The Maker's Quest

Dive into the latest Maker's Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.

Hosted by
Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts
https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/

Brian's Blog https://www.briansbenham.com/
Brian Benham on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/benhamdesignconcepts.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ

Greg Porter from SkyScraper Guitars
https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage

 

Welcome back to the Maker's Quest podcast! In our latest episode, hosts Brian Benham and Greg Porter reconnect after a short hiatus, diving deep into the projects that have been consuming their time and creative energy. From the intricate challenges of custom furniture to the precise engineering of luthiery tools, this conversation is a masterclass in problem-solving and passion.

Catching Up and a Note from Greg

Greg kicks things off with a heartfelt apology for his voice, which is understandably rough. He’s been battling long Covid for over a year, which has led to lung issues requiring a steroid inhaler. “Whatever steroids are in that inhaler just barbecue my vocal cords,” he explains. It’s a poignant reminder of the very real, human challenges that creators often push through to pursue their craft.

Brian's Monumental Vegas Project: The Root Over Rock Chess Table

The centerpiece of Brian’s update is a project he’s just wrapped up and delivered: a stunning, one-of-a-kind chess table for a client in Las Vegas.

The concept was a "root over rock" bonsai-inspired base supporting a glass-topped chess table. What sounds like a beautiful idea in a render became one of the most patience-testing projects of Brian’s career.

The Challenge of the Scribe: The entire base consists of sculpted walnut roots and a trunk that had to be meticulously scribed to fit perfectly around an amorphous rock form. The killer detail? It’s visible on all sides.

"There is no really good place to cheat it to the back," Brian says. "It just took a long time. There is a point halfway through where I was like, I don't know if this is going to turn out well... did I over-commit my skills?"

He estimates a staggering 40-60 hours were spent on the scribing process alone. The project also required ingenious fixturing to use his CNC machine as a mill to create flat surfaces on the round trunk for the branches to join, battling software safety features along the way.

In the end, the client was thrilled. The final piece, which pairs his walnut and wenge woodwork with a stunning silver-and-copper chessboard sourced from an artist in Mexico City, is a testament to the power of seeing a daunting vision through to completion.

A Lesson in Design Collaboration: Brian also highlighted a small drawer on a accompanying vanity piece. The client insisted on a specific, sleek look that prioritized form over deep function, requiring Brian to modify hardware to fit. It was a perfect example of the collaboration and compromise inherent in custom work.

"If you are just rigid on your own ideas, you're probably not going to end up with a good design," Brian notes. "It'll be very boxed-in."

Greg's Luthiery Deep Dive: Engineering the Perfect Guitar Bender

On the other side of the maker spectrum, Greg has been deep in the world of guitar building, specifically focused on solving a complex problem: building a better side-bending machine for acoustic guitar cutaways.

The Cutaway Conundrum: A guitar’s cutaway (the scooped section near the neck) allows for easier access to higher frets but presents a major bending challenge due to its tight, compound curves. Greg’s goal was to create a machine that is not only effective but also a joy to use—a tool that produces repeatable, predictable results for both hobbyists and professionals building guitars worth tens of thousands of dollars.

His new design features a unique hinged ram that bends the wood linearly, capturing it gradually rather than pressing from the center and hoping for the best.

"It starts at one end and it kind of linearly bends it down into the form... it's the only one that'll be on the market that has that feature."

The Tape Trick for Flawless Bends: Greg also shared a fantastic tip for preventing wood from splintering during extreme bends. Instead of using the traditional method of laminating linen and epoxy to the wood’s outer face (which must be scraped off later), he discovered Captain Tape.
This high-temperature tape, used in powder coating, can withstand the 350°F heat of the bending process. It contains the wood fibers perfectly, and when the bend is cool, it simply peels off, leaving a clean surface ready for finishing.

The Maker's Mindset: Curiosity and Persistence

This episode was a brilliant showcase of the maker mindset:

Embrace the Hard Problems: Whether it’s a multi-dimensional scribe or a complex mechanical pivot, both Brian and Greg lean into the challenges that scare them.

Iterate Until It’s Right: Greg went through four prototypes for his bender, obsessing over bolt lengths and clearances to create a refined, professional tool.

