Woodworking is about accuracy, design and execution. And, when a project is carried out with machine-like precision, well, you have a perfect woodworking project.
In theory, that’s great. In the reality of our shops, however, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. There could be mistakes in the building or fatal design errors that reveal themselves once the piece is built. Some of those projects can be fixed, others, well…. some have to go to the great scrap pile.
This week, have you ever had to completely give up on a project?
Figured woods can bring a great deal of visual interest and drama into any project. As you can tell from some of the things I have built, I just love the stuff. The Nakashima inspired bench I built in 2009 highlighted the beauty of a maple board that showed curl and bird’s eye figure.
This week, tell us how frequently you use figured woods for your projects.
I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that you come to my blog – and the blogs of other woodworkers – to get your daily fix of woodworking know-how. Techniques, reviews and material selection are all featured in their full glory.
But, as bloggers, sometimes we post about personal stories that may be directly – or indirectly – related to woodworking. The shaving article I posted last week is a perfect example of something that isn’t necessarily a woodworking-related topic.
This week, I want to get your opinion about these slice-of-life kind of articles. Do you think they are valuable, helping you get a better understanding of the mind of woodworkers, or do you just hate them?
I love Cracker Jacks. You know, that sticky popcorn and peanut concoction that you can eat as a snack during a movie or at a ballgame. No doubt you’ve heard the lyrics:
They taste great, but the best part is that you get a toy surprise inside – a pleasant little something extra you didn’t expect.
In your shop, no doubt there’s a tool that was like that proverbial box of Cracker Jacks – one that offers you a whole lot more than you thought you were going to get. Maybe it is the mind-numbing array of operations you can perform with a router or the ability to cut joinery as well as other options on your table saw.
This week, what is the most effective multitasker in your shop?
I’m not sure what your New Year’s resolutions are, but for me, I like to think about ways I can help others. Since I also want to be a better woodworker, blending the two resolutions is easy as pie.
Whether you choose to build a playground for neighborhood kids, help a scout troop with their Pinewood Derby cars or build a project to go for an auction, your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of others.
What about you? Do your resolutions include woodworking to help others?
But, if you didn’t have to circle the world in 24 hours and remember who was on the naughty and nice lists, you may have had some energy yesterday to get into the shop and do a little work. Maybe try out a few of those goodies the big fella left under your tree.
WOW! It’s the end of the last weekend until Christmas! Iggy and I are rushing to get the shop ready for Santa’s visit.
We’re putting away all the tools, picking up the extension cords so Santa won’t trip walking through the shop and sweeping up a barrel of sawdust in case one of Rudolph’s friends has a little ‘accident’ while at the house. The stress is murder on Comet’s stomach this time of the year…
