With thanks to Tested members Michael Spalsbury, Eric Beatty, Karl Gallagher, Michael Schnell, Ken French, DFriendly and Andrew Montgomery for their questions and support. Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks such as asking Adam questions: th-cam.com/channels/iDJtJKMICpb9B1qf7qjEOA.htmljoin Tour of Adam Savage's Shop (2024): th-cam.com/video/j8LqMv416mw/w-d-xo.html Tour of Adam Savage's Shop (2014): th-cam.com/video/l9AqYaSRjw0/w-d-xo.html How to Transform a (Very) Crowded Workshop: th-cam.com/video/6GWQBpvdC0c/w-d-xo.html Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Flat File Tool Storage Cabinet: th-cam.com/video/XA55CGj4FiU/w-d-xo.html An Interview With Former Star Wars Modeler Lorne Peterson: th-cam.com/video/_WP5MKWGCrs/w-d-xo.html The Iconic Sounds of Star Wars: th-cam.com/video/KAg4wySzgUg/w-d-xo.html LAST LOOK Inside the Former ILM Production Studio: th-cam.com/video/QAZKWMei8gg/w-d-xo.html
@@tested It is the other name of epicondylitis 🙂 I have it too but not from tennis. From frequent writing on keyboard on a narrow table that didn't have enough area to rest my arm. Thankfully my right arm is ok. For me take months to get well after 10 days of physiotherapy. Get well soon 😘🤗😊
Mr. Savage I just gave my luthier shop to my apprentice when I was diagnosed with emphysema. It was the best way to continue all the years of work and techniques I developed. My family would just sale it all. I love watching your work.
I hope to do the same with my workshop. Selling everything would only get pennies on the dollar, whereas it could be an eternal gold mine for the right person
My neighbor, who is 81, today came around and told me that he was giving away a bunch of tools. Drills saws some hand planes and other things. He was lovely enough to ask if I wanted them first. We had a long conversation about how hard it is to close out that part of your life and the general acceptance that comes with that. I will forever be grateful for his generosity... and his Disston No.1 saw vice.
Speaking as someone who was a TIG welder for years before finding my true calling, Please please please create a seperate welding area with a good ventilating fan, block walls, concrete floor, metal door, and a ceiling that won't burn. And, most importantly, get a really loud low-oxygen alarm. I walked into a room that had an Argon leak, and passed out in seconds. There was no feeling of not being able to breathe, either; that is caused by too much CO2 - the human body doesn't have a sensor for too little O2. If I had been alone or with someone stupid enough to follow me in instead of using the rescue stick, I would be dead. That reminds me; also get a long "sheepherd's crook" rescue stick with a hook that can pull a body out of a room.
If Adam ever was up for that I'd sure pitch in. I think The Savage Museum of Making has a nice ring to it. Could make it part museum, part workspace for classes taught by local or visiting makers.
Kyle here ? Like one of my TH-cam God talking to another of my TH-cam God ? Did I die and went to Heaven already, or ? @Adam, please talk to Kyle about that. Please open a museum together. You know we're not joking. :D
Not gonna lie, when the end of life plan came up I got choked up for a second. So many people have said this but when I was a little kid growing up mythbusters was one of my all time favorite shows to watch and then when I discovered your channel a few years ago it was amazing to see all the things you do and how you keep inspiring people to be creative and learn. Now that you’re getting older the reality of you being gone someday is finally setting in and I just wanted to say thank you 🙏 you’re not just an icon in the movie industry but you are also a beloved part of so many peoples childhoods and adult lives as well and that’s a legacy that I know will carry on even after you’re gone from this world brother ❤️ ✌️
You’re so humble, but as a near-lifetime fan, I am POSITIVE much of your shop will be turned into a bonafide museum. Let the tools out the cases by all means, but at least save some of your one-off projects and the general layout. Being able to visit your space and get a glimpse inside your mind would be an honor beyond compare.
@@stevenbergom3415no offense but Adam will never be a saint until he turns away from his blasphemous vocabulary. Not saying he should or whatever but we shouldn't categorize people as saints willy nilly. those people have devoted their entire life to others and strived to live as holy as possible
@@permabearxbt I don't want to burst any bubbles, all real saints even the one fit your description, have scalations in there closets, it just how big or small they where? (well if your going as saint the smaller the scalations in there closets or closet is the better, but we all have something? and if Adams is a poty mouth, you can get a lot worse thing to do?
I'm part of a Tool Library that received a generous donation of one man's workshop. We're talking SawStop, drill presses, planer, bandsaws, and many small power tools and hand tools. What's even better, he taught several of us how to use and maintain the machines.
People wont know how crazy I am until I die. Most of my things are cataloged for insurance, and I've had a contingency e-mail that I pause from going out every month in case I die with my will and goodbyes that I update once in a while. I've had an end of life plan since I was like 14. I had several surgeries at a young age that had high probability of death so I guess I just came to terms with it at a really young age and have always planned for it. I don't wanna die at all, but if I do I know I've taken care of a number of things so many other people are afraid to even think about. I have helped a few other friends with this kind of planning and it's really rewarding to me.
Leaving an abundance of stuff for your family to deal with is something that’s is ok to talk about, good topic. The older I get the more I take catalog on the items I collect or tools I purchase. In the last few years I definitely have not purchased items because of it being so specific/unique and maybe hard for my family to dispose of, more items that are expensive or for a very specific purpose. All in all, no matter the age, I think it’s a good thing to think about if we really need an item or not. It has inspired me to collect less items or just focus my collections on a smaller more healthly amount. Also, I am getting over the rush of buying stuff, which is addicting. I enjoy Adam’s collections, and glad he can share these detailed stories about them and not let the cool knowledge be forgotten.
My grandpa went hardcore into documenting his stuff. He wrote a small note on pretty much everything that wasn't basic "stuff". He numbered small items like jewelry and had books with known values and small stories on ALL OF IT. Stuff like "I bought this to my wife in "shop" in 1939 for x, she loved it, I didn't enjoy paying". In the photo albums he had a story on most of the photos. Known dates, locations, why they where there etc. It made the whole experience of cleaning out his house a lot of fun, brought up a lot of good (some bad) things from my dads childhood and we laughed a lot. Also he admitted that he did aquire the towns first ice hockey rink through illigitimate means (he stole the damn thing somehow)... We knew of the rumours, but he never admitted to it, politician as he was!
Oh my god. Adams shop turning into a public maker space (after he is done with it) would be incredible. The inspiration and just emotion of being there would be an incredible place to work.
This is what I was thinking. Others are talking about turning his shop into a museum after he goes, but I think he'd be much happier if it was turned into a freely usable space that ran workshops for children and young people interested in learning to make things. I can't think of anything that would probably make Adam happier than children learning to make their own toys (and a little science along the way).
I’m not sure how useful one “like” is to a video that has this vast of a viewership, but I’m smashing lithe button as soon as Adam said “I want this hardware store available to my community”…says a guy who is doing well financially, but has the main goal of the craft, not the making of money. Love you Adam.
I think there's a happy medium between a makerspace and a museum. A learning space where the tools can be used to teach new makers how to use them, while all around are exhibits housing your projects to serve as both examples and inspiration. You've talked the talk and walked the walk about lowering the barrier to entry for new makers. Leaving it all as a teaching tool would, IMHO, the perfect way to sum up and cement that legacy.
One of the most liberating times of my life was after I retired. A few years after really. I decided to sell my house in San Francisco and RV full time. I was putting stuff on craiges list and figured I'd sell it all and throw away what wasn't wanted while the house was being listed and shown. It sold the weekend it was first shown. Seeing how slowly things were going that I was listing. my leisurely plan to sell everything was ended. I started giving stuff away. That wasn't going to work either. I did have a 30 day exit after the sale clause in the contract so that's all the time I had and it got down to 2 weeks left and a crap load of stuff still in the house. One visit was a guy with a pick up truck that came to get some single item and it dawned on me, "Hey, do you want..." and I loaded him up with evrmerything he'd need to finish a house. I emptied the house in that 2 weeks. Oddly enough I gave away stuff I'd bought and sold stuff I'd gotten for free. Junk I'd put on the curb for trash pick up, people asked what I would take for it. It made the whole process fun. I unloaded 3000 sqdt of stuff in that 2 weeks and the last thing I sold I sold at a massive discount and it was picked up the day before my deadline. Getting rid of stuff is a good feeling. I didn't really end up throwing much away. I did spend almost a week burning financial records that were decades past being necessary to retain.
