Warped Boards & Wired Homes, Catching up with Dave McCabe – HGG664

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Dave McCabe joins me this week to reminisce about 17 years of podcasting, dive into smart home gadgets, and explore Dave’s woodworking journey with Warped Boards. From CNC upgrades and handcrafted cutting boards to candid talk on men’s health, this episode blends tech, creativity, and community. Thanks for listening!

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In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow podcaster Dave McCabe for a conversation that blends technology, woodworking, and community. We kick things off with some lighthearted stories about lawn care and the unpredictable Midwest weather before diving into our shared podcasting journey that started back in 2007. Dave recalls the excitement of publishing his very first episode, while I reflect on how those early days shaped our friendship and the Home Server Show community.

Together, we look back at how the tech landscape has changed over the past 17 years. From the early days of blogging and RSS feeds to today’s sponsor‑driven podcasting world, we talk about how our own interests have shifted. While we used to focus heavily on the latest gadgets and servers, our conversations now often center around family, DIY projects, and creative pursuits. Dave shares his current tech setup with Home Assistant dashboards, smart plugs, and Mac hardware, while I talk about my solar monitoring and automation challenges.

We also spend time on Dave’s woodworking journey. He walks us through his Warped Boards creations and Etsy shop, where he crafts cutting boards, jigs, and other custom pieces. He shares the challenges of running a small business, from product development to customer service, and why quality craftsmanship matters. Dave also talks about upgrading his CNC machine, preparing for larger projects, and balancing his new part‑time job at a woodworking store.

With the holiday season approaching, we emphasize the importance of supporting local artisans and small businesses. Dave even shares details about a $50 coupon offer for his cutting boards, encouraging listeners to choose handcrafted gifts over mass‑produced items.

Toward the end of the show, we shift gears to talk about men’s health. I share my own experience with prostate cancer detection and the importance of regular check‑ups, while Dave highlights how family support often drives these critical health decisions.

This episode is both a trip down memory lane and a reminder of why community, creativity, and wellness matter. Whether you’re here for the gadgets, the woodworking, or the stories, Home Gadget Geeks 664 delivers a thoughtful blend of tech talk and real‑life connection.

Home Gadget Geeks 664 – FAQ

What is Home Gadget Geeks 664 about?

This episode features Jim Collison and longtime friend Dave McCabe reflecting on 17 years of podcasting, discussing changes in the tech landscape, and exploring Dave’s woodworking journey with his Warped Boards Etsy shop. The conversation blends tech talk, DIY projects, and personal stories.

Who is the guest on this episode?

The guest is Dave McCabe, a seasoned podcaster, tech enthusiast, and woodworking craftsman. He runs Warped Boards and the David McCabe Woodworks Etsy shop, where he sells handcrafted cutting boards and other custom creations.

What tech topics are covered?

  • Smart home automation with Home Assistant
  • Using smart plugs for solar monitoring
  • Personal tech setups (Mac Mini, Unraid server, CNC machines)
  • Shifts in podcasting and blogging over the past 17 years
  • Reflections on how aging changes tech enthusiasm

What woodworking topics are discussed?

  • Dave’s CNC machine upgrades and plans for larger projects
  • Running an Etsy woodworking business
  • Crafting butcher block cutting boards and jigs
  • Tips for maintaining cutting boards
  • Balancing woodworking with a new part‑time job at a woodworking store

Is there a special offer mentioned in the episode?

Yes! Dave shares details about a $50 coupon for his handcrafted cutting boards, encouraging listeners to support small businesses during the holiday season.

Do Jim and Dave talk about health?

Yes. They discuss the importance of men’s health, with Jim sharing his personal story about prostate cancer detection and the value of regular check‑ups. It’s a reminder for listeners to prioritize wellness alongside technology and hobbies.

What community resources are highlighted?

  • Discord group for ongoing listener interaction
  • Maple Grove Partners for affordable and reliable hosting solutions
  • Upcoming live sessions and the 15‑year anniversary celebration of Home Gadget Geeks

Links:

