353 - PEX A and a Monster Turkey

This episode of 'We Built A Thing' dives into a mix of personal projects, outdoor adventures, and behind-the-scenes frustrations of DIY construction. The host recounts a memorable turkey hunting trip with his 12-year-old son, who shot a massive 'monster turkey' with an impressively long beard—highlighting the emotional and generational joy of the hunt, especially with his father present. The story unfolds with humor and warmth, including a chaotic morning where the son throws up in the truck and the family deals with extreme weather swings from 82°F to 25°F. The episode then shifts to a deep dive into the host’s ongoing waterline project, where he details the challenges of installing PEX-A piping, including depth requirements, pressure testing, and sourcing the right fittings and tools. He shares his frustration with a missed county inspection due to poor communication and the need for a full propane tank to improve performance. The narrative also touches on a successful renovation of a laundry room using Gorilla Glue and wood filler, the creation of custom loader boards with complex client requests, and the development of a new Shot Dripper 2.0 for making lead shot—complete with heat and coolant issues. Throughout, the host reflects on the value of craftsmanship, the hidden labor in small projects, and the importance of clear communication in both personal and professional endeavors.