I’m an art conservator and this is a huge part of conservation, particularly since the 1980s to now is such a refreshing new idea of cultural heritage items and their practical or even religious uses. Thinking of conservation and what you may do to conserve something involves considering why it’s being conserved and how it may still be used. I love the idea of keeping using things instead of locking them away because of their history
It's always nice hearing the shared philosophy of what a garage sale should be. It's nice to make a little money, but the stuff should be priced as you said, "getting your stuff into someone else's house". It sparks a childhood memory of my family holding a garage sale on Black Friday almost every year when I was growing up. My mother made a point to have things priced to move, and it was such a good deal for our community that the one year we didn't hold it, we had people driving by our house all day to see if we were going to have said sale. Heck, we even had a handful of people knock on our door and ask. I took that memory, and use it whenever I do my own sales now. I price the things to move so people can enjoy them. Yes I may have paid X dollars on a table 10 years ago, but the simple matter is I got my money out of it. The fact that I used it and cared for it, is payment enough. So selling it for cheap ensures that cycle continues. Side note, if you want to see a fantastic maker space, I highly recommend visiting the InVenture Studio on Georgia Tech's campus, next time you find yourself in Atlanta.
My entire suite of woodworking tools was started from a man who was downsizing and had to leave his garage behind. Between my dad, 2 brothers, and myself, I like to think the majority of the tools he shared have not only been used, but inspired a new hobby of myself.
I really glad you're out here pushing the inheritance issue. I've seen so many of my friends having to deal with parents' stuff, we're dealing with my Mother in Law's quilting shop right now. Helped someone else out sell off my friend's game figures and SCA armor when he died. Not to mention the woman in Florida who threw out over $100K in model trains because she was tired of all the "toy junk" in her house. Its just so much trouble if we don't prep for those contingencies for them. As for the lighting, that's what made the huge difference for my in my workspace. Just a bunch of LED lights turned it from a crypt to something I enjoyed being in. You'll really appreciate the difference.
1:07 this is exactly why seeing warbirds at airshows is so fun, some of those planes saw combat and the idea that they get to spend their time in old age inspiring and entertaining people while being cared for by a mind bogglingly devoted team of people is just really nice to think about
I’m glad that you have had this conversation.. As a first responder I see too many people that don’t have this conversation and it can devastate/destroy a family and friends to have to deal with it…
Living halfway across the world, I would relish the opportunity to visit your shop one day. Your skill and enthusiasm are immensely appreciated, and watching your projects is a great source of inspiration.
One of my most profound learning experiences from this channel is using a space for all of my needs. I grew up an automotive mechanic; a shop was designed around that. I became a hobbyist woodworker, prop maker, child’s toy repair person, electrician…etc and I realized I needed the space to work for all of my needs. This is why your information of your experience is so useful. The way you slice your own private pie is infinitesimally useful due to the fact you are the Swiss Army knife of trades.
I have a much smaller but similar issue. All my bikes, all my tools, all my old comics and all my other stuff. I was born in 68 so whilst I hope I have a good while left to go, I need to start planning now.
I love that you brought up the armory at the Met! As someone who does Medieval Armored Combat (which if you're interested in trying, please reach out), I'm fascinated by the continued use of historical artifacts in the creation and maintenance of armor, especially since 90% of the stuff we use NOW isn't too far off from those original tools. ⚔✨
I lost my dad in 2020 and man, his shop was tiny in comparison but so overwhelming to sort out things I would take, thinks my siblings and their kids would use, things my mom might still find handy and things that could be sold. The fact that I had to pause and have memories on things didn't speed it up either. I couldn't imagine being one of Adam's family members trying to sort it.
I'm working on laying out my office/cave area from scratch, and your recent videos have been so helpful just for helping me think about the processes to how I work, and for tricking my ADD/autism into feeling like I'm got someone working alongside me
Man, it is neat to hear that my process for "culling" stuff is lockstep with Adam Savage. Getting stuff into the hands of people who will use it or love it more than I can/do is a big deal, and everyone wins that way.
Don't let other videographers instill a fear of TIG in you Adam! It's one of those skill sets where there are few very vocal and judgemental people that make a lot of noise. This leads to the comments like "sorry this looks bad" even when the weld actually looks pretty good. For all the things I have seen you do following you over the years, you can absolutely do this too!
Founding a makers cooperative seems like an incredible way to cement your legacy by giving those who share the passion the opportunity to participate and build and share in work of creating and making.
Just sold £500 worth of warhammer space marines for £150 and your video helped me get through the pain of monetary loss. Sold as a lot to a player so they will live on hopefully in regular victory.
I have a really nice collection of useable antique and vintage woodworking tools. It was a joy to find and restore them. Ive told my kids to save what they want but to put the tools out there so someone else can experience the joy of finding them.
One thing I would love to see as time progresses is a 3D/LIDAR scan of the spaces which can' be recreated in VR, this allows us to get ideas and share feedback on our own successes we have in our own shops from something we may see in yours. I only wish I could have my shop as clean as yours but I know it's because the storage system is terrible and better lighting would probably also help me too.
As someone who has dealt with estates I can’t tell you how important it is for people to consider this and have their affairs in order. It’s a great question.
My dad died at 77, a few years ago - held on to much he never used. I started on a minimalizing quest since then, in moderation. Have to say that the less attachment to things, the better. To each their own though.
Listen, my belief about TIG welds and the internet is, it is kind of like when you clean your house before people come over. You do your absolute best to make it perfect, then when the come over you will always apologize and say “I am sorry about what a mess our place is!” To make them think that it isn’t the best it’s been in a long while. If you get the weld structurally sound and somewhat presentable. Be happy with that.
Right on brother,it's so great to hear someone who understands that tools are better when they are in hands that are using them. The money isn't the point,passing on the love of creating something is and I thank you for passing that and the tools to do it on to others.
I agree, it's great to hear that it won't be for the most part going to a museum. I feel that sending anything to a museum is gone forever. Not that museums are bad, there's great benefits to museums.
Totally correct about good vendors sending a few extras. Metal roofing is an example. Often get a "top sheet" that works great when you screw up a panel or the count.
Your example of the Museum of Modern Art using acquired armor making tools to repair/conserve other museum acquisitions reminds me of how museum ships operate. A few years ago, the Battleship Alabama museum restored the shipboard machine shop's 18" Lodge & Shipley lathe, and they are now able to use it and othe machine tools in the shipboard machine shop to perform repair and conservation operations for other parts of the ship. Living museums are the best.
This might be the most satisfying video you've ever posted because I have wondering these things about you for years, particularly after Grant passed away. I always assumed you had an end of life plan, but it's really comforting to have you confirm it.
You have the right attitude. I’ve told my Wife that if I go first and I haven’t reached the point where I’ve parted with things on my own, then she’ll have no trouble getting rid of my woodworking and metalworking tools and equipment if she offers it cheaply enough to make it attractive enough for someone to be willing to get it out of my basement.
My grandmother will be 94. My grandparents farmed and ranched for decades. My granddad has been gone since '11. But, there is still A LOT left out at the homestead. My dad ran a successful machine shop for years and us now semi-retired. He has acquired a lot of tools and materials over time. I too, have acquired so much from a career as a tradesman. Figuring out what to do after they're gone is daunting.
Yeah, i think thats why garage sales are so rare these days because people forgot what theyre supposed to be for. Except for huge things like an oak dresser or some kind of large machinery, things arent supposed to be that expensive. Its supposed to be "i need to get rid of stuff but literally throwing it away is bad"
Really impressive your willingness to take on a question that would be perceived by some others as intimate or intrusive, yet you shared a bit of how you view the tools and the space. Really like this video
@@RowanHawkinsfor me it’s infrequent use. I’ll buy a set because it’s cheaper to get the set than the 5 I use all the time and no sooner do I get the set and moan about the trivial price I paid over the 5 I need then suddenly I need the two or three I didn’t think I would need and the one I was certain I absolutely didn’t need.
I just did that kind of garage sale a few months ago. I loved seeing things go to people who would love them as intensely as had I and my family. The most special treasures I gave away free to the "perfect" person. Very heartwarming, and I still made over $1000.
Funny! Thinking about what happens with all your stuff when you have left, is a question we discussed at TamiyaClub recently. I myself will turn 60 at the end of 2024, and I am still crazy for modelling as if I was 10. But I have to do some deep thoughts about what is coming after me. We had a couple in our motorcycle sidecar community of interests where the man got a brain tumor and died, he left his wife with 150 (vintage) nitro model engines and several old motorcycles. She had to deal with getting all that stuff off her flat. The bad thing was, that some of the engines had been lend to a museum, and the folks there told her, that they can't tell which of the nitro engines were lend to them. What I find hard to believe. During my last move I already made some inventory lists about all my RC and static models. On one hand good to know, on the other hand realizing how silly one has to be to hord such a pile of things ... don't you forget, here in Germany we say: "The last shirt has no pockets, the coffin no shelf and the hearse no hitch!"
