What are your woodworking goals and aspirations for the coming year?
Are you itching to build a piece of furniture, learn a new tool technique, or redesign your workshop in 2006?
Whatever it is, we’d like to know. Post your resolutions here.
(and don’t forget to check back in 12 months to let us know if you resolved your resolution)
Replies
This is the year my woodworking business is going to suffer alot, for the long term benefit though. We have purchased a 12 acre piece of land, and when the frost leaves in spring I'll be breaking ground on a new 40'x60' shop. Then once that is complete enough to become a base of operations, and we sell our current house, we'll start building our new house. I will be doing almost all of the building myself, (hopefully with alot of help from friends).
Once completed and settled in this ought to allow me to really concentrate on my hobby turned full time job more efficiently. My current 25'x25' is just overwhelmed. I'm hoping to break away from building cabinets and built-ins that pay the bills but don't provide much satisfaction and head tword the furniture building end of woodworking.
Happy New Year to all. May all your projects be prosperous and satisfying.
Brian
Brian,
In 2006, I would resolve to share my workshop in "Tools and Shops". I can show the average workshop owner how to build or improve his/her workshop for pennies on the dollar.
I think a good title would be:
" How To: Build a TV Workshop on a Shoestring".
Would you like to see how a large workshop was made including a self-built cyclone, heavy insulation, economic lighting, and how to gain cheap ($200) heating AND air conditioning?
Good Luck on your quest for a new shop and home.
Bill
Bill,I'd love to see how to heat and cool for $200! My plan right now is a pellet burning boiler and infloor tubing for heat. As far as cooling lots of windows and fans, there's not too many days here in WI where you NEED cooling. Though, it would be nice.I just picked up a used cyclone system from a shop gone under for $200, so I'm good there, but I know many others could benefit. I'm planning on lots of insulation, I'm even looking at structural insulated panels for building. I think it would be a good thread!Brian
Bill,
Okay, I'll bite. How do you do it?
Alan - planesaw
Matt,
I'm looking at the list thinking if someone gave me 20 to 1 on these being finished, I'd take it. :>)
Kell - Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
"Build a dining room table in the style of Thomas Moser."
Do you mean derritive shaker rip-off mass-produced by your employees or will you actually make the piece yourself?
:) Sorry just couldn't let Thomas Moser pass a style.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
Actually John the one I like that I intend to build is more of a contemporary style. I suppose a better way to express myself would have been to say "in the style of one I've seen at Thomas Moser" as it's difficult to call his designs a particular style.
BTW, He freely admits that most of his designs are "ripping off" (your words) the many that have come before him. As are most of mine. :>)
Kell
I suppose mine are too. I agree he does freely admit what he does. I think it was an old New Yankee episode or a FWW article where he also stated he's attracted to the business side more than the making side. Gives me a chill. John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
After spending an hour talking to him at the grand opening of his DC store, I'm not surprised to hear that. He certainly made his share when he started out but felt good about turning the making over to others as he grew to focus on making sure the business was successful. I don't know that that is such a bad thing; his method has clearly worked. That speaks to me as a businessman. (I don't make my livelihood as a professional woodworker though.)
I watched one of his people there working on a sack back chair and he clearly had a high degree of skills. Of course, one would develop those after making a couple thousand chairs over the years! And he took a great deal of pride in what he was doing and the quality of what he was making. That speaks to me as a consumer and as a woodworker.
Just my .02!
Happy New Year to you, sir, and all your friends and family!
Kell
Interesting contrast. I met Sam Maloof a month or two ago. 90 years old and works 6 days a week. He cuts, joins and shapes every piece. 3 helpers sand and finish. One of which I met has been with him for 25 years. Sam's 2nd wife runs the business, as did his first. I'm not a pro either, was semi pro for a couple of years but the demands of the day job and commute for the last 5 years make it tough for me to get much of anything done M-F nights. As an engineer, the business side of anything has never appealed to me. I'm hoping to semi-retire in 2 or 3 years when the kids are educated and pay the bills doing one off custom pieces. The last thing I want is employees. (esp. in CA).John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
John:
I'm interested in your three-year plan to ditch the day job and build furniture. I hope you keep posting as your get ever closer to that goal.
