Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules here, and if I am, admins please feel free to delete this or tell me otherwise.
The latest issue of Wood magazine arrived yesterday. I suppose that we could argue ad-nasuem about whether or not the guys at Wood magazine are "true" professionals or not, but in my book, they are a dang site more professional than I am. Heck, I would have to think that the mere definition of professional is getting paid to do something. They are getting paid to do woodworking, so that fits the definition.
Lately, there have been several threads on here about "perfection" and how to get there. Various advice has been extolled from the community, NONE of which is bad, right or wrong.
But the latest issue of Wood magazine had an article about "I wish someone had told me that when I started!", and in there were (3) tips in particular that I thought were worth sharing here: (Italicized text is quoted from Wood Magazine, March 2013 issue)
This is NOT meant to be a comprehensive list by any means. I just thought this information could prove helpful and useful to others, and I would welcome anyone to add to this list as they see fit...
The latest issue of Wood magazine arrived yesterday. I suppose that we could argue ad-nasuem about whether or not the guys at Wood magazine are "true" professionals or not, but in my book, they are a dang site more professional than I am. Heck, I would have to think that the mere definition of professional is getting paid to do something. They are getting paid to do woodworking, so that fits the definition.
Lately, there have been several threads on here about "perfection" and how to get there. Various advice has been extolled from the community, NONE of which is bad, right or wrong.
But the latest issue of Wood magazine had an article about "I wish someone had told me that when I started!", and in there were (3) tips in particular that I thought were worth sharing here: (Italicized text is quoted from Wood Magazine, March 2013 issue)
- All woodworkers make mistakes. Acknowledge them. Learn from them. But, most of all, shut up about them. Most people won't notice mistakes, so stop pointing them out when you show off your project. It will do wonders for your confidence.
How true, how true this is. I recently built a table for my parents, and when they saw it for the first time, they were blown away. All I could do was tell them about every little flaw that was on it. SHUT UP! Enjoy the moment! They were thrilled with the project. Leave it at that. Walk away. - Remember that woodworking is a hobby. It's supposed to be fun and relaxing, so take your time, and enjoy the process. ... Build to the best of your ability but don't drive yourself crazy.
I know that this is something that we all struggle with. It's supposed to be fun! Over my last couple of projects, I've taken time to slow down, and just let things happen as they happen. If I don't think that I'm making quick enough progress, I walk away. Because hurrying only makes matters worse. Walk away and come back when you're ready to slow down and have fun. This ain't easy!, but in the end it makes ANY project better, because you're at peace with what happens.
I would also add to the "build to the best of your ability", build to the best of YOUR tools! You don't have to go out and buy a new tool every time that you do a project. New tools are fun, and they do help, but woodworking does NOT need to be about who has the most and the best tools. You can do a LOT of amazing things with the tools that you own. - Ask for help.Woodworkers are a helpful bunch, eager to share advice live in a tie in which we can quickly get answers to anything. ...
I don't think that any of us here can deny this fact! We are an "instant" community here, and there is almost always someone who has done what you're asking, OR is at least willing to offer advice on how they would accomplish it. And remember there are NO stupid questions. That's one thing that l like about this community. No one is ever condemned for asking questions. (NOTE: that is not true in all online community forums)
This is NOT meant to be a comprehensive list by any means. I just thought this information could prove helpful and useful to others, and I would welcome anyone to add to this list as they see fit...
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