Quitting YouTube. \\ Shop Talk Ep. 6 ✌🏼

[@mikesanders3228]

Please, please, please design the work system around a contractor's table saw! You have been a great inspiration to so many of us. Take care of yourself and your family! Stay awesome!

[@richardmcniece4671]

I agree

[@jerishull1860]

Yes! Have someone who wants the metric version create it, pay them a % on the sale.... you do something more creative. It will keep YOU motivated.

[@BillHausheer]

Has anyone looked at Ron Paulk? Quick easy to move bench system. They are great for weekend garage shops etc. most people miss the point of them and over build them. Stick to the original plan they set up / break down in minutes and use the contractor saw, plus router table, etc

[@foxeagle1]

@@BillHausheer who wants to drill that many holes in expensive plywood?

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks for shoutout Travis, MUCH APPRECIATED! Sounds like slowing down is the best thing to do for finding a balance. I struggle with this bigtime and I only put out 1 video every month or so. Can't imagine every 2 weeks. I've said it before and will say it again. There wouldn't be a Lincoln St YT channel without Shop Nation. 100% a fact - No BS

[@ShopNation]

Glad I could offer some inspiration! You're doing an awesome job, we all hope you keep it up

[@paullobwein1632]

@@ShopNation this guy is awesome love your work and sense of humour! I am an Aussie (don’t hold it against me 🤣🤣) and we have some great guys doing some good work and supporting with shout outs and stickers etc but some very original works. His name is Mark and you can find him on Dainer Made.

[@davidyoung353]

Just subscribed to your channel, but can't find the "Woodworkers on KZbin - spoof video" referenced in Shop Nation's video here

[@brewster84067]

@Shop Nation - really appreciate your channel, and admire the honesty you put into your videos! I'm old enough to know that once you make a hobby a job, you risk the chance of losing the passion (done it twice now....maybe that's content for a self-help KZbin channel in the future :) ). Keep it fun, spend the time where you need to (which may not be this channel), and be 'ok' with all of it. @Lincoln St. Woodworks - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! I agree - you're a KZbin star in the making....

[@evelynmueller6523]

I agree with @ShopNation your channel is fabulous!! love watching your videos! thank you as well !

[@justtraining4702]

What i'll say...from my own personal experiences.... is remember the reason why you started the channel and focus on that. I've been watching you for several years now and your ideas and videos have helped me tremendously. You seem to really enjoy and have fun doing your projects and when what you enjoy doing becomes or begins to feel like a "job" than motivation is easily lost. Therefore, keep it fun and keep it enjoyable. Get to a project, when you can get to a project...don't feel stressed to provide content.

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

You know what I really like about you and your channel? You do a fantastic job of marrying the youtube woodworking + experience of being a youtube woodworker component. Real talk like that is very much necessary because a casual viewer does not appreciate just HOW MUCH TIME it takes to make content. Thanks for bring it to the forefront.

[@CasualBuilds]

That quitting KZbin part got to me. Having kids and a full-time job myself, your ability to post frequently and have an Etsy store with plans and products continues to inspire me to keep going with this no matter how draining and overwhelming it can be. Thanks, Travis!

[@d4rk4ngel132]

I'll quote my daughter-in-law, you do you. You need to enjoy your life and what you do. When what you do to relax becomes a stress point you need to step back. Enjoy your family is the most important thing. Your content is entertaining, funny, informative and inspiring. If you go to a video a month I'll watch it. Shop greatness is good, family and sanity is irreplaceable!

[@TokyoLlama]

I hear you about KZbin - if you can do it, don’t worry about a fixed schedule for your videos. Just make something when you have a good idea or inspiration - it stays fun that way. Anyway, great content, and enjoy how you’re showing the online business side of things too.

[@mariomaciasmorales6360]

Relax man. Just take a break, enjoy your family and don't waste time in metric convert. I live in Mexico and I'm very used to convert meassurements myself. You don't have to do others work, just by shareing your stuff is super apreciated. Truely thank you very much.

[@drewfoxworthy1057]

People can make the Imperial to Metric conversions on their own. I have done it for many years and it's no big deal. Move on to something that you will enjoy doing, and don't look back. You are doing a great job, and you should be proud of your success!

[@Entaran]

This is patently incorrect. Unless you also want to mill absolutely everything, US Standard to metric conversions end up making no sense as you end up with tenths of a mm absolutely everywhere and nothing fits correctly.

[@josephstefanich]

From personal experience, don't miss this time with your family. The money and career will come in time, but you cannot replace time with your family. Whatever your decision, thank you for the inspiration over the years.

[@MakewithJake]

Holy cats! 😱🤯😱😬🎸🎸 Thanks for the shout-out man! This pretty much makes my year... And yes, the channel was started out t of pure boredom! But it's been driving towards something bigger and I definitely have you to thank for the inspiration! Keep sharing your behind the scenes stuff, it's really helpful to see how other people deal with the stress of balancing KZbin and a career!