I have a five-year plan to do much the same. In five years I'll be 51, mortgage-free and my sons will be through school. I started my career as an artist/designer back when craftsmanship was a big part of it; now I spend 9 hours a day on a computer. And two hours a day commuting.
Allen
In 3 years I'll be 53 and have less than 10 years left on the mortgage which by SoCal standards would be more like a down payment. I started school to become an Architect. Cal Poly SLO was impacted in the mid 70's, for this I blame Wilber Post and Mr. Brady. I detoured 'temporarily' into engineering in '75. 20 years ago that morphed into mostly project management which boils down to pushing virtual paper on a computer all day. I get much more satisfaction out of a well crafted table or chair than a whole years worth of well crafted memos and spreadsheets.
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
Edited 12/30/2005 7:34 pm by Elcoholic
RE: Satisfaction. I hear ya. I've been in the newspaper business for 24 years; at best, my work ends up at a recycling mill (as opposed to puppy-training).RE: SoCal. You no doubt are building a nest-egg of equity there. Here in rural New York state, I've been working on my house (an 1830s farm house) for 10 years, and the last appraisal had it worth less than I paid.Best of luck. Keep us posted on your progress.Allen
Wow, Sam Maloof! That's someone I'd love to have a conversation with.
I've got about 10 years to go until I can pull that retirement thing off. Your plan sounds terrific and is just what I'd like to do as well.
Cheers!
Kell
I'd like to know who protects the Shaker designs from Thomas Moser, and where does he get off getting upset about people reproducing his designs that aren't 2 cents different than a lot
existing Shaker pieces. He has taken advantage of the fact that most Shaker pieces can not be attributed to a certain individual, A Shaker craftsman signing one his pieces would have been considered vain, and to them vanity was a sin. Does this fact give Mr. Moser the right to
modify them ever so slightly and claim them as this own? Seems to be some hair splitting going on here. Whatever Perfections you may have,
be assured People will find them out. but whether they
do or not, nobody will take them on your word.Canterbury New Hampshire 1844
Hey Matt,
I currently work in a shop where we build a lot of one-of-a-kind commercial cabinetry. Unfortunately, the majority of this is knocking together plywood boxes and slapping HPL over 'em. Not really a challenge. I won't complain too loudly-it is paying the bills.
So in a way I guess that is my first resolution-stop wishin' I was working solid wood and bring home the paycheck. Which leads me to the other part of that equation......
I would like to build some higher-end pieces using solid wood in my shop at home. There are a few things we need around the house anyway. I would also like to build at least one piece entirely by hand- I haven't done that in way too long. I think doing a project or two, the way I want, without deadlines, will do me a lot of good.
Happy New Year to You and Yours,
-Paul
What are your woodworking goals and aspirations for the coming year?
I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER WOODWORKING TOOL!!!
I will break my rule anyway! I always do...
My God! Is it already a new year? LOL
Clean and organize my shop.
Build and install replica window sash, compete with salvaged cylinder glass as part of an ongoing c.1838 house restoration (four sash done, 18 to go).
Build and install 17 sets of replica window shutters.
Construct and install historically appropriate exterior door.
Continue to improve my fledgling woodworking skills and expand my hand-tool collection ... with an eye toward furniture construction in future years.
Allen
I would like to finish my new barn (wood shop) with heat and everything. And possibly build another grandfather clock. I love clocks. I'd also like to learn my way around this forum a little better. Is there an instruction sheet or something intended for the computer illiterate?
Carve a linenfold panel for a large piece of furniture. If you want to run an article in FWW to help me out, have at it. If you want to run more carving articles in general, please do.
I would like to second EdHarrison's request for information about linenfold carving. I would especially like to see several patterns at least illustrated. They're extremely hard to find and anyone who does write an article or references linenfold carving in a book will usually only show one. Thank you.
