Thinking about problems and solutions while relaxing

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sun May 15, 2011 3:22 pm

Probably at least 50% of woodworking involves problem solving. I never used to spend a lot of time problem solving but, since retiring and enjoying the luxury of a bit more time in the shop, I find more creative ways to solve problems.
Many times the lack of a tool dictates the direction of our creativity.
Often the need to accomplish a new or previously untried task requires thought and, sometimes LOTS of trial and error.

My creative (and often crude) problem solving efforts are nowhere near the elegance of those I've seen by others on this forum. However, the process remains ever more enjoyable to me. So much so that my periods of cogitation and reflection often take more time than the actual woodworking.

How does everyone else feel about this aspect of our craft/hobby/diversion/job?
Anybody have an out of the box solution to share?

mrhart · Post by **mrhart** » Sun May 15, 2011 11:10 pm

I agree with the 50% you mentioned. I find myself thinking and setting things up, way more than actually doing.
I still have kids at home, grandkids, a regular job, sidework, and the kids sports as well. Not to mention 3 cars totaling almost 600k miles (lots of repair and maintenance).
But I check the forum on breaks at work and my SS has my mind running all the time about what to make and how I want to make it. I'm trying hard to do all my work and chores frist and instead of tv time, I go to the garage. Doesn't leave much time out there but I love it.
To me the thinking it through part helps me get all the daily stuff off my mind and relax in a different way.
Now I need some skills and practice.

I know what you mean, there are incredibley talented and creative people who have posted pictures of their projects. One day I hope to be half as good as what I've seen here.

edflorence · Post by **edflorence** » Sun May 15, 2011 11:33 pm

FWIW, I have noticed with myself that my solutions to problems usually depend on the tools available. For instance, without a planer my thicknessing options were re-sawing on the TS and hand planing. Or, for another example, the need to re-saw a three foot tall, 10 inch wide 8 quarter plank of alder led to adapting my Workmate as a vertical vise. The tools tend to generate the solutions.

Sometimes, though, a solution to one problem may lead to a similar solution for another problem. For example: a couple of years ago I had clamps of all sizes, shapes and functions stored in half a dozen or more nooks, crannies and walls. Then I built a tall stand on casters (adapted from a plan in either Woodsmith or Shop Notes) and hung all my clamps on it. Its great...easy to move and has a footprint of about 2 by 2. Many months later I realized that a similar "tool tower" would solve the problem of where to hang lathe chisels and store all the miscellaneous bits and pieces needed for lathe work. I haven't built that second tower yet, but I will one day and when I do it will be because of the inspiration from the first solution that has worked out so well.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Mon May 16, 2011 9:17 am

During a respite from doing speech and language therapy with severely brain injured folks, I took a job as a buyer and estimator for a general contractor. Took every opportunity to get out of the office and into the field. Became great friends with an old trim carpenter who hailed from Bangor ME. He taught me so many things and, probably was the one guy that taught me the value of out of the box thinking. At a time when I thought that every woodworking operation had to involve a different tool, ala Norm Abrams, Greg showed me how to achieve a result with what was available. After all, he couldn’t carry his shop to the job site.
And, one of the most valuable skills and bit of woodworking wisdom he gave me was that sharp tools were an absolute must. What that man could do on site with just 3 or four cheap (but scary sharp) Stanley chisels, was phenomenal.
While I only possess a tiny fraction of his wisdom and skill, he still motivates me every day. When I encounter a problem, I seem to be always asking “How would Greg do this?”.
I will be eternally grateful for the few years I knew him.

dlbristol · Post by **dlbristol** » Mon May 16, 2011 11:55 am

I spent 30 years teaching math and physics. I tried to teach problem solving along with the content. It was always fun to show kids and others that there was more than one way to " solve a problem". It was and is easy to get into a "doing" method and learn it , rather than " solving" a problem. I learned a lot math and physics from kids who did a problem using some way or method that I had not thought about. Like dovetails in wood working, there are lots of ways to do some math problems. I have enjoyed my woodworking as a problem solving activity. Working around a lack of skill, or tools, or whatever is fun. Jigs are interesting to mess with, I love looking at Nicks stuff, and recienty found Phillip Neil on youtube. My wood working is about 90% problem solving however. 50% from the hobby itself and the other 40% from my mess ups!:)