Where are all the projects?

I believe in supporting my fellow LumberJocks in their effort to become better woodworkers and in that light, I try not to critisize, but instead, may offer an alternative to what was done or how it was done. I agree that there are many holding back on showing their work, but at the same time the current postings of projects, forums and blogs is overwhelming. The more I browse the more I see how limited my skills are and how much more I need to learn.

By the way, you are more than welcome to use any ideas you can get from my projects…NO NEED TO STEAL THEM. LOL.

-- Jesus is Lord!

Overwhelming is an understatement. We’ll soon need LJ-West, and LJ-East and I’ll visit LJ-East 2 weeks out of the year on vacation. LOL

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

what’s the new trend??? the house swapping for vacations?
We could do a “shop swap”.... :D

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I think there are also a lot who sign up and then let their accounts lapse.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

I agree Giz. If you look at the Jocks starting from the back and look at the posts or comments. There are lot over 300 days old.

Mot when you say you do LJ East and LJ West. Are you referring to the Great Country of Canada. or do you visit the lower 48 States?

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Dan, I am limited physically how much I can generate as far as projects, but if you take the time to check my project pages I’ve put up quite a few since I’ve been on LJs. I’m mostly a lathe man so I like to turn project, but I’ve also tried my hands at making 3 chairs, and a hope chest, plus the thorsen project. I like Mark don’t like to critisize, I think offering alternatives or suggestions is a much better approach to teaching, and I used to teach. jockmike

-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com

The projects come when I have time to stage and photograph them. Right now I am in a big production mode and not done with my latest yet. I did take some time out from the “big project” to do a band saw box which seemed to generate some interest – that was fun.

I think that in response to the “critique” comment, one of the things that makes Lumberjocks so special for me is that it is a very supportive atmosphere, and even in the event of 1000 Jocks we still seem to have that, and I do not want to lose that.

Once I went to a Les Paul concert. There must have been over 500 people there. Les Paul at one point asked if there were any guitar players in the audience. Only a handful of people raised their hands. Les Paul said something like, come on there must be more guitar players out there in the audience? Somebody said – do you think we would admit it in front of you? The point is that it can be easy to get intimidated by greatness – but I hope that people get inspired, not intimidated.

That is what Lumberjocks is for me, inspiring, not intimidating. I think people know by looking at the pictures who really knows their stuff – we have some true artists and professionals here – the rest of us are just trying to learn, practice and get better. By posting our projects we can show our progression and people acknowledge that, and it is very rewarding.

-- John

I agree we do need more folks posting. At the same time, I’ve been here since March and I just got caught up on Gizmo’s great cabinet series. There is still a lot of content I haven’t managed to get to yet.

I’m hoping for criticism of my work. My ego won’t be bruised by someone with 1000’s of more hours in a shop than I telling me I screwed something up….so criticize away. It’s nice, feels good, to get praise of my work…but it’s more valuable to me when people question my methods or point me to a better way.

I have been inspired by the support that LJ offers. Having folks who’s work I admire take the time to comment on my humble attempts has pushed me to attempt projects that I might not have otherwise…my pseudo morris chair is a prime example. I would not have tried to build it 4 months ago.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

Maybe a lot of the newer members are a little shy.

I kind of lay-ed back on posting when I first joined Lumberjocks.

I didn’t want to wear out my welcome, but as I became more acquainted with the group, you’ll notice I don’t hold back anymore.

All of you just have to put up with me.

I also don’t mind compliments, or criticism. (Although compliments are my preference.)

If anyone has a question about anything, I’ll gladly try giving you an answer the best I can.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Yeah…I guess we are “stuck” with you Dick…just like I’m stuck with my neighbor….you know..the one that helps me whenever I need it….always has time for some friendly conversation…lends me the wisdom of his years….shows me how to do something I couldn’t do before…of course that horrible habit he has of mowing my lawn while we are gone on vacation has got to stop.

We could use a blog on your carving techniques!

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

There was an old movie, im sure some of you could provide the title, in which the head policeman (French?) states, “Round up the usual suspects.”. and once again if you look at those replying to my topic the lowest number of posts attained is 367. The “usual suspects” have once again stepped up to the fore and shared their thoughts. It would have been so much more satisfying had i heard from newbies like me who are making their first few posts. GET involved. Its your (OUR) group. in fact, one group Im a member of REQUIRES a weekly post or comment to maintain membership. even if its only “Nice work fella.” If you havent posted , you dont know how cool it is to see your work or words in print. Years ago there was no way i could share with friends my woodworking output. With lumberjocks, all my old northern buds can see how ive been spending my retirement. And the people to whom Ive given some of these objects d’art have also been thrilled to see their pieces showcased. (In fact one friend thought i was auctioning off “his” piece and was flumoxed.)
Write, Post, share, ask questions, and in some way participate. it will do us ALL good.

