Building engineer Ross Trethewey takes us on a road trip to Austin, Texas where he tours the site of a 3D-printed home. Meeting with a senior project manager, Ross learns how the walls are constructed and sees the printing machine in action. The two then visit a finished home and discuss the myriad of designs and finishes that are possible.

Next, we head to Detroit, Michigan to meet with Aaron Smith, a landscaper who does so much more than just design and build landscapes. Aaron is involved in several community projects, including running a landscaping business, a free tool library, a community garden, and a restoration initiative aimed at bringing Detroit back to its original splendor.

Finally, we head back to the shop where host Kevin O’Connor meets with general contractor and wood-turning expert Tom Silva to turn a square bowl. After choosing an exotic wood species, Tom shows Kevin how to turn a bowl from four legs from a solid block of wood.

Exploring 3D Printed Home Technology

Ross Trethewey travels to Austin, TX to visit ICON, a company that is building homes using 3D Printing. Ross visits their construction site and a finished house to learn how the process and finished homes differ from the classic stick-build.

Celebrating Craftsmanship | Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith is a landscape contractor by trade, but a staple in his community through love. He’s helping restore what he loves about Detroit, Michigan through his many programs and organizations. He deserves to be celebrated.

Where to find it?

The organizations Aaron is involved in: Detroit Grounds Crew, Featherstone Garden, E Warren Tool Library, Detroit Blight Busters.

Build It | Square Bowl

General contractor and experienced woodturner Tom Silva loves carving and shaping wood into objects. But, when he told host Kevin O’Connor that he was planning to turn a square bowl, Kevin couldn’t believe it. With the right materials and a steady hand, it’s possible, and Tom shows Kevin how it’s done.

Where to find it?

Tom and Kevin turn a square bowl with legs out of Bubinga wood.

Be sure to sharpen lathe tools when necessary, using a sharpening machine. When turning on a lathe machine, wear a face shield and ear protection.

Tom is using Bubinga wood which is an African hardwood species.

Start by squaring up the block of wood on the table saw. Find the center of the wood and use a hand drill to make a hole to mount to the woodworm screw on the chuck.

Once the block of wood is mounted start by forming the bottom and legs of the bowl using a bowl gouge and scraper. Create a recessed notch in order to connect the bottom of the bowl to the chuck on the lathe machine.

Hand sand the bottom of the bowl using a 150-220 grit sandpaper. Once the bowl is smooth and wiped clean of dust, apply a layer of food safe finishing oil before turning the bowl over on the chuck.

After flipping the bowl on the lathe machine, use the bowl gouge to carve out the inside of the bowl. Once the inside of the bowl depth is established, use a scrapper to smooth the notches out for a smooth finish. Use a hand detail sander to finely smooth the bowl before applying finishing oil to the inside of the bowl.

Original Air Date: Feb 13, 2025, Season 23; Ep. 15 23:42

Products and services from this episode

• 3D printing company: ICON
• Detroit landscaping organizations:
  Detroit Grounds Crew
  Featherstone Garden
  E Warren Tool Library
  Detroit Blight Busters