My grandparents were collectors, toys, guns, barbies. When they passed it was a nightmare, there were hundreds of items to sell or get rid of. Worst still, there were 'price guides' based on what they paid and some family saw it as a way to make money and tried to get back what was paid. After everything was sold and money distributed to the family members, a rift formed due to perceived value and what was actually handed out. It broke trust, it made some feel like they were ripped off, and it's never been the same since. Siblings don't talk to each other to this day, almost 15 years later because of it. This is not an uncommon story in my experience. My parents have learned from this, and have greatly reduced the amount of stuff they own and instead put money into things like life insurance policies and / or investments that will benefit more, and leave little behind to sort through and sell. It's something everyone should consider themselves at some point before they go. I love the idea of the "party" garage sale, I think that kind of thing should be fun, what you are doing is selling memories of the people who passed, to others to make new ones.
Yes, those price guides can be a source of confusion to non collectors. Those are the prices you could reasonably expect to get at an auction. They aren't necessarily the inherent value of the items. I learned that long ago when I was a kid in a comic book/base ball card shop. A kid came in with a card that he wanted to sell and was angry because the shop owner only offered him a quarter of the price of the value listed in the price guide. The owner told him that the price guide value was HIS price value, what HE could sell it for to a COLLECTOR, then explained that in order to make money off it he had to consider that he was buying it as an investment because it may take years or even decades before a collector wanted to buy that one particular card. If he paid close to the listed value and it took ten years to sell the card did he even make money off of it? Always keep in mind that most of those who want to purchase a collectible also want to make money off of it as well unless they are actually a collector themselves.
I understand that price guides are based on the best scenario, and it's extremely rare that an individual seller will get anywhere near listed prices. Perceived value and personal attachment also play into it. Several years ago I had the opportunity to twice visit the home of a woman born in 1920. She had carefully curated, displayed and stored dolls, political buttons and ephemera, playbills and other stage ephemera, historical newspapers, and so much more. Her home was one interconnecting room after the other with vitrines, cabinets, open shelves and closed flatfiles. She wanted to ensure that collections got to the right people who would appreciate them, but she didn't want to give them up even in her mid-90s and never made arrangements to do so. I fear when she passed away that they were all tossed. Another one: we happened upon the estate sale of a woman who must have had dementia and/or hoarding tendencies; her sizable home was packed to the gills with books - some titles purchased multiple times. Her family was basing selling prices on the books' cover prices which slowed "checkout" to a standstill and dissuaded many buyers, us included. In attempting to recoup what they feel the woman wasted, they in turn wasted the opportunity to clear the house. "The money's already gone."
@@ArtamStudio The thing is the price guides were what *they paid* which in no way reflected value. My grandparents weren't super great at collecting, they tended to buy high and sell low.
My dad (who is still with us) many years left numerous huge heavy boxes of machinist tools in our garage. After moving them to several house over the years, we donated most of them to a maker space that had some retired Boeing Machinists who were training at low income kids the basis (and more) of becoming a Machinists. He felt that learning how to use old school (more affordable) tools was important to kids wanting to be machinists.
For someone with an analytical mind like yours and the manual dexterity you must have after so many years of creation, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding I think would be the perfect type for you to get good at. It's certainly one of the most flexible types of welding with pedal-operated setups, allowing you to work on ultra tiny things that just need the faintest drop of weld all the way up to very very large things depending on how long you want to take about it. You can even use it to melt out and remove metal in a mostly controlled fashion if you turn it up high enough. It's the welding process that lets you see the most clearly what you're doing and I think is the most suited to your particular brand of creation, which ends up resulting in extremely high quality end-products. As with anything else it just takes practice, and you'll find there can be a rhythm to it once you get going on a weld. Good luck and have fun, you got this!
A perspective on the garage sale/pricing thing, there's been discussion among the toy-collecting community I'm in. When people are clearing out collections, the usual mindset is "I'd like to get my money back." But you spent that money weeks, months, or (more likely) years earlier. That money is gone, it is not likely part of your budgeting process. No matter what it is - a $5 action figure from the late 90s or a $2,000 camera lens that collects dust - It's money that was already spent and is gone. You will NEVER get it back except hypothetically on a spreadsheet somewhere if you're "keeping score." If you bought a $200 widget 10 years ago and then you sell it tomorrow for $20, you're not "out" $180, you're up $20 and you have a little bit of storage space back. That's the mentality you should have if you're selling stuff specifically just to get rid of it.
Yes, exactly! I recently tore open a package of dinner napkins with the theme of a particular 1980s movie. (Just the tip of the iceberg from "tie-in products and collectibles from this particular movie.") My spouse was appalled. I said I'd checked on eBay and they were virtually worthless, so may as well enjoy. This is just the beginning.
From your older videos I found your space to be overwhelming, just seeing in video (although amazing.) Since the reorganization I think it's open and clean and inviting.
Are you familiar with the Australian concept of 'hard rubbish'? People put unwanted items out on the footpath (kerb) and the local council collects it for disposal. But until the truck arrives, it's fair game for anyone to come by and retrieve a treasure from a neighbour's trash
Very common practice in urban and some suburban areas in the States. Also craigslist free listings, Buy Nothing groups on Facebook, Freecycle and Next Door.
My son went to a "Tested" garage sale years back and bought their Thingomatic 3D printer - and Norm even signed it for him. He actually printed something on it for me just a few months back (so this stuff does get used). He also has one of the Mythbusters "proof of concept" RC cars (it is elongated, I believe to simulate a bus?) from SCRAP in San Francisco. Lastly we have a picture of him with Adam when he spoke at the California State Science Fair in 2006. The only thing that would have been better if Adam was there in 2005 when our son won 1st place in his category. I think it is great that Adam is thinking the end through and being an encouragement to those who follow him. Thank you Adam.
My grandfather passed away in 2007. Cancer for a third time. We, the family, didn't get to go through his full garage until our grandmother was end of life. In a way, I wish he'd been around and alive for us to go through things. I didn't take to many tools or things as I live hours away from their home. What I did take were things of note to me and things that the rest of the men in the family didn't want. His initials were on almost all of his tools. The man must have gone through a dozen engravers over the years to do this. Letting things go for a song, I like that for you. It's witty. If I had to to do the same for me, It would be writing your favorite movie on one wall in the shop.
Not sure if this is new but about halfway through this video I noticed the very high video quality. It feels more like we are in the room with Adam with the quality being so high, thanks.
If you are tackling lighting in a shop space, I want to stress the importance of the floor. I had a buddy with a really dark concrete floor, and he was sick of how dungeony his shop was, so he hung so many lights. It still didnt help. He ended up putting down a really light gray flooring epoxy and it brightened up the shop so much. Before you start hanging lights, look at what you're illuminating, and see if thats the problem. He ended up taking down all of those lights he spent hours hanging and wiring.
I love that garage sale philosophy. I've done several group garage sales in the past and people are always so surprised that I take in more cash with lower prices on mid-quality stuff because I want it GONE and the cash is more a bonus than anything.
What a fantastic question. I’m always threatening to leave my niece my studio full of art supplies in my will, but in reality it does bother me to think of whoever is going to have to deal with all this crap when I die. I need to remember that whoever it is that ends up having to deal with it, probably doesn’t have any idea what half this stuff even is. I think I’ll add instructions for it in my will; love the yardsale idea, assuming my heir will want to deal with hosting a yard sale. It’s hard work and can be a headache. I can hear them cursing me now. I’ll be looking down on the yardsale laughing my a$$ off. 😂
Take pictures on a neutral grey background, with measurements (with measuring sticks like the cops have), weight, material the object is made of, detailed description what it is used for, when it came into your possession (year, price, from who). Keep pictures with descriptions. Make the will now. Up date it, as necessary, every year, if necessary. That way there will be no questions. Period. JIMHO
youre Mig and Tig systems could always be made to be movable ... and have safety screens for when being used that can be setup ... then the few times you do need them just setup them up where needed place the safety screens and then get to work ... once done pack them up and store them back in their spot ... heck that "hardware Store" space would be a great spot for that to get setup in since it does have the room to support a good sized short term welding spot
Having seen estates of all types get processed. If you want something to go to an organization or person. Please take a moment to pass it on while you are able bodied. People especially friends and acquaintances often do not feel it is their place to take things from your estate after your passing.
