In this podcast episode, hosts Adam and Abby Booth introduce their new, vintage-themed podcast studio and discuss the launch of their first official product: a custom-designed, vintage-inspired aluminum drill index. They detail the extensive design and manufacturing process, including challenges with anodizing and packaging, and announce plans for different finishes and future products. The episode also features the "Stories from the Shop Floor" segment, highlighting Max, a third-generation machinist from Australia, and outlines future content ideas, including a "Basics of Machining" series with Abby and advice on acquiring tools and machines for aspiring machinists. The hosts emphasize community engagement, learning, and preserving the history of the trades.
Abomb 79 Podcast: New Studio, First Product Launch, and Community Stories
0:08 New Podcast Studio Reveal: Adam and Abby unveil their new podcast room, located in a spare room of their home, which doubles as Adam's childhood residence. The room is decorated with a collection of vintage machinist tools, catalogs, and family heirlooms, reflecting their passion for the trades.
1:35 Commitment to Positivity: The hosts reiterate their dedication to maintaining a positive and enjoyable atmosphere, moving past negative comments and focusing on uplifting content for their audience.
2:27 First Abomb 79 Product – The Drill Index: Adam announces their first manufactured product: a vintage-inspired aluminum drill index. This idea has been years in the making, combining Adam's love for collecting vintage drill indexes with their new CNC machining capabilities.
Material & Finish: Made from aluminum, the drill index will be offered in raw machined clear-coated and anodized finishes (like the red prototype shown). Adam is particularly impressed with the machine finish achieved on his Miltronic CNC mill.
Drills Included: Each drill index will come complete with a brand new set of Greenfield Industries drills.
Pricing & Availability: The product will be a "premium" item with a higher price point, aimed at supporting their shop. Future, less expensive products and giveaways are planned.
Manufacturing Challenges: The team faced unexpected delays with anodizing and is actively developing robust packaging solutions to protect the product during shipping.
Design Support: Kevin from mechanicaladvantage.com provided significant assistance with the CAD/CAM design using Autodesk Fusion.
14:45 "Seconds" for Discounted Sale: Imperfect drill indexes from early production runs (e.g., oversized reamed holes) will be sold at a discounted price, acknowledging Adam's perfectionist standards.
22:45 Vintage Tool & Catalog Collection: Abby expresses her excitement for decorating the studio with their collection of vintage paper crafts, catalogs (e.g., Cleveland Twist Drill, Brown & Sharp, Lufkin, Armstrong), and family tools from the shop, emphasizing the beauty of old designs and the importance of preserving history.
36:30 Stories from the Shop Floor – Max from Australia: The first community story features Max from Perth, Western Australia, a third-generation manual machinist (fitter and turner) whose great-grandfather worked for Daimler Motor Company. Max's historical photos of his workshop inspire the hosts to encourage viewers to document their own work.
42:21 Future Content: "Basics of Machining" Series: Abby will begin a new video series focused on learning the fundamental tools and processes of machining, starting with hand tools, precision measurement (calipers, micrometers), and basic lathe operations. This will be a hands-on learning experience for both Abby and the viewers.
46:16 Advice for Aspiring Machinists: Adam shares tips on acquiring tools and machines for those starting in machining, recommending secondhand sources like Facebook Marketplace, flea markets, antique stores, and auctions. He suggests looking for a manual lathe (with a quick-change gearbox) and a Bridgeport-style mill, emphasizing that wear is normal on old machines. He also recommends a pedestal grinder for sharpening tool bits and mentions Precision Matthews for new, affordable machines.
54:12 Importance of Books: Adam highlights the value of old machining books and catalogs as excellent learning resources.
58:27 Podcast Future & Community Interaction: The hosts express excitement about continuing the podcast weekly, driven by viewer feedback and suggestions, aiming to keep discussing all things shop-related and share more community stories. They also appreciate viewer feedback on their "mic holders" (vintage NOVA chucks).
59:20 Website & Social Media: Viewers are encouraged to visit Abomb79.com and sign up for shop announcements to stay informed about product releases and giveaways.