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Any Unfinished projects out there?

2K views 27 replies 12 participants last post by  Tooch 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
When I found this site several years ago, I was eager to get on and start posting projects. The very first project I ever posted was the shed that I designed and built in my backyard (http://lumberjocks.com/projects/82426 ).
Building Sky Natural environment Wood Tree


for about 4+ years now [I built it 2 years before I created an account] I have been looking at an unfinished project because I didn't have a ladder tall enough to put the trim on the front.

Well I am happy to report that as of yesterday, I can say that my first [posted] project is finally finished:
Property Plant Wood Building Tree


So I was wondering if anyone else has had a project go a long time being about 95-98% complete, and what was holding you back from finishing it. In my case, it was a ladder (or lack thereof), but maybe yours issue a tool, clamp, or just finding time/motivation to finish it.
 

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#2 ·
Have there been projects that linger on, yes. Many of them. The motivation to finish is not the problem for me, I lose interest and start on something else. I then lose interest in that and start on another project.

Woodworking is a hobby for me. I work on whatever make the time enjoyable.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Nice shed Tooch! Glad you got it finished. Maybe you should have made your own ladder! :)
Your link wasn't working so I posted this one. http://lumberjocks.com/projects/82426

I too have a project unfinished for a few years now. I had forgotten all about until you reminded me! LOL!!
I was making two of these, The one I finished I gave to our son a while ago. This one is still collecting dust! Thanks for helping me with my memory! :)

These are made using cherry wood. With a finish on them they really look nice!

Wheel Tire Wood Motor vehicle Wood stain
 

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#4 ·
Joey I totally agree with you, woodworking is supposed to be enjoyable so it only makes sense to do whatever project you are currently finding enjoyment in.

Tony thanks for hooking up the link again… not sure why it wasn't working? Is that a mantel piece or just a floating shelf? either way it looks like you found something to do today!
 
#7 ·
Tooch, That's a delightful looking shed. Very much like one I built years ago. As for unfinished projects, I'm pretty sure they will be with us always. I have 2 awaiting my attention. My Dad's flag case and my father in laws flag case. My Dad past in '97, it's still pretty tough to deal with that. He was the cornerstone of our family. I've got to suck it up and get it done.
 
#9 ·
Tony the lettering looks great! I also like the blade on top and the perspective of the barn on the bottom

My Dad past in 97, it s still pretty tough to deal with that. He was the cornerstone of our family. I ve got to suck it up and get it done.
- BurlyBob
BurlyBob people frequently talk about how woodworking can be "therapeutic." There's no need to suck it up, just remember that it is a labor of love and that what you're doing is honoring your dad and father-in-law. Sure, you may get emotional will working, but I'm sure you will be reminded of all the good times you had together, which isn't bad either.
 
#10 ·
Tooch, Shed looks great but now you reminded me that I need a taller ladder to repaint the trim on my barn and the cross piece on my entryway.

- gfadvm
Andy you can borrow mine if you want to come over and pick it up. Pittsburgh is probably only 1,000 miles or so away :p

Coincidentally, I keep the new ladder on the outside of the shed, so it doesn't matter if I'm home or not
 
#13 ·
just realized that even now, I am currently in the middle of 3 different projects, each at a different stage. A dining room table is still in the design stage, a new router table is in the build/problem solving stage, and a gumball dispenser is being stained/finished.

I swear sometimes I have woodworking A.D.D.
 
#15 ·
Really embarrassing, but, I am one that is very slow at getting some things done, being projects. Don't know why. I really enjoy building and creating something. I hope to change that in the nearing future.
 
#16 ·
Roger, no reason to be embarrassed. Sometimes I'll go months without touching a saw. Over the summer, for example, I barely did any work in the shop. Most of the stuff I do is outside, which requires little-to-no shop time.

Once winter hits though, I try to get in as much time as possible. keeps the brain even-keeled!
 
#18 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hmmm…never a problem for me.

Tool chest (stack of cherry). One would think I would either move the wood or finish the project but yet it has set on the workbench the entire time (only been 7 maybe 8 months).

Few dozen lures needing topcoats…signed 4 years ago….

Carvings collecting dust for probably 5 years.

I have a hall table all ready to put together (3 years sitting), several Krenov planes (6 years:eek:ne glue up and two for shaping), boxes, bowls, etc… in various states. I would be afraid to really see how much things I have in various states. It is critical I have the time to start and finish a project as I lose interest rather quickly. Typically I end up just knocking a bunch of them out one month and start the process over again. Too many things come up…like I decide I don't like the mantle that ends up with a complete rebuild of the mantle, built in book cases, painting the room, etc…..
 
#20 ·
Travis I hear ya. Once you start a project, sometimes there are multiple other little projects that need to be done first in order to complete what you originally started with.

and then sometimes you just lose interest….
 
#21 ·
Yes, I have a couple and neither are going to be posted until I finish them as that is my only motivation on these two projects.
- oldnovice
where I normally lose interest is either when all the pieces are cut and need to be assembled, or just after assembly and it needs sanded. Sometimes spending a few hours on LJ gives the motivation to finish!
 
#22 ·
Tooch, I just came back to this topic. Your right and I am slowly making progress on those flag cases. This I've tackling 5 projects at the same time. Two jigs, a band saw up grade, finishing numerous small boxes and of course trying to keep the shop clean. So I got the jigs and boxes done. Wouldn't you another 6 really simple projects popped up today. Those were easy and done, Tea light holders for a church potluck. Tomorrow the band saw and a little more progress on those flag cases.
 
#23 ·
Tooch, my problem is not a lack of motivation it is fact that my wife and I do day care for three grandchildren.
An 8 year old boy, his 4 year old sister, and their 2 year old nephew. We do this 5 days a week; by the time the weekend comes, we are all done in and gasping for energy!
 
#25 ·
Oldnovice I hear ya, and it sounds like you really got your hands full! Right now I am back to school (teaching) and working landscaping (summer job) at nights. Plus my two girls are 4 & 1, and they keep me busy as well. I am fortunate enough to have some help a couple nights a week from my parents and in-laws. let me tell ya, coming from the perspective of the parent, you don't know how much that means to have people like you around to help us out.
 
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