For an all-in-one welder, check out the Miller Multimatic 220 MIG + AC/DC TIG + Stick Welder. It does all processes, it's 120/220, and it automatically changes settings based on what you're welding. It's a really fantastic welder for starting out and it's perfect if you're not welding really heavy material. I know you have welders but this one seems ready made for what you need it for.
Oh my gosh! Your wife and mine experience the same overwhelm from the cacophony! Unfortunately we bought a new home and I’m between caves, so most of my robotics startup (building a practical Mech) is in my home. I feel so bad for her, but she knows how important it is to me and she believes in the cause, that she won’t force me to dump it. Thanks Adam for all your sharing!
Just jump into the TIG welding. I was the same way. I felt like I didn't have the skill set to get it, but I took a course at a local adult education center under an amazing instructor, and even though it was just an intro course It gave me the confidence to get started. It also helped when he described TIG welding like soldering. it's all about bringing the area to the right temp. unlike MIG welding you have the control and visibility to see the metal hit its melting point, just like when solder melts, and you can direct the heat to one side or the other to get the filler rod to flow where you want. also just like soldering. I'm still not any kind of master, but the more I do it the better it gets, and I really prefer it to MIG welding.
You kinda touched on something that I think is really important. A collection of things, of tools to make, or of things made with tools, I don't think should be static. It needs to grow, to evolve, and to live and change. The tools and materials and whatnot from ILM are cool, and stuff that's used will eventually be used up, but a tool or a building material that's, as you said, encased in amber, it may last forever, but it's not meant to. It's meant to be used. It reminds me of a quote that I really like.. I don't remember it exactly, but... "A ship that stays sheltered in the harbour is safe from the fury of the storm... But that's not what ships are for." - Capt. James T. Kirk (Star Trek Continues, Episode 9)
Oh I so would love to go to that garage sale! You inspired me to be a maker and then because of your videos my son now wants to be a maker you opened a magical door for him. I do hope you live a long healthy life so you can impact so many more people and kid. Thank you for sharing your talents with us
My Dad passed away at the end of last year, leaving his collection of tools to me who used to be a model maker for photographers and a woodwork teacher. I know I need to sort through what if useful to me and not but it's difficult. Hand labeled Tabacco tins of screws, carefully organized and sorted to huge bench saws. It's hard to let things go.
Not yet sure what i'm going to end up making in my later years but most important of all I wish I will be with someone who understands the need of seperate spaces of artistic outlets as you and your misses do! Quite important lesson
I recently retired and assessed my garage situation, selling off or give away tools that aren't being used. It solves several issues: My garage is small enough that every square inch is valuable, and unused tools take up space. Selling them returns some money to my pocket. Getting some stuff out of the garage means that my family doesn't have to deal with them "after."
I'm in my 30's and I've had a living will for years. I've heard too many bad stories about problems people had with relatives because the dead person didn't have a will.
I think it's an issue that all makers will come to face. What will happen when I pass away? I am downsizing my space at present, and it is hard. Some things just have sentimental value, but once you're gone, that will be lost. Also I find makers are also hoarders, they keep things because it might be useful for something. Ideally, I think I would like to leave my stuff, which is generally model-making, woodwork and electronics stuff to a maker space, but that would need planning
SOO many great recommendations and strategies in your shop. I've used many in building my own space, and its been HUGELY helpful. Thank you so much for this space. I love the "wizard cave" vibe.
I’m a museum director, so I guess I have a different view of museums. I think a bunch of Adam’s creation would be great for a museum. The videos would be vital for interpretation. But it would be lovely, to use one of Adam’s favorite words, for the tools and supplies to continue to have useful lives. As someone commented, unless Adam owns the building, or comes to own it, or a family member,bet or fan buys it, the space can’t last as he leaves it. To be a useful museum, any space will need to be larger than his current one to leave room for interpreters and visitors. In any case, it would be amazing for him to bring on some folks to catalog the collections. Then, even if the tools get scattered, we would still know what tools he had and how he used them. Perhaps some foundation would supply funding. What a great project for many budding maker-registrars!
My mom dealt with her mother and an aunt's estate a few years apart from each other and immediately started downsizing so that we'd have less crap to deal with when they went. A few years later my dad died, and she downsized again to move into a condo, and even that was overwhelming. Pretty sure we got "ripped off" by an antique dealer who we had come by to check stuff out, but he also paid us to take away so much literal junk that I think it came out even. When people had like 8 kids and died in their 60s-70s, it wasn't so bad, but now that people are hitting their 90s with only two kids, there's just so much stuff you're trying to fit into your already full homee. There's like one thing my mom owns that I actually want to inherit. And we don't need 2 more sets of china, we already have two sets in the basement we never use.
OH man my next door neighbor was an engineer for the local tv station and he in his will gave me everything he had in his house and including his house-he was the type of man who if he can not find anything for his plasma cutter-diff tips and various regulators -he just went out and bought a new plasma cutter and total set up, he had 4 of them. He sadly passed 2 years ago we are still going thru his shop and other various sheds
8:46 - nearly did a spit take while watching Adam gesture to things, then lean over out of frame and pick up AN ENTIRE METER LONG LIST! Who KNOWS what all is on that list! :O
Same here! What is that list?! Is it a tool inventory? I’ve never heard Adam refer to it but I am aware of his love of a good list and checkbox system from his ILM days.
Last yard/garage sale we had after we moved to a smaller space, and similar to yours in that everything was "priced to go". I had no issue with people making bulk offers on stuff, but there were also people that just wanted to haggle on the stupidest, most petty things... like nice handtools priced at $2 they'd try to get for $1... those people rubbed me the wrong way. Overall it was a great experience though.
Just came across this video and as sort of a "yes, and..." I wanted to mention the concept of Döstädning, which translates from Swedish as "death cleaning". As I understand it (and as I'm trying to apply it) the basic philosophy is that near the mid point of your life you switch from accumulating things to passing them along to others who'll use and appreciate them in recognition of the fact that one's life is finite. It's sort of boarder context or framework for some of some of the KonMari, de-cluttering, and minimalism ideas you'll see tossed around.
I had to stop the video to write this. When you spoke about your wife not coming to the cave, it made me smile because my circumstances are similar. Only I am only 20 feet away from the house. It also makes me dream of a cave that is far enough away that things don't migraine there on their own.l, but close enough that travel doesn't impede the desire to make something. Which makes me think, what distance is the goldilocks zone for a shop?
With thanks to Tested members Michael Spalsbury, Eric Beatty, Karl Gallagher, Michael Schnell, Ken French, DFriendly and Andrew Montgomery for their questions and support. Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks such as asking Adam questions: th-cam.com/channels/iDJtJKMICpb9B1qf7qjEOA.htmljoin
Tour of Adam Savage's Shop (2024): th-cam.com/video/j8LqMv416mw/w-d-xo.html
Tour of Adam Savage's Shop (2014): th-cam.com/video/l9AqYaSRjw0/w-d-xo.html
How to Transform a (Very) Crowded Workshop: th-cam.com/video/6GWQBpvdC0c/w-d-xo.html
Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Flat File Tool Storage Cabinet: th-cam.com/video/XA55CGj4FiU/w-d-xo.html
An Interview With Former Star Wars Modeler Lorne Peterson: th-cam.com/video/_WP5MKWGCrs/w-d-xo.html
The Iconic Sounds of Star Wars: th-cam.com/video/KAg4wySzgUg/w-d-xo.html
LAST LOOK Inside the Former ILM Production Studio: th-cam.com/video/QAZKWMei8gg/w-d-xo.html
Dear Adam is that what I am thinking it is on your left arm?
Do you have epicondylitis? 🤗
@@V2000-t8v Adam has tennis elbow; that brace really helps him.
@@tested It is the other name of epicondylitis 🙂 I have it too but not from tennis. From frequent writing on keyboard on a narrow table that didn't have enough area to rest my arm. Thankfully my right arm is ok.
For me take months to get well after 10 days of physiotherapy.
Get well soon 😘🤗😊
I work at max metal and made that order up. It was a mistake that I paid for out of my paycheck. 🫠
The best form of recycling and passing it forward, is using something to make other things for others.
Mr. Savage I just gave my luthier shop to my apprentice when I was diagnosed with emphysema. It was the best way to continue all the years of work and techniques I developed. My family would just sale it all. I love watching your work.
