Episode 57 - Gadget Station (Pt. 1)

35 Responses to “Episode 57 - Gadget Station (Pt. 1)”

1. Chris on July 6th, 2008 7:36 pm

   I didn’t think this project was still going to happen… I think I remember Leo mentioning it about a year ago! I look forward to seeing how you handle all of Leo’s electronics.

2. Claude Stewart on July 7th, 2008 4:05 am

   Although the size of this gadget station is just about right for me and my electronics I think Leo will need about a half a dozen of them. Claude

3. Denis Rezendes on July 7th, 2008 6:59 am

   cool video! “i put ketchup on my ketchup” that is an awesome shirt :)

4. WiZeR on July 7th, 2008 7:19 am

   I like this idea very much Marc. Until I saw your latest episode, I had no idea I needed one of those!

   I also saved that Richard Kautto piece in my ‘Inspiration’ folder. I like it very much. In fact it inspired this: http://wizer.co.uk/gallery2/d/2914-2/toychest.jpg

   Can’t wait to see this new project unfold.

5. Josh on July 7th, 2008 7:45 am

   interesting idea. I would give serious thought to putting some typeo of fan on the inside of the case to exchange air, i dont think simply routing slots in the side is going to cut it, as you mentioned those gadgets and power blocks get HOT!. Being enclosed in a case seems like a good way to start a fire (my laptop power supply went on fire the other day and it wasnt enclosed in a box). Small computer case fans can be had that are near silent and can be rigged to your surge suppresor so that the fan turns off when your not charging anything.

6. Richard on July 7th, 2008 8:14 am

   I will also be interested in how you plan to deal with the transformer boxes that come with a lot of gadget chargers

7. Badabing on July 7th, 2008 9:22 am

   Great concept Marc! I’ve been wanting to build something similar for awhile. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get to it until after I finish the Cherry crib for my granddaughter due in Sept, and I haven’t even started that yet (DOH!).

   When I do get around to it, I would like to incorporate slots for mail and drawers for misc. items. It will sit on the counter in my kitchen right by the door to the garage (which is where we go in and out 90% of the time). I don’t think it will have doors but it will have open shelves to hold cell phones, cameras, etc. These are just some thoughts in case anyone needs ideas :-)

8. Claude Stewart on July 7th, 2008 11:17 am

   I use 120 mm. fans for my computers and they are nearly silent. Claude

9. Jim Lynde, North Hollywood,CA on July 7th, 2008 12:41 pm

   As for heat control. Heat travels up so seems like some type of inlet(s) near the bottem and outlet(s) near the top are in order.

   Also, cord plug holes are amateurishly ugly. I would put a long narrow, flip up, door so there would only be a slit wide enough for the cords themselves showing when the door is closed.

10. Vic on July 7th, 2008 1:09 pm

    Jim,

    While it is true hot air rises (the stack effect), heat will go in any direction to cold. A thin slot designed into the bottom front and another in the top back would take advantage of the stack effect.
    If sized properly this should provide enough air movement
    to adequately vent the space. Think of it like you would the attic in your house. It might even be advantageous to house the transformers in a compartment at the top of the unit.

    Barring any “bombs” that drop here at the house, I’m in.

11. maluco on July 7th, 2008 2:38 pm

    for me this project isen’t one good idea

    charge batteries = lot of heat >> batteries don’t like it and die faster
    cooler fan = noise >> nobody like noise

12. thewoodwhisperer on July 7th, 2008 3:51 pm

    Well I know the heat is going to be an issue. I think anyone who makes one of these has to make a call on just how many gadgets to stuff in there, and how to allow the heat to escape. The most important thing, though, is to not go overboard with the amount of electronics in the cabinet. We use ours primarily for cell phones, hand held video games, bluetooth devices, and video camera batteries. Many of the hottest components are actually located in the top compartment, where the heat has a chance to dissipate a bit more. My prototype design, despite the lack of consideration for air flow, doesn’t really get hot. Part of the reason is the fact that the door has a good 3/16″ gap all the way around because of the style of hinges I used.

    Installing a fan is a great idea. But I can tell you for sure, that I will not be putting a fan in this particular piece. Its not a bad idea, its just not something I want to do. As I mentioned in the video, I don’t want this thing to look like a piece of electronics itself. So if you have a major heat generating device or power block, the Gadget Station might not be the best home for it. Or perhaps you should design one without doors like Badabing mentioned above.

