For the past 14 years I had wanted to get serious about woodworking. I grew up with my father and grandfather doing some sort of wood working (either by necessity or as a hobby). In 2001 during a bout of unemployment, a friend of mine helped me (more like me helping him) build a desk. Ever since I wanted to get more into woodworking. Due to several job relocations and establishing my career, I put it off.
In late 2012, things settled down and my wife and I bought a home with a three car garage (a non-negotiable criteria of mine). In 2013, I remodeled the garage so that I could finally do my wood working. I had anticipated using power tools and the remodel reflected that (lots of plugs and power in the garage). Around that time, I started to do some serious internet searching (planning for the power tools). I bumped into Chris Schwartz blogging and wood working with hand tools just clicked. I bought his Anarchist Tool book and spent a year reading it plus plenty of other hand tool things including Paul Sellers. Finally in late 2015 I was ready to start making some purchases and sold a car to fund my initial tool purchases.
That catches you up to the present where I have been toiling away as time allows for the last 6 months.
The purpose of this blog is for me to document my journey in woodworking for someone of absolutely no experience to see where it takes me. Follow along if you would like. As in all your interactions with others, please be kind. I am sure there will be many setbacks and foibles along the way. I hope to share the good and the bad.
Excellent idea! I think you should add tid bits about your assistant.
ReplyDeleteMy little daughter does take an interest in my wood working. We keep toys in the garage for her but she mostly likes to play with the scrap bits I've cut off. My wife is supportive and looking forward to the furniture I plan to build for the house. Of course, she has already realized to be patient. I'm sure like many of us, I have overpromised and under delivered to date. Per Eastwood, "a man has got to know his limitations."
ReplyDeleteHey Joe. I'm Matt, the writer of the "Woodworking in a Tiny Shop" blog. I'm commenting in your old post because I didn't know how else to get in touch with you - feel free to delete this comment after reading. I was wondering if you know about the PAST Tools organization - a great group of people who love old tools. Next weekend they resume their quarterly tool shows (after a 2+ year hiatus), this one in Spreckels, CA, near Salinas. You can find more about the show at pasttools dot org. They're always looking for new people with an interest in old tools. I've bought a few things there, but I love being there for the camaraderie (OK, but just as much for the tool porn). Just wanted to let you know about it, in case you're interested.
ReplyDeleteHi Matt. I like your blog and follow it. Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware of PAST Tools. I looked it up. Way cool. Salinas is close to me so I will look into it. Thanks for mentioning it. I will leave your comment here in case it helps others in the SF Bay Area. Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I get so few commenting on my blog that I don't check the comments that often.
DeleteJust wanted to follow up Matt and confirm I filled out the application to join the society and I will be there on 01Oct this year. Looking forward to it.
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