FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Hey guys, it's Ben from Myers Woodshop. This page will try to answer the most commonly asked questions I receive. I get a a lot of questions, messages, and emails and it's almost a full time job responding to every single one. Hopefully this will help you. If not, don't be afraid to message me!
Do you sell your work?
Sometimes! You can find what I do sell on my Etsy shop here. I don't keep many items in my Etsy shop, as I primarily make commission pieces currently. Right now I'm more interested in the content side of things, but I'll always consider custom requests (I mean, I have to have something to film right?!) Always feel free to use the Contact page of this site to see what we can make together. I do try to keep colored pencil bowls in stock. Sometimes things take a while to make, as this is a hobby gig for me and my day job and family come first.
How did I start this up?
Tinkering has always been a part of me. As a kid I loved finding old broken stuff and taking it apart to see what made it work. Home ownership really made me jump into the DIY part of things. I hate paying people to do something I can do. And then I made my first sale. There's nothing like the feeling of value you receive when someone wants one of your creations. My brother-in-law was visiting (he has a personal training and fitness side gig) and pushed me into really branding myself and going all in (at least on the branding side of things). I sat on it for a week, and then just went for it. Best decision I ever could have made. The next step was the creation of the colored pencil bowl (click here to watch) and that made the whole thing very real. I never expected to be where I am today. Truly grateful.
You are located in Arkansas but don't sound like it! Why?
It's funny, I once was told I speak the "King's English." I was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I came to central Arkansas to attend Harding University, where I received my MBA, and ended up staying. I found my beautiful and intelligent wife there and have two amazing boys (who often appear in my videos). I love the smaller town with no traffic and the "everyone knows everyone" country feel.
What's your day job if this is your hobby?
Believe it or not, I'm an exterminator! It's a job that gives me the freedom to be able to do Myers Woodshop, and one that I fell backwards into. If you want to hear the unbelievable story about how God had better plan for me than I did, message me.
I want to start making stuff, where's the best place to start?
YouTube! Most everything I've learned has been from YouTube University :P My first tools were these, a Dewalt set that included all the basics. I just picked them up and started using them. The old saying "practice makes perfect" is true. The more you use the tools, the better you'll become. Remember, every single maker started at the very beginning, right where you are.
I see you use a lot of technology in the shop, why?
I'm a nerd! I LOVE technology and the word "upgrade" is my krypotnite. I'm a wiz at computers and generally the guy who my friends go to for all questions tech related. That means I'm connected with every device, I'm a gamer (add me on Xbox, benjmyers), and of course have internet, tv, and a 'smart' hub in the shop (Alexa, turn on the shop vac) :P That's why you'll see me using CNCs, Lasers, and 3D printing in the woodshop. I don't think it's cheating, I think it's working smarter.
What CNC machine do you use?
The Onefinity CNC as of 2020. I used the Carbide 3d Shapeoko 3 XXL before that. And before that I used the Inventables XCarve. Why did I go to the Onefinity? I was sick of belts stretching and breaking, plastic v wheels breaking, eccentric nuts that keep coming loose, and having to keep my computer tethered to my CNC. The Onefinity CNC solved all those issues and more for the same cost! Check them out at www.onefinitycnc.com.
What accessories do you use for your CNC?
I organized a section in my Amazon shop page devoted to all the stuff I use for my CNC, click here to check it out. You can also view my blog here to see what I'm using and where to get it.
Seriously, X-Carve or the Shapeoko?
Both are incredibly effective machines at relatively low cost. They both can make similar items and use similar parts. The X-Carve is essentially the Shapeoko 2.5 (actually, this is quite literally what it is). The Shapeoko built upon that and released the Shapeoko 3 with beefier rails and a more rigid platform all around. But my answer now is NEITHER! I switched to the Onefinity CNC in 2020. No belts to break, no v wheels to adjust and no computer needed to run it! Check them out at www.onefinitycnc.com.
What 3D printer do you use?
I currently have a Prusa Research i3 MK3s and a Prusa Mini. I have a Anycubic Chiron Large format printer. However, if your looking for a great budget printer under $200 I always suggest a Creality Ender 3 (purchase one here or here). You can check out the unboxing and assembly I did on my YouTube channel here. It's an absolutely incredible printer that took about an hour from unboxing to and has very good print quality.
I love your videos, how can we support you?
First off, thank you! It's because of you that I keep doing what I do!
Want to send me something cool and have me use it or show it off?
Send it! You can find my mailing address on the Contact page here.
Do you ever work with companies with sponsored content? Can we sponsor you?
Yes! I've worked with many companies using products, making videos, and showing them off on social media. Send me a message and let's work together!
Myers Woodshop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on my links.
Do you sell your work?