13. Adam on July 7th, 2008 5:35 pm

    Marc,
    I second the suggestion of putting the power brick compartment on the top. Not so much for heat management, but for function. With the power brick compartment on the bottom, you end up having to run your cords up to the gadget compartment. If the gadget portion were on the bottom you can but the brick up top, shove the smaller end of the cord out the back and let it drop down to whatever shelf you’re storing the gadget on.

14. thewoodwhisperer on July 7th, 2008 5:46 pm

    Well again, this is where you can completely customize this thing for your set of electronics. Honestly, I find that most of my stuff rarely comes with power bricks anymore. All of the items in my current Gadget Station have regular plugs. But there is definitely merit to having the plug compartment at the top. Not sure how I like the aesthetic. And if you choose to go wall-hung, you will have some obstacles to overcome since the French cleat is located at the top.

15. Brad Ferguson on July 7th, 2008 9:08 pm

    I like the Greene and Greene style of the doors you’re using, are you planning on using Mahagony like they did or are you changing gears?

16. chris on July 7th, 2008 10:50 pm

    one way to cool these gadgets is cross ventilation. I think some unique side details i.e cuts, louvers done in a aestetically pleasing way could look really cool. Venting on top is also another consideration - since heat rises.

17. Jim Lynde, North Hollywood,CA on July 9th, 2008 3:12 am

    I enjoy reading the suggestions and comments for this project.

    Another brainstorm idea might be to have a double back on the unit so that the rearmost back would be attached to the wall and the cabinet would be hinged to that back on one side so when you want to make any changes to wire runs etc. the cabinet would swing out giving you easy access to the back and front.

18. gatorbait on July 9th, 2008 6:55 am

    I think you need to consider the chargers that don’t have power cords at all. My Canon DSLR and Sony video camera both have chargers that take a battery and plug directly into a socket. It would be nice to have some decorative plugs right in the box.

19. Dave on July 13th, 2008 10:28 am

    Sorry Marc but I couldn’t make it to the end of this video. I always thought you talked too much in your videocasts but this one is awful. There is growing resentment and ridiculing of your show out there. This doesn’t help. Try cutting down the talk and focusing on the how-to.

20. NicoleSpag on July 13th, 2008 11:22 am

    Hey Dave,

    I don’t normally comment on Marc’s posts, but your comment above really upset me and I felt the need to respond. What is this resentment and ridicule you are referring to? How in the world can the creation of free content and the building of a great community (one that Marc and I put our heart and soul into) be resented by anyone?!?! Its ok not to like it, but to actually resent it?!?! From the very beginning, we have always said that this is much more than a mere ‘how-to’ show. If you don’t remember, go back and watch episode 1 for a refresher on our mission statement (something we have held true to). To be honest I’m extremely proud of that, because without the entertainment and ‘talking’ there would be no meaning behind the projects and techniques Marc shows. So to focus on just ‘how-to’ as you stated is just not our goal. The internet affords us the opportunity to look at the big picture so that we can give the modern woodworker a full perspective of the woodworking craft. For our audience, woodworking is a lifestyle. I suppose for some though, woodworking is just a set of plans.

    I would also like to mention how interesting it is that out of thousands of survey results we only got 1 truly negative response and it happened to be remarkably similar to your comment here.

    We love all of our viewers and do take constructive criticism to heart to make the show better. However, I don’t think your comment is constructive at all and seems to stink of sour grapes.

21. Russell Tribby on July 13th, 2008 1:08 pm

    In regards to Dave and Nicole’s comments…keep up the great work Marc and Nicole! Your format and style are unique and refreshing. Keep in mind that if you’re not upsetting someone you’re probably doing something wrong! I don’t know what resentment or ridicule Dave is speaking of but to each his own. I know that for every person that may hold that view there are probably 100 that would vehemently disagree.

22. Steve Carter on July 13th, 2008 1:38 pm

    Dave – this has to be the most ridiculous comment I have ever read in my life! Unless you haven’t noticed Marc isn’t a mime and it would probably be pretty difficult for him to focus on the “ho-to” by pantomiming. Apparently you don’t understand that video without talking is pretty dull. Silent movies went out a long time ago!

