I’ve been browsing and posting here for a few months now, and it dawned on me that I’ve never seen a thread to simply say they LOVE wood, and woodworking. Well I do. I live this stuff. I eat, sleep and drink it. It is me, and the very core of who I am. It is my claim to fame , so to speak. I can’t look at anything without relating it somehow to woodworking. It keeps me up at night thinking about projects sometimes, it is one of the motivating factors in getting my motor started in the morning. The smell of the shop, the pride and confidence obtained by doing good work. It is an incredible love affair with the medium and everything that goes with it. I am so blessed to have found the thing I was born to do. I don’t believe I will ever have a mid life crisis. I know what I will be doing till I die. In the old days I lost relationships on account of my devotion to wood. Finally I found a woman who was an artist in her own medium of paint, and she understood. I didn’t get married till I was 38.
I’ve been working on and off for a year now on an all wood Kalidascope, which when done I will post in constructive critisism, and last night I had one of the best nights. Got home at 5 pm, started some tomato sauce with fresh stuff from the garden, changed, and began some more work on the scope. I’d take some breaks here and there to play with the kids, stir the sauce. Then back to the shop. This went on till they went to bed at 9pm, after which I stired the sauce, worked in the shop, music going, and when I finally looked up, it was 3am. I worked till 4am, then closed up for the night. I guess my point is just that, how nice, and how lucky I am that I have this in my life. I see too many post with people spouting all kinds of things, from spelling errors to tollerances, to Jigs vs. Fixture’s. I just wanted to stand up and say I LOVE THIS STUFF, ABSOULTLEY, POSITIVLEY LOVE IT. All of it. Hook, Line and Sinker. I would imagine there are probably plenty of folks out there that feel the same. I’d love to hear it once in awhile. Ah, sawdust…….
Replies
Mark,
Gees, man. Get a grip! Cold, wet cloth to the forehead. Lie down for a while, it'll go away. Get some sleep. Maybe some Prozac. Enjoyment is one thing. Obsession is another! What is in that sawdust, anyway?!
A wodden kaleidoscope, huh? Hmmmm.
Just kidding! Have fun, but watch those sharp tools at 4 am.
Rich
Yep, obsessed and proud of it. I have it in perspective though. After 25 years I still feel the same. I was just trying to solicite some excitment from the group for our craft. And I agree, 4am is not the time to be routing intricut inlays, or ripping small pieces. Actually, I will use the band saw rather than turn the table saw on if I don't have to. Most of my late night work is assembly, sanding, cleaning.
What do you get paid to do when you aren't breathing sawdust? I am twenty-five. I haven't been playing with wood for very long. But woodworking is the only thing I have really wanted to do in my short lifetime. If I hadn't just figured that out I would probably be more content with my present job. I don't get paid to butcher wood but have been wondering whether I should find a job in a cabinet or furniture shop. Don't have the skills to go out on my own yet.Jase--Is there a better way?
I join you in saying that at 52, wood was and is my passion (although it is not my day job). I began in the shop with Dad at 6, takeoff man on the bench saw. The sawdust has never left my blood.
Mark,
I'm with you!
While I get a kick out of reading the latest debate (i.e. Jig vs. Fixture), in the grand scheme of things, I really don't care if it is a jig or a fixture, as long as it helps me accomplish something. Don't get me wrong, I think this forum is a wonderful, wonderful resource, especially for a "rookie" like me but I guess I feel that you should do what you love and love what you do. Fortunately, I can say that this is true not only of my woodworking but also of my "day" job.
Thankfully, I also have a very understanding wife. Must be because she gets to keep quite a bit of what I build. In fact, she is the reason I got started in woodworking. One day, she told me she was going to a local store to look at a sleigh bed for our extra bedroom. Fearing that she might find one she liked, I popped off and told her I would just build her a new bedroom set... and did! She loved it! So did my mom and dad and they somehow talked her out of it, for the time being.
Any way, back to the understanding wife part... She knows that if we are out somewhere and she or someone else comments on liking a piece of furniture, I just might make a measured drawing in public and also turn it upside down and sideways to see how it was put together. Like I said, doesn't bother her, but sometimes if we are out with friends, they are not sure what is going on.
I will state for the record that I do not think you have an "obsession" with woodworking, but rather have a deep, deep passion. And thankfully, I have it too!
Let the sawdust fly!