Got a plug for the new guy? True luthierie is a dying art and needs as much support as the community can muster. Happy to pass the word for the shop.
I hope to do the same with my workshop. Selling everything would only get pennies on the dollar, whereas it could be an eternal gold mine for the right person
Wishing you the very best. What a thoughtful thing you are doing for the world!
Wishing you the very best. What a thoughtful thing you are doing for the world!
He clearly doesn't want a museum but a makerspace --- a way to use not display his tools.
My neighbor, who is 81, today came around and told me that he was giving away a bunch of tools. Drills saws some hand planes and other things. He was lovely enough to ask if I wanted them first. We had a long conversation about how hard it is to close out that part of your life and the general acceptance that comes with that. I will forever be grateful for his generosity... and his Disston No.1 saw vice.
😂
Speaking as someone who was a TIG welder for years before finding my true calling, Please please please create a seperate welding area with a good ventilating fan, block walls, concrete floor, metal door, and a ceiling that won't burn. And, most importantly, get a really loud low-oxygen alarm. I walked into a room that had an Argon leak, and passed out in seconds. There was no feeling of not being able to breathe, either; that is caused by too much CO2 - the human body doesn't have a sensor for too little O2. If I had been alone or with someone stupid enough to follow me in instead of using the rescue stick, I would be dead. That reminds me; also get a long "sheepherd's crook" rescue stick with a hook that can pull a body out of a room.
WOW! That's really important! Thanks 👍🏼
I will start a fundraiser to take it over and turn it into a museum if you let me. You know I'm not joking.
If Adam ever was up for that I'd sure pitch in. I think The Savage Museum of Making has a nice ring to it. Could make it part museum, part workspace for classes taught by local or visiting makers.
Kyle here ? Like one of my TH-cam God talking to another of my TH-cam God ? Did I die and went to Heaven already, or ?
@Adam, please talk to Kyle about that. Please open a museum together. You know we're not joking. :D
Tools should be used, the products of these tools should be on display.
I cast my nonexistent vote to this.
Hands on museum
Not gonna lie, when the end of life plan came up I got choked up for a second. So many people have said this but when I was a little kid growing up mythbusters was one of my all time favorite shows to watch and then when I discovered your channel a few years ago it was amazing to see all the things you do and how you keep inspiring people to be creative and learn. Now that you’re getting older the reality of you being gone someday is finally setting in and I just wanted to say thank you 🙏 you’re not just an icon in the movie industry but you are also a beloved part of so many peoples childhoods and adult lives as well and that’s a legacy that I know will carry on even after you’re gone from this world brother ❤️ ✌️
You’re so humble, but as a near-lifetime fan, I am POSITIVE much of your shop will be turned into a bonafide museum. Let the tools out the cases by all means, but at least save some of your one-off projects and the general layout. Being able to visit your space and get a glimpse inside your mind would be an honor beyond compare.
Nah, it'll become a shrine to St. Adam the Savage, patron saint of makers and busters.
@@stevenbergom3415 a shrine where people gather to use table saws and hand drills as well as gawk at the eclectic items hanging from the ceiling.
@@stevenbergom3415no offense but Adam will never be a saint until he turns away from his blasphemous vocabulary. Not saying he should or whatever but we shouldn't categorize people as saints willy nilly. those people have devoted their entire life to others and strived to live as holy as possible
@@permabearxbtyou must be fun at parties
@@permabearxbt I don't want to burst any bubbles, all real saints even the one fit your description, have scalations in there closets, it just how big or small they where? (well if your going as saint the smaller the scalations in there closets or closet is the better, but we all have something? and if Adams is a poty mouth, you can get a lot worse thing to do?
I'm part of a Tool Library that received a generous donation of one man's workshop. We're talking SawStop, drill presses, planer, bandsaws, and many small power tools and hand tools. What's even better, he taught several of us how to use and maintain the machines.
Imagine stumbling upon Adam's garage sale. The gems to be had!!
People wont know how crazy I am until I die. Most of my things are cataloged for insurance, and I've had a contingency e-mail that I pause from going out every month in case I die with my will and goodbyes that I update once in a while. I've had an end of life plan since I was like 14. I had several surgeries at a young age that had high probability of death so I guess I just came to terms with it at a really young age and have always planned for it. I don't wanna die at all, but if I do I know I've taken care of a number of things so many other people are afraid to even think about. I have helped a few other friends with this kind of planning and it's really rewarding to me.
Leaving an abundance of stuff for your family to deal with is something that’s is ok to talk about, good topic. The older I get the more I take catalog on the items I collect or tools I purchase. In the last few years I definitely have not purchased items because of it being so specific/unique and maybe hard for my family to dispose of, more items that are expensive or for a very specific purpose. All in all, no matter the age, I think it’s a good thing to think about if we really need an item or not. It has inspired me to collect less items or just focus my collections on a smaller more healthly amount. Also, I am getting over the rush of buying stuff, which is addicting. I enjoy Adam’s collections, and glad he can share these detailed stories about them and not let the cool knowledge be forgotten.
My grandpa went hardcore into documenting his stuff. He wrote a small note on pretty much everything that wasn't basic "stuff". He numbered small items like jewelry and had books with known values and small stories on ALL OF IT. Stuff like "I bought this to my wife in "shop" in 1939 for x, she loved it, I didn't enjoy paying".
In the photo albums he had a story on most of the photos. Known dates, locations, why they where there etc.
It made the whole experience of cleaning out his house a lot of fun, brought up a lot of good (some bad) things from my dads childhood and we laughed a lot. Also he admitted that he did aquire the towns first ice hockey rink through illigitimate means (he stole the damn thing somehow)... We knew of the rumours, but he never admitted to it, politician as he was!
@@Celciusify I love the note idea!
Oh my god. Adams shop turning into a public maker space (after he is done with it) would be incredible. The inspiration and just emotion of being there would be an incredible place to work.
If his shop turned into a makerspace, half the stuff would be busted within 6 months
@@gorak9000 unfortunately true
This is what I was thinking. Others are talking about turning his shop into a museum after he goes, but I think he'd be much happier if it was turned into a freely usable space that ran workshops for children and young people interested in learning to make things. I can't think of anything that would probably make Adam happier than children learning to make their own toys (and a little science along the way).
I’m not sure how useful one “like” is to a video that has this vast of a viewership, but I’m smashing lithe button as soon as Adam said “I want this hardware store available to my community”…says a guy who is doing well financially, but has the main goal of the craft, not the making of money. Love you Adam.
I think there's a happy medium between a makerspace and a museum. A learning space where the tools can be used to teach new makers how to use them, while all around are exhibits housing your projects to serve as both examples and inspiration.
You've talked the talk and walked the walk about lowering the barrier to entry for new makers. Leaving it all as a teaching tool would, IMHO, the perfect way to sum up and cement that legacy.
One of the most liberating times of my life was after I retired. A few years after really. I decided to sell my house in San Francisco and RV full time. I was putting stuff on craiges list and figured I'd sell it all and throw away what wasn't wanted while the house was being listed and shown. It sold the weekend it was first shown. Seeing how slowly things were going that I was listing. my leisurely plan to sell everything was ended. I started giving stuff away. That wasn't going to work either. I did have a 30 day exit after the sale clause in the contract so that's all the time I had and it got down to 2 weeks left and a crap load of stuff still in the house. One visit was a guy with a pick up truck that came to get some single item and it dawned on me, "Hey, do you want..." and I loaded him up with evrmerything he'd need to finish a house. I emptied the house in that 2 weeks. Oddly enough I gave away stuff I'd bought and sold stuff I'd gotten for free. Junk I'd put on the curb for trash pick up, people asked what I would take for it. It made the whole process fun. I unloaded 3000 sqdt of stuff in that 2 weeks and the last thing I sold I sold at a massive discount and it was picked up the day before my deadline. Getting rid of stuff is a good feeling. I didn't really end up throwing much away. I did spend almost a week burning financial records that were decades past being necessary to retain.
I’m an art conservator and this is a huge part of conservation, particularly since the 1980s to now is such a refreshing new idea of cultural heritage items and their practical or even religious uses. Thinking of conservation and what you may do to conserve something involves considering why it’s being conserved and how it may still be used. I love the idea of keeping using things instead of locking them away because of their history
It's always nice hearing the shared philosophy of what a garage sale should be. It's nice to make a little money, but the stuff should be priced as you said, "getting your stuff into someone else's house". It sparks a childhood memory of my family holding a garage sale on Black Friday almost every year when I was growing up. My mother made a point to have things priced to move, and it was such a good deal for our community that the one year we didn't hold it, we had people driving by our house all day to see if we were going to have said sale. Heck, we even had a handful of people knock on our door and ask. I took that memory, and use it whenever I do my own sales now. I price the things to move so people can enjoy them. Yes I may have paid X dollars on a table 10 years ago, but the simple matter is I got my money out of it. The fact that I used it and cared for it, is payment enough. So selling it for cheap ensures that cycle continues.
