It's Watch week!

It's Watch week!

It's been a great year, and as we head into this last month, it's time to make some wristwatch clocks in the shop.

 This might be one of the most requested projects that we offer, and it's always a great gift to give. They're a little labor intensive to build, and really cool to personalize - who wouldn't want that challenge? 

If you didn't get into the Instant Gratification Woodworking class this session, you're really missing out!

 I've said it more than once - becoming a good woodworker is all about PRACTICE. It takes some practice to be able to be able perform simple woodworking operations, like drilling straight holes, or developing an eye to see where wood needs to be sanded. Scratches often don't appear until too late, like when you're applying the final finish!

 My best advice? Don't overwhelm yourself with huge projects right off the bat. Start small, grow your skills, become competent in resolving problems.  

Oh - and make some great pieces!

Some random thoughts and a word about my LLL3 interview

It must feel like I constantly say this - but it's been a little hectic around the shop lately. I've been working on some intriguing commissions, like building a cabinet that mimics one of these speaker stacks. 

It started like this, 

and it currently looks like this.  

When I'm done, it will have more bells and whistles that this! 

We're still adding components, but I'll keep you posted. It's another one of those "top secret" projects, so I can't divulge too much about it, but suffice it to say ... it's quirky and fun as hell! 

As always, the shop always needs attention, so my boy wonder (Denny) and I have been tearing apart tools and getting them back in shape for the classes that just started.  

We tore down the SawStop, and gave it a good cleaning.  

The air compressors got some love this week, too... 

with new drain plugs, and some much needed maintenance.

Speaking of Denny, he's had his CNC smoking this week with very cool work for the shop... from these Genie lamps that we designed and cut for a local fraternity, 

to these Star Wars medallions. These are for sale, BTW - very cool, and perfect for the Star Wars lover in your life.  

The Festool tracksaw has been getting a workout, and with a little luck, 

 I'll actually get some progress made on a table I'm building. This isn't for an order, I'm just  fooling around with this slab, because... well, sometimes I just need to fool around on pieces. 

Meanwhile, I had the good fortune to be interviewed by Kri Edholm, a local force in the podcast world, and owner extraordinaire of The Leadership Excursion Company. 

Her work (and enthusiasm) for the community is amazing, and I'm so honored to be featured as this week's guest.  

Click here to listen to it, should you be so inclined. 

If you'd like to follow her Instagram feed, here's a link, too... 

Here's what's so amazing about this - I've literally heard from people all over the country (and a few out of the country!) who listened to this interview. Including my old high school woodshop teacher, who lit this fire in me. It's truly a testament to the power of the internet, and how vast our networks can be. 

Thanks Kri, and thanks to all who sent good thoughts my way.. it's always nice to hear from people in your corner. 

Eye protection?

This is one terrific video - don't be put off by its length - grab a cup of coffee and check out how FrankMakes!

So you think YOU can carve?....