RR
Mark:
Thank you for your thread! If you back-track to Red Oak Whats Your Opinion I mentioned I love all woodworking and all woods. I also entered this forum a couple of weeks ago at my wifes urging. I've been working alone in my shop for almost 30 years and my family doesn't talk shop. I work part time now at 55 as I had my own company for years. I would not want to do it for a profession as it would take out the pure pleasure..
I am a little dis-enchanted as I was called a liar without justification by someone that obviously has some serious mental problems that need to be addressed outside a forum about woodworking. I hope he gets some help; as at that time I was not aware of the serious-ness of those problems. If I had known I would have taken a different approach. If you kick an ole Yard-Dog intentionally he'll bite you. If you or anyone was offended by anything I might have said please accept my apology.
I was heading back to my shop (my wife calls it my Shrine) for another 30 years of pure happiness alone, when I caught and read your thread. I love all wood. I also love the machinery. Wood has a spirit that goes beyond when a tree is felled. I can remember the grain pattern of peices I touched and smelled years ago. There is no bad wood. It's just up to the craftsman to find the correct application for a particular piece that suits that piece best.
I've attended seminars by Kresnov, Tage Frid, Maloof, Klaus and Odate. Does that make me an expert. Nope.. Just makes me a little wiser if I was paying attention. There aren't any true experts in woodworking. No-one knows all the answers about technique and woodcraft that have been passed from one generation to another for over 5000 yrs. It's just the passion of wood and craft that burns inside of me that keeps me seeking those answers. That's why I came to this forum. I feel out of place with what I've dealt with so far. That's why I was heading back to the shop for what I love the most after my family and country.
I've been happy in my shop working alone for a long time. I was convinced what I'm looking for is not in this forum.. Then You Come Along Jumping With Enthusiasm About How You Love Working With Wood and Woodworking.. As a 55 yr. old, where do you get all that enery? I think I remember a time when I had it too.. Maybe I'll just grab another cup of hot coffee and see what you got to say. If I listen carefully, I might just learn a thing or two!!!
E PLURIBUS UNUM .. Out Of Many --One.
Sarge..
HI Sarge ....
I'm new to this forum as of just a few days ago. Decided to come to the Oracle to find guidance on another issue and found a total font of inspiration and knowledge.
This is response to your "where do you get the energy" comment.
Slow down, take your time don't stress out.... blah-blah-blah. (grin)
I work full time as a CAD oeprator. I'll retire next year (given any return of value to the stock market). I get home of an evening, enjoy a leisure dinner with my life mate, read the mail (email these days) then head for the garage/shop/(shrine?) hehe.
The curfew on machine noise is 11:00. But sanding, finishing, glue-up.... Mom bought me a big shop clock so I'd know what time it is. Used to come up to bed only to realize it was like 2:00am. I could have kept going.
It's not so much energy as it is being oblivious to anything other than the task at hand, I guess. Once I get upstairs and crash, I'm out like a light.
Dennis
DENNIS02:
WELCOME:
Mark got a good thread going here. I've enjoyed the response from all the posters. Giving everybody a chance of getting to know each other a little better. We come from all walks and locations but have a common bond.
I was kidding Mark about where he got the energy. I'm like you on that letting the time get away. When I'm in the shrine I am totally oblivious to time. Life is short and you might as well take advantage when you can. Where you hail from? Glad to see you near retirement. Some people retire and don't know what to do with their time. That isn't a problem for the sawdust crowd.
If you need anything, give a shout. I'm new to computers but my wife is a programmer and lends a hand when I get in trouble. She won't show me how to make those BIG LETTERS though, she's considers me extremely dangerous with anything but a tool!
Have a good evening and beat on the tablesaw top loudly if you need anything. Just don't do it after 11:00 PM. ha..
Sarge..
Hey Sarge -
I'm in Bellevue. That's in Wahsington. The Evergreen State. They call it Evergreen 'cus 9+ months out of the year, everything's green including the sidewalks. (you have to see the moss growing on concrete to realize what that means! -haha)
I got into computers 14+ years ago when I realized that in my profession (architecture) if you didn't 'keep up' you got left by the wayside. Shortly after that I left the design side of the profession and went to work on the construction side. Let's just say that like others have mentioned, they've always liked working with their hands and building or making something.
About 6 years ago I started my own consulting business, one man show kinda thing, doing work for general contractors, generally. Detailing concrete structures, whatnot. I've been working in 3D since before that which is like working in a 'virtual' shop or on a 'virtual' construction site. But there's no substitute for holding the real, physical result of your efforts in your hand. And nothing like having your dear wife marvel over some little bowl or lidded pot you've turned in spite of its flaws.
