Woodworking Later? No! Woodworking NOW!
Christopher Schwarz, aka “The Schwarz”, just announced a sweet new feature over at PopularWoodworking.com. Its called Woodworking Now. Its a huge collection of hand-picked articles from Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazine from the last 10 years. You can browse the collection by topic or project, or even use the search to find the exact article you’re looking for. This is a great alternative to buying full back issues and makes a lot more sense in this brave new “on demand” world. So check it out if you get the chance.
And I can’t mention “The Schwarz” without reminding everyone that we have our super sweet “May the Schwarz Be With You” t-shirts available. You can pick one up in The Wood Whisperer Store.
September Giveaway Winners
Eagle America Router Bit of the Month winner: Jason Young
Put beautiful hardwood edges on your plywood, particle board or MDF stock thanks to this great bit set. Today people are using plywood or other non-hardwood materials more and more to save money but they should not have to sacrifice the beautiful look of hardwood at the same time. This set is very easy to use and lets you dress up plywood cabinets, drawers and doors so nobody will know the difference. As with all Eagle America brand bits, this set is Made in the USA.
Handplane Essentials winner: Bill Elliot
The hottest new release from Chris Schwarz and the folks over at Woodworking Magazine. This 312 page hardback covers The Basics, Sharpening, Techniques, History & Philosophy, and Reviews. A great resource for any woodworker looking to learn more about the tools that still work when the power goes out!
Congratulations to both our winners and a big thanks to Chris Schwarz and Eagle America for sponsoring the giveaway!
Power Tool Guilt
I was just thinking about something and I know I can’t be the only one. As a self-proclaimed “hybrid woodworker”, I try to balance hand tools and power tools in a way that makes the most sense for the job at hand. This is a method of work that takes a certain amount of time and experience to develop. I am getting there. But one thing I have noticed about myself over the years is that I have a touch of power tool guilt. Sounds silly but its totally true.
Have you ever watched a video about hand tools where the woodworker is showing off his mad skillz?? You know the kind where the guy makes his perfect wispy shavings during a serene and peaceful milling session (I’m talking to YOU Schwarz!).
I did some milling today and you know what I looked like? A soldier about to engage in chemical warfare! Anyway, I usually finish the video, and with my head down and my bottom lip out I say to Nicole, “I’m at one with the wood too……”, almost asking for reassurance. She usually pats me on the head and says, “Of course you are dear!” and then gives me an ice cream.
Looking back over the years, this sense of guilt was what fueled a number of my hand tool purchases. I frequently bought these tools before I even knew how to use them. As a result, they became very cool looking decorations for my shop. While nearly every one of my hand tools is now in use, that wasn’t always the case. And I honestly just felt guilty about it.
But this is where the story takes a positive turn. As the complexity of my projects increased, I soon confronted problems that were not easily solved with power tools. So by necessity, the hand tools were pulled down off the shelf and placed into service. Now I may not use these tools to the extent that a hand tool only woodworker might, but who cares? I am what I am. And what I am is a hybrid woodworker! So as I continue to develop my woodworking identity, my guilt slowly fades away. And I’ve come to realize that it really wasn’t guilt over using power tools, it was the guilt associated with knowing I haven’t yet fully explored the simplest options available to me. And now that I have, I can confidently select the best tool for each job, powered or not.
Fortunately for all of us, woodworking is a process and not a destination. There are all types of tools for all types of woodworkers and there is room in the world for all of us. So my public service message for today is: End the guilt! Have confidence in who you are as a woodworker. And most importantly, do what makes you happy!
By the way, check out the October issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine for an article that covers some of my favorite ways to incorporate hand tools into a power tool workshop.
Wood Talk Online – 31
Topics:
Kaleo Kala’s visit to Marc’s shop, “The Schwarz”, woodworking classes, Lie Nielsen’s backorder, new tools from Festool and Powermatic, Forstner bits without spurs, and milling lumber with only a planer and a router table.
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