I had some time on my hands the other day. I was sitting there having read all the magazines in the basket next to me. I had even solved a lot of the world’s problems. Unfortunately, most solutions required the elimination of the human race. I then started thinking about woodworking.
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If I make a mistake while building a piece of furniture, but no one notices it, is it really a mistake?
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How many times am I allowed to say: It will be fine, the paint will cover it.
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If I need clamps that can apply 1,000lbs of force, am I doing something wrong?
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How many jigs do I need to make before I can say I’m an expert woodworker?
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How long should you attempt to sand out a glue spot before stopping to check if it is a shadow?
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Speaking of sandpaper, why doesn’t used 80 grit work like new 120 grit?
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When someone says they are cutting out the tails for a dovetail joint, what are they actually doing? When a surgeon says they are cutting out a tumor, I know the tumor is being removed, not the other way around.
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I choose to work with wood (an imperfect medium), so why do I, at times, spend a lot of effort to make it feel like glass?
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Woodworking is a hobby and I enjoy my hours in the shop. However, I spend a lot of time working on techniques to speed up the process. I like sex, but the last thing I want is for it to go faster.
Replies
1. It's a successful repair. Once I saw professional shops doing thisnI relaxed about the idea.
3. Need vs. Want?
4. Jigs seem to be be infinite especially if you don't like paying $50 for things like Eurohinge jig. It's 3 holes in a pattern. Why so fancy and expensive?
8. Even rough lumber ends up pretty smooth as it is touched over time. I'm always amazed at the feel of a well worn handrail. With that in mind I like to inspire people to touch the work. So making it smooth just cuts to the chase.
9. It's a balance. You want to enjoy yourself but still produce in a somewhat timely fashion. Read the room so to speak. Don't let her get bored. ;)
That's my 2c.
If you took up Philosophy or dharma you might realize the problem is within, not in others. Then all of your woodworking problems will be resolved 😁
I like cuttin' stuff up, and whacking things.
1. No
2. Zero
3. Yes
4. 1024
5. 22 seconds
6. Check your premise
7. They are removing the tumor around the tails
8. You are enjoying the craft to the fullest
9. It's "better", not "faster"
The best part comes after. After the planning. After the wood selection. After the jig making. After the cutting. After the joining. After assembly. After prepping the surfaces. After finishing. After presenting it and having everyone ooh & ahh over it. But the best after comes when you hear them telling someone else how beautiful it is and they don’t know you’re able to hear them. AHHHH!!!!! Well back to more “AFTER’S”
Re mistakes: the difference between an amateur woodworker and a professional woodworker is that the amateur points out their mistakes.
10. Why is it that I still see the same number of flaws in my work - no matter how good I get, I still find fault with everything.
I love looking at the work other woodworkers sell, and occasionally end up buying a nice piece as a gift, but a lot of it is stuff I would have burned rather than let anyone see it. Still seems to sell...
I think you just have to lower your standards, especially as concerns the Human Race!
1. Yes
2. Zero
3. Depends on what you're doing
4. One more
5. 10-20 seconds
6. -10 points
7. Revealing the tails, cutting out the waste
8. OCD
9. Which is better, the destination or the journey
My general mantra is that woodworking isn't as hard as most folks think. Most activities that gets you off the couch and doing something creative is good. Sure, woodworking can become more complex but usually only as much as you want it to be.