Wood is one of those wonderful materials that evoke all the senses at the same time. Touch, Feel, Sound, Smell, Sight as well as inspiring the imagination as to what could be.
The transformation of a rough hewn piece of tree into a lovely crafted item is a joy to behold.
Knowing that it was through your effort is a feeling that has to be experienced to be believed.
Doing it with hand tools as apposed to noisy machinery is to touch the divine.
That just about somes it up for me.
Cheers
Steve
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Just Play
After spending a significant time building furniture and other commissions sometime I get weary of following plans or working to fulfill certain concepts that are desired by my patrons and others.
So I make it a rule that every so often at least Once a month I just Play. Whether that is trying a new design or just pushing my hand tool skills as far as I can through experimentation or after reading an old woodwork book and try to emulate the craftsman of old.
I find the sojourns into the past very revealing and satisfying getting in touch as it were with the essence of the craft. Where speed and machine exactness are not the priority. But more of a hindrance to the object of the exercise. Below is the result of the most resent playtime.
All done by hand tools it involved the use of Draw-knives, Chisels, Mallet, Saws, Scrub Plane, Jointer, Jack and Smoothing Plane as well as a small Block Plane, Spoke Shaves and Carving Chisels.
3 days for the construction which involved Dressing Timber from scratch and planing to thickness.
So I make it a rule that every so often at least Once a month I just Play. Whether that is trying a new design or just pushing my hand tool skills as far as I can through experimentation or after reading an old woodwork book and try to emulate the craftsman of old.
I find the sojourns into the past very revealing and satisfying getting in touch as it were with the essence of the craft. Where speed and machine exactness are not the priority. But more of a hindrance to the object of the exercise. Below is the result of the most resent playtime.
3 days for the construction which involved Dressing Timber from scratch and planing to thickness.
1 Day for the carving.
So that is the pleasure and the results of playing not only is there a wonderful hand made piece at the end. I use it for a Smoko chair! The real benefit is that I am becoming more competent with the use of Hand tools which brings me in closer contact with the material, process and real skill of what it is to be a true woodworker.
On a sobering note based on my hourly rate and the time taken plus materials. To make it a financially rewarding exercise I would have to charge $3067.50 so if you do know of anyone that really has to have one that's what it will cost or they can have this one for a round $2500.00 because I've sat on it.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Think outside the square
How often have we heard that expression, more importantly how often do we actually do it?
How many of you have seen a design in a book and thought gee i'd like to make that, only to discover that you are unable to follow the instructions or can't not quite get the gist of what the writer in talking about?
Well the good news is: that in the main I bet it is not your fault.
Recently I have undertaken a couple of builds and the only really informative pieces of information worth using was the picture of the finished Job.
A project one of my students understood the other day noted the size of the timber to be used as 1/2" Sq. Looking at the surrounding furniture in the picture there was not way it was that thin, nor would it have the strength to support itself. So we made a judgment call and settled for 5/8"sq and that was far more practical and pleasing to the eye. A construction I built myself was very short on details yet it was from a supposedly step by step book.
The lessons from these experiences I feel it that first ;
Believe that you have more skill than you give yourself credit for.
Secondly study the end product in sections.
Finally don't become overwhelmed with what you perceived as difficulties.
Bottom line it's just wood, and that can be re-cut, reused or recycled.
You will learn far more by pushing yourself and making blunders that by following other people plans that in many cases are fraught with mistakes, hiccups and downright misleading information.
So enjoy your work work and don't get to serious about following plans exactly..
Happy Shavings
Cheers
Steve
How many of you have seen a design in a book and thought gee i'd like to make that, only to discover that you are unable to follow the instructions or can't not quite get the gist of what the writer in talking about?
Well the good news is: that in the main I bet it is not your fault.
Recently I have undertaken a couple of builds and the only really informative pieces of information worth using was the picture of the finished Job.
A project one of my students understood the other day noted the size of the timber to be used as 1/2" Sq. Looking at the surrounding furniture in the picture there was not way it was that thin, nor would it have the strength to support itself. So we made a judgment call and settled for 5/8"sq and that was far more practical and pleasing to the eye. A construction I built myself was very short on details yet it was from a supposedly step by step book.
The lessons from these experiences I feel it that first ;
Believe that you have more skill than you give yourself credit for.
Secondly study the end product in sections.
Finally don't become overwhelmed with what you perceived as difficulties.
Bottom line it's just wood, and that can be re-cut, reused or recycled.
You will learn far more by pushing yourself and making blunders that by following other people plans that in many cases are fraught with mistakes, hiccups and downright misleading information.
So enjoy your work work and don't get to serious about following plans exactly..
Happy Shavings
Cheers
Steve
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Marketing
Hi all you that are aspiring to make a few $'s out of woodwork. I had a very enjoyable day yesterday and an equally fruitful one.
