Is my kid going to try to use a table saw now?

They will definitely be curious. Bob makes it look easy, which is why it's a great time to set hard rules about 'shop time' vs. 'solo time.' If they're interested, get them a pair of safety glasses and start them with a hand saw under your supervision.

How much does 3D printing actually cost?

Bob uses some high-end gear, but you can get into it for around $200. The real cost is the time spent learning the software. If your kid is into the 3D printing videos, it's a sign they're ready to learn CAD software like Tinkercad.

Is the second channel safe?

Generally, yes. It's mostly behind-the-scenes talk, vlogs, and Q&As. It lacks the structure of the main build videos, so it might be boring for younger kids, but it stays away from mature content.

Does he use bad language?

Bob is remarkably clean. You might get a 'crap' if something breaks, but he’s one of the most family-friendly creators in the maker space. He carries himself like a professional.

I Like To Make Stuff – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

I Like To Make Stuff

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2013diy, maker

86%

WISE Score

3.4M

Subscribers

Bob Clagett builds everything from 3D-printed props to custom furniture, making the workshop feel less like a danger zone and more like a playground for problem-solving.

I Like To Make Stuff

YouTube

2013, diy, maker

86%

WISE Score

3.4M

Subscribers

Bob Clagett builds everything from 3D-printed props to custom furniture, making the workshop feel less like a danger zone and more like a playground for problem-solving.

Jump to

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3.4M

Screenwise Verdict

Bob Clagett is the antidote to the 'look at me' era of YouTube. He’s the guy who shows you how to build a workbench, then tells you why he’d do it differently next time. If you have a kid who wants to know how the world is put together, put this on the big screen.

It’s one of the few channels where the creator feels like a real person rather than a character. By demystifying the workshop, Bob makes the idea of 'making' feel accessible rather than intimidating. It's enriching, creative, and a perfect bridge to off-screen hobbies.

Age Fit

Best for kids 8 and up who have graduated from LEGO and want to see how things are actually made. While the builds are fascinating, younger kids might find the technical explanations a bit dry, and the safety risks are higher if they try to imitate what they see solo.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Bob Clagett is a fantastic role model. He's calm, articulate, and treats his viewers like capable peers. The channel avoids the frantic, high-pitched energy typical of YouTube, focusing instead on the steady satisfaction of building something.

Imaginative

This is the ultimate 'what if' channel. Whether it's building a secret door, a custom arcade cabinet, or a 3D-printed prop, the entire premise is about taking an idea and making it physical. It's pure creative fuel.

Safe

The content itself is incredibly clean, but it involves heavy machinery, power tools, and workshop chemicals. There's also the unavoidable 'YouTube factor' where the algorithm might suggest less savory content in the sidebar.

Enriching

It teaches real-world skills: woodworking, electronics, 3D design, and problem-solving. More importantly, it teaches the 'maker mindset'—that you can fix things, build things, and understand how your world works.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Real-world skills are front and center, covering everything from basic woodworking to advanced 3D printing and CAD design.
The channel embraces failure as a teacher, often showing mistakes and how Bob fixes them rather than just presenting a perfect final product.
It bridges the gap between digital and physical creation, showing kids how to use software to design things that they then build by hand.
The tone is steady and focused, making it a great alternative to the high-intensity 'stunt' videos that dominate most of YouTube.

⚠

What to Watch For

Power tool safety is a major factor; kids may be inspired to use tools they aren't ready for without strict supervision.
The channel features sponsorships and endorsements, so expect occasional pitches for tools, software, or maker-related products.
The second channel contains non-project content that is less focused and may involve more adult-oriented conversation (though generally still clean).
The YouTube sidebar is the biggest risk, as the algorithm doesn't care if a kid is watching an educational DIY video—it will still suggest whatever is trending.

Conversation Starters

"Which of those tools looked the most useful to you, and which one looked the scariest?"
"If we could build one thing for your room this weekend, what would it be?"
"Did you see how he fixed that mistake instead of starting the whole project over?"
"Why do you think he spent so much time designing it on the computer before he touched any wood?"

Deep Dive

The "I'm Not an Expert" Vibe

What sets I Like To Make Stuff apart from the sea of DIY content is Bob Clagett’s background. He wasn't a lifelong master carpenter; he was a software developer who decided to start building things. That perspective is vital for kids because he explains things in a way that doesn't assume you already know your way around a miter saw. He approaches every project as a problem to be solved, which is a much better lesson for a child than just following a set of instructions.

Failing Forward

In a digital culture that prioritizes the 'perfect' final shot, Bob’s willingness to leave in his mistakes is his greatest strength. You’ll see him cut a board the wrong way, realize it, and then walk the viewer through how he’s going to salvage the project. For a kid who struggles with perfectionism or gets frustrated when a project doesn't go right the first time, this is a masterclass in resilience.

From Screen to Shop

If your kid is obsessed with Minecraft or Roblox building, this is the natural next step. Bob often uses 3D printers and CNC machines, which feels very 'digital' to a modern kid, but then he brings it into the physical world with wood and metal. It validates their digital interests while showing them the value of having something they can actually hold in their hands. It’s the kind of channel that makes you want to go to the hardware store immediately after the video ends.