    Marc’s personality is what makes the podcasts special. His ability to present “how-to” programming in a unique and humorous manner is exactly what has made him the success that he is. As Nicole points out without the entertainment and “talking” there would be no meaning behind the projects and techniques Marc shows.

    This particular episode will help all of us learn new skills and techniques. By starting with the planning stage, presenting the different challenges and obstacles Marc is showing us all how we can plan projects of our own. I doubt that there is another website on the net that offers the viewer the opportunity to participate in live meetup nights where we can discuss our progress and compare ideas.

    Marc and Nicole have helped create a community of woodworkers and I applaud them for the work that they have put into their website. As you will probably learn their fans consider Marc and Nicole to be family. Attack them out of jealousy just shows what a pathetic little creature you really are.

    If you don’t like “talking” and simply want the “how-to” I suggest that you might want to stick with printed instructions, assuming that you aren’t to *&%$# stupid to read.

23. Dave on July 13th, 2008 1:39 pm

    Wow. You finally let a negative comment be posted. I know for a fact that you had over 50 negative comments on your survey. Everyone at our last guild meeting took the time to write comments and to contact many of your sponsors. We also put several paper documents together that we’ll be mailing in the coming weeks. Many woodworkers resent the censoring of their comments on the quality of your show. If you would take their input as constructive criticism then you might have something. Otherwise, the longer your show goes on the worse it gets. You might have a show akin to a typical youtube submission but I don’t see how anyone who watches your show would actually buy from your sponsors. The people who buy from your sponsors are professional woodworkers, cabinet makers, custom furniture builders and so on. None of us at our guild are impressed. We are also working on branching out to others in our field as we’ve heard from many over the past year.

24. thewoodwhisperer on July 13th, 2008 2:11 pm

    Wow, an entire guild united against the dastardly deeds of the woodworking evil-doer, Marc. I have to say that I am almost honored that you guys would spend so much time in getting organized against me, lol. Although I think your time would be better spent discussing woodworking techniques, topics, and charities as most other productive guilds do.

    Let me say a few things about censoring comments. I can think of about 2 or 3 times I edited or deleted a comment on my site because it was inappropriate or off topic. Each time it was clearly someone just looking to get under my skin. But lets be clear about something. I am well within my right to edit anything and EVERYTHING that appears on my website. That said, I try to let all comments see the light of day simply because everyone is entitled to their opinion. But some people, as evidenced by your second comment, clearly have questionable motives.

    As for the rest of the points you’ve made. Well……. I needed a good laugh today and you sir, have provided that for me. Fortunately, the survey tells the sponsors everything they need to know about the benefit they receive from being associated with our show and website.

25. Steve Carter on July 13th, 2008 3:09 pm

    I certainly can’t speak for any other Marc’s fans, but I have purchased several thousand dollars worth of PowerMatic and Festool products after learning about them on his site and having discussions with him about which tool would best serve my needs. I’ve also spent several hundred more with Rockler and Woodcraft for supplies and incidentals. I’m sure that Marc’s sponsors are please that they are reaching his audience.

    Dave, I sincerely hope that you will seek professional counseling. It isn’t healthy for you or anyone to harbor so much hatred and resentment for someone that you don’t even know. Someone you have never met. Someone you envy. You obviously have serious issues and need to get help.

26. Andy Hobbs on July 13th, 2008 3:12 pm

    I feel that by commenting on this I’m perpetuating a completely useless thread, but I will anyway. Marc and Nicole are adults and none of us need to “defend” or “come to the rescue” but I’ve been visiting The Wood whisperer since nearly the inception of the website. Wood working instruction is the premise of this place but it goes far beyond that. I’m sure I speak for many others who visit when I say that instruction is only a small part of why I keep coming back. Marc and Nicole have created a community, a virtual community, like no other that I’ve ever been a part of. The great thing about the internet is that if you dislike something don’t visit the site. I fail to understand why someone would spend that much time, at a guild meeting of all places, on something they dislike so much. I’m glad Marc accepts constructive criticism but if he was to listen to all those types of comments then he would no longer be the Marc that we come here to see. Keep up the good work Marc and Nicole. You could make a 4 hour podcast and I’d watch the whole thing!

