In a lively and insightful live stream excerpt on the Tested YouTube channel, legendary maker Adam Savage dives into fan questions about where he buys used tools and how he draws attention to areas of interest when showcasing physical objects. Not surprisingly, Adam’s got some go-to techniques and favorite places to hunt for gear. He recommends looking at used tools for both affordability and character — and often finds his treasures on eBay, estate sales, and swap meets. When it comes to guiding audiences' attention during a demo or video, Adam leans on theatrical techniques, such as framing, lighting, and simple gestures like pointing or controlling the camera angle. His philosophy? "You can use your hands and your eyes to focus a viewer’s attention. It's not magic — it's storytelling."

Key takeaways:

• 🔧 Adam recommends buying used tools from sources like:
  • eBay – a favorite for rare and vintage tools.
  • Maker communities and swap meets – great for finding unique gear and chatting with other enthusiasts.
  • Estate sales – often full of high-quality, well-maintained tools at competitive prices.
  • Craigslist and local online marketplaces – ideal for picking up affordable gear locally.

• 🎥 On guiding viewer attention:
  • He uses theatrical staging: physically placing an object where light and shadow guide the eyes.
  • Pointing, gesturing, and changing angles help direct focus.
  • “Let the object shine” – sometimes, stepping aside and minimizing distractions is the best move.

• 🛠️ Adam stresses that used tools can have more character and often better build quality than many modern equivalents.

• 💬 Pro tip from Adam: "The tools I buy tell a story. The dents, the wear — they’re part of what makes them special."

If you're building out your workshop or shooting your own maker videos, Savage’s advice is both practical and inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned fabricator or just getting into DIY, his philosophy of mindful curation and visual storytelling is worth adopting.

Bonus deep cut: Check out the TestedShop.com store and the @Tested YouTube video archive for extra tool reviews, builds, and recommendations straight from the master himself.
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