted to say you're a big inspiration, love your no bullshit approach to things. I got a bunch of questions, here's three:

What made you initially start to do youtube videos and what do you enjoy about making them?

Who are your favorite fellow makers right now/Who do you admire?

Any advice for people who want to make a living making things without having it become a daily grind for cash with no passion?

GameOverMan541 · 2017-02-27T08:51:08+00:00

Jimmy, You often speed up your videos for obvious practical reasons. I imagine you put a fair amount of thought into the creative aspects of your videos to make them interesting. Have you ever thought of using slow motion for any parts of your videos to add another creative element? Or are there any other video elements, like your drone usage, you look forward to learning and/or applying in the future? 👍🏻

jimmydiresta · 2017-02-24T22:34:04+00:00

Thank You I am off for now, thank you for the love & Respect!

aronalbert · 2017-02-25T12:51:59+00:00

hey jimmy, have you worked with nick offerman in the shop and if yes what was it like to work with him

snackpgh · 2017-02-25T02:46:59+00:00

Hi Jimmy, where do you get your glasses? I know you talked about it in one video, but couldn't find the site.

Hareuhal · 2017-02-24T19:26:46+00:00

AMA Reminder:

For those curious about who Jimmy is and what work he does, please check out his websites:

Website

YouTube

Twitter

rudeboy_sheriff · 2017-02-24T19:58:03+00:00

hey jimmy - long time fan love the videos. how big is the gas station - is it as big as the shop in the city? if the deal works out are you going to do a series of videos on the renovation or features on the station in the vlog?

cortchops · 2017-02-24T20:35:21+00:00

Hey Jimmy, what is your favorite glue gun? And are you ever going to have any guests on the Making It podcast?

asmvis · 2017-02-24T23:10:48+00:00

Hi Jimmy! First of all, thank you so much for sharing all your work with us and for being such an inspiration!

I've got one question: Do you think you'll ever do another TV show (like Dirty Money) again? If so, what would you like the show to look like?

Thanks in advance, cheers!

jakkarth · 2017-02-24T22:06:56+00:00

Thanks for coming to talk with us today Jimmy. We had a great time, and we look forward to having you back again soon!

For those just getting here, please note that Mr. DiResta has stopped answering questions for this AMA, so any questions you ask may not be answered. For those curious about who Jimmy is and what work he does, please check out his websites:

Website

YouTube

Twitter

CaptainGeo · 2017-02-24T19:45:54+00:00

What's your favorite knife?

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