As far as retirement goes, I agree. The first few years of my Dad's retirement were like that. He didn't have much direction. As for me, I'd jump ship tomorrow if it were in the books (check book that is). I've got so many projects floating around in my head it's frustrating not to have the time to work on them.
I don't want to beat on my table saw - that's what got me here in the first place.
Thanks for the offer RE: advice and assistance. Let me in turn offer any help I might be with respect to drafting or computer modeling. I've found that I can solve some really gnarley geometry problems with the CAD tools I've got. You guys and gals probably have all these things worked out in your head but I gotta draft 'em up first before I know what and where to cut stuff. (grin)
Dennis
I love to solve problems. Sometimes wood helps with the answers.
Interesting observation. My day job is that of a lawyer (my own shop), and I think of this as solving client problems. Perhaps the love of problem solving is what has drawn me to wood.
Another observed that as to all that work with thier hands making a "thing", being almost anything, there is a good bit of honesty involved since if you miscut a joint (or whatever), it sure shows, and cannot be denied. Some would find this frustrating; for others an obvious need for imporvement/redo.
We all strive for perfection. For us who are but amueters, well, we just keep trying.
Yeah, it's amazing that this hobby, craft or whatever attracts such a wide range of people, both rich, poor and in between. Actors, pro golfers, football stars and yes, even women. Using wood is one of the very first things mankind started to do, so it wood is deeply ingrained in all of us, much the same way people are attracted to water.
My love of woodworking grew very slowly from one woodshop class in high school. I eventually gave up all other sports for it, much to wife's chagrin. I would rather spend vacations making saw dust. Creating my own designs is a big attraction for me as I've yet to ever recreate someone else's design. I've always got to do it my way. Sing it, Frank . . . .
Dave of Fla.
Nice thread to read this morning, maybe it will inspire me to git out in that shop again....I am in remission, working OT and the summer heat in the garage (112 today) It wears on you...
when it cools down a bit I will go out and smell the dust, play with my plane (toys) and be happy again. makinsawdust
I recently found out how much woodworking meant to me when I was asked to take a 6 - 9 month assignment in Germany. The first question that popped into my head was "what will I do without all of my tools"? After thinking about it a bit, I decided it would make coming back to it even sweeter. While I'm gone I'm loaning a friend of mine my Jet 6" jointer so he can enjoy it.
You bring up an interesting point, who are the actors, sport stars into woodworking...i don't know of any.....OK Andy Rooney
makinsawdust
Ooh, now that you mention it, there are some--I just recently read about one famous actor who woodworks, but can't remember his name for the life of me.
". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."
Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township
Imagine as a Sports star making 2-3 million a yr, deciding what tools to buy or shop layout..etc.. yeowwwmakinsawdust
Harrison Ford.
Harrison Ford and Arnold Palmer are seriously into it, plus a couple others I can't think of at the moment.
Thats nice, I forgot Harrison Ford used to be a carpenter before he made Hollywoodmakinsawdust
My woodworking has strayed into the home improvement area where it is easy to get a bit discouraged with the progress.
I will say, however, that when I am alone in the shop creating a chair from a log the time seems to flow by. The total immersion in a process is something that is at best difficult to explain to those not familiar with it. I love the work, the sense of accomplishment, the connection to others and to the historical aspect of working wood. Mankind was meant to create, to shape and to build. It is good to be a part of this craft/art; craft/art; craft/art.....did we have that discussion yet? (-:
Tom
For the record, I for one, would like to say that I do not love all wood! I am not fond of fir at all, I hate luan, and ironwood wrecked my blades once.
um . . . oh . . . that's not what you meant by "love" wood . . .
never mind!
Rich
I love it! I am so glad people posted to this thread. The passion I feel for this is awesome. I am 46 years old, and trust me, the thought of getting up, and or, going home, to work on a project, is what fuels me. Not to mention 2 young children.
A couple things, first, I am an engineer for an Electric utilty company in the So. California. It has provided me with a nice income over the years, and allowed me to buy and refurbish a complete shop of vintage Delta/Rockwell equipment, over the years. I too love machinery. I was brought up around a bowling center most of my young life, and the machines and fixing them facinated me. I do not do this for a living, I'm afraid I'd feel differntley about it. But then, the business rat race is a drag sometimes, and I think I might just be happier doing woodworking. I've gotten pretty quick at most things, so I'm able to keep the price down. I think that goes hand in hand with the amount and type of equipment you have. Lets face it, most people have no idea how much custom woodworking does, or should cost. Think about all the other professions, which one reguires this much capital to achieve a decent product?