Side note, if you want to see a fantastic maker space, I highly recommend visiting the InVenture Studio on Georgia Tech's campus, next time you find yourself in Atlanta.
My entire suite of woodworking tools was started from a man who was downsizing and had to leave his garage behind. Between my dad, 2 brothers, and myself, I like to think the majority of the tools he shared have not only been used, but inspired a new hobby of myself.
You've made a massive impact on generations and you seem determined to continue that legacy and I love it
I really glad you're out here pushing the inheritance issue. I've seen so many of my friends having to deal with parents' stuff, we're dealing with my Mother in Law's quilting shop right now. Helped someone else out sell off my friend's game figures and SCA armor when he died. Not to mention the woman in Florida who threw out over $100K in model trains because she was tired of all the "toy junk" in her house. Its just so much trouble if we don't prep for those contingencies for them.
As for the lighting, that's what made the huge difference for my in my workspace. Just a bunch of LED lights turned it from a crypt to something I enjoyed being in. You'll really appreciate the difference.
1:07 this is exactly why seeing warbirds at airshows is so fun, some of those planes saw combat and the idea that they get to spend their time in old age inspiring and entertaining people while being cared for by a mind bogglingly devoted team of people is just really nice to think about
I’m glad that you have had this conversation.. As a first responder I see too many people that don’t have this conversation and it can devastate/destroy a family and friends to have to deal with it…
Living halfway across the world, I would relish the opportunity to visit your shop one day. Your skill and enthusiasm are immensely appreciated, and watching your projects is a great source of inspiration.
One of my most profound learning experiences from this channel is using a space for all of my needs.
I grew up an automotive mechanic; a shop was designed around that.
I became a hobbyist woodworker, prop maker, child’s toy repair person, electrician…etc and I realized I needed the space to work for all of my needs. This is why your information of your experience is so useful.
The way you slice your own private pie is infinitesimally useful due to the fact you are the Swiss Army knife of trades.
there needs too be an adam savage museum one day. I would travel to visit that and see all the exhibits
Of course, we would need an animatronic version of Adam Savage to welcome us and maybe offer a story or two.
Adam Savage's Maker Space
@@InsoIencemaker space, museum, and inspiration center!
I have a much smaller but similar issue. All my bikes, all my tools, all my old comics and all my other stuff. I was born in 68 so whilst I hope I have a good while left to go, I need to start planning now.
I love that you brought up the armory at the Met! As someone who does Medieval Armored Combat (which if you're interested in trying, please reach out), I'm fascinated by the continued use of historical artifacts in the creation and maintenance of armor, especially since 90% of the stuff we use NOW isn't too far off from those original tools. ⚔✨
Finally, the question I have thought about for years but didn’t want to ask myself.
I lost my dad in 2020 and man, his shop was tiny in comparison but so overwhelming to sort out things I would take, thinks my siblings and their kids would use, things my mom might still find handy and things that could be sold. The fact that I had to pause and have memories on things didn't speed it up either. I couldn't imagine being one of Adam's family members trying to sort it.
I'm working on laying out my office/cave area from scratch, and your recent videos have been so helpful just for helping me think about the processes to how I work, and for tricking my ADD/autism into feeling like I'm got someone working alongside me
Man, it is neat to hear that my process for "culling" stuff is lockstep with Adam Savage. Getting stuff into the hands of people who will use it or love it more than I can/do is a big deal, and everyone wins that way.
Thank you for confirming my opinion of garage sales!! It is to get rid of stuff - not to make back your purchase price. It drives me crazy!
Don't let other videographers instill a fear of TIG in you Adam! It's one of those skill sets where there are few very vocal and judgemental people that make a lot of noise. This leads to the comments like "sorry this looks bad" even when the weld actually looks pretty good. For all the things I have seen you do following you over the years, you can absolutely do this too!
Founding a makers cooperative seems like an incredible way to cement your legacy by giving those who share the passion the opportunity to participate and build and share in work of creating and making.
Just sold £500 worth of warhammer space marines for £150 and your video helped me get through the pain of monetary loss. Sold as a lot to a player so they will live on hopefully in regular victory.
I love your partner’s nom-de-guerre, “Mrs Don’t-Try-This;” it’s so perfect.
I have a really nice collection of useable antique and vintage woodworking tools. It was a joy to find and restore them. Ive told my kids to save what they want but to put the tools out there so someone else can experience the joy of finding them.
One thing I would love to see as time progresses is a 3D/LIDAR scan of the spaces which can' be recreated in VR, this allows us to get ideas and share feedback on our own successes we have in our own shops from something we may see in yours. I only wish I could have my shop as clean as yours but I know it's because the storage system is terrible and better lighting would probably also help me too.
Assistants!
Great idea
As someone who has dealt with estates I can’t tell you how important it is for people to consider this and have their affairs in order. It’s a great question.
Love your garage sale attitude of selling things cheaply so they get into someone else's homes and are used again.
My dad died at 77, a few years ago - held on to much he never used. I started on a minimalizing quest since then, in moderation. Have to say that the less attachment to things, the better. To each their own though.
Listen, my belief about TIG welds and the internet is, it is kind of like when you clean your house before people come over. You do your absolute best to make it perfect, then when the come over you will always apologize and say “I am sorry about what a mess our place is!” To make them think that it isn’t the best it’s been in a long while.
If you get the weld structurally sound and somewhat presentable. Be happy with that.
Right on brother,it's so great to hear someone who understands that tools are better when they are in hands that are using them. The money isn't the point,passing on the love of creating something is and I thank you for passing that and the tools to do it on to others.
I agree, it's great to hear that it won't be for the most part going to a museum. I feel that sending anything to a museum is gone forever. Not that museums are bad, there's great benefits to museums.
Adam's display of the everything of everything shop, is so satisfyingly nice, the fulfillment even spills over into loving my own shop's chaos
Love it! I have just great fun getting tools into the hands of folks that need. It’s fun!
Totally correct about good vendors sending a few extras. Metal roofing is an example. Often get a "top sheet" that works great when you screw up a panel or the count.
Can you imagine rocking up to a garage sale and seeing Adam savage there...selling his stuff! Dreams!
Your example of the Museum of Modern Art using acquired armor making tools to repair/conserve other museum acquisitions reminds me of how museum ships operate. A few years ago, the Battleship Alabama museum restored the shipboard machine shop's 18" Lodge & Shipley lathe, and they are now able to use it and othe machine tools in the shipboard machine shop to perform repair and conservation operations for other parts of the ship. Living museums are the best.
This might be the most satisfying video you've ever posted because I have wondering these things about you for years, particularly after Grant passed away. I always assumed you had an end of life plan, but it's really comforting to have you confirm it.
You have the right attitude. I’ve told my Wife that if I go first and I haven’t reached the point where I’ve parted with things on my own, then she’ll have no trouble getting rid of my woodworking and metalworking tools and equipment if she offers it cheaply enough to make it attractive enough for someone to be willing to get it out of my basement.
My grandmother will be 94. My grandparents farmed and ranched for decades. My granddad has been gone since '11. But, there is still A LOT left out at the homestead. My dad ran a successful machine shop for years and us now semi-retired. He has acquired a lot of tools and materials over time. I too, have acquired so much from a career as a tradesman. Figuring out what to do after they're gone is daunting.
Yeah, i think thats why garage sales are so rare these days because people forgot what theyre supposed to be for.
Except for huge things like an oak dresser or some kind of large machinery, things arent supposed to be that expensive. Its supposed to be "i need to get rid of stuff but literally throwing it away is bad"
Really impressive your willingness to take on a question that would be perceived by some others as intimate or intrusive, yet you shared a bit of how you view the tools and the space. Really like this video
tools exist in 4 catagories.
1. in use
2. infrequent use
3. disrepair
4. dust magnet
So where would you categorize "completes the set"
@@RowanHawkins doesnt matter if it completes a set. it's either in use. infrequent use, or dust magnet.
@@RowanHawkinsfor me it’s infrequent use. I’ll buy a set because it’s cheaper to get the set than the 5 I use all the time and no sooner do I get the set and moan about the trivial price I paid over the 5 I need then suddenly I need the two or three I didn’t think I would need and the one I was certain I absolutely didn’t need.
