Overwhelmed By Projects

You are not alone. Between commissions, the ‘boss’ and my own projects, I always have more on my plate than I could possibly finish in the near future, But, as they say, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time! And, of course if it pays money, it gets bumped to the top of the list.

This is one of those illnesses that strike quick and fast is very contagious and there is no cure. Patient will sometimes experience episodes of juvenile like behavior which is sedated for a brief period with wood or new tools. When you are new, there is this vast world and you want to travel everywhere. The only issue I ever experienced with this is that my excitement over a new possible project would sometimes make me un-focused on the current one. Part of my new years resolution is to go back and finish all these half completes and limit myself to only a couple projects at a time.

Good luck and welcome to the new world,

David

-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.

You are not alone, I am needing to finish My daughters Dresser, a bow front I gave her for Christmas, I have 1 stool I need to sand, a step stool that needs a couple coats of shellac, 95% done with my new bench project, look for that in a couple days to be posted. Freinds have been knocking on my door to make stuff, A picnic bench, 4 picture frames, a pedastal, and I just bought the wood for my sons dresser, that need completion by the end of august. All the while, I have a broken Kawasaki KLR I want to restore by spring time, I need to tear the engine out, and rebuild, I should let you know, I have never done a thing like that before, so that will take time too. Also it is gosh darn cold in my garage here in Minnesota this time of year. Oh, year My wife wants me to start drawing up plans for our dream house ( it will include a really nice and heated workshop.
Yeah I know how you feel. Its good to be busy, But I have wood I want to turn.

-- Even a broken clock is right twice a day, unless, it moves at half speed like ....-As the Saw Turns

It amazes me how much alike we woodworkers are. I think maybe it’s because we like to make things and we are constantly thinking about what we want to make and starting projects that we are obsessed with before we finish the current one. Personally I think it’s healthy and keeps us out of trouble.

-- Mike, American in Norway

You are not alone

-- Bob Kenosha Wi.

The good thing about having so many projects and so many ideas is that you will never get bored.
We all look forward to every minute we can spend in our shops, even if it is just for daydreaming and drooling over future projects. I find myself working later and later into the night, mainly because i am having so much fun. Just this past sunday night I had to force myself to turn off the shop lights and go in the house because it was 3:34am

I will never understand how so many people have no hobbies, passions or interests other than watching TV.

-- Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. http://www.FineArtBoxes.com

So you think that you are different or something ? at least your aren’t pacing the floor waiting for the temperature to get above freezing so you can go to the shop. I know you’ve had a little chill down that way for a few days, but nothing to even write home about.

-- RTB. stray animals are just looking for love

Greg. You are either a bachelor or about to be one! lol

-- Mike, American in Norway

Thanks for making me feel even more apart of the club yall.

And Mike… Your comment to Greg gave me a good chuckle….lol

-- Dan ~ Texarkana, Tx.

At last count… 71 items to be finished… well most are just about there… and I have a great number that I have not started yet… I too find myself in the shop early and late…. it is 5AM here and I have just showered and shaved, shampooed and shoeshined… check emails have coffee and off to the shop … have a client arriving at 6AM and another at 8AM. first one to check for an ugly bit of wood to make a hat rack out of and the second to pick up 4 cutting boards… and to have a shifty around the shop… both are women and very interested in how I go about making all the things they buy….
Larry

-- Drink twice... and don't bother to cut... @ lazylarrywoodworks.com.au For lovers of all things timber...

You certainly are not alone. Just completed making 35 pieces—still have to be finished . Another 26 pieces that have not been started yet. Thank God “I’m retired”

You guys have got to stop this! I’m getting a terrible inferiority complex and it’s all you hard workers fault. I don’t think I’ve done anywhere near 77 pieces or probably even 35 pieces in my whole life! I believe in working hardly now that I’m retired, but you guys are making me feel that I’m as slow as….well, as slow as I am. My only consolation is that you too will get old someday. Until then I suppose you will keep the pressure up. I apologize for being so ornrey, but my shop is a mess after my router table blog and I have to clean it up tomorrow. If I were rich I would change the term “Shop made” into “Shop maid”.

-- Mike, American in Norway

You definately are not alone with this dilemma. This is especially true if you are married. It seems my wife feels it is her mission in life to find things for me to do. Needless to say her to-do list seems to grow at a much faster pace than I can knock them out. :)

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

I used to make two or three projects cut-list dimensioned, cut and dryfit but never have time for final assembly & finish!
ha ha ha…..So I just forget that I have tail to catch.

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.