GerryP

I built at least a 100 work benches over the last 35 years. Each fullfilled a different purpose, sized to fit the available space, and hundreds of different matierals, vises, and support structures. I am always looking for new, improved ideas for the next work bench, or rework an existing one. Still looking for that "perfect" bench.

My wife wanted to know why I have 4 router tables, 17 routers and make all that noise, when I could have made a couple of these planes years ago and not kept her up all night finishing those last minute projects.

I think it about time. I started turning pens 10 years ago. It taught me about woods I would never have used otherwise, about grains, direction, density, colors changes, inlay techniques, vaneer techniques, glue types, finishes. It has it all. In an hour a beginner or professional can turn out a pen to be proud of and that makes people around them look at the beauty of wood, and the things it can do.
The turning techniques lead to larger projects with ease. Everything from repairing furnature to new pedistal tables. Turning is a skill that is often overlooked in precision professional woodworking. Standard turnings are just purchased instead of built for the project, resulting in designs lacking in proportion.
Try it. I think your readers will really like it.