Sometimes! You can find what I do sell on my Etsy shop here. I don't keep many items in my Etsy shop, as I primarily make commission pieces currently. Right now I'm more interested in the content side of things, but I'll always consider custom requests (I mean, I have to have something to film right?!) Always feel free to use the Contact page of this site to see what we can make together. I do try to keep colored pencil bowls in stock. Sometimes things take a while to make, as this is a hobby gig for me and my day job and family come first.
How did I start this up?
Tinkering has always been a part of me. As a kid I loved finding old broken stuff and taking it apart to see what made it work. Home ownership really made me jump into the DIY part of things. I hate paying people to do something I can do. And then I made my first sale. There's nothing like the feeling of value you receive when someone wants one of your creations. My brother-in-law was visiting (he has a personal training and fitness side gig) and pushed me into really branding myself and going all in (at least on the branding side of things). I sat on it for a week, and then just went for it. Best decision I ever could have made. The next step was the creation of the colored pencil bowl (click here to watch) and that made the whole thing very real. I never expected to be where I am today. Truly grateful.
You are located in Arkansas but don't sound like it! Why?
It's funny, I once was told I speak the "King's English." I was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I came to central Arkansas to attend Harding University, where I received my MBA, and ended up staying. I found my beautiful and intelligent wife there and have two amazing boys (who often appear in my videos). I love the smaller town with no traffic and the "everyone knows everyone" country feel.
What's your day job if this is your hobby?
Believe it or not, I'm an exterminator! It's a job that gives me the freedom to be able to do Myers Woodshop, and one that I fell backwards into. If you want to hear the unbelievable story about how God had better plan for me than I did, message me.
I want to start making stuff, where's the best place to start?
YouTube! Most everything I've learned has been from YouTube University :P My first tools were these, a Dewalt set that included all the basics. I just picked them up and started using them. The old saying "practice makes perfect" is true. The more you use the tools, the better you'll become. Remember, every single maker started at the very beginning, right where you are.
I see you use a lot of technology in the shop, why?
I'm a nerd! I LOVE technology and the word "upgrade" is my krypotnite. I'm a wiz at computers and generally the guy who my friends go to for all questions tech related. That means I'm connected with every device, I'm a gamer (add me on Xbox, benjmyers), and of course have internet, tv, and a 'smart' hub in the shop (Alexa, turn on the shop vac) :P That's why you'll see me using CNCs, Lasers, and 3D printing in the woodshop. I don't think it's cheating, I think it's working smarter.
What CNC machine do you use?
The Onefinity CNC as of 2020. I used the Carbide 3d Shapeoko 3 XXL before that. And before that I used the Inventables XCarve. Why did I go to the Onefinity? I was sick of belts stretching and breaking, plastic v wheels breaking, eccentric nuts that keep coming loose, and having to keep my computer tethered to my CNC. The Onefinity CNC solved all those issues and more for the same cost! Check them out at www.onefinitycnc.com.
What accessories do you use for your CNC?
I organized a section in my Amazon shop page devoted to all the stuff I use for my CNC, click here to check it out. You can also view my blog here to see what I'm using and where to get it.
Seriously, X-Carve or the Shapeoko?
Both are incredibly effective machines at relatively low cost. They both can make similar items and use similar parts. The X-Carve is essentially the Shapeoko 2.5 (actually, this is quite literally what it is). The Shapeoko built upon that and released the Shapeoko 3 with beefier rails and a more rigid platform all around. But my answer now is NEITHER! I switched to the Onefinity CNC in 2020. No belts to break, no v wheels to adjust and no computer needed to run it! Check them out at www.onefinitycnc.com.
What 3D printer do you use?
I currently have a Prusa Research i3 MK3s and a Prusa Mini. I have a Anycubic Chiron Large format printer. However, if your looking for a great budget printer under $200 I always suggest a Creality Ender 3 (purchase one here or here). You can check out the unboxing and assembly I did on my YouTube channel here. It's an absolutely incredible printer that took about an hour from unboxing to and has very good print quality.
I love your videos, how can we support you?
First off, thank you! It's because of you that I keep doing what I do!
- If you purchase items from Amazon you can buy through my affiliate links or Amazon Shop page (click here). Anything you buy, even if you don't buy what's in my store page, counts for me as long as you start at my store or one of my links. You don't see anything different than usual and Amazon sends me a small fraction of the sale that I return into Myers Woodshop to come up with new and cool stuff to make, show off, and video.
- Watch my YouTube channel here and let those ads roll!
- Join my Patreon page Become a Patreon here! Basically you join the page and 'tip' me monthly, which helps me fund future videos.
- Buy physical goods or digital files from my Etsy shop here!
Want to send me something cool and have me use it or show it off?
Send it! You can find my mailing address on the Contact page here.
Do you ever work with companies with sponsored content? Can we sponsor you?
Yes! I've worked with many companies using products, making videos, and showing them off on social media. Send me a message and let's work together!
Myers Woodshop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on my links.