John Friscat


member


Recent comments


Re: Could This Tool Change Everything?

What I witnessed I would consider horse play. Using a table saw requires a person to be in complete control of the material being cut. Some degree of control was certainly lost using the tool. As an experienced cabinet maker, I have never found anything funny about using power tools to joke around with.
I teach industrial classes occasionally and would be very upset if I saw a student attempting to use a TOOL like that.
Your time would be better spent developing real safety items.
I have great respect for the table saw, and all the other tools in my shop, and approach any use of it with extreme caution. Maybe that is why I still have all of my fingers.

posted: 3:12 pm on April 5th  

Re: This secret cost me $20,000, but I'll let you have it for free.

I started my woodworking career over 30 years ago. I built my shop in 1985 and filled it with all the best equipment. I live near Amish country and some excellent sources of material. I did commissioned work for many people over the years but I also held two very good paying jobs over 37 years. I was not concerned with making a lot of money and worked for less than I should have on many. My position was abolished at my last place of employment over four years ago so I figured I would turn my "hobby" into a fulltime business. I am finding it extremely difficult now to keep busy (lack of projects) and make a few bucks. I was called a "dinosaur" by one guy after I answered his question, "Where do you work?" and responded by saying I have a cabinet shop. I can relate to and have experienced almost everything you stated in your article.
I am not looking to make a lot of money. I really do enjoy creating things out of wood and will continue to do so. The projects that I get now are not exactly what I want to do but they pay some of the bills. I think, no I know, that I work too cheap but it is still difficult to get work. Is the entrepreneurial spirt something you are born with or something aquired? Is it just a state of mind or something that must be practiced every day in everything you do? I also believe that the financial times are having a huge impact on what we do. I could go on and on.

posted: 1:43 pm on November 18th