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A bi-weekly newsletter with step-by-step systems to transform your shop. Built by a maker obsessed with flow, safety, and repeatable processes. The quest to achieve Shop Greatness.
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Practical workshop topics you can put to use. Plus promotions and new product launches. Directly to your inbox.
Hey, I'm Travis
I'm the owner of Shop Nation, and I've been sharing my own shop greatness journey on the internet since 2017. During that time I've helped millions of folks improve their shop, one incremental step at a time, in pursuit of what I call Shop Greatness:
streamlining your shop and workflow one incremental step at a time.
That's what this newsletter is about.
ACTIONABLE STEPS
Our newsletter is designed for hobbyists who want to take their shops to the next level. Each issue delivers practical advice and actionable steps you can implement right away to grow your business, improve your craft, or even just re-connect with your passion. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, you'll find real strategies that work.
Here's What You'll Get From This Newsletter
Weekly frameworks, plans, and ways to think about the shop setup that works best for you. Think deep dive into important shop topics.
- Shop Setup: layout, lighting, storage, dust collection, and more
- Woodworking Tips & Tricks: getting started, shop safety, jigs, and drafting your own plans
- Tool Reviews: (and whether Festool is worth all that hype)
- 3D Printing: filaments, models, and how to sell at scale
How to Buy Plywood
Hey Travis...I Just Read your article about buying plywood. Very informative, I enjoyed it!
Ken S.
The Case for 3D Printing
I unsubscribe from most product emails but I like what you put out and enjoy reading yours so I’ll keep you around for awhile.
Jere F.
The Scrap Pile is Winning
Thank you for all that you do. I like and read the insight.
Tony M.
COMMON QUESTIONS
- Who is this for? Woodworkers, makers, DIYers, and CNC/3D-print folks working in anything from a spare corner to a full build-out. Newbies welcome; pros still pick up efficiencies.
- What do I get every other week? A deep dive into any of the above topics. Super actionable, and no fluff.
- How long does it take to read? About 5–7 minutes. Skimmable, bookmarkable, get-back-to-workable.
- Is this a how-to-build email? Not primarily. It's a mental framework for better decisions: what to do, why it works, and how to adapt it to your space. I link deeper how-to's when helpful.
- Can I reply with my specific shop question? Please do. I read every reply and often fold reader questions into future issues.
Past Newsletters
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