I have a real dilemma here… I have been blogging about what I do for a while now and have had lots of enquiries about teaching how I do things… Most are from overseas… That makes it non viable…as such..
I mean in an actual school environment.. I am not in the position to run a school although I do have a few possible students here in Caboolture.. so local may be ok.. I will have to check out the requirements for running a school from my shop… etc… what I want to know is … If I wrote a book about how to make my cutting boards and Lazy Larrys… would it sell…would you buy it … I have had lots of people ask where I get my plans and where can they buy a book about it…... Any thoughts… I would like to pass on as much information as I can to as many as I can.. to keep the art alive…
Regards Larry
-- Drink twice... and don't bother to cut... @ larrysworkshop.wordpress.com For lovers of all things timber...

















48 comments so far
David Craig
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2127 posts in 1275 days
#1 posted 1059 days ago
Larry, if you had a book and DVD combination on cutting boards I would definitely purchase it. I like books, I find them useful. But, sometimes, I find them just a touch short. I like watching how people do things, how they use the tools, techniques when performing the normal functions. I think if you grow up around woodworkers and tool guys, you get a feel for technique. But when you are learning on your own, watching someone work is the next best thing. So if you had the patience to have yourself filmed while working and had an accompanying book to take downstairs to the shop, I think it would be a big seller. Especially in the LJ community.
Just my humble opinion,
David
-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.
ellen35
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2441 posts in 1599 days
#2 posted 1059 days ago
Larry,
You have many talents, but the 2 most useful in this arena are your woodworking ability and your ability to film what you are doing. I agree with David… a book + DVD would be great! The best example of that combo in my opinion is Doug Stowe’s book and DVD on basic boxmaking. The combo would be spectacular in your case!
Ellen
-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
moshel
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838 posts in 1850 days
#3 posted 1059 days ago
yep. also maybe woodwhisperer kind of “pods”.
-- The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep...
billb
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112 posts in 1111 days
#4 posted 1059 days ago
Larry,
Your work is great and fascinating. I would buy the book just to learn how you do it even if I did not consider doing it myself. A DVD and a book would be a good combination. I think that would be better than a classroom thing because of the liability involved when people are around power tools.
If you ever decide to proceed, I would like to help you publish it. Don’t hesitate to contact me about it.
Bill
-- Bill, Austin, Texas, http://woodworking-business.com
nailbanger2
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657 posts in 1310 days
#5 posted 1059 days ago
Another ready customer right here! If you were to do it, perhaps you might add your thoughts on how a procedure might be done if you didn’t have the TWC.
-- Wish I were Norm's Nephew
Maveric777
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2593 posts in 1243 days
#6 posted 1059 days ago
I am in total agreement with everyone else. There is no doubt that you have a wealth of knowledge that consumers (like my self) would be willing to purchase. I also like the DVD idea as well. I haven’t had an opportunity to buy a book/DVD combo yet but the thought is very cool in my opinion.
Also to note I think it could possibly help you out in the future if you wanted to pursue a class type thing. Your name and background would be out there and be placed in front of folks whom may not know who you where if not for a book. Just a thought, but you never know. Also while we are discussing that possibility you cant help but think what it would do to the value and demand for your actual products…. many cool possibilities there as well.
I’m sure it would not be the easiest task. I hear of folks who have attempted it finding it a more difficult task than they first anticipated. I will also not that it would make it even more rewarding. I’m proud for ya Larry and wish you all the luck bud…
P.S. Be sure to let me know way ahead… I most definitely want to reserve my copy!
-- Dan ~ Texarkana, Tx.
Mike Gadsby
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35 posts in 1152 days
#7 posted 1059 days ago
Where do i send my check!
BritBoxmaker
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4004 posts in 1203 days
#8 posted 1059 days ago
Yeah it would sell, Larry. The DVD idea seems a good one also. You’re extremely good at what you do and people always want to learn from experts.
-- Martyn -- Boxologist, Pattern Juggler and Candyman of the visually challenging. http://www.theartofboxes.com
SPalm
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4104 posts in 2049 days
#9 posted 1059 days ago
Why the heck not? The DVD would be a must, as you are such a character, and that would shine through.
You seem to have the drive to attack such a project. Heck, you never seem to slow down. A thought is that others may not want to do production volumes like you do, but some may want to. So maybe a final chapter on how to do the mass production, once you got the skills and jigs to make one.
Steve
-- -- I'm no rocket surgeon
woodsmithshop
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918 posts in 1712 days
#10 posted 1059 days ago
teaching is very different from doing, I am not saying you could not teach, but if you were to contact someone that can give you some pointers on teaching, it would help. you also need a teaching plan,” a script” so to speak, so you don’t have any blank moments etc.
I think you have a lot to offer with your skill and knowledge, but plan ahead, there are some videos on here and other sites, where the person doing it has a lot of knowledge and skill, but they just wing it, and waste a lot of time with “umm, ahh, like , uh,you know” . so, that is my two cents worth, I think you should go for it, lots of luck to you in your new venture.
-- Smitty!!!
Mary Anne
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1056 posts in 1375 days
#11 posted 1059 days ago
It is an excellent idea, Larry. I, too, believe the book/DVD combo would be a hit.
Another thought might be to make some contacts here in the States and consider doing a round of personal appearance demonstrations. Woodworking suppliers, woodworking clubs, possibly even some of the woodworking schools are possibilities. I don’t know how profitable it is, but I believe it is customary to pay one’s expenses plus a bit more. If you self-produced a DVD, you could sell it on the road as well. Or maybe you could combine it somehow with demos of the TWC. I would most definitely make the effort to see you.
woodsmithshop
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918 posts in 1712 days
#12 posted 1059 days ago
Mary anne has a good idea, also the woodworking shows always offer seminars where someone teaches different skills, that could be a start.
-- Smitty!!!
patron
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12051 posts in 1508 days
#13 posted 1059 days ago
sounds like a good plan to me , larry .
book + DVD .
maybe with some boards with different tools,
and different skill levels ?
i would need an autographed copy of course (LOL) !
-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle
woodsmithshop
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918 posts in 1712 days
#14 posted 1059 days ago
the autographed copy would be great.
-- Smitty!!!
j_olsen
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155 posts in 1338 days
#15 posted 1059 days ago
I second all the above comments
I know that almost everyone has their own version of your jigs but the addition of the jigs you use would be great as well – detailed drawings – I have tried to duplicate the jig for the “spinning wheel” jig but haven’t had much success as of yet
I would be a very happy owner of the compilation
-- Jeff - Bell Buckle, TN
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