In Richard Butz's book "How to Carve Wood" there's a five-page section on linenfold, with illustrations of at least five styles.My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
Thanks John_D. I do have that book. But I want more. More. More I tell you! More. I can't get enough!!Wait.....I'm better now.....I'll be okay.....Just give me a minute.I suppose, what it really looking for is a nice big book full of pictures of architecture and furniture featuring linenfold carving. Including my copy there should be a market of tens, or maybe dozens of books. I guess I'll be waiting for a while for that book to make an appearance.
Maybe this will be of some help: Dick Onian's book, Essential Woodcarving Techniques, has an pretty detailed chapter (Ch 7) on carving linenfold panels.
Thank you. I'll go to Chapters today and see if they can get it for me.
If you cast your net a bit wider, you can find a lot of help. I have a number of books on stone carving, and they have excellent information on linenfold.My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
Goals for the year:
Flush my shop so I can seal the floor.
Put it all back neatly
Run ductwork around shop so I can leave the dust collector in one place
Build beds for both kids
Build a dresser and desk for my daughter
Two medicine cabinets for our bathroom
Built in linen cabinets for our bathroom
Finish cabinetry for mudroom/laundry room
Replace last 5 windows on the house with the new ones taking up space in the shop
Put to good use the Veritas 4 1/2 that is wrapped and hidden in the entertainment center cabinet waiting for my birthday next week
Take delivery of my lathe
Start building some of the stuff I have been sketching out for the last few years
And then in February...
Andy
"It seemed like a good idea at the time"
New Year's resolutions:
Find a new home for the tools I don't use any more (mostly those tailed apprentice type...);
Significantly improve the quality of my (hand-cut) dovetails, M & T joints, sliding dovetails, and dados;
Build some under-bench storage;
Learn how to do ball and claw feet;
Build a corner cabinet and hope chest for my daughter; a head and foot board for my son; a love seat and a livery cupboard for my wife, and a pair of night stands for both of us;
Do it all by hand, and do it well enough that, in a couple of hundred years, someone will be willing to bid on it at an antiques auction......
Pretty ambitious...especially that last one...but it gives me something to shoot for...
Edited 12/28/2005 3:25 pm ET by pzgren
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
Do you already have the IR repeater system? Which one(s) are you loking at and have you considered IR/RF systems?
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
I've just spent 5 minutes on line to get the price range of the IR repeaters only to confirm my decision to use solid doors on the cabinet. The prices are all over the map. You can get a system w/ 4 emitters for $150 or you can spent more than that on just a rcvr.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
Go to http://www.partsexpress.com and look at their stuff. Most of what's out there is Zantech, regardless of whose name is on it. Universal remote makes some models that do RF and IR, so you can work the equipment even when out of the line of sight. The RF receiver comes with the MX 850. The MX 700 is the first one in their line that can do both and they can either learn the codes directly from another remote or it can be programmed with a computer. That way, if you want to change equipment, you just do it in the program and dump it to the remote. Harmony is another one that will work literally any IR controlled piece and the setup is like a setup wizard for computer equipment. Go to http://www.logitech.com and watch their demo. Best Buy had the 676 model on sale for $139, which is very close to dealer cost. I have one and it works well. I'm using it with a Zantech IR repeater and other than the cable box control I just haven't gotten around to changing, it works fine. Some IR repeaters have problems with too many commands coming in too fast but the Harmony command repeats can be increased or decreased to accomodate the equipment's needs.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Jeez, you want me to put it on cyber-paper? Yikes.
OK. On my "A" List (really must be done):
On the "B" List (pretty high priority, but could be pre-empted by such things as a death in the family or major surgery)
The C List is a mile long, won't get into that one.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
1. Work more accurately with tighter joints, better fitting dovetails, no gaps to fill, and better balanced design.
2. Make some things to sell. I already know what to make. I'll use the lathe and some manzanita, chemise, or coyote bush root burls. Then, I'll sell them at the Davis farmer's market two weeks before christmas and take advantage of the desparate!