[@MakerBeach]

Jake has great channel! Go subscribe!

[@hustlelife8905]

I would do the contractor saw bench plan. Converting existing plans into metric doesn’t sound as much fun as doing something fun like a build lol.

[@josephhughes2784]

I would love a small mobile contractor table saw that connects to your assembly table with a locking system. Bonus points if it has a left side sliding cross cut sled on rails.

[@MakerBeach]

Thank you so much for shouting out Jake! He's totally awesome and his video recommends my channel and I totally got a lift in subscribers yesterday. So did the others that Jake recommended! Keep up the great work!!

[@TheTallWoodworker]

You can't quit KZbin. Your channel was one that inspired me to get started with my channel. I'm a bit in the same boat with a full time job and woodworking only being a night and weekend thing

[@868_4_Life]

Lately I have been fascinated by guys who can do it all. I am talking about the guys who can do carpentry/woodworking, work with iron, a bit of electronics and who are fit as hell. It would be interesting to see if you can incorporate how you stay fit with woodworking or whatever floats your boat. I am hoping you are into mountain biking or another sport that most people can easily pick up and marry that with the woodworking thing. That would be pretty cool. Either way, please don't quit YT. I used your garage cabinets design (The french cleat mounted ones) to design my garage storage solution and for that I am grateful. Subscribed a long time ago. it would be sad to see one of my favorite KZbinrs go.

[@94auwing]

I hope you don’t quit but I understand the time issues I would be great full if you do a video once a month or even just do 6 a year I love your projects

[@dennissmith5837]

Travis, I feel for you. I’m retired now for three years and looking back, I know why I’m TIRED. I worked very hard at a full time career and a second job. Looking back my biggest regret is I didn’t stick to my plan which means I didn’t really have a plan. Have a good pan, stay away from time wasting unless your family is involved and remember the more you make, the more you spend. You are correct, life is mostly about the journey and not about the destination. Stay healthy and happy, family FIRST.

[@jpwoodworks9228]

I love the suggestions! Got a new one I am going to watch as soon as I am done now. I think that you should move in the direction that makes you the most excited and/or does a better job supporting your family life. Work-life balance is very important and I think your viewers will support you. Best wishes!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

I have been doing a video every two weeks for about a year and yes it is exhausting. Epceally when things are for whatever reason just not really taking off like I had hoped they would by now. Anyway,I appreciate the honesty and hope you find the right balance.

[@mikeskidmore6222]

Travis, a couple of thoughts on feedback. On the plans, I’d go for the new bench rather than metrication existing ones. I work in metric but I’m very happy to convert/adapt from imperial. Would have thought that most people picking up your plans with a view to making the item should be able to make the changes. On the KZbin future, personally, I have no expectation of episodes on a particular time frame. Better to have context when you want to, taking account everything else, than none at all personally.

[@mattd8222]

just tell those who want metric to convert. its easy. just divide decimal by .0394 and you have mm

[@chiefsmash7516]

Thanks for the inspiration. That said, I totally understand the time suck. My only advice, after spending 24 years in the Navy and deploying many, many times, is that you only get 18 summers with you kids, enjoy every minute. It goes by way to fast, and even though we enjoy your content, you have to take care of your family first. Do I want you to quit, selfishly, no. However, in the end, family is all that matters. Good luck with your extremely hard decision.

[@BKMakes]

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, I’ll still be tuned in and watching whenever new vids get released. 🤙🏻

[@brianlewis5369]

I have just bought the dewalt job site saw literally yesterday which i am working on 'developing' a plan to mount it to a mobile work station that I can join to the mother ship (ultimate workbench). Power and dust collection will be utilized off the mother ship and connected with some type of dowel system to align the T-Track from the mother ship to the saw station. So with no hesitation go with the saw station. Since i do not have the space to leave the shop setup but do have wall space for storage, everything I need to build has to be mobile. My grand plan is to go full on autobot with the mother ship in the middle and be able to 'attach' a miter station, drill press station, and table saw station as needed. Hopefully you dont quit the channel but family first. We are not all Norm Abrams but you sure can make weekend warriors like me feel like we are. thanks for all you do for Shop Nation.

[@alexwolf9778]

You seem pretty smart and have a relationship with Kreg. You should reach out to them about your track saw square. They may already be working on one or they may not be and it could be a great opportunity to do a collaboration with a good company or maybe just sell them your idea and make money off each one they sell. Ignore this if you have already reached out. Thanks for another great video.

[@BrummBilt]

I was thinking the same thing…. Look into a patent on the design (maybe utility too), pitch it to Kreg, license to them if they’re interested, and get a royalty on their sales.

