LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

A Galoot Goes Through Stages...

3K views 24 replies 15 participants last post by  Smitty_Cabinetshop 
#1 ·
A Galoot Goes Through Stages...

This was presented on The Porch yesterday by Malcolm Thomas. I don't know if it is original content by him, but he gets credit here for posting it. Thought it worth passing on for introspection as well as entertainment!

DISCLOSURE: I made slight edits for typos…

A galoot goes through stages:

1 - I want to make something from wood;
2 - Buy all the tailed goods that modern marketing says you 'need';
3 - Discover that electric powered tenon saws didn't always exist, so buy a handsaw (probably a blunt one);
4 - Search for answers to 'how could anyone ever have made a house/table/chair with this; discover The Porch;
5 - Experience using a simple, sharp chisel/plane/saw for the first time;
6 - Realize that old tools are good tools, but need knowledge and a bit of skill to sharpen and use, returning oceans of satisfaction whenever you make anything, from sawdust to sideboards;
7 - Buy old tools wherever you see them - to rescue them - because they are better than your current user, or just to check them out;
8 - Buy more tools, because you can, and they have interesting shapes, and design, and makers;
9 - Buy even more tools, neglect making stuff because you are fettling tools;

10 - Enjoy owning all those tools. Pause and think…. Hmmmm… do I want to make things with my new skill, knowledge and deep rooted satisfaction, no ear muffs, Mozart / Led Zeppelin on the radio, no fears of limb loss, [but band-aids handy];

11 - Create a cabinetmaker's set of few well-tune honed tools appropriate for my particular interest, and enjoy sawdust for ever and a day. Buy better as they appear, and release the less good;

or,

I realize the importance of hand tools that created our society, our artifacts, and that reflect changes in culture and technology;

11 - fill in the gaps in the sets, appreciate the creation, preservation, and reuse of the tools;

or

do something of both 10 and 11.

================================

I know where I am on the list. sigh
 
See less See more
#5 ·
Great post, Smitty.

Looks like I'm in the same place as terry-fettling old tools that have been rescued and trying to start making stuff. I'll skip the Mozart and Led Zepplin, though and listen to some Building 429, Matt Maher or Toby Mac.
 
#8 ·
Ah yes, herself only briefly questioned the 350 ish lee valley tab that brought me the apron plane, medium router plane, finger files and mini pmv 111 chizels not to meantion the actual L/V hard copy catalogue..
Now to get caught up on things that actualy need fetteling, and perchance some vood vork !!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top