The Jimmy DiResta Documentary: Shop and Property Tour

This documentary about the legendary maker godfather, Jimmy DiResta, not only takes you on a multi-shop and property tour but also goes in depth about his life and legacy both personally and in the community. Jimmy is a designer, builder, and maker located in upstate New York who is a content creator and television personality including but not limited to hosting the show Making Fun, as seen on Netflix.
"Since I was a little kid in my dad’s shop I have been experimenting with tools and materials. Learning how to use and implement them. Now 40+ years later that’s all I have been doing: Making things and teaching how to make things involving metal, wood, plastic and more.
I have been making things ever since I was able to hold a hammer and likely longer than that. I grew up working around, and alongside my dad, a Long Island handyman. He put me in an environment to keep experimenting and learning, so my early education involved a wide array of problem solving using all manner of tools, skills and materials… and that is my philosophy in the shop; learn all you can about anything and everything so it becomes a part of your problem solving arsenal." (excerpt from jimmydiresta.com)
Video by Justin Mabie
Instagram: / _callmemabie_
Website: callmemabie.com/
Shirts: www.callmemabie.com/shop/
Jimmy DiResta
Instagram: / jimmydiresta
Website: jimmydiresta.com/
KZbin: / jimmydiresta
@jimmydiresta
Call Me Mabie merch and more to help support projects like this one: www.callmemabie.com/shop/
#maker #woodworker #diresta
00:00 Meet Jimmy
02:21 Childhood: A More Interesting Way
04:31 The New Barn
07:41 Art School: The Beginnings
09:36 Becoming a Content Creator
14:24 House and Property Tour
18:36 Products
21:30 The Ice Pick
24:25 The DiResta Schedule
27:40 Iron Worker
30:52 Jimmy's Speedway: Go Kart Track
33:27 New Yorker at a Flea Market
36:44 Jimmy: More Than Just a Maker
41:22 The Godfather: A Legacy

[@CallMeMabie]

Reply to this comment with a note for Jimmy about his role in your making, woodworking, or life in general...

[@pj_fetscher]

Confidence.. it’s all I needed to start things. Thank you, Jimmy. ❤

[@ediii89]

He Was the First Maker i saw on KZbin Like 7years ago, i've started woodworking after that, and it became my Passion. Thanks Jimmy 👍

[@shawnkirsch]

Jimmy really is the nicest person alive. It's hard to believe that someone this influential and powerful can be such a nice person, but it's soo damn true and it gives me hope that other influential people can be the same. Thanks for everything Jimmy. You are a $&#$% legend.

[@CallMeMabie]

@@pj_fetscher And I'm very glad you did, my friend

[@CallMeMabie]

@@shawnkirsch I couldn't agree more

[@peterbrownwastaken]

Jimmy is the reason I started making videos. The first time I met Jimmy I completely fanboy-ed on him and he made time for me. He was patient and kind and I will never forget it.

[@diymatt]

I did the same thing Peter. It was at Saunders Machine Works a few years back during an open house. He told me hes been trying to go take a leak for the past hour but never could make it that far. Great dude.

[@peterbrownwastaken]

@@diymatt Agreed. He's the real deal!

[@MrBiggybit]

Jimmy is the reason I bought a bandsaw - in my family, that was a weird a dumb thing to buy, but then I made them a hollowed out book - like Jimmy did - and they got it! And 9 years later - Jimmy is the reason I had the confidence to remodel my kitchen and the reason people call me if they need something fixed

[@davewoodland5390]

@@peterbrownwastaken .aa,a , W,,qwmm.

[@chrisgenovese8188]

Jimmy is an icon and an inspiration. If any man in the maker community has earned the title "The Godfather", its him.

[@UncleMullet]

I've known Jimmy 25+ years. He got me his professor discount so I can buy my first mac laptop that helped start my journey. In the simplest of terms, Jimmy never gives you a fish, he teaches you how to fish. This magnificent man inspires. Makers Camp 2022 was one of the best experiences of my entire life. Thank you for making this stellar documentary! 💛

[@Oldtimeytools]

GOAT

[@CallMeMabie]

Agreed

[@MakeEverything]

I’ll never be able to thank Jimmy appropriately for how much he’s helped me. But I can try by continuing to bring heavy ass machines to his shop, even if he didn’t ask for them. Love you man. And I love you too Justin.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks for watching, buddy. I love ya right back.