Your shop is a dream that you have worked hard for and on. Congrats. Always a pleasure to see inside the space and mind that uses it.
I just did that kind of garage sale a few months ago. I loved seeing things go to people who would love them as intensely as had I and my family. The most special treasures I gave away free to the "perfect" person. Very heartwarming, and I still made over $1000.
Funny! Thinking about what happens with all your stuff when you have left, is a question we discussed at TamiyaClub recently. I myself will turn 60 at the end of 2024, and I am still crazy for modelling as if I was 10. But I have to do some deep thoughts about what is coming after me. We had a couple in our motorcycle sidecar community of interests where the man got a brain tumor and died, he left his wife with 150 (vintage) nitro model engines and several old motorcycles. She had to deal with getting all that stuff off her flat. The bad thing was, that some of the engines had been lend to a museum, and the folks there told her, that they can't tell which of the nitro engines were lend to them. What I find hard to believe. During my last move I already made some inventory lists about all my RC and static models. On one hand good to know, on the other hand realizing how silly one has to be to hord such a pile of things ... don't you forget, here in Germany we say: "The last shirt has no pockets, the coffin no shelf and the hearse no hitch!"
My grandparents were collectors, toys, guns, barbies. When they passed it was a nightmare, there were hundreds of items to sell or get rid of. Worst still, there were 'price guides' based on what they paid and some family saw it as a way to make money and tried to get back what was paid. After everything was sold and money distributed to the family members, a rift formed due to perceived value and what was actually handed out. It broke trust, it made some feel like they were ripped off, and it's never been the same since. Siblings don't talk to each other to this day, almost 15 years later because of it. This is not an uncommon story in my experience.
My parents have learned from this, and have greatly reduced the amount of stuff they own and instead put money into things like life insurance policies and / or investments that will benefit more, and leave little behind to sort through and sell. It's something everyone should consider themselves at some point before they go.
I love the idea of the "party" garage sale, I think that kind of thing should be fun, what you are doing is selling memories of the people who passed, to others to make new ones.
Yes, those price guides can be a source of confusion to non collectors. Those are the prices you could reasonably expect to get at an auction. They aren't necessarily the inherent value of the items. I learned that long ago when I was a kid in a comic book/base ball card shop. A kid came in with a card that he wanted to sell and was angry because the shop owner only offered him a quarter of the price of the value listed in the price guide. The owner told him that the price guide value was HIS price value, what HE could sell it for to a COLLECTOR, then explained that in order to make money off it he had to consider that he was buying it as an investment because it may take years or even decades before a collector wanted to buy that one particular card. If he paid close to the listed value and it took ten years to sell the card did he even make money off of it? Always keep in mind that most of those who want to purchase a collectible also want to make money off of it as well unless they are actually a collector themselves.
I understand that price guides are based on the best scenario, and it's extremely rare that an individual seller will get anywhere near listed prices. Perceived value and personal attachment also play into it.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to twice visit the home of a woman born in 1920. She had carefully curated, displayed and stored dolls, political buttons and ephemera, playbills and other stage ephemera, historical newspapers, and so much more. Her home was one interconnecting room after the other with vitrines, cabinets, open shelves and closed flatfiles. She wanted to ensure that collections got to the right people who would appreciate them, but she didn't want to give them up even in her mid-90s and never made arrangements to do so. I fear when she passed away that they were all tossed.
Another one: we happened upon the estate sale of a woman who must have had dementia and/or hoarding tendencies; her sizable home was packed to the gills with books - some titles purchased multiple times. Her family was basing selling prices on the books' cover prices which slowed "checkout" to a standstill and dissuaded many buyers, us included. In attempting to recoup what they feel the woman wasted, they in turn wasted the opportunity to clear the house.
"The money's already gone."
@@ArtamStudio The thing is the price guides were what *they paid* which in no way reflected value. My grandparents weren't super great at collecting, they tended to buy high and sell low.
My dad (who is still with us) many years left numerous huge heavy boxes of machinist tools in our garage. After moving them to several house over the years, we donated most of them to a maker space that had some retired Boeing Machinists who were training at low income kids the basis (and more) of becoming a Machinists. He felt that learning how to use old school (more affordable) tools was important to kids wanting to be machinists.
Looking at you in such organizational perfection makes me smile. I saw you build something recent and I swear you worked twice as fast! Yay you Adam!
The question we we’ve all been thinking but didn’t want to ask.
i love the color and contrast of the current lighting, and that orange on the boxes is really nice
For someone with an analytical mind like yours and the manual dexterity you must have after so many years of creation, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding I think would be the perfect type for you to get good at. It's certainly one of the most flexible types of welding with pedal-operated setups, allowing you to work on ultra tiny things that just need the faintest drop of weld all the way up to very very large things depending on how long you want to take about it. You can even use it to melt out and remove metal in a mostly controlled fashion if you turn it up high enough. It's the welding process that lets you see the most clearly what you're doing and I think is the most suited to your particular brand of creation, which ends up resulting in extremely high quality end-products. As with anything else it just takes practice, and you'll find there can be a rhythm to it once you get going on a weld. Good luck and have fun, you got this!
A perspective on the garage sale/pricing thing, there's been discussion among the toy-collecting community I'm in. When people are clearing out collections, the usual mindset is "I'd like to get my money back." But you spent that money weeks, months, or (more likely) years earlier. That money is gone, it is not likely part of your budgeting process. No matter what it is - a $5 action figure from the late 90s or a $2,000 camera lens that collects dust - It's money that was already spent and is gone. You will NEVER get it back except hypothetically on a spreadsheet somewhere if you're "keeping score."
If you bought a $200 widget 10 years ago and then you sell it tomorrow for $20, you're not "out" $180, you're up $20 and you have a little bit of storage space back. That's the mentality you should have if you're selling stuff specifically just to get rid of it.
Yes, exactly! I recently tore open a package of dinner napkins with the theme of a particular 1980s movie. (Just the tip of the iceberg from "tie-in products and collectibles from this particular movie.") My spouse was appalled. I said I'd checked on eBay and they were virtually worthless, so may as well enjoy. This is just the beginning.
From your older videos I found your space to be overwhelming, just seeing in video (although amazing.) Since the reorganization I think it's open and clean and inviting.
Right?!
Are you familiar with the Australian concept of 'hard rubbish'? People put unwanted items out on the footpath (kerb) and the local council collects it for disposal. But until the truck arrives, it's fair game for anyone to come by and retrieve a treasure from a neighbour's trash
Very common practice in urban and some suburban areas in the States. Also craigslist free listings, Buy Nothing groups on Facebook, Freecycle and Next Door.
My son went to a "Tested" garage sale years back and bought their Thingomatic 3D printer - and Norm even signed it for him. He actually printed something on it for me just a few months back (so this stuff does get used). He also has one of the Mythbusters "proof of concept" RC cars (it is elongated, I believe to simulate a bus?) from SCRAP in San Francisco. Lastly we have a picture of him with Adam when he spoke at the California State Science Fair in 2006. The only thing that would have been better if Adam was there in 2005 when our son won 1st place in his category.
I think it is great that Adam is thinking the end through and being an encouragement to those who follow him. Thank you Adam.
My grandfather passed away in 2007. Cancer for a third time. We, the family, didn't get to go through his full garage until our grandmother was end of life. In a way, I wish he'd been around and alive for us to go through things. I didn't take to many tools or things as I live hours away from their home. What I did take were things of note to me and things that the rest of the men in the family didn't want. His initials were on almost all of his tools. The man must have gone through a dozen engravers over the years to do this.
Letting things go for a song, I like that for you. It's witty. If I had to to do the same for me, It would be writing your favorite movie on one wall in the shop.
Not sure if this is new but about halfway through this video I noticed the very high video quality. It feels more like we are in the room with Adam with the quality being so high, thanks.
It may also be the lighting -- the new space lends itself to a better light set-up!
If you are tackling lighting in a shop space, I want to stress the importance of the floor. I had a buddy with a really dark concrete floor, and he was sick of how dungeony his shop was, so he hung so many lights. It still didnt help. He ended up putting down a really light gray flooring epoxy and it brightened up the shop so much. Before you start hanging lights, look at what you're illuminating, and see if thats the problem. He ended up taking down all of those lights he spent hours hanging and wiring.
This end of life information is beyond helpful.