[@jbarnum1]

Hey Man! First of all, huge respect to all you do. I’m a big fan and you’ve inspired a lot of shop projects for me. Appreciate your honesty about quitting. The amount of time you spend on these videos is evident, for sure! Family is definitely first! So I suggest dialing back. Even once a month or two months..even three months. Not that I won’t miss you’re videos. Just that it may help the fam and reinvigorate. Also, don’t think it will hurt you’re subscribers. At least the loyal ones that matter. That’s my two cents..

[@norbgs07]

I’m definitely at least one of those requests for requesting a DeWalt Table saw / work bench. You know where my vote is! The thing is, if you already have tools (they can be expensive…) it’s just more practical. By the way, I’m not even suggesting you need to built something from ground up, you have great plans, just update to accommodate situations. I know you could easily turn it around and say that we can customize the plan to our situation as well. I just feel like you built a reputation and personally I’d rather have a pro like yourself do it as this is not my wheel house. But this goes to show that your influence is huge to have complete beginners take on moderate to advanced woodworking projects. For that I thank you!

[@lindsayatlmrtransport8118]

Definitely do Not quit KZbin, your ideas and delivery of your builds are awesome. Time management is the most problematic within anyone's life, we all can sympathise with you there. Great suggestion of Mike Farrington, excellent carpenter and terrific producer of videos, and his explanations are superb. You have a great following on YT, don't quit.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for sharing your views on KZbin. I’m not sure the average person grasps the difficulty to keep making quality videos week in week out!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I recommend cutting out the quality…it definitely speeds up my video making process!😂

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

@@MyDIYAdventures 😂😂preach!

[@joeychgo]

@@MyDIYAdventures Explain please?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

@@joeychgo it was kind of an inside joke🤷‍♂️

[@Woodified]

@My DIY Adventures LOL!!

[@BusyBeeLiving]

Glad to see that you're not quitting KZbin. I was in the same boat a while back when my channel was solely based on woodworking. I decided to move more in the route of helping people do all different aspects around the home and helpful life tips. I rebranded to Busy Bee Living and found it easier to create helpful content with things that I already needed to complete around and outside of the home while still keeping some woodworking. I will say, I was worried about loosing my subscribers that were there strictly for the woodworking, but am happy to say not only did that not happen, we actually saw some strong growth. Hope you found this helpful, and don't be afraid to evolve!

[@50sKid]

I hear ya man. I took two years off from my channel and then came back again. Sometimes ya need a break to enjoy your life.

[@pmdinaz]

1st: Dont quit please. Just put out what you want on your time. 2nd: thanks for the smiles and info. Ive been watching Mike for a long time now. He's hilarious to me, and very inspiring in his craft. Ill definitely give the other gents a look! Thanks Travis. See you soon.

[@JeepGuy8686]

I would love to see the contractor table saw bench. I’ve been planning to build one myself. Greatly value your ideas!

[@GregoryPrimm]

Half the battle of doing a KZbin channel is understanding why you're doing it! Having the time to do it and most of all enjoying the process. I for one really enjoy your channel I watch every video that you put out even though I'm more about organization and design than woodworking I think you do an incredible job of getting your point across. Thank you for all your time and your content. I Hope you continue on with the channel do it at your own pace always make sure you're having fun!

[@AndersenWoodCrafts]

I totally understand what you mean about the time and effort it takes to produce a video. Just the editing is a day's work, and that doesn't include building and filming the project. When I started KZbin I was putting out a video a week, now it's about every 3 weeks. You really need to be doing it because it's what you want to do, if it is just to make money you won't make it. Let me end by saying that Shop Nation was one of the channels that was my encouragement for starting my own channel.

[@mikeh4924]

1. Proud to be a subscriber around the 15k mark and to go through the last couple years with you. 2. Go with the contractor workbench. I think a lot of us end up tweaking the dimensions to fit our particular shop anyway. Maybe give it away at the end to a local veteran or something? 3. Less videos is ok. My kids are 17 and 19. Spend as much time as you can with the family.

[@12982blackjack]

I'd be 100% a customer on a Kreg track square. I've been on the fence for awhile ready to get their track saw, but the lack of accessories like there is for the other colors, has given me pause. I've just gotten used to having the blade on that side of the saw, so it's completely foreign to me to relearn everything. I'll throw in as well for the contractors plans versus redoing everything for metric. I always look for your new videos as soon as I get the notification from KZbin, but I completely understand the family life, I've got a 2 year old as well. You can never get the time back and while I selfishly hope you keep making videos, it needs to be fun for you as well. Even if it's only once a month or every other month, I'll still be a subscriber.

[@user-fx3fj7ur4c]

Your candor is incredibly refreshing, and IMMENSELY Appreciated! THANK YOU! This is only the 2nd time, for me, to leave a comment, anywhere on the internet. I ALWAYS refrain from commenting. However, your Candor, Honesty, and Transparency compelled me to laud your efforts and disposition! AGAIN, THANK YOU!

