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POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction and Millworks Tami at Step Into Adventure Matt has a new side gig—and apparently he's a laser welder now. The guys talk through his first days in the shop, learning stainless fabrication, welding and polishing, and how woodworking skills translate surprisingly well to metalwork. They also catch up on the finished patio, coffee roaster maintenance, upcoming woodworking projects, 2.6 terabytes of barn-build footage, and somehow end up discussing Squirrel's Nut Butter. Just another hour of Oak and Steel.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction and Millworks Tami at Step Into Adventure Matt recaps his trip out West, including the Tetons, Jackson Hole, and some airline troubles before diving into the latest on his backyard patio and newfound obsession with keeping his sod alive. Michael shares updates from a recent coffee equipment install and a growing list of machines, projects, and potential hires. The guys also catch up on sawmilling, woodworking, lawn care, travel plans, and the usual assortment of side conversations. Another classic Oak and Steel catch-up—plenty going on and never quite enough time to get it all done.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction and Millworks Tami at Step Into Adventure This week we're catching up after a busy stretch of travel, work, and family life. Matt shares stories from another Canadian fishing trip, including over 1,500 fish caught, another boat repair headache, and plans for a backyard patio. Mike talks about a whirlwind installation trip to North Carolina, another family visit to Disneyland, and his fascination with robot lawnmowers. Along the way, the conversation turns to AI, social media burnout, and how both of us are realizing that not every hobby has to become a side business. Sometimes it's okay to let projects sit, focus on home, and embrace the season of life you're in. It's one of those episodes that feels less like an interview and more like two friends catching up over coffee—and we think you'll relate.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction LLC Tami at Step Into Adventure After a bit of a break, Michael and Matt are back behind the microphones catching up on everything that’s been happening. Matt shares an update on his latest CNC project, the challenges of learning new software, and how adding automation to the shop is changing the way he approaches custom work. From laser integration to walnut plaques and troubleshooting G-code, it’s a deep dive into the realities of learning new tools while keeping projects moving. Meanwhile, Michael has been busy getting ready for coffee season at Mounds View Roasters. Between cleaning and reorganizing the roastery, preparing thousands of giveaway coffee bags for local events, and planning shop upgrades, there’s no shortage of projects happening on his side either. Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair in the shop, and join us for another episode of Oak & Steel.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction and Millworks Tami at Step Into Adventure Back in the shop, projects are moving — from CNC learning curves and custom builds to welding frames and figuring out how to actually document the process along the way. There’s also a Make What You Fear update (including a dog-approved… or not-so-approved… build), plus some deep dives into materials, techniques, and lessons learned. It’s a mix of shop talk, life updates, and the kind of conversations that happen when you’re balancing careers, creativity, and whatever comes next. Get a mug and hang out.

After a short break, Oak and Steel is back. In this episode, Michael and Matt catch up on everything that’s happened behind the scenes — including Matt’s promotion to Battalion Chief in the fire service and what that new role means for life on shift and beyond. They talk about the realities of leadership, transitioning from doing the work to directing the work, and how careers evolve over time. Meanwhile, back at the shop, the projects keep stacking up. From building coffee packaging machines to new equipment in the shop and ideas for future builds, there’s plenty going on. They also dive into balancing side businesses, shop life, and the constant juggle of wearing too many hats when you're running a small operation. It’s a laid-back episode full of shop talk, career updates, and a look at what’s next for both the firehouse and the shop.

This episode brought to you by: First Due Construction and Millworks Mounds View Roasters Tami at Step Into Adventure In this episode of Oak & Steel, Michael and Matt kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging catch-up. From shipping out a K-Cup machine in high winds and diving headfirst into 3D printing, to farm projects on pause, uncertain work schedules, and creative plans that may (or may not) come together this year. They talk coffee (of course), shop organization, CNC machines, Make What You Fear, home projects, fire service realities, and the constant balancing act between work, creativity, and real life. No big announcements — just two friends checking in, sharing what’s working, what’s stuck, and what might be coming next.

