What is your hobby?

I’d guess the problem solving aspect intrigues me the most.
For me, tools are just that…tools. Even my hand tools, lovingly restored and often used, are simply contraptions to get from here to there. Figuring out how to get from here to there has often resulted in a re-purposed tool or an acquisition. I find the fun in the process.
In viewing a lot of work by LJs, it’s obvious a great number also enjoy the challenges of plotting the path, also.

-- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

Coming up with my own designs is one of my favorite parts of woodworking for me. Some of my designs are very practical and solve a problem (e.g. my combination toilet paper holder and coffee shelf) and others are more artful (e.g. the communion rail I just did)

My objective is usually to show off the natural beauty in the wood.

I virtually never follow a plan and, to the degree possible, I like to avoid hardware. The cradle that I did almost 2 years ago has no metal in it at all (until my niece added a small metal plate inscribed with “Made by Uncle Rich 2009”).

That brings me to my absolute favorite part of woodworking – It’s the joy I feel when I am able to give something special to someone I love (e.g. the bat I turned for a special great nephew)

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

The whole spectrum of different facets involved keeps me interested….working with different wood and materials is great, designing furniture is cool, building things is fun, acquiring and learning about tools is awesome, and even organizing my tiny shop into an efficient layout is an aspect that interests me. Stepping back and admiring a finished creation is probably my most favorite part. Now if I could just learn to like finishing more!

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Rich,
I think working with you and exploring your creative mind would be great fun!

-- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

For me it would be when I do the first preliminary dry fitting. This allows me to better visualize whether I like how things are going or if I may need to make any design changes before going further in the project.

-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg

I like creating things, it’s what we humans are exclusively known for. But most of all, i like the free spiritedness of creating things without any preconcieved biases floating around in my head about there being a “correct” path or method of bringing them into existence.

-- "The way to make a small fortune in woodworking- start with a large one"

No question here.
Challenge.
I love using the skills I’ve built up over a lifetime but I’m really about the things that I haven’t done before. The day I stop trying to learn new things and challenging myself to master them will be my last.
So …the challenge.

-- Paul M ..............If God wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have given us fiberglass trees. http://prmdesigns.com/

Creating tangable things (I work professionaly in the the sofware industry) and learning new skills.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

woodworking for me is my escape, when I’m in my workshop I am happy and acts as a kind of therapy.
Pabreu

-- Pabreu, Portugal, Sintra, http://pabreuwoodworking.blogspot.com

For me it’s looking at something an wondering if I could that. I just go for it. Sometimes I get it and sometims I don’t. It doesn’t really matter. If I didn’t get it done then I’m challanged TO get it done. That’s the fun part.

-- "Courage is being scared to death -- but saddling up anyway."

Working with hand tools. The problem is, since I now work with wood to make a living, the time to use hand tools is limited. There are just not many customers left willing to pay for hand crafted furniture anymore.

My second most favorite thing is designing and engineering projects. To make a piece beautiful and functional and can be handed down as a family heirloom is always a challenge considering you also have to stay within a budget and deliver it within a certain timeframe. All part of the challenge.

I also enjoy programming my CNC to make it as efficient as possible. My 18 years programming computers for EDS and Microsoft help in this regard.

-- Don, Diamond Lake Custom Woodworks - http://www.dlwoodworks.com - "If you make something idiot proof, all they do is make a better idiot"

for me woodworking is both a living and a tool for a much bigger picture…in my case restoring a house. so the enjoyment comes from my wifes ideas and then converting them into something tangible.like rich i don’t work with plans but develope an idea as a project progresses….and often in the case of restoring an old house and idea may need some serious modification.
the real satisfaction comes from making something and giving it away to family and friends and watching their faces light up. i think it is appreaciated because you are giving something completely original,made with love and can’t be bought from a shop.

-- just get stuck in and have a go!!!

My biggest thrill in woodworking is the wood itself. I love unusual and highly figured woods like eyes and burls. My biggest problem is making myself use those woods, I want to just keep them and admire them. I wont use any of them except on very special projects for a special cause or person.

-- Carpenter assembles with hands, Designer builds with brains, Artist creates with heart!

Problem solving is high on my list of fun areas of woodworking. I espicialy enjoy discovering differnet production methods while making similar items over and over.

-- In God We Trust

for me its giving old tools new life. Todays venture, cleaning up a few old tool boxes.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)