[@CamInglis]

I work with metric and imperial all the time, mostly because there is little choice here in Canada. My two cents worth - stay with what works best for you and let the builders do the conversions if they find it necessary. Don't waste what precious time you do have going back on your old plans and doing the conversions.

[@GhostofTatooine]

To be brutally honest, and living in the Uk, converting inches to cm or mm is not a problem. As long as you are careful and make a note of them. I have bought your plans and will make use of them in my shop, although not including the mitre saw in them. A new project with a table saw would be a great addition to the set of plans. Maybe include a space that is adaptable to different saws as not everyone has a Dewalt. As for KZbin, absolutely agree with the amount of time it takes to produce a video to put out. A lot of time and energy that does not always convert to subscribers either. If you do leave or if you only produce one every know and then, so be it. Thank you for all the ones you have made and good luck with the next phase. If you stay, we will still be there watching.

[@MarkSchamel]

I'm a big fan of your content/channel. Please, continue telling us about your cool products. It never feels like you are pushing them on us. Metric plans vs. new projects. I got excited when you mentioned that you might do a build around a contractor saw as I am finally moving to a place with a garage and would love to see that. (selfishly, that's what I want). But, if you have more demand for the metric plans, I think that you should go with the demand. Your mental health is important. If you don't have the energy to maintain your schedule, scale it back.

[@duanebarnes3587]

1st: so glad you are so real… Family, side hustle, plus full time job is a lot and totally understand time management and ensuring your being your best self in each of those areas of your life. #hugerespect 2nd: DONT QUIT KZbin. Lol. No seriously don’t. Your one of the most real you tubers. Mistakes are included, dry humor, over the top to ensure the best products and content are produced. 3rd: The Kreg track saw square. The fact that you see the flaws in the original and your willing to fix them and go the extra mile to ensure your making the best product. Makes me a lifetime customer!!! I will definitely buy the New Kreg Square Design.

[@paulhume8083]

Hi Travis, I'm from the UK and nearly 60 years old so I was brought up on the imperial system but now we work mainly in metric. To be honest I can flip between the two and use both all the time and like some others have commented here that sounds like a lot of dull work for you when people can convert the figures themselves. I'd go for the new build if I was you. I do hope you never quit You Tube. I subscribe to your channel because your presentation is top notch. I love your sense of humour and the way you put your videos together. I also like your work ethos as in when you paint your cabinets and benches even though they're 'just' shop items. It shows how much you value your stuff and I do similar things myself. In fact just this morning I was showing my wife your ultimate workbench video because we like the colour scheme and intend doing something very similar for some of our furniture indoors. I have watched other videos where people have quit their careers and gone full time with You Tube. Is that something you have considered? Also, thanks for putting this particular video out and sharing your experience.

[@brandoco25]

I too have followed you for years and gain inspiration to get out in the garage and build something. I can agree its hard with a full time job and family. I have tried to manage it along with raising 3 year old twin boys. Its definitely a balance. Sometimes its good to take a step back and see what you have accomplished and take stock in that and reset your goals on what you want to achieve next. I look forward to your videos and understand the time it can take, I also understand the dilemma. If you need to take a step back your loyal subscribers will understand. As far as the build, i would go with the contractor saw idea. I am in the process of that myself. I am encompassing some of your ideas from previous builds along with from some other channels I watch and so far its been a daunting task to make it work. Would love an outside perspective on how you would approach it as a lot of your builds are well thought out and planned. Lastly thank you for the humility, honesty, and humor with your channel, its some of the main reasons I watch it.

[@donaldmacmillan9790]

Whether you quit KZbin or not is a personal decision that you have to make based on your situation and what makes you happy. I will tell you though that if you do quit, it will be very impactful on those of us who love to watch your channel and strive to be like you. You have inspired me to get back into wood working and I am in the process of building the ultimate workshop following your amazing plans. While I hope you decide to stay with us on KZbin in some capacity, I definitely want only the best for you and your family. If it ends THANK YOU for all of the content you provided for us, especially during the darkest times of the pandemic.

[@allent555]

Great video and its healthily you're doing a personal assessment. It's an age old trial. The question is, where do want to see your yourself in 5 years from now? Advanced your current full time job, doing something else full time, or running your own business? It appears with the your Shop Nation initiative you've created a potential option for the latter. Thats a great achievement in itself. Like others said, you and your family need to be happy with no regrets along your journey. Consider the path that best aligns with that. I've personally have work in government, and corporations, and the happiest has been when I'm working for myself and family in my own business. It just doesn't seem like work. I'm much older now and can look back. One thing is clear now, no one in their final years tries to figure out how to work more they just want to be with their family and doing what they have fun with. Good luck on your discussion(s).