3. Finish pruning the entire orchard in one year, shoulders and elbows willing.
4. Finish the kitchen remodel; only ten years in the doing!
5. Control this da*n asthma even if it kills me!
Since my Mom and sister-in-law decided 2006 Christmas is going to be presents we make for each other, I'm going to be doing some woodworking, and here's what I'm going to be building:
-- Barrister bookcase with UV protecting glass
-- Folding sewing/hobby station (based on old 1978 plans)
-- Set of 3 alternating wood inset boxes (I love building boxes)
-- A jewelry box
-- A laminated bent fishing net
Assuming I get through that list:
-- Built in bookcases for the living room
-- Built in closet organizer for the master bedroom
-- A ring box for when I propose to my girlfriend
Skills and chores
-- Clean up my workshop between each project
-- Finish installing my dust collection system, I have it working on most of the tools, but not all.
-- Learn more about finishing
-- Play with carving
-- Get better with TurboCAD
Slacker Extraordinaire
Specializing in nothing but knowledge in everything.
With ALL that I sure hope ya get some sleep and a glass of wine!
Matt
Whewwwwww!! OK!
Happy New Year!!
Jeff
Matt
We've decided to rebuild our house. So sometime right after we get the permits done, I'll be demolishing my shop, rebuilding it on a new concrete pad, and then moving the house furniture in there while we demolish the house, and build a new house more or less on the old footprint.
We'll take over from the builder when it's enclosed and the heating is functional, and I'll build the kitchen abd other built-ins.
I'll also turn up at work! It's going to be a big year. All my other projects will take a back seat, although I will complete my just-arrived Shepherd A5 infill plane ... the plane-making will have to wait a year while the big job gets done!
So I'm making the most of this holiday (summer in NZ, so long holiday), before all hell breaks loose! Small run of treasure boxes, three chopping boards, some repairs, and of course, the Shepherd, made to 'exhibition' standard.
Malcolm
Malcolm, WOW!! You have quite a year in front of you: rebuilding your shop and house, not to mention the trim work, cabinetry, and such inside...... Keep us up to date with photos and such as things progress. I want to wish you the very best in the coming year; you're going to be one busy man!!! And, I'm sure that you're going to really enjoy your new house and shop when you've finished them up. Oh yeah, please post a pic or two of the plane when you get it finished... nothing like a good gloat when you're up to your knees in home-building alligators.....James
Edited 12/29/2005 10:21 pm ET by pzgren
Thanks Mate
I have a feeling I'll need all the moral support I can get.
Meanwhile, I've had a great 'Friday on Holiday' day in the shop.
My run of 8 or so treasure boxes is going well. I've been playing around with veneer used in a patchwork style, glued to 4mm ply and then pieced-up as a patchworker would, and it seems to be working. Carcases are of recycled kauri (cut from 12 inch panels from the ceiling of the long-demolished Alexandra railway station) - which if it wasn't a little too soft, would be one of the best woods in the world.
I've been working on a technique of 'inlaying' a brown and white (black walnut and ash) contrast strip around the outside of the feature lid panels that is working very well - glued-in before the mitres are cut, mitreing straight from the Big Mak SCMS.
Fun.
The key, BTW, is really good machinery. My Euro slider (a MiniMax) is predictably precise to a few thou, and my over and under MiniMax planer/thicknesser is a treat to use. Not a brag, just making the point that good equipment really makes this stuff enjoyable.
Malcolmhttp://www.macpherson.co.nz
Since being laid off this month. I took the time to clean up around the house and found many items bought and never used. I also discovered I have tools that have never been used. Somewhere along the line I went from building furniture to collecting tools.
To build more, buy less. Simple as that.
While I intend this to be more of a lifestyle change than a resolution. I think baby steps would be better.
Happy and a Prosperous New Year to all.
My resolutions are nearly same each year, to make more furniture than the year before, budget my time better, stop buying veneer I don't really need, and to make that one "masterpiece". The first one I should make good on, the other three, well I'm not holding my breath. I'd like to keep my shop clean, but I don't even bother to make that resolution.
Rob Millard
I would say, "To keep all 10 fingers" Bland but practical.
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