[@freshpootube]

I’ve been an art director for over 22 years and I wish that I had Jimmy’s career and job.

[@steventerrell506]

Im 14 min in and stopped to say...... IM REALLY ENJOYING THIS JIMMY! When i grow up i want to be like you .

[@rcwoodshop170]

Another great job Justin!!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you so much!

[@jaaqess2525]

I’m from Alabama but I built cable from Ithaca down to Whitney Point in central NY and the people in NY state are so pleasant and community driven. There was this little bar called the Red Dragon I would frequent in Cortland. This one bartender introduced me to her husband one night and he invited me to his daughter’s wedding reception thaw same night. Southern hospitality is a myth, upstate New York has the nicest people I’ve ever met.

[@dyn4mic87]

The nick Offerman story is so cool, have been following Jimmy a few years and really love his content and philosophy

[@sethhughes2163]

EXTRAORDINARY... To be... and have like minded friends... all the while pursuing the many avenues... of what creation we have transferring from the mind through the hands and finally in through others eyes... What a wonderful day this is... TODAY! KUDO'S to DIRESTA, ... a true hero. Respectfully, Seth

[@heyimamaker]

Love the canoe story and the ending of Parks and Recreation was perfection!

[@pyranna2003]

The hitch in Jimmy's voice when telling the story about the boat and Lucky Boy really got me.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Absolutely amazing as always - and not just saying that because I was in it haha. Also, thanks for making me cry in the last section haha

[@CallMeMabie]

You're basically the star of the video.

[@Benzoff]

What a beautiful film. Heartwarming and inspiring. Thank you.

[@davebauerart]

Thanks Justin a wonderful story about the maker that made so many new makers.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks for the continued support, Dave!

[@ahaley42]

Wonderful as always Justin.

[@garagemonkeysan]

Such a great film. I see an Oscar in your future. You captured a great icon. The world would be a better place if we all gave and shared like Jimmy. Mahalo for sharing. 🙏

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you so much for the compliment and I totally agree with your sentiment there about Jimmy 🤙🏻

[@joetoner8848]

Thank you for that. Just…wonderful!

[@christopherdubour6662]

Wow, beautifully shot and delivered film. It only serves to strengthen my opinion that Jimmy is the best.

[@Digger72]

Love what you do Jimmy. Greetings and blessings from Ireland,

[@madenciufuk]

Following, watching, learning and inspiring by Jimmy more than ten years. Greetings from Türkiye, people. Wish to God give Jimmy a long life and steady hands

[@KSCreatorsCollective]

You NEVER miss! Love the video 🙌🏻

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you guys! I appreciate it!

[@AdamKyleAnderson]

I always shied away from DIY / making as I thought I would be no good at it until I started watching Jimmy a few years back. Now if I want to make something I always go to his channel first.

[@damonbeddingfield2958]

Yep, he is an inspiration to me, which will transfer to my kids. Thanks my dude. I mean it.

[@johnparis3686]

I want to thank the rooster for giving guidance to jimmy in this video there is always someone who never gets a thank you so from my heart i thank you rooster crows to you

[@steveferguson1232]

What a great documentary about Jimmy. Your best one yet.

[@CallMeMabie]

I'm really glad you think so. Thank you very much for taking the time to view it!

[@brandyaube217]

Another fantastic video of a truly genuine person, the humble and kind Jimmy Diresta. He is so loved! Great job Justin ❤️❤️❤️!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you, Brandy! You're the best and so is Jimmy's impression of you.

[@brandyaube217]

Hahaha! “Who dat dere?”

[@B-leafer]

Awesome shop! Respect Mr. D.

[@Cameronsault]

Wonderful footage!

[@JunkWorkshop]

Beautiful! Cheers from Sicily buddy

[@is6322]

I wish I could like this video twice. Diresta is such a wholesome dude!

[@wnycaveman6922]

Good Lord, what a wonderful documentary.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@scottkuykendall7081]

The spark that ignites the fire, thank you for being so bold! That leap has inspired countless, we thank you!!

[@dalusa81]

Jimmy really is a good hang. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he lived and worked in NYC. Really a nice guy and I have been a fan of his for over 10 years.

[@d.tayloredmond2932]

Been a fan of jimmy since trash with cash…. Great dude. Still love his work all these years later. Super nice man. He’ll speak to anyone.

[@anthonym612]

The razorblade is my favorite product. It's the product so nice I bought it twice! One for work and one for home.

