Friends,
Welcome to 2007. I hope this is your best woodworking year ever. This being New Years Day, and last night’s celebration not having worn completely off, I was trying to think of some great new ideas for threads in the new year. Some threads keep coming up over an over as new woodworkers join Knots (sharpening, what is the best saw to buy, etc.) Here is an attempt at creativity for new threads. What ideas would you suggest as topics?
– Woodworking as a disease.
– Should the federal government switch from farm subsidies to woodworking subsidies?
– Why do women find woodworkers to be so sexy?
– Why aren’t there more ocean cruises focussed on woodworking?
– What can be done to increase the percentage of women in woodworking?
– Woodworkers are good people – There has never been a serial killer who was a woodworker.
– Would the US be a better place today if Tage Frid had written the book on raising children instead of Dr. Spock?
– Is the current fad for sculpted joints similar to the fad of disco music?
– Woodworkers have a lower divorce rate because they have fewer chances to be unfaithful — their wives know that they are always in the shop or writing to Knots.
– Would a woodworking ethics committee be as effective as the ethics committees of Congress and the Senate?
– One has a greater chance of becoming a millionaire as a software entrepreneur by opening a woodworking shop. Should the government do more to level the playing field?
– Baseball players have had their faces put on cards in bubble gum packs. Is it time for woodworkers to have their own trading cards? Can you just hear the conversations in 2020 — Hey, I have an original 2007 Sam Maloof card, and it’s worth $20,000!
– AARP, AAA and others get discounts at hotels, yet woodworkers do not. It’s time to put a stop to this discrimination against woodworkers.
– What role did woodworkers play in the American Revolution?
Happy New Year.
Mel
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Replies
Hiya Mel,
How many of your topics can you find in the following bit of doggerel?
Lizzie Borden took an axe,
And gave her father forty whacks.
And when they thought that she was done,
She gave her mother forty-one.
So far I have: sharpening, women using woodworking tools, serial killers; possibly sculpted joints, child rearing, and faces not on cards, but maybe the wall of the post office.
On another note, woodworkers who fought in the revolution; none come immediately to mind. However, Paul Revere, patriot and silversmith, engraved the copper plate from which the Willard clan of clockmakers printed their labels, making a Willard clock even more valuable when its label is intact. Wasn't puritan Miles Standish, a few generations prior to the American revolution, allegedly a woodworker?
Ray
The most radical of the revolutionaries in any of the 13 colonies were the artisans -- including woodworkers -- of Philadelphia. They even created a state constitution for Pennsylvania that did away with property ownership as a requirement for voting. (Many considered their skills to be as valuable as property.) In time, Pennsylvania reinstated property ownership as a requirement for voting. But the woodworkers, smiths, coblers, and other artisans of Philadelphia were a radical bunch.Rp
Woodworkers in the Revolution- wagons, wheels, cannon frames (if that's the correct word), rebuilding houses, businesses and furniture, war chests, campaign desks, gun stocks and everything else that would have been needed. I would imagine the British would have tried to shut down any small forges/blacksmiths/woodworkers who worked only for the Revolutionaries but would have needed the same services just as quickly as anyone else when it meant that re-supplying would take too long. One reason behind the Revolution was that England required that raw materials from America be sent to England to be made into finished goods, then sent back, with the colonies paying the shipping charges, taxes and labor for things that they could have made here. Plus, there was no guarantee that lower quality materials wouldn't be substituted to make the finished goods in place of the high quality materials shipped out. I had an ancestor who was a wheelwright at that time and at least a few furniture makers, as well as one who owned a sawmill and building supplies business. There were some loyalists (we don't talk to them) but most of my ancestors fought to be free.I think woodworking is hereditary.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
This is not a desire for a new topic-just a comment on this forum in general. As a newcomer to FWW.com, I find many of the threads posted here to be highly interesting and informative, and I learn a lot. What I really find distressing though are those who feel that their negative criticism adds something to a discussion. In almost every thread, it seems as if at some point somebody gets on who has nothing to contribute other than bashing the previous poster(s). When this happens, the thread has essentially been hijacked because little, if any new and helpful information is added. I have been hesitant to ask questions on this forum because I don't really care to be bashed for owning a saw made in Taiwan, or for the type of saw blade I use.
In many years of studying the human condition, I have found that this type of criticism is usually thrown out by those who suffer from a lack of self-esteem. Being unnecessarily crtical of others of others is simply an internal mechanism designed to artificially increase one's self-esteem. I suggest that those who feel they must do this, please go into your workshop and create something. This will increase your sense of self-worth and will not require that you belittle somebody else in order to do so.
