Our boss joined the podcast, so naturally we made her watch us eat a pepper that might melt our faces off. 🌶️

On Episode 8 of the Acme Tools Podcast, David and Zach sit down with Emma, part of the family behind Acme Tools. She talks about growing up around a family-owned tool business in Grand Forks, ND, what it's like working there now, and a few childhood stories she probably didn't plan on sharing.

We also cover the latest tool news, including the new Milwaukee 3/4" impact wrench (and how a competitor smoked it in our live stream), the new SawStop bandsaw, and what it was like running a full store in a tent at Big Iron. Then we unbox a Sola extended plate level, settle the quesadilla vs. grilled cheese debate, and find a $1,400 product we had no idea we sold.

Stick around to the end for the pepper challenge. It might be our best episode yet!

🔧 Shop the tools from this episode at acmetools.com

👉 Milwaukee 3/4" impact wrench: https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-3-4-inch-high-torque-impact-wrench-with-one-key-bare-to...

👉 SawStop bandsaw: [Not yet released]

👉 Sola extended plate level: https://www.acmetools.com/sola-xpl-extendable-plate-level-63-to-144-inch-extension-lsxpl/S0000000128...

Chapters

0:00 Intro

1:15 Ella Langley Talk?

1:43 We know what we're talking about (90% of the time)

2:56 New podcast chairs

3:21 Most embarrassing moment: hauling chairs from the office

4:57 Recording a podcast with our boss

6:00 Emma, the mom of the group

10:38 Emma's childhood stories from the Acme family

12:50 Staying in Grand Forks after college

13:28 Acme cooking show teaser (coming in November)

14:50 Emma's Nordic Ware days

16:15 Uncle Buck and giant-sized cooking

17:29 Acme at Big Iron: a store in a tent

18:33 New Acme mini buckets

19:30 How do you say Chervon?

19:56 Hammer time at Big Iron (we forgot the hammer)

23:00 Is a quesadilla a grilled cheese?

24:24 What's a patty?

25:20 Warm milk in cereal?

26:19 Unboxing: Sola extended plate level

28:38 It came with stickers

31:54 How to use a plate level

34:10 Emma's Dancing with the Stars comment

35:27 David sings

37:13 New tools: Milwaukee 3/4" impact wrench

39:35 Segway go-kart race: Zach vs. David

42:57 New SawStop bandsaw

53:03 Pepper challenge prep

56:00 Wait, we sell that?

1:04:00 Pepper challenge: can they survive?

What should we try on the next episode? Let us know in the comments 👇

#acmetools #acmetoolspodcast #toolpodcast #milwaukeetool #sawstop

Zach and David are joined by Acme Tools Product Data Manager Brian Wavra for a full recap of Milwaukee Pipeline 2026.

Brian has attended dozens of power tool brand events, including Milwaukee’s former New Product Showcase, and brings a firsthand look at how Pipeline has evolved since his last visit in 2019.

The crew breaks down the newest Milwaukee tools, hands-on demos, standout innovations, and how these products could impact the jobsite. They also discuss expected availability and when you may be able to find the latest releases at AcmeTools.com.

Featured Milwaukee products include:

- M18™ XC5 Battery

- M18™ FORGE™ HD15 Battery

- M18 FUEL™ STRIKER™

- M18™ 1K Wire Puller

- M18 FUEL™ 10-1/4" Circular Saw

- M18™ Rolling PACKOUT™ Fridge

- M18™ PACKOUT™ Lunch Warmer

- M18™ Oscillating Misting Fan

- PACKOUT™ Rolling Tool Chest

- M18™ Broadcast Spreader

- Plus more Milwaukee Pipeline releases

Whether you work in the trades, follow Milwaukee tools, or just want to know what’s coming next, this episode covers some of the biggest releases from Milwaukee Pipeline 2026.

You can find all currently released Milwaukee Pipeline products at AcmeTools.com: https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee-pipeline.html

#milwaukeetools #milwaukeepipeline #m18fuel #powertools #newtools

Acme Tools Podcast | Ep. 6 ]: On the Road with Makita & Tour de Acme!

Road trips, factory tours, store reviews, and… portable urinals? David and Zach are back from an intense few weeks on the road, and they’re breaking down everything that happened along the way.

In this episode, the guys recap their trip to Flowery Branch, Georgia, where they got behind the scenes at Makita HQ to test out upcoming tool innovations and film new gear in action.

Plus, they give a full debrief on the Tour de Acme! From visiting our Acme Tools North Dakota locations on Leg 1 to cruising through Minnesota and Iowa for Leg 2, David and Zach highlight their favorite store moments and an official ranking of the popcorn at every store location.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

- Makita HQ Visit: Hands-on testing with new tools and technology in Flowery Branch, GA.

- Tour de Acme Recaps: Behind-the-scenes stories from our ND, MN, and IA store visits.

- Popcorn Ratings: The best food on the road, plus David’s official store popcorn ranking.

- New Products & Unexpected Gear: A look at fresh inventory and David’s latest "Wait, We Sell That?!" product reveal (yes, it's a portable urinal bag).

- Teaser: A quick preview of what’s coming next after our trip to the 2026 Milwaukee Pipeline event!

Whether you’re looking for the latest power tool insights or just want to hear what life is like on the road with the team, dive in now!