I recently was thinking of all the diverse skill and knowledge along with all the participation on this site. I got to thinking about why all us woodworkers have joined and stayed. Then I got to thinking it would be interesting to hear how everyone found out about Lumber Jocks in the first place.

I actually stumbled on to LJs a couple of years ago when looking for some project information. The search engine lead me to a particular project and I came back to the project several times reading about it. Finally I went adventuring a little more around the site and got hooked; had to join. It was the first site I had been to that was organized and overflowing with information on everything woodworking.

Please respond and share your story. Thanks!

P.S. Tell everyone about why you chose your icon. I am on my third one, just for something different.

Padook, (Paduke)
Padowk
Padock

This could be an issue of where we are from more than what is correct, as we all have experienced at times.

So, what do you call it?

I have used the band saw since completing the videos and I am very pleased at the performance. It runs quieter and blade tension is easier to set and hold.
Thanks for viewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZotFChZGoU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvFh2aANno8

I get my inspirations from several sources, depending what I am going to build and design. It could be from anyone of the big names like Maloof, Nakashima, or it could be a fellow LJ member. This comes in handy for motivation as it proved awhile back.

I was looking for an attractive drawer pull for a project and out of all the sources (on line, too) out there I could not find one I liked or looked good in the design element of the project. After some frustration I headed home from the big box store and thought to myself, “What would Maloof do?” In that same second I realized he would make his own. Reality smacked my forehead and I kicked myself for not thinking this before I even started looking for ones I could buy. Hey, sometimes it is just more convenient time- wise and even cost-wise to go buy the things already done for you no matter what your level of skill is. But all the same, I felt foolish for not already having it my frame of mind to make my own. Sorta like deciding what to eat sometimes, I guess. I grill a mean steak but sometimes I just feel like having it done for me.

So, next time you ponder a problem that comes up in the shop, take the time to think what your inspirations would do. It might just take you down a new path and make you a better woodworker in both skill and confidence. Plus it feels good to know you made it yourself, even if it is not your own original design.

Be safe,
woodworkerscott

You will notice that my hands are in great shape. No major injuries, never cut anything off! Take care of your hands just like you would your eyes….protect them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39y-VsojPGY

Copyright Starkey Woodwrights

Even though gloves were mentioned for only a few seconds at the end of the video someone just had to make a big deal about it. Here is my response:

First of all in the video I explained that they should be tight fitting gloves (but still comfortable). “Mechanics” gloves as they refer to them are quite safe, as shown in the video. Not regular work gloves, “mechanic” type gloves. Here is why they are safe….

1. If worn right they will not get caught in machinery. If they would, the bare hand would have been doomed anyway. If you wear the correct type of gloves, they won’t get grabbed by machinery.
2. If they are so unsafe, why do millions of mechanics, body shop people, woodworkers, grindermen……They all wear the without incident and are exposed to as many or more dangers than a woodworker.
3. OSHA approves of the wearing of them.

If your glove gets caught by machinery you are using the machinery unsafely and probably have the wrong gloves on. Be safe.

Think about it….they area called “mechanics gloves” for a reason. If a mechanic can wear them safely, and they do, then so can a woodworker.

Thanks for viewing!

There are several changes I think that needed to be made to be more practical in both design and cost. Example of topics covered:

Enclosed router compartment- not necessary and waste of materials and time.

Dust collection set-up- a real waste of time and money. Not efficient. A dust collection set up on the fence is what is needed, not down below in the router compartment.

Router table height- too low. I am a short man I would hate working on a router table at the their designed height. Bring it up taller for efficiency and most of all safety.

Drawer utilization- too many drawers equal too small. Lessen the number of small drawers to three and have room for tall bits!

Additionally learn how to save time and money on the table top, switch, and other tips.

The purpose of the video was to show a more practical approach to the fabrication. Most of us just don’t need the bells and whistles that are in the original design. Save money and make it affordable.

I hope the information is helpful. Thanks for viewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKBVjrC_rRw