-- Dan

Here, here, make that a double. Especially what Bob said about Dick Cain, don’t the guy get on your nerves, always asking if he can help you out in some way. Inexcuseable, I say, maybe we should go to Hibbing Minn. and take his carving chisels away. jockmike, Naw , then no one would learn a damn thinig. jockmike

-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com

Thanks to you Mike my head got swollen, & I might need a new hat.

Just think, If every member posted one project tomorow., we could almost double the number of projects in one day.

So lets give it a try.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Yeah, Dick has posted a couple of projects for those early jocks who fell off the map, and the friends or family members who may have signed up to comment once or twice.

I remember back when anyone having over 50 posts was a really high number. We were a much quieter group back then. Many projects remained uncommented on for weeks/months. No longer the case. I love how we get feedback, and a number of confirmed “reads” within seconds of posting. So much more satisfying than posting out in the other blog-o-sphere!

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

members will contribute when they are ready – always good idea to give them a nudge once in a while..
Some people just love to be a part of the process by reading. That’s cool.
Glad to them here benefiting from all that LJ has to give

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I have posted 20 projects so far and i feel like i am only getting started.
Half the fun of building something is to show it off. lol

-- John in Cranbrook http://www.extremebirdhouse.com ....http://community.webshots.com/user/cranbrook2

Okay you asked for it.

-- DocK, WV

Hey HandsOgold:

I’m a new member, lurked around often before joining for the resons of the positive atmosphere, lack of an outward judgemental atmosphere and for the challenges. Specifically the building challenges.

If you are a student of the game, this forum comes closest to how new “design” occurs. If you look back in history many new designs and concepts occured because a “design studio” was asked by their country to build the furniture in there pavilion…..one result being in this case the Barcelona Chair by Mies in 1929 for the Barcelona Exposition. Back many years, major museums used to sponsor “Design Challenges” much like what ocurrs here.

On its own terms, the members of this forum…......guided by your term “the usual suspects” have created an atmosphere that encourages creativity not unwarranted critiques.

As Dick mentions above, some people are just plain shy, but long term this atmosphere of being positive will bring more out than one’s “personal criticism”. The challenges allow for a broder view then the day to day critical nonsense.

Take a look at the creativity of the Thorsen Challenge….................I never expected it to be so much FUN and most importantly….”being critical of myself only” what I learned most from my fellow challengers is that I can break out of my day to day business box and be freer in my design thought. That’s a very important lesson to learn..AGAIN!!!!

This is not your typical forum and longer term I bet other forums move in this direction.

Do a challenge man…...........and feel the positive vibe of this forum!!!!!!!!

Neil

Neil speaks the truth. I have participated in half a dozen woodworking forums. The positive atmosphere, encouragement and “jockularity,” that exists here is why I do most of my postings on Lumberjocks. I’m not looking for a “love in,” or a “mutual admiration society.” I am, however, looking for a place of enthusiasm for other peoples work and ideas. Sure putting cocobolo accents in spalted maple with a purpleheart edge and ebony accents makes the piece look like a piece of pizza long lost in the fridge BUT it was someones idea, they took the time and precision to execute it and the accomplishment is worth commenting on. That’s what I love about Lumberjocks! It’s going to appeal to someone, and because we are all woodworkers, there is something about the process, the joinery, the finish, that someone is going to learn from…maybe even the design. :)

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

Look Tom, there is no need to defend you pizza art. We accept you….lol

In all seriousness, this is the only site I have actually registered for and it is for the postive feel and sense of community I find here.

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

Heck, I’m still learning how to use and navigate this site! Also lost my password for several weeks, came back to me during the night, so here I am. I’ll be posting a few projects as time permits. Really enjoy viewing everyone’s woodworking.

-- Don, on California's Central Coast

it’s “home” :)

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I do enjoy the positive atmosphere here as well. I remember the first post I put up on another site. They chided me because I didn’t use their “search” feature to see if anyone else in the history of the site ever posed that question before. I was like, wow, is this how you greet your new patrons…

I am also not opposed to constructive criticism, as long as it’s done with a little grace. It does seem that the folks here are very gracious, and that helps the learning process greatly.

It is also “humbling” to see some of the amazing work of others, but that’s OK too – who of us can’t use more of that virtue as well. And, as has already been said, that’s how we will learn and grow in our woodworking capabilities.

I has been a pleasure to get to know and interact with many of you!

-- Tom, Surfside Beach, SC - Romans 8:28