Like another poster, my wife definatley benifits from my work. We just built a house, and a new shop for me, so much of my time is consumed by house stuff too. It's so awesome to build it in the shop, carry it into the house and install it. I love making stuff for people, but I hate installing.
Sarge, I took no offense to your post. I just hope no one takes offense to anything I say. Tone is very hard to read on line.
I do not care for Fir either, but If that's what a client wants, so be it. Old Fir is nicer than new fir. I'm a quartered white oak guy myself, with a Mahogany rising
The smell, I just love the smell, the feel. The knowledge, that a vision in my head last week, is a piece in my living room this week, is powerful to me. From imagination to reality, through my hands. I too remember the grain on past pieces. And how about going back and reliving the piece you've made, for friends and relatives, or clients when you visit. I'm like the guy who turns things over, and draws things out. thats exactly me too. In Europe a few years ago, everyplace we went, museums, Castles, etc, I was followed around becuase of my penchant for touching things. I was even asked to leave the Getty in L.A. Maybe that is too obsessive?.....anyway, loved all the posts guys and gals, keep em coming. Have a dusty weekend all.
I have been selling Major Appliances in the retail sector for over 11 years now and these hours are a killer. I get two days a week off and they are not Saturday and Sunday either. Its nights and weekends 365 days a year now. Last Feburary I was caught up in a downsizing at a major retailer (rymes with Ears) that I worked for for the last 7 1/2 years. From Feburary til middle of June was woodworking and collecting unemployment. My wife claims I was totally spoiled because all I did was spend time in the shop making saw dust. It was like heaven, man. I got so spoiled I wanted my next job to be 8 to 5. Slim chance of that happening.
Sarge, I am a Marine and you do not have to apoligize to me. I spent my time in hell and I still can't sit down and watch "platoon" or any of those other movies. I have tried like he&*, but my nerves go haywire. Anyway, kepp the faith and peace be with all of you here at knots.
Dave in Pa.
Dave:
Thanks for the mention and alls well! I worked a lot with 3rd Marine scout-sniper and recon up on the DMZ around Leather-Neck Square. Very good people that you could trust when things got a little hairy! If there's anything I can do let me know. If you ever think of re-locating I might assist in that 8-5. Plenty of work opportunities here in the Atlanta area. Where are you in Pa.? My wifes from western Pa.
Good to see you've been invaded by the kindred spirit of wood! It is soul and mind-consuming and that's good for all that ails. Sounds like you're hooked and there's no cure I'm afraid. You will just have to live with it. Ha. Terrible thought isn't it!
Thanks for your service to our country..
Sarge.
MARK:
Offended by any of your comments? Quite the opposite. I find all your comments to be a breath of fresh air! Could be a jump-start for better things to come. Some do this as a job, some as a hobby and some just see it as a passion. I'm just glad to know theirs others out there that are obsessed. I've gone to an exorcist on several occasions but my wife says it was to no avail. Should have spent the money on a tool!
Well, it's late here in Ga. Just got back up from the shop. I been trying to install a Chevy 396 c.i. big block on my table saw but I'm have a little trouble getting the exhaust manifold to clear the trunnion. Try again tomorrow.
Keep that enthusiasm coming and good job with the PR.
Sarge..
Over the weekend, my neigbor asked me if I could help him move something Sunday morning, and I replied that I was attending church in the morning, he looked up the hill to my shop and asked " isn't that your church?", I replied, No, thats heaven. For those who are younger and reading these posts, Jase I believe, keep at it, invest in your tools, you may be able to make a living at it just fine, I chose to not do it for a living, fearing compromise of the art, for the dollar. I make some pretty good money on the side however, Pays for our vacations, Utility bills etc. I have a question for the group out there. How many actually go out into your shops and practice a technique? Like a musician would practice his scales, or an athlete taking batting practice. I knew I was hooked when I found myself, at the age of 23 mind you, out in my shop on Friday night, practicing dovetails, or router techniques. Just wondering. Or do we just read about it, or figure it out in our heads, and go for it on the actual piece? I've done both over the years, with good and bad results. It's also been wicked hot here in L.A., 102 yesterday. In So. Cal. there is summer and, Not summer. come on not summer.