Share Your Knowledge: From CNC software quirks to bending techniques, the drive to share hard-won knowledge with the community is what makes the maker world so rich.

You can find Greg Porter at Skyscraper Guitars and Greg's Garage on Instagram and YouTube. Find Brian Benham at Benham Design across the web.

Dive into the latest Maker’s Quest podcast where Brian Benham details his epic root-over-rock chess table build, and Greg Porter reveals his new guitar side-bending machine. A deep dive into custom woodworking and luthiery.

Watch The Podcast

Hosted by

Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts

https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/

Brian’s Blog https://www.briansbenham.com/
Brian Benham on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/benhamdesignconcepts.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ

Greg Porter from SkyScraper Guitars

https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage



Welcome back to the Maker’s Quest podcast! In our latest episode, hosts Brian Benham and Greg Porter reconnect after a short hiatus, diving deep into the projects that have been consuming their time and creative energy. From the intricate challenges of custom furniture to the precise engineering of luthiery tools, this conversation is a masterclass in problem-solving and passion.

Catching Up and a Note from Greg

Greg kicks things off with a heartfelt apology for his voice, which is understandably rough. He’s been battling long Covid for over a year, which has led to lung issues requiring a steroid inhaler. “Whatever steroids are in that inhaler just barbecue my vocal cords,” he explains. It’s a poignant reminder of the very real, human challenges that creators often push through to pursue their craft.

Brian’s Monumental Vegas Project: The Root Over Rock Chess Table

The centerpiece of Brian’s update is a project he’s just wrapped up and delivered: a stunning, one-of-a-kind chess table for a client in Las Vegas.

The concept was a “root over rock” bonsai-inspired base supporting a glass-topped chess table. What sounds like a beautiful idea in a render became one of the most patience-testing projects of Brian’s career.

The Challenge of the Scribe: The entire base consists of sculpted walnut roots and a trunk that had to be meticulously scribed to fit perfectly around an amorphous rock form. The killer detail? It’s visible on all sides.

“There is no really good place to cheat it to the back,” Brian says. “It just took a long time. There is a point halfway through where I was like, I don’t know if this is going to turn out well… did I over-commit my skills?”

He estimates a staggering 40-60 hours were spent on the scribing process alone. The project also required ingenious fixturing to use his CNC machine as a mill to create flat surfaces on the round trunk for the branches to join, battling software safety features along the way.

In the end, the client was thrilled. The final piece, which pairs his walnut and wenge woodwork with a stunning silver-and-copper chessboard sourced from an artist in Mexico City, is a testament to the power of seeing a daunting vision through to completion.

A Lesson in Design Collaboration: Brian also highlighted a small drawer on a accompanying vanity piece. The client insisted on a specific, sleek look that prioritized form over deep function, requiring Brian to modify hardware to fit. It was a perfect example of the collaboration and compromise inherent in custom work.

“If you are just rigid on your own ideas, you’re probably not going to end up with a good design,” Brian notes. “It’ll be very boxed-in.”

Greg’s Luthiery Deep Dive: Engineering the Perfect Guitar Bender

On the other side of the maker spectrum, Greg has been deep in the world of guitar building, specifically focused on solving a complex problem: building a better side-bending machine for acoustic guitar cutaways.

The Cutaway Conundrum: A guitar’s cutaway (the scooped section near the neck) allows for easier access to higher frets but presents a major bending challenge due to its tight, compound curves. Greg’s goal was to create a machine that is not only effective but also a joy to use—a tool that produces repeatable, predictable results for both hobbyists and professionals building guitars worth tens of thousands of dollars.

His new design features a unique hinged ram that bends the wood linearly, capturing it gradually rather than pressing from the center and hoping for the best.

“It starts at one end and it kind of linearly bends it down into the form… it’s the only one that’ll be on the market that has that feature.”

The Tape Trick for Flawless Bends: Greg also shared a fantastic tip for preventing wood from splintering during extreme bends. Instead of using the traditional method of laminating linen and epoxy to the wood’s outer face (which must be scraped off later), he discovered Captain Tape.
This high-temperature tape, used in powder coating, can withstand the 350°F heat of the bending process. It contains the wood fibers perfectly, and when the bend is cool, it simply peels off, leaving a clean surface ready for finishing.