Many, myself included, are always trying to get it right and the best it can be first time around.
Powerful lessons that were learnt from the day out:
"JUST GET OUT THERE!"
No matter how poorly or greatly your products there will always be people giving you suggestions on how to improve it.
Sometime these stings hurt and frankly upset us but the majority are helpful, if we can get past our own egos. We can benefit greatly. Case in point yesterday I was showing some of the Urns that I make to a prospective market area and was told this, that and the other but for once I kept My Mouth Shut.
Instead of defending what I had done I asked for areas that others thought would be good to incorporate and low and behold I came away with a few new products and designs I had not before contemplated.
Up shot; if you make a product or use a design suggested by someone else and they are in the market for such a product. Guess who's they will choose above the competition and don't believe that a cheaper price will get you the business, because it won't.
So another productive day, not on thing done in the workshop but a lot to do with doing more in the workshop.
So if it's your desire to make a living at it Just Get Out There with Something, Anything, JUST DO IT!
Cheers
Steve
Many, myself included, are always trying to get it right and the best it can be first time around.
Powerful lessons that were learnt from the day out:
"JUST GET OUT THERE!"
No matter how poorly or greatly your products there will always be people giving you suggestions on how to improve it.
Sometime these stings hurt and frankly upset us but the majority are helpful, if we can get past our own egos. We can benefit greatly. Case in point yesterday I was showing some of the Urns that I make to a prospective market area and was told this, that and the other but for once I kept My Mouth Shut.
Instead of defending what I had done I asked for areas that others thought would be good to incorporate and low and behold I came away with a few new products and designs I had not before contemplated.
Up shot; if you make a product or use a design suggested by someone else and they are in the market for such a product. Guess who's they will choose above the competition and don't believe that a cheaper price will get you the business, because it won't.
So another productive day, not on thing done in the workshop but a lot to do with doing more in the workshop.
So if it's your desire to make a living at it Just Get Out There with Something, Anything, JUST DO IT!
Cheers
Steve
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Ideas, Ideas,Ideas
Have you ever been stuck for ideas? Recently I wrote about "Woodworkers Block." I had it then but not now nooooooo sir. Can't stop the new ideas and concepts from flooding in.
Take yesterday for example, had a rough idea of what I wanted to do, achieve, complete whatever!
Started by finishing off the box I was working on the day before and had all the trouble with flattening the Wenge inlay. The I had a call from someone in Canberra wanting a Woodworking Apron. Not sure if I mentioned I also make Woodworking Aprons, Tool Rolls and Plane Slippers.
Well anyway went to one of my other sheds looking for a particular colour fabric, when there my eye happened upon a commission I'm in the throws on completing which reminded me that I had to do a Sample colour board for final approval prior to finishing and French Polishing the Job.
So back to my main shed, found the aforementioned sample board. Went searching for the stain in doing so I had to move the internal workings of the Box I was originally working on. Stained the sample board. replaced it on the shelf returned to my bench where the internals from the other job were standing on their ends.
Geeeeez said I, that would make a fantastic Companion Urn. Husband and Wife or Na and Pop Job.
So out with the measuring stick dimensions and volumes calculated went in search of some 12mm Ply, in doing that I came across some nicely square dressed beech, That reminded me that I had to finish some file handles. So I took it over to the lathe, Which is right next to an old Woodfast fret saw I had just rebuilt, Which reminded me I still needed to fit 4 hold down bolts. Where are they????? Not to worry just nip over to the Nut and Bolt Shop. Off I set with a clear focus in mind. Called into Coles on the way to buy some lunch. Didn't fancy anything so went for a wonder around the shopping center and placed some adds for Urns and Woodworking Classes that I run. Looked at the time and remembered I had to Veneer some panels up. So Raced back to the workshop. Drove past a mates shed on the way to mine he made the coffee drinking gesture, So what's a man to do parked the Car grabbed a mug and went and had a coffee.
Didn't get the bolts, Didn't find the fabric, Didn't finish the Box, Didn't do any File Handles nor the veneering of panels.
But Did get some new Ideas and drank a fair amount of coffee.
Life's like that ain't it great that's how ideas come to you don't be to busy to miss 'em!
Cheers
Steve
Take yesterday for example, had a rough idea of what I wanted to do, achieve, complete whatever!
Started by finishing off the box I was working on the day before and had all the trouble with flattening the Wenge inlay. The I had a call from someone in Canberra wanting a Woodworking Apron. Not sure if I mentioned I also make Woodworking Aprons, Tool Rolls and Plane Slippers.
Well anyway went to one of my other sheds looking for a particular colour fabric, when there my eye happened upon a commission I'm in the throws on completing which reminded me that I had to do a Sample colour board for final approval prior to finishing and French Polishing the Job.
