Projects, builds, behind-the-scenes work, lessons from actual jobs
First off — thank you. This week, McSquared Customs hosted our first-ever live tumbler giveaway, and I just want to say how grateful I am to everyone who showed up, voted on designs, commented, and supported the process. Launching something new always comes with a learning curve… and yes, we definitely had a few technical…
If you have visited recently or follow along on social media, you may have noticed things have been a little quiet. I want to be upfront about that. The past few weeks have been focused on taking care of some unexpected issues at home. Porch repairs, septic work, and a few other things that needed…
A Sword That Represents Freedom Some projects start as a simple design idea. Others slowly reveal a deeper meaning as they evolve. This sword design falls into the second category. As I began modeling the piece, I kept coming back to the idea of the Rudis — the wooden sword awarded to gladiators in ancient Rome….
But We Always Make It Right Sometimes the shop humbles you. This plaque has been a special project honoring a Command Sergeant Major I served with. Most of the carving went beautifully. The U.S. seal relief, the crossed cannons, and the branch insignia all came out exactly how we envisioned. But right after the seal……
There are some designs you create because they’ll sell. And then there are designs you create because they challenge you. This one was the second. Inspired by Book of Revelation 3:15–16, the “Lukewarm” concept sat in my mind for a while before I ever opened a design program. It wasn’t just about making wall art….
When a critical machine in your workshop starts acting up, the pressure to keep production moving can feel overwhelming. Complex issues with control boards or spindle drives can stall your entire workflow. But sometimes, the best solution is to step back and return to a proven, stable setup. This approach keeps the shop running without…
Some mornings you wake up feeling blessed and grateful, not because life is perfect, but because you’ve come through a lot. I’m reminded of how far God has brought me. The struggles, the long nights, the lessons, the growth… it all adds up. Today is a reminder to pause, breathe, and appreciate the strength, peace,…
Why Custom Gifts Matter More Than Ever In a world where almost anything can be ordered in seconds and delivered in a day or two, gift-giving has changed. Convenience is everywhere. Mass-produced items are cheaper than ever. And honestly… it’s easy to grab something last minute, wrap it up, and call it good. But I…
For the first few years, the shop was wherever I could make space for it. Tools were rolled out when needed, cords ran across the floor, and every new project meant a little bit of rearranging just to get started. In 2024, that changed. Instead of working around the limitations of a temporary setup, I…
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