I love that garage sale philosophy. I've done several group garage sales in the past and people are always so surprised that I take in more cash with lower prices on mid-quality stuff because I want it GONE and the cash is more a bonus than anything.
What a fantastic question. I’m always threatening to leave my niece my studio full of art supplies in my will, but in reality it does bother me to think of whoever is going to have to deal with all this crap when I die. I need to remember that whoever it is that ends up having to deal with it, probably doesn’t have any idea what half this stuff even is. I think I’ll add instructions for it in my will; love the yardsale idea, assuming my heir will want to deal with hosting a yard sale. It’s hard work and can be a headache. I can hear them cursing me now. I’ll be looking down on the yardsale laughing my a$$ off. 😂
Take pictures on a neutral grey background, with measurements (with measuring sticks like the cops have), weight, material the object is made of, detailed description what it is used for, when it came into your possession (year, price, from who). Keep pictures with descriptions. Make the will now. Up date it, as necessary, every year, if necessary. That way there will be no questions. Period. JIMHO
youre Mig and Tig systems could always be made to be movable ... and have safety screens for when being used that can be setup ... then the few times you do need them just setup them up where needed place the safety screens and then get to work ... once done pack them up and store them back in their spot ... heck that "hardware Store" space would be a great spot for that to get setup in since it does have the room to support a good sized short term welding spot
Having seen estates of all types get processed.
If you want something to go to an organization or person. Please take a moment to pass it on while you are able bodied.
People especially friends and acquaintances often do not feel it is their place to take things from your estate after your passing.
For an all-in-one welder, check out the Miller Multimatic 220 MIG + AC/DC TIG + Stick Welder. It does all processes, it's 120/220, and it automatically changes settings based on what you're welding. It's a really fantastic welder for starting out and it's perfect if you're not welding really heavy material. I know you have welders but this one seems ready made for what you need it for.
Oh my gosh! Your wife and mine experience the same overwhelm from the cacophony!
Unfortunately we bought a new home and I’m between caves, so most of my robotics startup (building a practical Mech) is in my home. I feel so bad for her, but she knows how important it is to me and she believes in the cause, that she won’t force me to dump it.
Thanks Adam for all your sharing!
Just jump into the TIG welding. I was the same way. I felt like I didn't have the skill set to get it, but I took a course at a local adult education center under an amazing instructor, and even though it was just an intro course It gave me the confidence to get started. It also helped when he described TIG welding like soldering. it's all about bringing the area to the right temp. unlike MIG welding you have the control and visibility to see the metal hit its melting point, just like when solder melts, and you can direct the heat to one side or the other to get the filler rod to flow where you want. also just like soldering. I'm still not any kind of master, but the more I do it the better it gets, and I really prefer it to MIG welding.
You kinda touched on something that I think is really important. A collection of things, of tools to make, or of things made with tools, I don't think should be static. It needs to grow, to evolve, and to live and change. The tools and materials and whatnot from ILM are cool, and stuff that's used will eventually be used up, but a tool or a building material that's, as you said, encased in amber, it may last forever, but it's not meant to. It's meant to be used. It reminds me of a quote that I really like.. I don't remember it exactly, but...
"A ship that stays sheltered in the harbour is safe from the fury of the storm... But that's not what ships are for." - Capt. James T. Kirk
(Star Trek Continues, Episode 9)
Oh I so would love to go to that garage sale! You inspired me to be a maker and then because of your videos my son now wants to be a maker you opened a magical door for him. I do hope you live a long healthy life so you can impact so many more people and kid. Thank you for sharing your talents with us
My Dad passed away at the end of last year, leaving his collection of tools to me who used to be a model maker for photographers and a woodwork teacher. I know I need to sort through what if useful to me and not but it's difficult.
Hand labeled Tabacco tins of screws, carefully organized and sorted to huge bench saws. It's hard to let things go.
Not yet sure what i'm going to end up making in my later years but most important of all I wish I will be with someone who understands the need of seperate spaces of artistic outlets as you and your misses do! Quite important lesson
I recently retired and assessed my garage situation, selling off or give away tools that aren't being used. It solves several issues:
My garage is small enough that every square inch is valuable, and unused tools take up space.
Selling them returns some money to my pocket.
Getting some stuff out of the garage means that my family doesn't have to deal with them "after."
I'm excited for you and all these exciting cave improvements and upgrades!
Look at fireball welding table and Fixtures very nice stuff
I'm in my 30's and I've had a living will for years.
I've heard too many bad stories about problems people had with relatives because the dead person didn't have a will.
I think it's an issue that all makers will come to face. What will happen when I pass away? I am downsizing my space at present, and it is hard. Some things just have sentimental value, but once you're gone, that will be lost. Also I find makers are also hoarders, they keep things because it might be useful for something. Ideally, I think I would like to leave my stuff, which is generally model-making, woodwork and electronics stuff to a maker space, but that would need planning
Not a museum, a workshop for aspiring artists.
SOO many great recommendations and strategies in your shop. I've used many in building my own space, and its been HUGELY helpful. Thank you so much for this space. I love the "wizard cave" vibe.
I’m a museum director, so I guess I have a different view of museums. I think a bunch of Adam’s creation would be great for a museum. The videos would be vital for interpretation. But it would be lovely, to use one of Adam’s favorite words, for the tools and supplies to continue to have useful lives. As someone commented, unless Adam owns the building, or comes to own it, or a family member,bet or fan buys it, the space can’t last as he leaves it. To be a useful museum, any space will need to be larger than his current one to leave room for interpreters and visitors. In any case, it would be amazing for him to bring on some folks to catalog the collections. Then, even if the tools get scattered, we would still know what tools he had and how he used them. Perhaps some foundation would supply funding. What a great project for many budding maker-registrars!
My mom dealt with her mother and an aunt's estate a few years apart from each other and immediately started downsizing so that we'd have less crap to deal with when they went. A few years later my dad died, and she downsized again to move into a condo, and even that was overwhelming. Pretty sure we got "ripped off" by an antique dealer who we had come by to check stuff out, but he also paid us to take away so much literal junk that I think it came out even.
When people had like 8 kids and died in their 60s-70s, it wasn't so bad, but now that people are hitting their 90s with only two kids, there's just so much stuff you're trying to fit into your already full homee. There's like one thing my mom owns that I actually want to inherit. And we don't need 2 more sets of china, we already have two sets in the basement we never use.
Man, I love the new shop setup. It's so clean.
OH man my next door neighbor was an engineer for the local tv station and he in his will gave me everything he had in his house and including his house-he was the type of man who if he can not find anything for his plasma cutter-diff tips and various regulators -he just went out and bought a new plasma cutter and total set up, he had 4 of them. He sadly passed 2 years ago we are still going thru his shop and other various sheds
8:46 - nearly did a spit take while watching Adam gesture to things, then lean over out of frame and pick up AN ENTIRE METER LONG LIST! Who KNOWS what all is on that list! :O
Same here! What is that list?! Is it a tool inventory? I’ve never heard Adam refer to it but I am aware of his love of a good list and checkbox system from his ILM days.
Last yard/garage sale we had after we moved to a smaller space, and similar to yours in that everything was "priced to go".
I had no issue with people making bulk offers on stuff, but there were also people that just wanted to haggle on the stupidest, most petty things... like nice handtools priced at $2 they'd try to get for $1... those people rubbed me the wrong way. Overall it was a great experience though.
Just came across this video and as sort of a "yes, and..." I wanted to mention the concept of Döstädning, which translates from Swedish as "death cleaning". As I understand it (and as I'm trying to apply it) the basic philosophy is that near the mid point of your life you switch from accumulating things to passing them along to others who'll use and appreciate them in recognition of the fact that one's life is finite. It's sort of boarder context or framework for some of some of the KonMari, de-cluttering, and minimalism ideas you'll see tossed around.
Would Grant Imahara's STEAM Foundation be a good place to rehome your shop (sometime in the distant future) for someone (or more) to make use of?
It is rented and someone will have to pay it.
It's a good idea, but even Grant's shop has been dismantled. It's a tough thing to maintain and afford.
@@tested Too bad, I was hoping it was being preserved.
As a highly organized borderline OCD person... it makes me so happy to see all the clean open space around you in your videos now... 😁😁😁
I had to stop the video to write this.
When you spoke about your wife not coming to the cave, it made me smile because my circumstances are similar. Only I am only 20 feet away from the house. It also makes me dream of a cave that is far enough away that things don't migraine there on their own.l, but close enough that travel doesn't impede the desire to make something.
Which makes me think, what distance is the goldilocks zone for a shop?
Your garage sale philosophy is on point.