[@robertkerner4833]

This is excellent! What an expertly produced profile of Jimmy.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks so much for that compliment!

[@nathananderson3257]

Thank you Jimmy!

[@PatLap]

Killer job man! 🤓👍🏼

[@dennisbracci9212]

Awesome video. Your the best Jimmy

[@mygrammieis]

Awesome to see much respect ✊💯

[@srklr]

Great work capturing Jimmy D! Thanks for going this!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks for watching, Stan!

[@TotalBoat]

You captured his story perfectly! Jimmy is such an inspiration. Way to go, Justin!

[@GibClark]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻awesomeness

[@rupert5390]

OMG, I was looking for a documentary about Nelson Mandela, or JFK, or Ghandi, but instead I found this,this is so much more informative, jee wizz now I’m complete - YGTBFK.

[@masterofnone]

So many of good makers are in the video thanking Jimmy. Diresta-of-us just wish we were there to thank him.

[@tomim7187]

Justin, you have done it again. Fantastic piece capturing the essence of Jimmy. Thanks for sharing this! Love it.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you very much for the love and support, Tom!

[@Ricopolico]

Sorry to say it, I still miss John. Thank you.

[@francinelostocco4884]

Love this, and you are definitely a good hang.

[@vigilum]

ANOTHER great video......

[@WilldoAldone]

New to your channel and am loving it.Thank you Jimmy

[@thetalkingfly]

Jimmy - such a likable human- I really really like that guy- thanks for giving up that fun peep into his life!

[@sethoberst6310]

Amazing video, for an amazing guy.

[@geraldbrooks2763]

Jimmy is a goddamned inspiration. His work got me i to making and now its my career. I never leave home without my icepick

[@larrydeforrest5744]

Great video , Great Guy.

[@chorgzent.3978]

TRULY UNDENIABLE

[@Oliveirafarmer]

Love you buddy! full inspiration for me, Cheers from Venezuela. Luiggi O 🤓✌🏻👏🏻

[@kevinrich4637]

Great interview!

[@jugaadoorohin4348]

"But I this, but I cant , but I family, but I this but I that " deep words indeed

[@lindsayzuelich1657]

Justin you killed it with this documentary!!!! Loved it and was thoroughly entertained the entire time!!!!

[@CallMeMabie]

That's so awesome to hear, Lindsay! You're the best and thank you so much for watching.

[@IpunkCrow]

Jimmy is an inspirational figure for me, he is the first person on KZbin who wants to share knowledge, warm hugs to Jimmy, greetings from me in Indonesia,

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you for watching!

[@antoinestsernin6963]

Salut Jimmy je t avait perdu suite à un changement de portable . Je te retrouvé et plein de créations a redécouvrir depuis le nouveau chop. Merci pour tes créations très instructives (french)

[@WoodenCreationz]

Jimmy is the coolest dude on the planet! I built in my garage every day until I saw him on KZbin and became friends. Thank you bud for all the inspiration and maker knowledge you have give the community!

[@seajeepstar7516]

Thanks for being you Jimmy. I hope your life is as grand as it appears.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

Justin, you nailed it again with this documentary of The Godfather of Makers! Jimmy, keep doing what you do, inspiring all of us to be creative. I can’t say how much we love what you do and thanks for being a friend!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you so much for that compliment!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Fantastic work Justin! 😃👍🏻👊🏻 ... Jimmy is awesome!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks so much, Fred!

[@Dfrantz87]

The. Fucking. GREATEST.

[@Shaftley69]

I absolutely fucking love Jimmy Diresta! He is the epitome of a master craftsman. And by craftsman I mean somebody that can literally dive balls deep into any project using any material (woodworking, metal working, leather craft, blacksmithing, etc) and do it at such a high level. That’s his secret to his inspiration, he’s like my dad and can create so many unique out-side-of-the-box Diy solutions all the while being such a cool and relatable dude. Plus he loves cats, and I’ve been a fan for 10-12 years ever since he was in his New York basement shop with his kitty kitty photo bombing every video! I love them too, cats and their relationship with their captor says a lot about people. Love you buddy and keep on just being you. Jimmy’s the reason I’ve branched out beyond just the woodworking and now have a welder, multiple forge and foundry’s, leather working and electrical making spaces… lol my wife hates me being a tool whore but I model my layout exactly like he does and try to have the capability and specific tool for any possible need. It’s a lifestyle man, and he just gets it. Nothing but peace, love, and prosperity man🤙🏼

[@elizabethsuggs993]

That was a really fun video. Thanks Jimmy for all your work and generosity.

