I've had bad experiences with charity auctions so prepare yourself. This is going to be a rant. But at the end I'll offer a solution. Hopefully you'll disagree and offer a better idea.
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I spend a lot of time in the shop doing monotonous work. Like the 2000 finger tops I need to finish before November. Listening to podcasts is a nice distraction as it keeps the mind sharp processing how others view topics. The best ones will both entertain and infuriate as both keep you thinking. Now as a self-diagnoses teacher (an unidentified disability) there is one mantra in the content creator “maker” community that sends me into a rage induced stupor. “I do this to inspire.” And boy did I go off today.
Read MoreIf you were to break woodworkng into five parts: harvesting, processing, drying, building (what most people consider woodworking) and finishing I think processing is the most underated aspect of the craft. Most "woodworkers" don't think about it.
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The first minute in the ring will dictate expectations and strategy for a fighter. That’s all the time you have to size up an unfamiliar opponent. It can be thrilling and terrifying as you feel out your opponent’s offence and defense. The scariest thing you could notice in that situation is a lack of movement. Someone who slips your lazy jab with their whole body or whose punches come at you like a train on wobbly tracks is a clear sign of inexperience. A fighter who slips the same jab without a frame movement or change in focus….
Read MoreI’ve been building websites since the mid 90’s and the majority of my professional teaching career has been on web development. Straight html, css, JavaScript and the like stuff. I built and taught in text editors. It was a point of pride for me that my students learned the craft at it’s most basic first and after being shown the ease of WYSIWYG editors would routinely return to text editors such as notepad or HomeSite/DreamWeaver. They recognized softwares limitations and the power their creativity had over the computer.
Read MoreA few weeks ago I did my first podcast with the crew at Modern Woodworkers Association. Couldn’t tell you a word I said. Utter terror does that to ya I guess. Hopefully there won’t be a petition after the episode airs in a few asking for their podcasting permit back. As usual the episode ended with a separate “Five Questions” segment. I do remember one question. Paraphrased, “Who’s been your biggest woodworking influence?” I think my answer perplexed. So I'd like to explain.
You see, my biggest influence in this craft have been students.
Read MoreI bought a new tool today. It might sound strange but that is unusual for me. I don't buy many tools anymore other than replacement blades when I wear them out. I did pick up a 30 year old lunch box planer a year ago when my old one died. But I don' t feel that counts. This is the first new power tool I believe I've bought in 5 years. Major tool purchases are not fun. They are anguish, uncertainty and stress.
Read MorePeg a joint and you add a mechanical lock. It’s why so much was pegged in situations where the antique glues would fail. Pretty much all joints can be pegged and there are numerous methods and materials used in pegged joinery. Nails and screws can be thought of as modern variation of a wooden peg. Knowing a variety of methods to peg common joints is a great tool to have in your arsenal. But it’s especially useful for educators.
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