toobguy

His box making series was good, so I imagine this will be as well....

I'll go for it!

Something to while away the cool evenings and days......

One of these days I'll win, one of these days.......

Ah, if only!! I would really - really - like to add this to my collection of books - and perhaps learn a trick or two.....

Gary, thanks for the post. It is a good reminder. Having a kid around when I was doing some work helped drive home these key safety points. One, I wanted to model safety for him, and two, I wanted him at least 15-20 feet away when I was using table saw, drill press, band saw, etc. - and out of the line of fire. Of course, he had to have both eye and hearing protection. He learned these safety rules and if he ever comes in to the shop when I am working, he follows them - knowing he will be kicked out otherwise! :) And I owe a lot of my appreciation for shop safety from an old cabinet maker that lived up the hill from my folks - with shop equipment dating back to the mid-30's/40's. Fun times and a great learning experience. Even so, I have had my share of accidents - kickbacks, pieces grabbed by a blade - but no serious injuries,and each one made me operate a little more safely - and walk away if if I could not maintain focus. I think this latter is one of the most important safety rules - walk away when things don't look or feel right - they aren't.

Well,I'll toss my hat in the ring - once again.....

Although the odds are not in my favor, I sure would like to win this book. This would be a challenge to make, but the read would be equally fun. So, I'll toss my hat in the ring for a chance.....

I could use a little help in this area! Besides, it is always interesting to see what others have to say about anything working wood.

I am always open to any new tools - but a dedicated shop is what I would really like. Sharing space with (wet) cars isn't the greatest - but it has worked so far. But it would be nice to be able to heat it. Be easier as far as working under reasonably fixed environmental conditions. Some things I simply will not do because of this. So a dedicated workshop tops the list. Any of the giveaways here would be welcome - I can accommodate them nicely!

For me, I want to learn how to hand-cut dovetails precisely and aesthetically. As a hobbyist, it is a fascination to learn the skill. Certainly, as a pro, I would look at the cost-efficient way that the customer will accept - and pay for. I think that is true for any profession.

Back to the hobby/amateur issue. As I said, it would be fascinating - just as conquering that mountain peak or catching that trout or taking that one picture of a lifetime. It is the challenge and the attraction. But once done, why repeat it (if one could) if something else would do. And I must say, the pinned rabbets sure do look nice!

Thanks for the provocative article, Matt.

Depends - if cost effetive and the tool is of generally high quality I will fix it - subject to parts availability. Otherwise - replace it. Case in point - I had the motor on an older Fein vac start to burn up. Ended buying a new Fein Turbo II - about double the repair cost, but... improved mofel/features and a new 3-yr warranty. Toss up, but went new. A Bosch ROS awaits it fate - probably get a backing plate in this case. Sander works well, I like it, so I'll fix it. So as I said - it depends. Now as to junking it- well, I suppose I should get rid of those old broken tools if I'm not going to fix them!

I thoroughly enjoy reading these books, and Andy does a great job writing. Always looking for a chance to add to my library - and pick up something useful to use in the shop.