I am not and never will be a professional woodworker. That being said, I do enjoy this hobby and I also enjoy interacting with others with the same interest. I apologize for the rant, but I have seen entirely too many interesting threads hijacked by someone who really has nothing to add.
Happy New Years to all
Ink,
Happy New Year to you too.
Don't worry about getting a virtual bashing in Knots from time to time - it doesn't hurt a bit. :-) In fact, it is educative to field the mad opinions of others concerning one's conduct or opinion; and a useful exercise to rehearse/justify one's bashed-about arguments, thoughts or actions. Sometimes a bite from a mad dog focusses the mind.
Perhaps I am insensitive, being a little Geordie waster; but whenever I get bashed I tend to laugh a bit and poke back. Honestly, it's great fun and character-forming.
Finally, you cannot appeal to the good nature of trolls, monsters, bashers and similar - they don't have one. They will have their wicked way despite your pleas, so get your shields and cudgels shined up. Remember - it's all virtual; and you learn loads despite the noises-off.
You could practice now, by telling me why what I'm typing here is so much goosewipe and poodlejuice. :-)
Of course, we really should be discussing a woodworking thang - but it is the holidays.
Lataxe
I'm not sure, but are you attempting to hijack this thread?
"I have been hesitant to ask questions on this forum because I don't really care to be bashed for owning a saw made in Taiwan, or for the type of saw blade I use"Ask away- anyone who gives you a hard time for that doesn't deserve to have any attention paid to them. I have 4 pieces of Grizzly in my garage so you're not going to hear a peep out of me for what you own. I like them a lot but for some reason I just realized that I had a dream last night about some old, industrial jointers. I agree that a lot of the criticism is too personal. I don't think there's any place for it. "I am not and never will be a professional woodworker. That being said, I do enjoy this hobby and I also enjoy interacting with others with the same interest. "Welcome and grab whatever info you need. If you don't see the answers you want, go ahead and start your threads. I'm sure there will be lots of good info for us all. Nobody knows everything.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Somebody had to make George Washingtons wooden teeth!
Does anyone know more about George's teeth? I've had a few pulled lately and half-jokeingly told my Dentist I'd just carve a new one. His quote on a replacement was $3k, installed. What kind of wood would be most appropiate for the purpose? As for a finish :)? Don't forget teeth and trees both have roots so why not? KDM"... Buy the best and only cry once.........
Hi,
I read the other day (I'm not sure just where - I read a lot) that the story that old George's false teeth were made wood was just a story - the author said that they were made from ivory, but the rest of the story - i.e., that they didn't fit very well and were therefore painful was true.
Come to think of it, the article may have been in the Smithsonian.
Mike D
Inkman,
Your observations, in general, are correct, IMHO. Sometimes I have jumped in a thread to call someone handing out personal attacks on the carpet. Generally speaking, they are the exception. Yes, there are a few who have a god complex, but even then, read what they are trying to say -- in spite of their inappropriate delivery, they may have some good info.
Like the others who have responded to you, may I suggest you simply jump in, start a thread, and don't worry about those who make personal attacks.
By the way, a lot of people would say if you have Taiwan, you have better than China. But, as you will also see in the threads over a period of time, and as you get to know particular posters and Knotheads, you will learn that there are some who have what others would consider cheap tools but turn out fantastic work. You gotta decide: Are you collecting tools or makin' sawdust. Both types are Knotheads.
There are some very knowledgeable people here who will gladly answer your questions, and help you as much as possible. Fine Woodworking provides a great service to everyone.
Alan - planesaw
Inkman,
Welcome to Knots. I hope you do not leave because of your experiences so far. Knots is the best place to get great woodworking information. It is the biggest bargain in woodworking, IMHO. It is also a lot of fun.Unfortunately not everyone acts nice all of the time. Knots recently removed two people from participating for two weeks. They do their best, but the problem will continue. The best thing to do is to deal with it. The best way to deal with it is to ignore it. NEVER answer someone who flames you. Just stay calm and have a thick skin. I have met some great people on Knots. I met three of them in person in the past year. Lasting friendships are made here. When I first joined, I got a message from Forestgirl who warned me that things can get nasty and that I shouldn't let it bother me. She was right. I took her advice. Things have gone well.A good thing to do when you start is to participate in threads on tools and techniques. The threads on philosophical questions is where problems often occur, although they also happen in threads on tools.Read a lot of posts. After a while you will learn the personalities of those who post often. That is invaluable. You will quickly learn who is most helpful to you.Please tell us about yourself. What type of woodwork do you do? I know you are a hobbyist. I am a hobbyist also. I don't sell anything. All of my output goes to friends and family. I do woodwork because of the pleasure I get out of it. I do case pieces, for the most part. If I can ever be helpful to you, please let me know.Enjoy.