The Maker’s Mindset: Curiosity and Persistence

This episode was a brilliant showcase of the maker mindset:

Embrace the Hard Problems: Whether it’s a multi-dimensional scribe or a complex mechanical pivot, both Brian and Greg lean into the challenges that scare them.

Iterate Until It’s Right: Greg went through four prototypes for his bender, obsessing over bolt lengths and clearances to create a refined, professional tool.

Share Your Knowledge: From CNC software quirks to bending techniques, the drive to share hard-won knowledge with the community is what makes the maker world so rich.

You can find Greg Porter at Skyscraper Guitars and Greg’s Garage on Instagram and YouTube. Find Brian Benham at Benham Design across the web.

Insights from Makers Brian Benham and Greg Porter"
In this episode of the Maker's Quest Podcast, hosts Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts and Greg Porter from Skyscraper Guitars delved into the often-overlooked reality of failure in the creative process—especially when turning ideas into marketable products. Both seasoned makers shared candid stories of their struggles, lessons learned, and how embracing failure is a non-negotiable step toward innovation and profitability.

Hosted by
Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts
https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/
Brian Benham on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/benhamdesignconcepts.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ

Greg Porter from SkyScraper Guitars
https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage

 

The CNC Learning Curve: Speed Isn’t Always King
Brian Benham, a furniture maker and CNC enthusiast, kicked off the discussion with his early trials on his new Avid CNC machine. His goal? To efficiently produce a yin-yang wine bottle holder. But his initial excitement was tempered by a harsh lesson:

"I watched YouTube videos where people said, ‘Why are you running so slow? Crank it up!’ So I did," Brian recalled. The result? Broken tabs, a mangled workpiece, and a smoking spindle. The high feed rate and aggressive depth of cut destroyed the part mid-operation.

Greg Porter, a guitar maker and CNC veteran, nodded in agreement. "Dust is bad—you want chips," he explained, emphasizing that proper chip ejection prevents heat buildup and tool wear. Both makers stressed the importance of balancing speed with precision, especially when working with different materials like cherry (softer) versus walnut (denser).

Workholding Woes and the "Maker’s Dozen"
Brian also shared a mishap where inadequate hold-downs led to a shifting workpiece, ruining a cut. His solution? Nesting parts efficiently and pre-drilling problematic areas to avoid tab failures. But the bigger takeaway was his "Maker’s Dozen" philosophy:

"Make 12 units at a time. Price for 10, because two might fail. By the next dozen, you’ve optimized the process," Brian said. This approach minimizes waste and allows incremental improvements without massive sunk costs.

Greg added that for high-value materials (like exotic guitar woods), salvaging is worth the effort. But for sheet goods, sometimes tossing a botched piece saves more time than fixing it.

3D Printing: Prototyping’s Best Friend
The duo pivoted to 3D printing, where Greg showcased a gear assembly that took a dozen iterations just to fit a timing belt correctly. "Fail fast," he advised. "Get the mistakes out early."

Brian echoed this, describing how he prints small test sections (like threaded parts) before committing to long prints. *"A 30-minute test beats a 3-hour disaster,"* he said. Both praised modern printers for reliability but acknowledged that vibration and material quirks still demand patience.

Scaling Up: Robots and Revenue
Looking ahead, Brian envisions his CNC as a cash-flow generator. Inspired by a photographer who sold everything from keychains to $5,000 prints, he plans to offer small, accessible products (like $25 cribbage boards) alongside high-end furniture. "The $25 items keep the lights on; the big commissions are the dream," he said.

Greg, who runs multiple machines simultaneously, laughed: "When all three robots—CNC, laser, mill—are humming, I feel like a factory." But he cautioned that optimization is key. His "RTM" (Ready to Manufacture) files undergo dozens of tweaks to shave seconds off cycle times.

The Bottom Line: Failure = Progress
Both makers agreed: Failure isn’t just inevitable—it’s necessary. Whether it’s dialing in feeds/speeds, salvaging scraps into new products (like Brian’s failed cutting boards becoming trivets), or accepting that some ATMs (products) will stay unplugged, the path to success is paved with missteps.