So back to my main shed, found the aforementioned sample board. Went searching for the stain in doing so I had to move the internal workings of the Box I was originally working on. Stained the sample board. replaced it on the shelf returned to my bench where the internals from the other job were standing on their ends.
Geeeeez said I, that would make a fantastic Companion Urn. Husband and Wife or Na and Pop Job.
So out with the measuring stick dimensions and volumes calculated went in search of some 12mm Ply, in doing that I came across some nicely square dressed beech, That reminded me that I had to finish some file handles. So I took it over to the lathe, Which is right next to an old Woodfast fret saw I had just rebuilt, Which reminded me I still needed to fit 4 hold down bolts. Where are they????? Not to worry just nip over to the Nut and Bolt Shop. Off I set with a clear focus in mind. Called into Coles on the way to buy some lunch. Didn't fancy anything so went for a wonder around the shopping center and placed some adds for Urns and Woodworking Classes that I run. Looked at the time and remembered I had to Veneer some panels up. So Raced back to the workshop. Drove past a mates shed on the way to mine he made the coffee drinking gesture, So what's a man to do parked the Car grabbed a mug and went and had a coffee.
Didn't get the bolts, Didn't find the fabric, Didn't finish the Box, Didn't do any File Handles nor the veneering of panels.
But Did get some new Ideas and drank a fair amount of coffee.
Life's like that ain't it great that's how ideas come to you don't be to busy to miss 'em!
Cheers
Steve
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
It takes as long as it takes.
How true is that statement. Yesterday I spent the entire day flattening some edge banding on an Urn I am making, a new product in fact, I inlaid some edge banding that I had make on a previous occasion. I was about 1/32" proud. No problem said I, Just Plane it off. Not so easy the inlay was made of Wenge and Scottish Sycamore. First step was reached for my trusty 060 Stanley, did not make a dent much less an impact. Flush trim router bit crossed my mind, then disregarded as it would only tear out the inlay as the Wenge I forgot to mention was end grain. Second try was sanding grabbed the Festool, soon gave that a miss as it was wearing into the Burl Veneer that the Inlay surrounds. A few cups of Coffee later, I did something that I was loath to do... went to my cabinet and extracted my brand new in the bag and box NX60 (Vertias) Block Plane Heavy, you bet sharp nope. So a few licks on the honing stone and with gentle nudges at first the plane preformed amazingly well. Planed down to just above the surface of the box then with a super sharp scraper finished it off.
Light rub with 150,240,320,400 and I'm ready for the next step.
All in all that was the some total of 6 hours solid bench time. So again I reiterate "It takes as long as it takes!"
Any attempted short cuts in the above process would undoubtedly cost more time as as I would have done more harm that good.
Woodwork is one of those demanding disiplines where sometimes it doesn't matter how many tools or machines you have it's Time, Skill and Patience that will win the day.
Post Pics later.
Cheers
Steve
Light rub with 150,240,320,400 and I'm ready for the next step.
All in all that was the some total of 6 hours solid bench time. So again I reiterate "It takes as long as it takes!"
Any attempted short cuts in the above process would undoubtedly cost more time as as I would have done more harm that good.
Woodwork is one of those demanding disiplines where sometimes it doesn't matter how many tools or machines you have it's Time, Skill and Patience that will win the day.
Post Pics later.
Cheers
Steve
Monday, October 4, 2010
R & D the Fun Phase.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
For those of you that have never taken the bold step of designing your own projects, one of the greatest buzzes I get is the R&D phase. That was the position yesterday and now to nut out the challenges facing me on the road to completing this next project. It was inspired by one of Andrew Crawford's Boxes with double veneer over lay. Normally I run solid timbers edging around most of the boxes I create which presents a whole new set of problems with double veneering.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Cheers
Steve
Inspiration
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
Inspiration
Inspiration is a wonderful thing! Well I never did get around to making the apron from the last post. Then the next day "WOW" what a difference a day makes!!
Don't know what caused it but I sure know what's different. Block has now gone from the past week. New ideas and plans for marketing.
Sometimes it's nice to be in that place of quiet, pondering and design.
There must come a time though when all that THINKING TIME, to be productive, must be put in front of the market place to at least see if in fact there is a market for it.
That time occurred for me today and that has set the motivation into motion.
Now I have new plans for new builds and further plans for old builds.
All those stuck out there in "Marketing Quandary Land. "SPEND LESS AND USE YOUR LOAF (HEAD) and MORE."
I have been doing so research and have discovered that the best sort of advertising is not necessarily the most expensive.
Being more hands-on (Doing) and less hands-Off (Others doing).
I look forward to the allowing the creativity to flow forth with new projects tomorrow.