Mel
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Thanks to ALL for your feedback. My humor has been restored, my faith in my fellow man (woman!!) rekindled, and my heart lighter from getting THAT off of my chest. Whew!
As a new topic for 2007, might I suggest a genteel discussion on the merits of Taiwanese made equipment, or possibly a friendly discourse on the use of compressed wood buns for joinery. Don't know if these topics have been adequately covered here-anyone care to jump in?
Inkman,
"Compressed wood buns" Haven't heard that one before, although I assume I know what you are referring to. Is that a Minnesota term?
Alan - planesaw
Actually, Alan, that is somewhat of a tongue-in-cheek jab at a number of those who posted messages on numerous threads having to do with biscuit joinery. Wood biscuits have been referred to in a rather derogatory manner by some whose knowledge of such matters humbles my own.
You know, I might just start referring to biscuits as buns from now on. Maybe fellow woodworkers (at least those who don't know me) will come to view me as a majestic God of wood.
Biscuits may not be liked by all but I have a book with comparisons of joint strength and they were one of the strongest. I have also used quite a few hundred of them and unless I waited too long to insert them, had no problems. If I wait too long, I just grab another one and move on. As far as what people use to work wood, if the "tool snobs" would think for a minute, they would realize that top-of-the-line tools haven't always been available at all, let alone accessible to all. If you have seen a photo of a 2000 year old Egyptian chair with dovetails, inlay and veneer, it's easy to be humbled by the fact that A) it looks like a well designed and built chair and B), it has lasted 2000 years and people can still see and talk about it. It's not the tools that make great furniture or other pieces, it's the person using the tools. I heard a quote about the late Chet Atkins, where he was playing in a smallish place and someone went up to him and said, "That guitar sounds pretty good". Mr. Atkins put it on the stand and after a minute asked, "How does it sound now?"
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Mel-thank you and everyone for the warm welcome to Knots. I am quite new to woodworking but have come to truly enjoy the time I spend in my shop. I am the CFO of a financial services company in Minnesota. I have a wonderful wife who constantly encourages me to spend more money on new tools, and a four year old son who loves spending time "working" with me in the shop.
I have a lot to learn about this hobby of ours, but I find that I learn something every time I work on a new project. And I have learned alot about various aspects of woodworking by hanging around these threads. Look forward to spending more time hanging around and creating a thread of my own now and again.
Did I really hijack this post? (LOL)
Ink Man,
A lot of folks who read your message will be very jealous. Not all wives urge their husbands to buy more tools. That is an old and oft-used topic on Knots. There have been a bunch of threads on kids in the workshop. Two of my three loved to help me out in the shop. I made them their own small workbench, which we still have. You are a lucky man. The important thing is not to let anything stop you from having fun with the woodworking. Don't fret too much about not having the most up do date tool or using the wrong technique. Just enjoy this project, and then do the next one differently and better. Experience, not words, are the most important thing in learning. Don't worry about hijacking the thread. It wasn't important. I started it when I woke up early this morning, and I found out that two others were up at the same time, and they were on-line. It served its purpose. You made it serve a better purpose -- bringing new blood into the group. Make a list of the people who wrote back to you. Consider these folks your friends. You will make more of them, but keep looking for them in the threads and write to them every once in a while. Focus on the fun of woodworking!
Enjoy. Have a great year. You are among friends.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Inkman,
One of the best things about all these threads is that you can try out what people are talking about. I often read then try a new technique. Sometimes with graet results. One thing is that you can ask many questions and you will receive "many" answers.
Plus, as it was posted sometime ago, always try something new to expand your woodworking skills (plus your bride will love all the new tools you need). Don't get comfortable with one style or only using a certain type of wood. Try new ideas, techinques, and finishing processes. You won't be disappointed.Joe
Even a broken clock is correct twice a day...
Ray,
I think I read where the John Dunlap, maker of some sought after curly maple high chests was a Major in the Continental Army.
Rob Millard
Rob,
Thanks for the info. Now that you mention it, I think that I read the same thing, maybe in Furniture Treasury? Thanks for jogging that brain cell.