[@srairmand]

How does he do all of this and have time to do anything else? He does restoring trucks, woodworking, building boats, building barns and homes, KZbin..etc. Respect to the man and his talents.

[@jennifersullivan4823]

I just started watching the making fun Netflix series and I am in awe of Jimmy and his crew. I am going to watch his KZbin channel and this documentary.. incredible man..

[@PaulMeyette]

Great video. I met Jimmy years ago at Rochester (NY) Maker Faire. 2016 I think it was. I admired his work on KZbin immediately but once I got to meet the man behind the video, I not only admired him, but I grew to respect him. His demeanor with people made me see I was doing it wrong. You have to be open to people and willing to give of yourself. That's probably the most important thing Jimmy ever taught me. I can learn to make stuff from anyone, but Jimmy taught me how to be a better person.

[@CallMeMabie]

I couldn’t agree more. The thing that stuck with me the most during my 90 minute interview was “be a good hang”. It’s so simple yet so important. Thanks so much for watching the video and leaving a comment 🤙🏻

[@ManCrafting]

This is so well done. I’m absolutely blown away. Justin what a fantastic job. Jimmy is a great subject, and you captured him perfectly.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks, Chad! I appreciate you checking it out! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@richardbruner1144]

Nice work Justin!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you so much for checking it out!

[@mustie1]

jimmy makes you feel so welcome into his life the instant you meet him, long live the go kart track,

[@LAtelierAboie]

I found this video by accident, or just thanks to the KZbin algorithm and damn, that's a good one. I might or might not almost cried at the end but I'm for sure pumped to make more and more things and to believe on myself.

[@JalopyFarmer]

Excellent footage and editing. This was great to watch!

[@centerlinefabsolutions8918]

I think we are brothers somehow 😂! Love ya man.

[@sawdustwoman]

This is great Justin!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks for watching, Amanda! Love ya 🖤

[@aidandiresta]

Amazing

[@DumpsterMarcus]

What a great video!!! Jimmy is the nicest person I met! And the reason I make stuff Bc of watching him on tv as a kid. 🤙

[@jw9415]

Amazing!!

[@wildwetwillies]

such an honest and genuine guy, there's nothing to not like at Jimmy and his achievements.

[@Thejakegee]

Bravo 🎉

[@merlinsatrom6678]

Better than “The Last Dance”! Well done!

[@VintageTexas59]

I started watching Mr Diresta while he was working in New York's basement shop. His talent with building things and different approach made his shows very inspiring, my wood working skills was almost zero, but could handle metal works because of being a body-tech for many years. Now the wood-working skills has improved a lot because of Mr Diresta, nice guy, perfect video making with less talk & showing how he cut, assemble and final result, perfect in my book for learning and start doing your own project. Would love hanging out in his shop one week, check out all old machines and stuff. Cheers from Texas !

[@johna.9742]

I very much enjoy all your videos, but this one was one of the best. Thanks for all your inspiration and enjoyment you have provided.

[@ifbridges]

Awesome job - thanks for making this!

[@gosonegr]

The logical process Jimmy makes everytime he has to learn a new thing is perfect, he's really good and getting better eveyday, never ending craft learner

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

DiResta....DiResta? Nope..Can't say it rings a bell. tHanks for all the great videos!

[@annie-centrepiecefurniture]

Loved this thank you ! Love Jimmy ❤

[@hp7093]

The video is awesome

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Great profile. There are a number of what you and I probably would call genius creators, such as Allen Millyard and Jimmy Diresta. For me, they don’t need endorsements; their work obviously speaks for itself and is beyond what mere mortals, such as I myself, would dare to dream up, much less carry out in practice. I think the less said the better. You either get it or you don’t.

[@diamondmetalworks13]

Great video. Thanks for the content and Jimmy for the lifestyle

[@CoachKaye723]

Thanks!

[@jo_himself]

Danke!

[@ehondo88]

Such a legend. I've been watching Jimmy since the beginning and he's been the same great person all these years.

[@sgsax]

Beautiful story you've captured here. I'm slow to get on the bandwagon, but I'm all in now. Time to watch the back catalog. Thanks for sharing!