POWERED BY: First Due Construction & Millworks Mounds View Roasters Tami at Step Into Adventure In the final Oak and Steel episode of the year, Michael and Matt reflect on what they call “the year that got away.” From finally getting the band saw mill running and wrapping up long-term shop projects to building machines, writing manuals, and juggling too many irons at once, the guys talk honestly about progress, burnout, and unfinished lists. Along the way, they cover coffee, tools, shop organization, winter resets, Christmas food traditions, and what it means to slow down before turning the page to a new year. A laid-back, reflective sendoff — sawdust, steel, and perspective.

After a long hiatus, Michael and Matt return to Oak & Steel with a life update–filled episode that swings from sawdust to roller coasters to the deer woods. Michael kicks things off with turning 40, grinding through K-cup machine manuals, and a couples getaway to Universal (complete with questionable airplane neighbors). Matt dives into a busy season of firefighter promotions, winter prep on the farm, and the growing operation behind his log-milling side hustle—including the story of a homeowner who wanted to mill right alongside him. The guys dig into tree care, timber framing plans, prepping for winter machines, and reflect on why the podcast is more than just “maker talk”—it’s two friends catching up on life as they barrel toward 40. And of course, Matt shares the full play-by-play of harvesting his first-ever buck on opening morning—plus the family banter and farm history that came with it. It’s a laid-back, honest, season-shifting episode full of woodworking, wildlife, theme parks, and the joys (and pains) of getting older.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction & Millworks Tami - Step Into Adventure Michael and Matt dive into the great shop debate — clean and organized or functional chaos? Between prepping for a Canadian hunting trip, wrapping up the milling season, and tackling new shop builds, the guys cover it all. From Trailside coffee and sunflower seeds to K-Cup machines and sawdust, this episode proves that every maker’s rhythm is a little different — and that’s what makes it work.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction & Millworks Tami @ Step Into Adventure This week, the guys recap Matt's whirlwind trip through Yellowstone—complete with grizzly country hikes, wolf watching at sunrise, and a bison traffic jam or two. Michael and Matt swap stories about bad hotel coffee, Culver’s butter burgers, and fresh grinds from Mounds View Roasters. They also dive into shop updates, fundraiser plans, and the chaos of balancing business, family, and fall projects.

POWERED BY: First Due Construction and Millworks Mounds View Roasters Tami @ Step Into Adventure This week on Oak and Steel, Matt celebrates finally cutting his first slab with the Granberg mill, complete with a surprise Budweiser can hidden inside the log. The guys dig into welding log levelers, shop projects, and what it takes to stack lumber right. Michael talks about the scramble of finishing up an old Bosch packaging machine and a few too many crickets in the shop. Along the way, they share laughs about apple orchards, Bloody Mary's, and the quirks of Wisconsin life.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction Tami @ Step Into Adventure Matt fires up his smoker and shares some success from his bandsaw mill, while Michael recaps his never-ending yard work. The guys also take a hilarious detour into the less glamorous side of life—covering everything from dog poop dilemmas to shaving struggles. It’s a mix of sawdust, smoke, and everyday real talk on this episode of Oak and Steel.

Mounds View Roasters Tami @ Step Into Adventure First Due Construction & Millworks In this episode of Oak and Steel, Matt shares updates from his dehumidifying kiln and the challenge of finding project components that used to be easy to source.   He also fills us in on where things stand with his boat and what steps are next.  Michael dives into part-making, his trip to the Wisconsin State Fair, and his ongoing grass pre-germination experiment.  Grab a coffee and tune in.

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters Tami @ Step Into Adventure First Due Construction On this episode of Oak and Steel, the guys catch up on life and shop updates. Matt shares the latest upgrades to his saw shop, while Michael breaks down the process of building a denester for his machine build. Then things heat up—breakfast style—as the two dive into a hearty debate over their favorite morning meals. Whether it's bacon or blueprints, this episode has something sizzling for everyone.