I am a project/electrical engineering manager when I'm not making sawdust and have been doing that since '75. The only 'shop' I took was mechanical drafting. I too like the added income from doing commissions, at least the addiction begins to pay for itself. It would be tough going in prison with the other junkies when word got out I was stealing stereos to buy wood. I wonder if I had taken woodshop instead of drafting if I would have still ended-up in engineering?
PS: Dido on that heat, sounds like you're out in Simi or somewhere similar. I'm lucky to have spent the last 25 + years in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley. Went beach camping this weekend, Tried for Jalama but it was way to full. Ended up at Avila. I could not believe how hot it was on the 101 just north of Lompoc, like going to Death Valley.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
I'm in the San Gabriel Valley, and it was hot. I once went to Death Valley mid summer. It was 124. I didn't think there would be much difference bewtween 105 or so and 124. There is! It was unbearable. You can't keep enough fluid in you to not dehydrate. All you can do is stay inside, and make sure you cover up outside. I was in Mission Veijo Saturday, it was even hot there. You go to the woodshow when it's at the fair grounds down there? What kind of stuff do you like doing in your shop?
I managed AirTouch's build in the desert in '99. I'd go through 4-6 litre bottles of water a day, never sweat and never pee. I don't do the shows anymore for the most part - no real deals to be had. Last time I tried for (2) Bosch mag router's and the best deal I could get on a twofer was the tax. I mostly do Arts and Crafts furniture, lots of dining chairs lately due to overflow from a buddy who's a fulltime woodworker. I also do framing, boxes, stairs and very occaisional cabinet work. How about you?John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
Know what you mean Rich, I had a big go-round with luan myself. The person who gave me a big truck load of the stuff musta been laughing like hell when he pulled out of my drive. I didn't laugh until I started burning it for fire wood.
I'm no longer real thrilled with the big pile of Padauk I have anymore, either. Too many things like clothing are now stained red.
Dave of Fla.
Yeah,
Padauk takes quite a few coats to seal it up tight. But it's so damned beautiful. And so easy to work.
Rich
I know what you mean. I've only been seriously woodworking for the last 3 years or so. that was when i decided to get some decent woodworking tools at least. i guess i must be a natural because i've always been good with tools, even when i was little. my dad didn't have much of a workshop, just a workbench and a few basic hand and powertools, but i'd always be in the shop building things. i guess i realized how much i enjoyed woodworking in grade 9 shop class. i started coming in on my spare time to work on my project, and not because i was behind, but becuase i enjoyed it. over the next two years i designed and made my own original projects, and when i was 15 i decided that this was something that i'd like to be able to do at home as well. the current workshop didn't have any tools that i could make fine furniture with, so i decided to buy a bandsaw. i had been working for a furniture shop and my boss gave me some of the best advice i've ever gotten, you only need to buy good tools once. it took a few months for laguna to deliver my saw, but when they did i was using it all the time. then i realized that i was going to need more tools. i have now taken over an entire two car garage, and have been extremely fortunate to find some really good deals on used machinery. it's a great feeling just to be out in my shop whether i'm making something or not. at 18 i have my whole life ahead of me and i can only imagine the kind of things i'll be making 20 years from now. i'm just glad i found such a great hobby so early on in life. i've also been extremely fortunate to be working in a furniture shop since i was 15. i've learned so much about woodworking in these last 3 years i'm already starting to forget things.
Boy, Andrew, you are indeed lucky. Not only to have found something you are passionate about, but at a young age. You have no idea how much better it is going to get. I used to think I was pretty good when I was 20, I didn't know squat. Over the next 20 years or so, your skills will impove, your perspective will become natural and you'll be doing things you never thought you could do. It's awesome to look back and see how far I've come, and the confidence that has come with each new task or operation. I don't know where you are in your style or design, and it will probably change over the years, but my own experience was one of being stuck in squarness for a few years. everything was boxy. Then I matured into rounded, then laminated, then I got a lathe, that changed things a lot. Them I got a router milling machine about 12 years ago. Then everything changed! Then I started to carve and ebelish my work with some small carving. Small flowers at first, then acanthius and oak leaves, after a few years. I am very much a student of Early 20th century American antique oak furniture, and have been copying details form it for many years now. I've always considered myself a student of shape, and stived to find a way to produce those shapes, or even to understand how the old masters did it. If you ever get to Europe, you'll really understand the term Old Masters. Anyway, welcome, glad to have you, I actually get very tingly with pride, when I hear someone expose their passion for woodworking, It relfects my own as well as magnify's it's intensity to me.
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