Shopsmith Forums

I think I mentioned at one point a year or so ago that I felt like I had to learn everything at once. I knew nothing about WW, SS, finishing, and even had to learn sketch-up. I have made a few items and taken my time on projects, but most of the past year has been 90% learning, 5% doing, and 20% re-doing.

So I have noticed that the last couple of weeks, I have enjoyed just puttering around the shop. All the things needing to be learned, all the things needing to be done....well, I will get to them maybe, but I am enjoying the shop time more and more. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all the learning, but with a good deal of dread. Refinishing was the biggest dread area for me. I set a cutting board aside for a couple of months after trying 5 or 6 times for a "good" finish only to sand it off, start over. Another dread area is tackling maintenance items. I have yet to set up my jointer, upgrade the guard, and check the the cut of the blades. I lack the needed confidence.

So its been nice to just enjoy the shop for a few days. Nothing really cooking, just enjoying being there. I have been practicing with the scroll saw some. I have cleaned up some things. I rediscovered a pantogram I got for my router a couple of years ago. I won't do anything with it, but was nice to think about its potential:D

So I want to thank all of you who have helped me get this far into my new hobby.

I get the most satisfaction and fun from making things for the grandkids and kids. I can worry and work to make a cabinet or a desk and in my mind never really get it right. Comparing the cost, a piece of furniture from a box would have been half the price. Refinishing can be nice, but again it was not really my work, just my rework. OK, I'm a perfectionist at times.
But, when I make toys or intarsias for the kids the enjoyment they express just warms me all over. Guess the trick is to do the things you have to or should do as you go, but make sure you leave time for the projects you really enjoy.