Other people's great work

[davebodner]

Seeing other people's great work can be inspiring. It can also be discouraging. If after a moderate amount of effort you don't achieve masterful results, it can make you want to quit.

Maybe if you try real hard and devoted your life to woodworking, you can achieve what others have. Maybe not. But, here's a good reason not to be discouraged by your own imperfection.

I recently made a tabletop keyboard stand for my desk at work. It allows me to stand up while working at the computer. The stand I made was just a proof-of-concept. Quite literally it was three roughly sawn boards nailed together. One of the nails missed the mark and is sticking through. The idea was to see if I had the general dimensions right and go back to the Shopsmith and emerge with a much nicer version. I never did.

Here's the point: you wouldn't believe how many folks at work are impressed with that proof-of-concept. They're amazed that I could nail three boards together. I've got people putting dibs on the thing when I leave.

Go build something. You won't get better without a little practice. And the rubes out there will be impressed with whatever you build.

I've built some things I'm proud of and some things I'm not. I'll probably never achieve what others have on this forum, but that's OK. I have fun and get a wonderful sense of accomplishment at my own skill level.

[terrydowning]

Nice outlook on it.

For me it's a hobby and not a competition. I can respect and admire other peoples skills and talents without thinking poorly of my own. I do the best I can with what I have and always try to improve.

[joedw00]

. I have fun and get a wonderful sense of accomplishment at my own skill level.

That is what it is all about. Very nice job of putting it into words.

[shipwright]

You are making a really good point. I try to think of it the way athletes do, in terms of "personal bests". Not everyone comes from the same background or has the same experiences. It's not fair to compare yourself to someone with a lifetime more experience. I just try to do my best based on what I can do. If I achieve a personal best I am specially thrilled. If not I try to enjoy the journey and try again soon.

Paul M

[frank81]

Totally agree.

Another way of looking at it - unless you're making something purely for aesthetics you can be proud of the functionality that you acheived on your own without going to a store or paying someone else. Imperfections are proof of that.

Also, those aren't flaws. It's "custom"

[fiatben]

We tend to judge our work by the work of others, but my experience has been that I'm making most of my stuff to give to someone else (or even occasionally sell) who does not know the first thing about woodworking. They may not always understand the complexity of some pieces or the time involved in some techniques, but they are always simply blown away that I actually made it myself.
While I would never dream of giving something I made to another woodworker, my family and friends are truly amazed; especially if I don't point out all my mistakes.
So, for me the value is in the doing and in the joy I can give.

[saminmn]

Seeing other people's great work can be inspiring. It can also be discouraging. If after a moderate amount of effort you don't achieve masterful results, it can make you want to quit.

Maybe if you try real hard and devoted your life to woodworking, you can achieve what others have. Maybe not. But, here's a good reason not to be discouraged by your own imperfection.

I recently made a tabletop keyboard stand for my desk at work. It allows me to stand up while working at the computer. The stand I made was just a proof-of-concept. Quite literally it was three roughly sawn boards nailed together. One of the nails missed the mark and is sticking through. The idea was to see if I had the general dimensions right and go back to the Shopsmith and emerge with a much nicer version. I never did.

Here's the point: you wouldn't believe how many folks at work are impressed with that proof-of-concept. They're amazed that I could nail three boards together. I've got people putting dibs on the thing when I leave.

Go build something. You won't get better without a little practice. And the rubes out there will be impressed with whatever you build.

I've built some things I'm proud of and some things I'm not. I'll probably never achieve what others have on this forum, but that's OK. I have fun and get a wonderful sense of accomplishment at my own skill level.

This is great. Both your thoughts and shipwright's. He's the one guy, shipwrighgt, whose work I love to follow/admire, but will never match or even approach. I sometimes just sit wishing instead of doing. Your remarks are right on. More doing!!

[berry]

I hope this isn't considered 'stealing the thread' but I wondered what members of this forum think about 'stealing' someone else's ideas.

Recently I told my son I'd make him a housewarming present for his new 99 year old house - just tell me what he wants and I'd build it.

He started searching on-line and found this:
http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/171 ... -challenge

I thought it was a challenging project and should be fun. So I used the pic and did a SketchUp model and I'll be starting this in a couple weeks.

So in building this am I violating the law? a moral code? the woodworkers ethic? Or am I just taking advantage of someone else's creativity?

By the way this guy either is selling these units or sold the rights to a manufacturer - I saw an ad to purchase one for $3500. I'm sure mine will not be of the same level of craftsmanship as this winning entry into FFW contest, however I'll do my best, have some fun, and maybe learn some new features of my SS.

And again, if I've stolen this thread let me apologize.

[swampgator]

Something that has been forgotten in our society that we are all individuals. We don't conform to stamped machine codes and so our visions/dreams, results, processes are all unique to the individual. The only way to compare ourselves to others is how we treat our fellowman.

To make one unit that functions like a production model is not a theft. It's survival. To compete in production would be considered theft. Once it's in the public sector, it can and will be duplicate. For example, in the late 80's, IBM was going to make desktop computers that were proprietary. So, they came up with a machine with common parts and them wired them a bit uniquely so that it would need their DOS system. Microsoft developed and released a DOS that worked on the machine. That's when IBM sold their DOS to Microsoft. It may not have exactly the same wood, color, size, or something just a tiny bit different, so it is adapting an idea to your need - not theft.

Make your own items with your signature built in. It's your design, sweat, work, and result. Be proud that you were able to do it.

[frank81]

I saw an ad to purchase one for $3500.

Hard to tell who the theif would be in this situation!!!

When my ex would want me to build something for the house I would tell her to print me a picture off of google. It's a lot easier than reading people's minds. No shame in that, bookcases existed before that guy made his.