[@danobluda3407]

I agree with nearly all the comments here. Don’t pressure yourself to produce content on a specific schedule; you’ve earned my subscription and I love your videos. The frequency of posts has relatively little influence on how much I enjoy your content. Also, bench with a contractor saw would be incredible! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I greatly appreciate everything you’ve posted!

[@gabrielmartinez2439]

I appreciate your content, your humor, and your honesty. Do what makes you happy and keeps you engaged.

[@commpro]

Hi Travis, I have often wondered how you managed to juggle a full-time job, a growing family, and the time and effort it takes to continue creating projects and filming these awesome videos. It's nice to hear you're neither insane nor super-human. You seem like a great guy. Go and enjoy life. I have every confidence we'll hear from you now and again.

[@neilf4128]

Dont focus on revamping old designs. If the desire is there for that product, the buyer can do simple conversions themselves. Your time is best spent continuing creating new products. Once you come up with something that is so unique and valuable, then you can deal with improving that... ie: the Panto-router. First wood, then metal.

[@kmorrow63]

Don’t quit!! Love the content, just dial it back. We definitely understand the situation.

[@AdamAnderson864]

Do what makes you happy man!! Nothing less! Those who love you will always support that.

[@paulalbright1079]

Either project works for me. You were the 3rd person I started following. It will be sad not to see you all the time. Great projects.

[@jdgoodwin2962]

Don’t you dare quit! I love your channel. I never comment on anything ever. Your channel is awesome. You inspire us. I’m a born and raised Canadian who moved to the US to serve 25 plus years in the US military. I love metric because of how simple it is but can also appreciate the contractor saw project because most of us average Joe’s may never afford the Sawstop. Recommend diversifying your channel with some 3D printing for the shop as well since its your specialty.

[@kyralaebredi1264]

Please don't quit You Tube. I look forward to all your videos and ideas as I'm finally getting to build a shop for me. I'm retired from Highway Construction Engineering so I know your pain between work, family, and sideline. Dial it back to one a month or a big project could even be every 2 months if need be. Converting your plans to metric will be an even bigger time suck than you can imagine. You have to know the standard sized available in metric and then redesign your plan to incorporate those items - way too much room for error and a lot of head banging on desk. I was a design drafter for 10 years. I had to transition from paper on huge drafting table to CADD and in the middle of that they decided to go metric. The metric experiment only lasted 2 years and they went back to imperial. Of course we used measurements in hundrenths and thousandths of a foot (inches decimal) so I still think in those measurements.

[@miknefish1]

People like honesty, thanks for sharing. I started a cabinet business out of my garage on the side and it quickly grew to the point where it affected family. 2021 has been a dialed back year for me, concentrating on getting the process for the business down and improving my shop. So far it’s been nothing but spending money, but now my shop is set up for 2022 business, and I partnered with some other businesses to do some parts of the manufacturing that I used to do. This will cut profit but I’ll gain a ton of time! Here’s looking forward to 2022.

[@erichenao6537]

Several things - I want the plans for the contractor saw table thingy. Do metric plans later or on a very slow schedule. Contractor table saws with table intergrations in yt suck or are not well thought out. Your stuff/plans are good because you are so obsessive. You can also take a break from video production for a while and during that time then do the metric versions. They will pay off in the long run. - Always like the other channel suggestions. - don’t take sponsors cause other yt’ers are doing them, take them on because you believe in them and their product. - I’m a selective content consumer so I know who my channels are. I would saw free yourself from the yt chain that you need to produce a video on YT’s algorithm schedule. Put out a video on YOUR schedule. You have a full time job. This is a side hustle and not the main focus. Dial it back to find the joy you had. Or take a big break from the grind and then decide how you want to roll. - your definitely one of my fav as you most certainly have developed your own style with your productions, which I enjoy and I think many others do as well. Good luck!

[@JayMumper]

Thanks for laying it out there - I've been a perfectionist woodworker for a long time leading to lots of incomplete projects. So I know how hard the "I just have to get this perfect" drive is. I had on old boss who regularly reminded me that, "perfection is the the enemy of the good". Lighten up on yourself. Drop back to one video a month if it helps.

[@truetothecraft5725]

I’ve also heard, “Perfection is Procrastination”

[@kennethlemke9826]

I have two job site saws that are collapsable..one is a DeWalt 10” and one a Mataba 10”…both have gear driven fences. (Vary accurate). Both with except dado blades. Both are the same height as my work table. They cost a fraction of what most floor shop saws cost. I can keep one with a dado on it and one regular blade. They both fold up when not using and have wheels when folded. Take up vary little space when I’m not using them. Best option for a small garage shop. Since the work table is same height as the saws I can use two adjustable rollers ..one in front of the saw and one beside..I have no problem handling large sheets of plywood. The adjustable rollers about $25.00 ea at Lowe’s.