Insights from Makers Brian Benham and Greg Porter”

In this episode of the Maker’s Quest Podcast, hosts Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts and Greg Porter from Skyscraper Guitars delved into the often-overlooked reality of failure in the creative process—especially when turning ideas into marketable products. Both seasoned makers shared candid stories of their struggles, lessons learned, and how embracing failure is a non-negotiable step toward innovation and profitability.

Watch The Podcast

Hosted by

Brian Benham from Benham Design Concepts

https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/
Brian Benham on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/benhamdesignconcepts.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ

Greg Porter from SkyScraper Guitars

https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage



The CNC Learning Curve: Speed Isn’t Always King

Brian Benham, a furniture maker and CNC enthusiast, kicked off the discussion with his early trials on his new Avid CNC machine. His goal? To efficiently produce a yin-yang wine bottle holder. But his initial excitement was tempered by a harsh lesson:

“I watched YouTube videos where people said, ‘Why are you running so slow? Crank it up!’ So I did,” Brian recalled. The result? Broken tabs, a mangled workpiece, and a smoking spindle. The high feed rate and aggressive depth of cut destroyed the part mid-operation.

Greg Porter, a guitar maker and CNC veteran, nodded in agreement. “Dust is bad—you want chips,” he explained, emphasizing that proper chip ejection prevents heat buildup and tool wear. Both makers stressed the importance of balancing speed with precision, especially when working with different materials like cherry (softer) versus walnut (denser).

Workholding Woes and the “Maker’s Dozen”

Brian also shared a mishap where inadequate hold-downs led to a shifting workpiece, ruining a cut. His solution? Nesting parts efficiently and pre-drilling problematic areas to avoid tab failures. But the bigger takeaway was his “Maker’s Dozen” philosophy:

“Make 12 units at a time. Price for 10, because two might fail. By the next dozen, you’ve optimized the process,” Brian said. This approach minimizes waste and allows incremental improvements without massive sunk costs.

Greg added that for high-value materials (like exotic guitar woods), salvaging is worth the effort. But for sheet goods, sometimes tossing a botched piece saves more time than fixing it.

3D Printing: Prototyping’s Best Friend

The duo pivoted to 3D printing, where Greg showcased a gear assembly that took a dozen iterations just to fit a timing belt correctly. “Fail fast,” he advised. “Get the mistakes out early.”

Brian echoed this, describing how he prints small test sections (like threaded parts) before committing to long prints. *”A 30-minute test beats a 3-hour disaster,”* he said. Both praised modern printers for reliability but acknowledged that vibration and material quirks still demand patience.

Scaling Up: Robots and Revenue

Looking ahead, Brian envisions his CNC as a cash-flow generator. Inspired by a photographer who sold everything from keychains to $5,000 prints, he plans to offer small, accessible products (like $25 cribbage boards) alongside high-end furniture. “The $25 items keep the lights on; the big commissions are the dream,” he said.

Greg, who runs multiple machines simultaneously, laughed: “When all three robots—CNC, laser, mill—are humming, I feel like a factory.” But he cautioned that optimization is key. His “RTM” (Ready to Manufacture) files undergo dozens of tweaks to shave seconds off cycle times.

The Bottom Line: Failure = Progress

Both makers agreed: Failure isn’t just inevitable—it’s necessary. Whether it’s dialing in feeds/speeds, salvaging scraps into new products (like Brian’s failed cutting boards becoming trivets), or accepting that some ATMs (products) will stay unplugged, the path to success is paved with missteps.

We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to look back at 2024—our favorite shop upgrades, biggest projects, and lessons learned—and then peek ahead at what’s in store for 2025.

Listen
Waiting for upload, please check back in a few minutes

Watch on YouTube
Waiting for upload, please check back in a few minutes

Hosted by
Brian Benham
Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/
Brian Benham on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/benhamdesignconcepts.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ

Greg Porter
https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage

 

Show Notes
 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025: Shop Upgrades, Projects, and Goals
Shop Upgrades That Made a Difference in 2024

Organization & Tool Storage

One of the biggest game-changers for both of us was improving shop organization. A mechanic once said, "Don’t put it down—put it away." That mindset has helped keep tools in their proper places, eliminating the frustration of searching for misplaced items.