Regards,
Ray
According to Wallace Gunsler, Furniture of Williamsburg and Eastern Virginia 1710-1790, Willamsburg Cabinetmaker Edmund Dickenson, one of the proprietors of the Hay Shop until 1776, was commissioned a Captain in the 1st. Virginia Regiment, and subsequently promoted to Major. Being commissioned as an officer is some indication of his status in the community. He was involved with the Masonic Order with many members associated with the Revolution. When he was killed in the Battle of Monmonth in 1778, his death was of sufficient importance that it was reported in the London Gentleman's Magazine.
Edited 1/1/2007 11:00 pm ET by SteveSchoene
Steve,
Thanks for that info. I have Gusler's book, but had forgotten about Dickenson's military connection, if I ever knew it.
Regards,
Ray
Mel,
If only women did find woodworking sexy! If they did I'd make a lot more furniture.
Rob Millard
Rob,
The women drool when they see you holding one of those neat Lie Nielsen planes, or using a spokeshave!!! I woke up this morning very early and had nothing to do so I logged on and posted my message, just to see who else was on. I got back two responses very quickly. I guess that others had trouble sleeping in on New Years Day. They must have gone to bed early last night too.In any case, Happy New Year. I hope it is a great one for you and your business.
Enjoy,
Mel
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel,
I know what you mean about a woman's emotional experience when she sees you holding an expensive new tool. At least my wife gets emotional when she sees me with a new tool.
If I look at her upside down it looks like a smile. I just remind her that her saw cost almost 3 times what my cabinet saw cost. But it doesn't do any good. :-)
Alan - planesaw
Actually, she tolerates me real well.
Rob,
Concerning women and woodworking;
I've been teaching a grant program at FIT in New York for the past five years. It's an eight week program( Saturdays) that is a retraining course for women.
I teach them wood finishing. A fair amount of these ladies haven't even used sand paper before. The first four Saturdays are spent on wood I.D, surface prep, color theory, color layering, and finishes. They make a multitude of samples first to get the hang of it.
I have a good budget to work with so we buy some unfinished tables for them to work on. The next four weeks they work on this table. The good part of it is they get to take it home ( as long as they finish the course)
I don't put any type of restrictions as far as color goes. The creativity gets interesting. They mix their own water dyes from dry pigment and layer colors with it. Next they seal with shellac and then use glazes that they have made. Again the tables are sealed, sanded and then they brush apply a varnish. They also learn the importance of rubbing out the finish.
I have them do all these steps for a couple of reasons. Since they get finishing books also, we put a lot of the theory into practice. It also shows them how to turn something as innocuous as alder into a thing of beauty. You should see some of the beautiful blues and greens they create. It's refreshing because they are not yet engulfed by the sole idea of brown furniture.
They also go through a business section of six weeks. When they complete everything, I get to take them on a couple of field trips. One is to some antique shops and multi dealer shops. Here they get to " read" some surfaces that have been refinished or see some furniture they can refinish The other trip, I take them to the MET. Here I get to introduce them to REAL American furniture. It's pretty gratifying to hear and see them starting to recognize (and be excited about) regional variations. They are always intrigued by New York furniture.
This year I had eighteen women. Needless to say they keep me busy. If you could see the look in their eyes when they finish .......... Invariably they stand back and say " I can't believe I did this!" That's the real payoff for me.
Sorry this got a little long winded. I really enjoy doing it though.
Regards,
Peter
I'd suspect that if a lower divorce rate does exist, it is more related to the need to maintain the benefits that derive from the spouse's employment.
What role did woodworkers play in the American Revolution?
How about Robert Durham? His company built the boats that Washington used to cross the Delaware on 12/25/1776 to attack the Hessians in Trenton, NJ in the Battle Trenton.
Jim,
Thanks a lot for the info on Robert Durham. Starting a thread on Knots is like throwing a party -- you might have a plan, but the party always goes the way it wants to. I woke up early on New Year's morning. My wife was still asleep. I made coffee, read the paper and then jumped on the computer. I looked through Knots, made a few posts, and then thought I'd put up a post to see who else was around. Since it was New Year's, I made the post on what might be interesting topics for Knots. I didn't spend 30 seconds thinking about it. I just blurted out that list. I got back two responses very quickly. I guess others were up early too. Then an interesting thing happened. A bunch of folks started writing info about woodworkers in the American Revolution. Of the topics that I generated quickly, that one found a lot of interest. I am not an expert in that area. You obviously have some specialized knowledge in the area of woodworkers and the Revolution. When you are ready, why don't you start a new thread with that as the topic? You can mention that the idea got started here. But this thread really didn't do the topic justice. Heck, if your thread generates a lot of stuff, you may have the info for an article or a book. Lotta smart and well read folks on Knots!!Happy New Year, Jim. Good to meet you.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
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