So I do not think I will ever be a master in any one type of woodworking. I enjoy the craft of it. Meaning there are far too many things and ideas I have to commit to anyone type. My Uncle is a master craftsman in doing intarsia. He can make such beautiful things.  I am more like a rabid squirrel with adhd.I see something I like and have to figure it out how to make it. Perhaps I am simply in love with woodworking. The smell of it, the creation of it. My mind is always thinking of new thing to make not just in woodworking but many other things as well. Sometimes I get an idea In my head and I literally cannot sleep until I start it or draw it out.Is there anyone here like that or do you mostly gravitate to one thing?

I envy you. My spurts of creativity have become dribbles. Even when an idea hits me, it's gone before I can find a pencil. Then, those squirrels are always interrupting.

15 minutes ago, Lissa Hall said:

I see something I like and have to figure it out how to make it.

 I think the challenge of making it, for me, is the biggest motivator. My projects tend to follow the wood pile I have. I look for plans that match the wood which slows me down. I should just go and purchase the wood I need for the plan. It's hard to pass up a drawer at the restore and not see a scroll saw project in it.

 Keeping the projects different keeps my interest up. Short term projects helps with my ADD. Too much of the same types of projects gets a little mundane.

 My daughters, sisters & SIL like to hit me up with Xmas in July projects. That's a good change of pace.

 Now that I have an extra 40 hrs. a week my plan is to use that time to go through that stack of "I'll get to that one day" projects. Plans are subject to change.

Once...just once, I made more than one of a thing. 26 routed candy dishes. Since then, it's all been one offs. But, I think that's about to change. I'll soon be making boxes by the dozen. But, the woods will change and, the lids will all be different. Some carved, some lasered and some plain. Should be fun...if I can keep those squirrels at bay.

I am still in the trying to figure out which end of the bit goes in the router stage. I’m kinda leaning to doing projects that involve some part of the craft that I haven’t done yet. (Which is most LOL)

1 hour ago, Gene Howe said:

I envy you.

you and I both...

I am the same way but have limits.  Anything to do with art expertise such as wood carving is beyond me.  I do enjoy making things and that craving doesn't stop with wood.  I enjoy metal fab and machine work as well.

Been doing this as a hobby for about 30 years.  Haven't yet figured out my niche.  The good thing about it though (?) I still haven't bought all the tools I need for the next job/phase!!!  I do enjoy the challenge of figuring it through.  I for sure couldn't sit around the house all day!  Sometimes I do need to slow down - especially when I know how things "should" go, but don't (see my corner table build...).

47 minutes ago, Cal said:

Been doing this as a hobby for about 30 years.  Haven't yet figured out my niche.  The good thing about it though (?) I still haven't bought all the tools I need for the next job/phase!!!  I do enjoy the challenge of figuring it through.  I for sure couldn't sit around the house all day!  Sometimes I do need to slow down - especially when I know how things "should" go, but don't (see my corner table build...).

Cal, you figgered it out. And, quite nicely, to boot. 

Well I have seen the projects u guys make and I get envious! They are all so amazing!  

4 hours ago, Lissa Hall said:

Is there anyone here like that or do you mostly gravitate to one thing?

I work off a simple principle, improvise, adapt and overcome.  No real specialty other than a plan to make it this way, and go about doing it.  Whether it's concrete wall across back yard or some angled corner wall cabinet.  I enjoy the process as much as the result.

I enjoy all aspects of woodworking (except finishing- not so much). I think I gravitate to turning because of the "instant" gratification. Like @Gene Howe I tend to make ""one off" type of things except at Christmas when everybody gets pretty much the same type of gift.

1 hour ago, Lissa Hall said:

Well I have seen the projects u guys make and I get envious! They are all so amazing!  

Like I tell my grand-daughters Lissa, no matter how good you are or how many records you set, there will always be someone who eventually comes along that will outdo you. Along the same lines, my dad used to tell me "if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well or not doing at all." He told me a lot of other things too, but this being a family friendly site, I can't put those in writing.

 

Point is, don't be intimidated by what others can or have done. No matter the project, it will never meet YOUR expectations as we are our own worse critics. The trick is finding that balance between perceived perfection, personal satisfaction of a job well done and contentment. Your genre will be ever evolving that is until you find something you might truly be passionate about. I'm 66+ y/o and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up assuming of course I live long enough to grow up.

 

Now go out in the shop and make som_ething....oh did you see those squirrels over there? Wonder what they're up to?

 

 

Edited January 20, 20197 yr by Grandpadave52
typo

Hello Lissa

Many years ago I was doing WWing with hand held power tools making simple stuff. I enjoy it for the same reasons you do. As I moved up the learning curve, I acquired more of the tools most experienced WWers use. I have built coffee tables, end tables, bookcases, dressers, bird-houses, knife blocks, cutting boards, decorative shelves, etc. My pride and joy is a dining table w/leaf and 6 chairs with inlays. I love inlays! I am now into jewelry boxes and charcuterie boards. Like you, I get an idea in my head and it drives me to the shop. For most projects, especially j-boxes, I let the wood "speak" to me to enhance its final beauty. Let your imagination go and explore woods and techniques of working it, pushing yourself to learn, and always work safely.

hat

Edited January 20, 20197 yr by hatuffej

Hey Hat, sure like to see some of your work. Love boxes and, I'm really interested in your charcuterie boards.

2 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Hey Hat, sure like to see some of your work. Love boxes and, I'm really interested in your charcuterie boards.

OK, I'll have to review the procedure for posting pictures. As retired engineer, I am easily confused with the new high tech stuff.

hat

10 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Hey Hat, sure like to see some of your work. Love boxes and, I'm really interested in your charcuterie boards.

+1!

6 minutes ago, hatuffej said:

OK, I'll have to review the procedure for posting pictures. As retired engineer, I am easily confused with the new high tech stuff.

hat

It's so easy a caveman can do it.

I have messed up already! Another try. Hope this isn't too much. 

hat

 

 

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