27. Vic on July 13th, 2008 3:13 pm

    Sorry, but how insane can a person be. If you and/or your guild don’t like what you see on The WoodWhisperer, don’t read the posts, listen to the audio or watch the video. Marc has a huge following because he and Nicole have worked their collective hind ends off to to provide quality and entertaining information. Maybe you don’t find it useful or entertaining, that’s fine…..go away. Start your own blog/podcast and I’m sure Marc, Nicole and the majority of their audience will wish you the best of luck. Who knows maybe you will be able to create just as big a phenomenon as TheWoodWhisperer. I, for one, wish you luck.
    For future reference, the venomous remarks really only make you look pathetically jealous. Take your energies and create something.

28. Kevin Brezina on July 13th, 2008 3:48 pm

    Marc,
    Please do everyone a favor. When you see ridiculous comments like the one from Dave and his guild of TWW haters. HIT THE DELETE BUTTON. I for one am very excited about your idea of the group follow along build.

    Keep up the good work.

29. thewoodwhisperer on July 13th, 2008 3:55 pm

    Well with that, I think its time to close this comment thread to off-topic comments. Thank you guys for jumping in, but at this point, with many of our biggest supporters frothing at the mouth, this would turn into a serious pile on. And I think we all see the ridiculousness of the whole thing. If anything Dave, you now see the reason for judicious editing and censorship. I already had to edit several comments that were quite harsh on you. You’re welcome.

    Now you’ll have to excuse me while I think out loud here. Its good therapy. :) Communicating with our viewers can been 99% blessing and 1% curse. By giving EVERYONE a voice, and an opportunity to be heard, we open ourselves up to situations like this. And the more popular the show gets, the more of this stuff we will have to deal with. While for some this may be a fun way to pass the time on a Sunday, I honestly feel its a waste of your valuable time and obviously has NOTHING to do with woodworking or the Gadget Station. So although I have only had to edit comments a couple times in the past two years, I suspect I will have to do it more in the future. But, as always, constructive and useful comments and criticism will ALWAYS be posted.

    And despite the occasional troll, communicating with our fellow woodworkers is really the heart of this whole operation. Without it, this just becomes a one-way conversation much like what we are used to from traditional media outlets. And that, my friends, defeats the purpose. Afterall, I want to learn something too. And my communication with my online comrades allows that to happen.

    So let’s pack up the tools, move on, and start talking about woodworking. And Dave, you are always welcome at TheWoodWhisperer.com. That’s just the Gandhi in me……..

30. Denis Rezendes on July 13th, 2008 7:27 pm

    Thanks for putting the video up Marc, i had a great time in the chat room. its great that you actually take the time to talk to your viewers and really help them out. because speaking from experience I’ve emailed Norm a few time and nothing yet :( . well thanks for the video and the opportunity for up to ask questions :)

31. Jeremy (Bama5150) on July 17th, 2008 1:46 pm

    I’m just wondering if anyone out there is working on a gadget station. I am thinking about designing one now and want to know if anyone has come up with some cool ideas that i can ‘borrow’. Hello….hello….hello…ello??

32. Bruce (AKA FLWoodRAT) on July 18th, 2008 11:15 am

    As the exiting Prime Minister of India was quoted to have said “Holy Cow, Here today, Ghandi Tomorrow.” Peace will come to those willing to allow it. Marc I commend your courage to welcome Dave to TWW. An Nicole… All I can hear is the music to “Stand Bye My Man’. You ROCK woman!.

33. Robin on August 2nd, 2008 10:06 am

    I am a recent convert to this website and I absolutely LOVE it!!! You are funny, interesting and very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to entertain all of us.

34. Jason on August 4th, 2008 9:57 pm

    Hi, Mark. I love this project. I like the Leo Laporte connection, he’s my favorite podcaster. I’ve been thinking a project like this for a few months. Speaking of inspiration from other sources, I found a few on the web, searching for the term “charging stations”. Most of these charging stations have multiple outlets built right into them, which I like. I have a couple of gadgets that charge via USB, so I might add a USB hub as well. I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.

35. Jason on August 4th, 2008 10:05 pm

    Jeremy, I had a recent inspiration. I’ve been thinking of making one of those small bookshelves with v-shaped shelves for my office. I think I saw one in a mag recently. 2 shelves, about 3′ high and 4′ long. V-shaped shelves angle the spines up for easy reading. How ’bout a gadget station that sits in the shelf? I basic box with maybe a couple of nice doors that would face up at the 45 degree angle just like the book spines. I’m not sure yet if the proportions will work, though. I’ll have to consider the bookshelf a little more first…

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