Replies

1. 
   rmantell | Dec 25, 2008 01:34am | #1

   I could not agree more with your sentiments.Woodworking is substance and reality. It is truly a gift for all who practice the craft.
   Happy Holidays
   Rick

1. 
   Montanaman | Dec 25, 2008 08:29pm | #5

   Substance and reality.....  You're right there.  To create something useful and beautiful out of a couple of ugly old boards gives me a lot of joy.

2. 
   mmur | Dec 26, 2008 10:30pm | #8

   I'm just starting out in this interesting hobby. I'm putting together my tools for a shop in my small basement. I have a 13" planner Ryobi, 6" jointer Delta and a fold-up gravity base stand table saw Dewalt. I have a woodworkers bench and a few clamps. I have been reading alot and have yet to start a project. I'm glad I found this web site and look forward to everyones input. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 28, 2008 03:49pm | #9

   woodworkers bench and a few clamps.

   I would say you cannot EVER have more clamps than you will ever need.. And a few extra for the unusual jobs.

    

2. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 25, 2008 04:14am | #2

   Even with the mind going in the right direction, though, one still has to pay attention to the direction of the grain. A splinter in the brain hurts like crazy. ;-)

   Merry Christmas to you, too, and may your shop be toasty warm.

1. 
   Montanaman | Dec 25, 2008 08:34pm | #6

   Today it's already in the mid 20's with lots of sun and about 3" of snow on the ground.  My shop is toasty.  Thanks for asking.

   Steve 

    

    

3. 
   roc | Dec 25, 2008 08:02am | #3

   Over a decade ago I lost my old mentor to violent crime, and just about all my friends to one thing and another. I was looking around for a "scene" where I could move on.

   I thought I failed to find it. I began to do some wood working because I needed some tool boxes and furniture. And because I was unbelievably bad at woodoworking and that bugged me. Most things mechanical and workman like come easily to me. So I was determined to find out where I was dropping the ball with wood working.

   To my great good fortune the timing was right and useful hand tools were again being produced. The secrets that were once passed from boss to the indentured became accessible to the average person willing to search them out, and a lump of time to pursue these fell in my lap when my parents passed away and left an empty house (lowering my living expenses).

   The house is gone to pay nursing home expenses and my rent is exorbitant once again. But I have the skills I gained and feel like I am apart of something worthy. Woodworking and the preservation and assimilation of this fine "scene".

   thankful indeed

   roc

   
   

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   Edited 12/25/2008 1:30 am by roc

1. 
   Montanaman | Dec 25, 2008 08:25pm | #4

   Have a great Christmas. 

   After ten years you must have developed some pretty good skills.  I just finished a cherry bedside table.  I'll try to download a photo of it.  

   Steve

1. 
   roc | Dec 25, 2008 10:22pm | #7

   >After ten years should have good skillsNah. I am just a slow learner. : )Had to make the money and make tools and jigs so took a while to get set up. The price of long bar clamps alone is breath taking ! Learning to sharpen saws etc. Changed jobs a bunch. Cabinet making was always a steady interest through out thoughLike you (the OP) said "getting back into my shop" is the goal not always realized.I am just now settling in to producing. I feel like I been "practicing cords" most of that time. Now I am starting to play melodies.>cherry bedside table. photo of it. I would like to see your photo. Hope you can post it.
   Am having a great Christmas ! You do the same!rocEdited 12/25/2008 2:31 pm by roc

   Edited 12/25/2008 2:35 pm by roc