Dave McCabe’s Woodworking & Etsy

Summary

  • Home Gadget Geeks Show Introduction and Weather Discussion[0:00]
    • Jim Collison introduces the Home Gadget Geeks show, mentioning the date and location.
    • Jim and Dave McCabe discuss their current weather conditions, with Jim mentioning hail in Bellevue, Nebraska.
    • Dave talks about his lawn in Fishers, Indiana, noting that most leaves are down but some trees still hold leaves.
    • Jim and Dave share humorous anecdotes about their lawn maintenance and weather experiences.
  • Podcasting Journey and Memories[3:00]
    • Jim and Dave reminisce about their podcasting journey, starting in 2007.
    • Dave shares a story about publishing an episode before a trip to Florida and being excited about the number of downloads.
    • Jim recalls listening to Dave’s podcasts and the impact it had on his family.
    • They discuss the evolution of podcasting, including the rise of major magazines and social media.
  • Changes in Tech Landscape[4:42]
    • Jim and Dave discuss the changes in the tech landscape over the past 17 years.
    • Dave mentions the shift from blogging to social media and the pressure to monetize content.
    • They talk about the challenges of maintaining a podcast without sponsors or Patreon support.
    • Jim and Dave reflect on the decline of interest in certain tech topics and the shift towards more relaxed, personal discussions.
  • Personal Tech Preferences and Usage[7:15]
    • Jim and Dave discuss their current tech preferences, including their phones and home servers.
    • Dave shares his experience with his MacBook Air and the convenience of using it for work.
    • Jim talks about his Unraid server and the challenges of setting it up.
    • They discuss the importance of staying updated with technology and the impact of aging on their tech interests.
  • Home Automation and DIY Projects[10:01]
    • Jim and Dave talk about their home automation setups, including Home Assistant and smart plugs.
    • Dave shares his plans for setting up a big touch screen in his shop for home automation.
    • They discuss the benefits and challenges of using technology in DIY projects.
    • Jim shares his experience with setting up new smart plugs and the help he received from AI.
  • CNC Machines and Woodworking[17:25]
    • Dave talks about his CNC machine and the challenges of working with different materials.
    • He shares his plans to upgrade his CNC machine to handle larger projects.
    • Jim and Dave discuss the importance of rigidity in CNC machines and the impact of machine quality on project outcomes.
    • Dave shares his experience with custom orders and the challenges of dealing with customers.
  • Etsy Store and Product Development[33:15]
    • Dave discusses his Etsy store and the products he sells, including cutting boards and jigs.
    • He shares his approach to product development and the importance of customer feedback.
    • Dave talks about the challenges of running an Etsy store and the impact of the holiday season on sales.
    • Jim and Dave discuss the importance of supporting small businesses and the benefits of shopping locally.
  • Health and Personal Updates[1:04:42]
    • Jim shares a personal story about his prostate health and the importance of regular check-ups.
    • Dave and Jim discuss the importance of men’s health and the challenges of dealing with health issues.
    • They talk about the impact of their wives on their health decisions and the importance of seeking medical advice.
    • Jim and Dave reflect on the importance of staying healthy and the impact of their experiences on their lives.
  • Final Thoughts and Future Plans[1:07:55]
    • Jim and Dave discuss their future plans, including potential upgrades to their tech and CNC machines.
    • Dave shares his excitement about his new part-time job at a woodworking store.
    • They talk about the importance of staying engaged with technology and the impact of their hobbies on their lives.
    • Jim and Dave wrap up the show, expressing their gratitude to their listeners and encouraging them to support small businesses.
  • Black Friday Coupon and Product Updates[1:08:10]
    • Dave McCabe mentions he plans to buy something soon, probably by Monday, when his Black Friday coupon drops.
    • Jim Collison humorously reads a message from Tony about a patient’s confusion between cleaning and whitening teeth.
    • Dave emphasizes the importance of sequence in using wipes, highlighting the need for proper timing.
    • Dave shares that he has been selling products to woodworkers for many years and is working on new products, ensuring they are solid, priced correctly, and efficiently made.
  • Dave’s Unique Products and Store Promotion[1:10:42]
    • Dave jokes about not liking people but enjoys making unique products that stand out from the crowd.
    • Jim Collison praises Dave’s work and encourages listeners to check out Dave’s store, mentioning the cutting board and a $50 coupon offer.
    • Jim thanks Tony for a tweet and highlights the importance of attention to detail in their work.
    • Jim reminisces about their partnership and friendship over the years, expressing gratitude for each other’s contributions.
  • Network and Community Support[1:12:23]
    • Jim Collison discusses the importance of the network and the community, mentioning Maple Grove Partners for secure, reliable hosting.
    • He highlights the affordability of hosting plans, despite rising inflation, and shares personal experiences about managing credit card balances.
    • Jim acknowledges the tough economic times and offers support to the community, encouraging them to join the Discord group for interaction.
    • He announces upcoming live sessions and the 15th anniversary celebration of the Home Gadget Geeks show, inviting everyone to participate.
  • Closing Remarks and Future Plans[1:13:52]
    • Jim thanks Dave again for the conversation and expresses excitement for future interactions.
    • He reminds listeners about the upcoming live session on Friday and the 15th anniversary celebration.
    • Jim signs off, wishing everyone a goodbye and reminding them of the new live day and time.
    • The meeting concludes with a positive note, looking forward to future collaborations and community engagement.

Dave McCabe: From Podcasting Pioneer to Woodworking Entrepreneur

Dave McCabe is best known as a seasoned podcaster and tech enthusiast who helped shape the early home technology conversation. He launched his first podcast back in 2007, building a loyal audience through shows like Home Server Show and later contributing to the RESET Podcast. His approachable style and deep knowledge of gadgets, servers, and DIY projects made him a trusted voice in the tech community. Over the years, Dave collaborated with fellow podcasters, including Jim Collison, and became a familiar name at meetups and community events where enthusiasts shared their passion for home technology.

As the tech landscape evolved, Dave shifted his focus from servers and gadgets to creative woodworking and CNC projects. Today, he runs Warped Boards and the David McCabe Woodworks Etsy shop, where he designs and sells handcrafted products such as butcher block cutting boards, woodworking jigs, router tables, and CNC accessories. His shop has earned a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, customer service, and innovative designs, consistently receiving five‑star reviews and recognition as a Star Seller on Etsy.

Dave’s woodworking journey reflects his ability to blend technology with creativity. He uses CNC machines, 3D printing, and digital design tools to produce both physical products and downloadable woodworking plans. His YouTube channel also showcases tutorials, project builds, and insights into woodworking and family life, further connecting him with a community of makers and DIY enthusiastsYouTube.

Currently based in Fishers, Indiana, Dave continues to expand his woodworking business while balancing part‑time work at a local woodworking store. He remains passionate about innovation, craftsmanship, and community support, encouraging customers to choose handcrafted products over mass‑produced alternatives. Whether through podcasting, woodworking, or sharing knowledge online, Dave McCabe’s journey highlights the evolution of a creator who has successfully adapted to new opportunities while staying true to his love of technology and making.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg664

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #664 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Dave McCabe, Podcasting Journey, Smart Home Devices, Woodworking Business, Warped Boards Etsy, CNC Machine Upgrades, Handcrafted Cutting Boards, Men’s Health Awareness, Community and Small Business Support