So I guess the point of this post is to let "ME" and anyone else reading this that no matter how bleak the future looks in order to see it change you have the hang in there.
Cheers
Steve
Inspiration
Inspiration is a wonderful thing! Well I never did get around to making the apron from the last post. Then the next day "WOW" what a difference a day makes!!
Don't know what caused it but I sure know what's different. Block has now gone from the past week. New ideas and plans for marketing.
Sometimes it's nice to be in that place of quiet, pondering and design.
There must come a time though when all that THINKING TIME, to be productive, must be put in front of the market place to at least see if in fact there is a market for it.
That time occurred for me today and that has set the motivation into motion.
Now I have new plans for new builds and further plans for old builds.
All those stuck out there in "Marketing Quandary Land. "SPEND LESS AND USE YOUR LOAF (HEAD) and MORE."
I have been doing so research and have discovered that the best sort of advertising is not necessarily the most expensive.
Being more hands-on (Doing) and less hands-Off (Others doing).
I look forward to the allowing the creativity to flow forth with new projects tomorrow.
So I guess the point of this post is to let "ME" and anyone else reading this that no matter how bleak the future looks in order to see it change you have the hang in there.
Cheers
Steve
Don't know what caused it but I sure know what's different. Block has now gone from the past week. New ideas and plans for marketing.
Sometimes it's nice to be in that place of quiet, pondering and design.
There must come a time though when all that THINKING TIME, to be productive, must be put in front of the market place to at least see if in fact there is a market for it.
That time occurred for me today and that has set the motivation into motion.
Now I have new plans for new builds and further plans for old builds.
All those stuck out there in "Marketing Quandary Land. "SPEND LESS AND USE YOUR LOAF (HEAD) and MORE."
I have been doing so research and have discovered that the best sort of advertising is not necessarily the most expensive.
Being more hands-on (Doing) and less hands-Off (Others doing).
I look forward to the allowing the creativity to flow forth with new projects tomorrow.
So I guess the point of this post is to let "ME" and anyone else reading this that no matter how bleak the future looks in order to see it change you have the hang in there.
Cheers
Steve
New Designs
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Have embarked on some new designs today for Human and Pet Urns.
The realisation of designs in ones head always amazes me when put into a practical application.
Because what always works well in theory rarely works well in the Practical application of the design.
So the thinking mode of the sleeping brain will be employed tonight to grant me the solution to the dilemma that currently faces me.
Will keep you up dated with picture tomorrow.
Cheers
Steve
Woodworkers Block
I have heard Writers get it, Artists get it so why would any other creative outlet not be prone to bouts of Blockages.
It's that desolate feeling of what to do now? Followed by periods f self-doubt and second guessing our own ability in the chosen field of endeavor.
I trust you and not reading this in an effort to find out how to overcome this most debilitating state of affairs, as I have no notion. What I do know however, is that when it pasts, as pass it doubtless will, you are shown a whole new direction leading to as yet unseen horizons.
Currently, this is the predicament I find myself in, so many options yet none seem sufficient enough to cause a flare of motivation to create movement in a forward direction. At best the melancholy will depart or at worst a pattern may be forthcoming showing the route the mood follows before being finally expelling its prisoner once more into productivity. At that point I will be well armed when they, and they will, occur in the future
Hence the writing of this blog, if nothing else it will be a barometer for my own moods and flourishes of creativity. I do wonder at times if I’m the only one that experiences such meanderings. Yet at the same time remain comfortable in the knowledge that we are not really that different from each other. So my guess it that even of no one else ever reads this, except me, that does not alter the fact "I'M NOT ALONE!"
Think I'll make a new Woodwork Apron for myself!
Cheers
Steve
It's that desolate feeling of what to do now? Followed by periods f self-doubt and second guessing our own ability in the chosen field of endeavor.
I trust you and not reading this in an effort to find out how to overcome this most debilitating state of affairs, as I have no notion. What I do know however, is that when it pasts, as pass it doubtless will, you are shown a whole new direction leading to as yet unseen horizons.
Currently, this is the predicament I find myself in, so many options yet none seem sufficient enough to cause a flare of motivation to create movement in a forward direction. At best the melancholy will depart or at worst a pattern may be forthcoming showing the route the mood follows before being finally expelling its prisoner once more into productivity. At that point I will be well armed when they, and they will, occur in the future
Hence the writing of this blog, if nothing else it will be a barometer for my own moods and flourishes of creativity. I do wonder at times if I’m the only one that experiences such meanderings. Yet at the same time remain comfortable in the knowledge that we are not really that different from each other. So my guess it that even of no one else ever reads this, except me, that does not alter the fact "I'M NOT ALONE!"
Think I'll make a new Woodwork Apron for myself!
Cheers
Steve
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