[@r.m.2301]

New design is my vote. I and many others will support you no matter what you decide to do about quitting. You have one life you have to live for you and your family.

[@bennyhill314]

Travis - I completely understand the difficulties of having a full-time career and a time-intensive side gig. I hope you will indeed just “throttle back” instead of leaving KZbin altogether. You are my favorite KZbinr (and I watch a lot of DIY/Woodworker creators) - you’ve got a great sense of humor, you’re very natural in front of the camera, you’re very open about everything from mistakes you made to how you wish you’d have done something different to the financials behind your KZbin channel. I don’t know how much residual income KZbin brings you - I’m hoping enough to make it worthwhile to you because as your son grows older you’re going to be spending more and more time with him. It would be nice to still have some residual income coming in while you’re at the ball field or a birthday party or whatever :-) Thank you for all your efforts! I’ve learned from and been inspired by you in multiple areas (CAD work, DIY/Woodworking, and the reality of doing KZbin as a side gig).

[@jbb5470]

Thank you for the update. For what is worth, I really enjoy your channel and find many many great ideas and techniques that you share! I can't imagine the amount of time you put into keeping your channel up and running. Speaking for myself, your efforts are so appreciated and welcomed! Sending all the best!

[@ryanhuff585]

Travis, first off, thank you for the awesome content. I just finished the cabinet build in my garage and it was a HUGE stretch for where I was/am skills-wise. You made it approachable and it’s something I’m super proud of and helped to build my confidence there. So you should know that your content goes way beyond views and subscribed. Work/Life balance is super important and you gotta figure out what works for you. Find the part of this that you get excited about and direct your energies there. If YOU would prefer to do a build around a worksite saw rather than metric conversion, then do THAT. Best of luck!

[@norbertdavis8903]

Love the channel, don’t quit. I get the stress of creating a video on a schedule is difficult as there is so much work and having a career, and oh my, you want to have a life with your family too. Your channel is really well done and you don’t owe us anything but to be honest in your effort making content. Put out content on your own time frame, not ours. I have one creator that I really enjoy their channel that has been away for months due to many life events. They just posted a video today. I’m happy they could come back and I’m not worried about them not putting out content on a timeframe that I want. I’m just glad to be able to enjoy what they can put out on their timeframe. Stick with it. You would hate quitting because you do enjoy making content and we like watching. Good luck, in what ever you decide.

[@colinmcleod2018]

I almost never ever comment. Please don't quit KZbin!! Love your content, attitude, humor, approach. Like you said this is a journey not a destination - so take a break/pitstop, or the scenic route! Why not set some less ambitious short term goals to help figure out what you really miss doing?

[@mwillia4]

Great question and thanks for asking us all. My vote is for the contractor's table saw. Personally, I look at plans for the idea, not the absolute inch by inch (or mm by mm) cut list. The idea and construction technique is the value for me.

[@spencerwilliams9256]

Don’t quit! I’ve seen some people like April Wilkerson and Bob from “I like to make stuff” quit their real jobs for this and they are very successful. Your videos are really good and you could build this into something much much greater than you currently have… which is already really cool. Dream big!

[@stephenwright5181]

Your videos are great but your mental health is important and so is family. What ever you do in the future will be great .

[@BriBo24x7]

I’m in Oklahoma, and I use the metric system for all my shop projects. I can’t remember where the idea came from, probably Bent’s Woodworking, but I love it! Measuring is so much easier when you’re using whole numbers, instead of fractions. As far as the direction, I’d say do both. A contractor saw system in metric please! Haha! I have a Skilsaw table saw, which has plenty of power, but the fence is crap. That’s caused me to go in the track saw table (mft) direction and not use the table saw as much, or at all. Built in dust collection and square cuts? Yes please!

[@stephengrenenger7270]

never turn a hobby you love into a business it will kill the enjoyment of the hobby and you will just stop doing it

[@lwcd2833]

Awesome video man as always. I am just getting started on creating a YT channel. I realize the amount of work that it takes to film, edit and produce the videos that you guys put out. I am not sure if I am willing to commit that kind of time. I hope that you will continue because you help a lot of us and inspire us. Family first. If you have to scale back the amount of videos to have more time for you and your family then do it. You tube will still be here and we will still be here. Go with your gut and take care of fam. No one can fault you for that.

[@gundolarry]

For what it's worth, I'd recommend to just throttle back. You've got a good thing going (= awesome content, excellent delivery, and people out here interested). Totally agree with your reasoning (family, time, finite resources to throw at this). 4 videos per year is having your cake and eating it. Continued success!

[@johncahill9207]

I can understand your concerns. I keep receiving encouragement to start a channel for the things I do. However like you said, it's hard when you KNOW you have to put out good content on a scheduled basis while working full time, family and all the rest of life. Based on your content, I'd say those of us who like your work and your videos will 'tune in' when you release on 'your schedule'.

