Learning Opportunity #3: Forget the Easy Option

and, so, why didn’t you?
my thoughts start seeing a trend: we have Scott trying to salvage remnants of a broken screwdriver, not wanting to throw anything away; we have me not wanting to cut some silly pieces of sinew to redo the handle of a purse, not wanting to throw a good piece of string away; and now, we have a hinge that is known to break being used because of… not wanting to throw it away???? ...

I guess that urge to reuse the materials lies behind the appearance of most lumberjocks’ shops—piles of scrap wood that might be used for something some day.

With that in mind it is tempting to set a new goal and toss out a lot of scrap but then we are shown Dusty’s beautiful work, all made from scrap wood and what else is there to do but to “stash the trash” for that future project!!!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I tried the same thing with the DVD Ccabinet. Instead of gluing and doweling the shelves I tried to use nails. To me, using nails is just wrong. And, you guessed it. Something happened to cause the DVD Cabinet and all of the unglued parts fell out all over. Back to the shop it went abd glue and dowels were applied to all the shelves.

Everything was fine.

It was the same basic problem. Trying to hurry something up at the sake of Craftsmanship, for whatever reason. Simplicity, it’s cheaper, easier, faster, more convenient.

It all boils down to one thing, My Friend. We, as craftsmen are to do all things as unto the Lord. And when we start trying to find shortcuts, you and I especially, the Master is not going to let us skate.

Have you thought about the square hinges you made on the other box?

Now for one last question…. WWJD.

Incra Hinge Crafter or hand-made square? One is quick and easy, one is harder but oh, so much more creative.

Have a Great Day!

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

I would like to hear more on this hinge crafting. Have you already posted information on how you do it?

-- Mark DeCou - American Contemporary Craft Artisan - www.decoustudio.com

Mark, Rockler sells the Incra Hinge Crafter jig and the one I really like is this one

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

I could have save you a lot of time. I know this place that has a really good price on some cheap metal hinges. Of course you’d have to let go of a few buck. I really don’t think trying to save a few pennys using wooden hinges…LOL

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

Don: Do you have the new one or the old one (Incra hinge jig) that is.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Karson, I wasn’t aware of a new/old one. What’s the difference? The one I use looks like this.

Quote Ob: ”WWJD?”

I don’t think that he would have used a Hinge Crafter. LOL

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.hilsbiblechurch.org/

Thats the new one. I’ve got an old one and it only created one side of pins and tails (if thats what you call them on hinges)

I have one (2) unopened packages for 4 years and have never used it. But I have the old one.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Yeah, I think his tool box was a considerably lighter than ours!

It all boils down to deciding to do what is easy or what is right. Most of the time we’re ok, there’s just those times when we end up saying we knew better… sometimes we got there by wishful thinking and hoping (which sometimes works), and othertimes we just confirm what we really knew, but just didn’t want to admit.

I too would have tried to find some use for those hinges.

I was thumbing through the woodworking books this week, and came across a 3 legged corner table. nicely crafted and designed. Was the project made intentionally… yes and no. The author had these 3 leftover legs (those, just in case extras) from previous projects (yes, they all matched) and came up with a use for those…. Basically boiled down to “make another one to match, or figure out a way to use what I’ve got. (other than firewood)

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

Quote Don Quote Ob: ”WWJD?”

I don’t think that he would have used a Hinge Crafter. LOL

That was my point Don. Maybe your friend wants the square Hinges like jesus would have made. ;)

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

Yes, Obi, I’ve been getting that message load and clear. The problem is, I’ve already cut the mortises in the lid and base. I can’t think of a way to back-track.

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.hilsbiblechurch.org/

Your friend will probably be blessed at whatever hinges you use.

Whenever I have a problem, I pray and then go take a nap. God has an easier time talking to me when I’m asleep. That way I won’t argue with him.

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/