- Brian’s Upgrade: A high-quality toolbox (not just a basic Harbor Freight or Home Depot option) made a massive difference. A well-organized toolbox reflects a well-organized workflow.

- Greg’s Upgrade: Adding Husky cabinets under his table saw extension improved storage and accessibility.

The Incra Miter Gauge

Brian recommended the Incra Miter Gauge, and it quickly became one of Greg’s most-used tools in 2024.

- Why It’s Great:

- Eliminates play in the miter slot for precise, repeatable cuts.

- Features an integrated stop block system (similar to high-end aftermarket options).

- Fine-adjustment capabilities make it perfect for exact angles.

Greg admits he was skeptical at first, preferring crosscut sleds, but after a year of use, he hasn’t touched his sled since.

The Black Box Vacuum Pump for CNC Workholding

Greg’s Black Box vacuum pump transformed his CNC workflow.

- The Problem: Workholding on a CNC can be a nightmare—tabs, screws, and clamps often lead to failed cuts.

- The Solution: The vacuum pump holds sheets firmly in place, reducing material waste and improving efficiency.

- Success rate went from ~75% to 98%.

- Added automation: The CNC now turns the pump on/off automatically via relay control.

The Track Saw Revolution

Greg was a longtime skeptic of track saws, preferring a circular saw and straightedge. But after breaking down hundreds of sheets of MDF, he caved and bought a Ridgid cordless track saw.

- Why It Won Him Over:

- Faster, more accurate breakdown of sheet goods.

- Paired with an MFT-style workbench (from Fred Sexton of Bristol Artisan Co.) and Bora Speed Horses, creating a portable, efficient cutting station.

- No more wrestling full sheets—everything gets broken down outside before entering the shop.

The Festool Debate

Brian and Greg had a fun back-and-forth about Festool.

- Pros:

- Industry-leading dust collection (great for job sites and clean shops).

- The Domino joiner is a game-changer for furniture makers.

- Cons:

- High price tag.

- Some tools may not justify the cost for hobbyists or those who don’t need ultra-portability.

Packout Systems & Tool Storage

Both Brian and Greg explored different modular storage systems (Milwaukee Packout, Klein, etc.).

- Greg’s Pick: Klein Tool Cases—expensive but rugged, with clear lids and customizable bins.

- Brian’s Experience: Packout systems are great for contractors but may be overkill for shop-only use.

Harbor Freight’s Improvement

Greg noted that Harbor Freight’s quality has significantly improved over the years.

- Icon Tools Line: Their ratcheting wrenches and socket sets now rival mid-tier brands like Husky and Craftsman.

- Toolboxes: No longer the flimsy junk of the past—now a solid budget option.

 

 Notable Projects from 2024
Brian’s Big Builds

- Las Vegas Casino Project: A massive, high-profile installation that pushed his team’s limits.

- Red Rocks Amphitheater Work: A challenging but rewarding project (technically late 2023, but close enough!).

Lesson Learned: Installation is just as critical as fabrication. Even the best-built pieces can fail if not installed correctly.

Greg’s Product Expansion

When a competitor in the guitar-making jigs and tools space went out of business, Greg saw an opportunity.

- Redesigned & Released Over 20 New Products, including:

- Side benders (for shaping guitar sides).

- Outside molds & cutaway forms (previously unavailable).

- Mortise & tenon jigs (V3 design, improved from older versions).

- Backward Compatibility: Ensured his new tools worked with older systems, earning gratitude from customers.

 

Looking Ahead to 2025
Greg’s Goals:

Build His First Commissioned Guitar – Learning from luthier Robbie O’Brien to refine construction techniques.

Expand Skyscraper Guitars – Transition from a one-man operation to a scalable business with employees.

Finish the Porsche 356 Project – After a busy 2024, he’s eager to get back to this passion build.

 

Brian’s Plans:

- Grow His YouTube Presence – Shifting focus to more educational content for aspiring woodworkers.

- Streamline Production – Finding ways to balance custom work with repeatable, profitable projects.

 Final Thoughts
2024 was a year of tool upgrades, shop efficiency, and big projects. For 2025, the focus shifts to growth, refinement, and new challenges.

 

What were your biggest shop upgrades or projects in 2024? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know in the comments!