[@dandugan824]

I completely understand why you feel as you do and I would truly hate to see you quit KZbin altogether. However, dialing it back is a good thing when you get to a point in time when more important things in life are ignored, put on hold or worse- completely piss you off because those things are getting in the way of what, a side hustle? Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, using it for a rag. Dial it back Travis. Family first. Always. You'll be glad you did- and your content, while maybe not as much as before, will definitely shine as bright if not brighter. Good luck moving forward!

[@mach51]

Travis, I am a financial planner by trade but it's more times a life planner. The thing I will say is nobody looks back when they are 80 and wished they worked more. I would say make your top priorities your top priorities. My wife is a doctor and has pushed herself to some crazy hours over the years and now we are winding down her practice. She is close to being ready to quit all the way and she totally understands that we only have so much time with the kids in the house. For us, that is 7 more years before both kids are in college - Boiler Up! I enjoy your videos but would also be happy knowing you gave it up to spend time with your family. Good luck in your decision!

[@lukesterger814]

This has been by far one of my favorite youtube channels to watch. I get its hard to be able to get some downtime and when you do you feel like you have to go do this. For me I'm in my shop one day a week 2 days if I'm lucky. I do love watching your content and your builds. Great Job and Im glad that I can be along for the shop greatness journey.

[@cedarcrosswoodworks2096]

Hey brother! Whether you stay or go I can already tell you that your family is lucky to have a husband and a father like yourself who would even consider walking away from what has been such a successful venture for you, all for the sake of your family and your mental health! Not that you need it, but You have my 100% support whatever you choose!

[@genebowen497]

I got 1 thing to say...DON'T LEAVE ME!!! I love your videos man and I've learned alot, even from your "mistakes" which with your reactions makes me laugh but the way you handle and fix them is really cool, stay positive and do what you can WHEN you can

[@4961Studebaker]

As a viewer with varying interest and watcher of many channels. I find when a channel is small it’s fun to watch a bank of work to get a feel for the KZbinr and their offering as well as traits. The more a channel grows I find I look for quality not quantity, I’ve dropped channels who just put stuff out to keep up with self imposed (once a week) deadlines. A wood worker can only build so many things for their shop to feed the KZbin beast. So for you, I suggest quality, fun videos, because you having fun and timely pauses/editing is what drew me to you - you are the channel. Now for business, if the plans make the passive income after your initial investment. Do a few more of these, as you tailer videos and sponsors to your life schedule.

[@dancurtis1307]

Time is precious as are the first couple of years with your child (I now have almost 30 years with my child (ren) and I still cherish time together) Glad to see you that you are doing a gut check - I am sure you will make the right decision.... I hope you are able to follow your heart, what ever direction you take. love your channel, and your humor.

[@apowell389]

Travis, can't tell you how much I enjoy your content, as do many of my co-workers. I am a Retired, Air Force, 1st Sgt turned ER Nurse by day and shade-tree maker when I'm off. I can understand your dilemma. Always do what feels right as it reflects your family and its needs. As much I would hate to no longer see content from you I know you will be doing what's right for you and yours. Love your candid nature and spirit. It comes across in your videos.. Now, on your imperial vs. metric issue. We Americans have always done it that way. To take a page out of Tony Stark's book. That's the way Dad did and it's worked out pretty well so far...keep achieving "Shop Greatness"...my man

[@apowell389]

On another note. I have a WEN track saw and WEN track. I need to 3D print a track square like yours to use for my product. Could I convince you to share the file that you used? I am new to 3D printing...like yesterday was my 1st time printing anything. All the best to you and yours. AP

[@berlinbuilds]

Hey! Great video man! Just so you know you helped inspire me to make my own channel. I appreciate your honesty on what it's been like doing KZbin. Wishing you all the best in whatever you decide on with continuing to make videos or not.

[@dyizhere]

I too ran into that burn out stage when I was putting on a large computerized (audio synchronized) Christmas light show. I did it for about 5 years and I found it to be another job. I really enjoyed it and enjoyed what it did for others but I lost the motivation of it primarily due to time but also I made nothing on it which thankfully you have on your side with youtube. I ended up pulling out and have really enjoyed getting to spend the holidays with my family instead of crowd control or late nights fixing issues with programming, etc. Hang in there if you can. I really feel like you have a great channel with great content but totally understand if you pull out. Godspeed!

[@Und3adNation4L]

I’ve been out of high school for a few years now and run my own full time woodworking business and run a portable sawmill here and there for personal use. Trying to juggle that and life outside of it can be hard, like you I’m goal oriented. I want to see good numbers, happy customers, business growth etc… it does weigh on you after a while. The most important thing is having a goal in mind you want to reach. That drives me every day to get up and make something happen but you also have to take a break now and then too. I love your channel and would love to start my own eventually. If you dropped back to 1 video a month or one every other month that’d be fine, I’d just hate to see you stop making these awesome videos and plans that help so many other people. I think you should stick around even if it’s dialed back. I wish you the best and keep on making something!

