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Easel Podcast

Easel Podcast

By: Zach Kaplan
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Most people making things with Easel are figuring it out alone. The Easel Podcast changes that. Every week, we sit down with real makers to hear what they're building, how they're solving problems in their shop or studio, and what's happening across the digital manufacturing world. One hour of honest conversation about the craft live, unfiltered, and built for makers.

2026 Zach Kaplan
Art
Episodes
  • Easel Podcast-Episode #1 - Tom Sasala talking about inlays and product market fit with CNC projects
    May 18 2026

    The conversation covers topics such as craft fairs and custom work, software development and open sourcing, woodworking and CNC projects, and inlay generation and woodworking finishing. It delves into the process of transitioning from craft fairs to custom work, the development of cost-effective software prototypes, the use of Easel for woodworking projects, and the techniques and considerations for woodworking finishing. The conversation covers the exploration of Easel features, the process of creating juice grooves, caring for cutting boards, and choosing a CNC machine. It provides insights into the functionality of Easel, the technique for creating juice grooves, the maintenance of cutting boards, and considerations for selecting a CNC machine.

    Takeaways

    • Craft fairs serve as an on-ramp to bigger opportunities
    • Frugality in software development can lead to cost-effective prototypes
    • Easel is a valuable tool for woodworking projects
    • Woodworking finishing techniques are essential for quality outcomes Easel features offer new capabilities
    • Creating juice grooves requires precision and specific tools
    • Caring for cutting boards involves oiling and waxing
    • Choosing a CNC machine depends on size and intended use

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Tom's Maker Journey
    • 29:24 Craft Fairs and Emotional Connection
    • 35:13 Software Development and Open Sourcing
    • 48:18 Inlay Generation and Woodworking Finishing
    • 01:13:12 Exploring Easel Features
    • 01:23:08 Caring for Cutting Boards
    • 01:30:22 Choosing a CNC Machine
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Easel Podcast Episode #2 - Tiff Marchand talking about painting horror movie art
    May 27 2026

    The conversation covers Tiff Marshand's artistic background, transition from craft fairs to online presence, power carving and CNC work, teaching and social media management, and a project demonstration with CNC settings. The conversation covers the importance of ramping for extended tool life and cleaner cuts, as well as the significance of milling direction for achieving a cleaner cut. These topics are explored in detail, providing valuable insights for CNC users.

    Takeaways

    • Artistic background and influence
    • Transition from craft fairs to online presence
    • Power carving and CNC work
    • Teaching and social media management
    • Project demonstration and CNC settings Ramping for extended tool life
    • Milling direction for cleaner cuts

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Artistic Background and Influence
    • 06:09 Teaching and Social Media Management
    • 12:00 Project Demonstration and CNC Settings
    • 23:51 Tool Life and Cutting
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    47 mins
  • Easel Podcast Episode #3 - Chris Monck talks about two ways to build a custom guitar business
    Jun 2 2026

    In this conversation Zach Kaplan interviews Chris Monck from Highline Guitars. Chris shares how he got started building guitars, the transition to CNC technology, and the different business models Chris has explored in his time building over 500 custom guitars. Chris is currently using a business model that demands his creativity build unique guitars that command prices often over $2000 USD.

    The conversation explores the inspiration behind guitar making, the benefits of CNC technology, and the emotional impact of the unique guitar project for Metallica called the Flying M.

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    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Origin of Highline Guitars
    • 06:06 Transition to CNC Technology
    • 11:38 The Flying M Metallica Guitar Project
    • 33:37 The Metallica Guitar Project
    • 59:23 Advice for Beginners in Guitar Building
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
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