[@robertbrewer2055]

Thanks for all of the great content. I can totally understand how much extra time it takes to keep making KZbin videos, but please don't stop. Slow down, sure, but don't stop!

[@campingkids]

Travis, I follow a podcaster and every September she takes the month off from creating new content and instead focuses on her team and new projects for the coming year. She then just runs reruns during her normal posting time. Maybe you could come up with something like that so you can come back refreshed after a certain break time every year. Thanks for all the great content and ideas for my shop.

[@asmcsparran]

Family comes first, man. I don’t care if you put out five videos per year. I’ll still watch them as soon as you put them out, like I always do. This guy is a shop nation subscriber for life!

[@jordanbrown56]

As someone who is well versed in both metric and imperial, I will say I much prefer metric. It's more intuitive with less conversions. However, I would still think that a new design would be a better way to go. There's a huge need for contractor table saw buildouts.

[@RedBudRed]

Making good KZbin videos takes sooo much time! Keep on crushing it man! We can wait a little longer between videos. :)

[@nielsentrainingandconsulti339]

Don’t quit but we all would understand if things slow down. I personally have taken a month off from social and it was awesome! However I love your stuff and they have inspired me and I’m sure many to take on more projects in our shops!

[@stevemossmakes2306]

1) Your working in Fusion360 and I assume you’re using parametrics. I know it would be work, but I’d sure go with metric versions of plans 1st. 2) I hit your channel today specifically looking for a work system for my SawStop JSS Pro. I just donated my SawStop PCS to our local community college woodworking program due to a need to downsize some. You NOT having a work system will for me to go design my own. Not entirely a bad thing. 3) I watched your 2021 recap and my thought was how good is your full time job that you haven’t moved to YT and Etsy for full time work. Nice part about that is that to some extent it’s passive income. Making family time much more flexible. In the end, these are all your decisions to make, and you know best what your happy place is. Work, Family, Channel. All of them take a commitment on a finite amount of available time.

[@matthewtupper8356]

Contractor saw workbench: that's my vote for your next shop plan. Meanwhile, keep up the amazing work and please don't ever quit KZbin for good -- your videos are informative, entertaining, and inspiring!

[@gtuttle4]

As someone else has mention, the individuals can make the metric conversion for themself. Move forward with new ideas. Thanks for the videos!

[@asm101]

Great to see another trade Channel on KZbin crushing it and taking the time to make quality content... I've had my channel for a year and I quite understand what goes into these videos so thank you and am enjoying your content

[@kevinarnold186]

Love the honesty and "behind the scenes" content. I can totally relate on the side hustle aspect. The extra time it takes just to set up shots, scripting and editing always makes me question if I really want to document a project or just get it done! (Of course with a channel with < 1000 subscribers, that makes me question it even more!). Keep revisiting your priorities and tend to your mental health and family as that should be #1!

[@Bill24558]

Personnally I hope you continue on. I bought your cabinet plans and put the base cabinets in a new shop. They were much better than I would have figured out myself. Having said this, I totally appreciate your desire to have more time for your own life..

[@mikes8596]

Your passion comes across in your videos, in part, because you’re enjoying yourself and the process. Once this side hustle becomes more “work” and less “fun”, the content will suffer and your health will also suffer. I like the scaling back idea; go from 2 per month to 1 video per month and then see how you feel. That trial run will tell you a lot.

[@DudleyToolwright]

Just ran across your channel in a recommendation. Well done. I get the stress. I put out a video per week and also have a more than full time day job. I get the feeling.

[@callofmasterchief]

Honestly, you have a concept which does allow you to have a few slow weeks for projects while still having a video every week. And that is to clip less and show more. And with that i mean the stuff which is normal for a woodworker or someone who has experience. Like how a project starts. From the design to moving into the build prep etc. Basicly instead of a 20 minute video that contains hours and hours of work from across weeks of time and turn it into a video of like 10 minutes which contains a few hours. Which will allow to show more background stuff and things to keep in mind when making projects. Which might be very usefull for someone that just started woodworking or wants to start. Also about the Cabinet plans to metric, it might be easier to look up the more default sizes and base the plans on those. Unless you used custom sizes for your own, it will safe you a lot of time as otherwise you end up needing to pretty much redesign the cabinets from ground up using a messurement you are not familiar with. And using googles "inch to cm" calculator will most likely end up with weird numbers and big risk of having gabs.

[@robstrawn9170]

I truly hope you don't quit, I do understand that this could be time-consuming and that you have a family to tend to and he need more time with them. But at the same time I really have learned a lot from you and truly appreciate everything you do I do wish to purchase the plans for your ultimate workbench in the future but at this time have to wait