We need to eliminate ourselves in order to make better woodworking projects
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- čas přidán 23. 02. 2023
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#woodworking - Jak na to + styl
I'm a hobby sewist and quilter and the struggle of getting out of the perfection mindset is real. I think some of the current trends towards perfection are based around the idea of monetization. "If it's not perfect, nobody is going to buy it and my business will fail." A lot of people who know me tell me I should sell what I make because we are forced into hustle culture and thinking if we're not making money off something, we shouldn't be doing it. I tell everyone who thinks they are doing a good thing by encouraging me to sell my products that I sew to honor my Granny's memory and because I like it but if I started selling things, I would quickly grow to hate and resent sewing b/c my need for perfection would take over and ruin the whole experience. I make what I want, when I want, and how I want and give it away to whomever I want. The pressure for perfection is way less b/c people overlook imperfection if they are given a gift/don't have to pay for it. I have recently begun to embrace the journey and stop pointing out my mistakes to other people and instead make mental notes on how I could have done things differently.
I couldn't agree more. I'm hobby sewist and woodworker, and as a hardcore perfectionist, I really struggle with even small flaws in my work. Even though I'm not even making them to sell, just for myself or as gifts. It takes some of the enjoyment out of it, which is why I'm trying hard to change my mindset regarding things needing to be "perfect". I also agree that the quickest way to ruin a fun hobby (for me, can't speak for anyone else) is to try to monetize it. That's why I've been reluctant to try to turn my hobbies into side-businesses, despite people telling me I should.
Right there with ya! Exactly my approach to woodworking.
Low volume semi-handcrafted items compete in the marketplace with fully automated factory products. The expectations of price are onerous.
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For most people, the only way they ever know that there are any mistakes in your woodworking is when you point them out.
You have a skill they don't have. Even just being able to finish a project, just sticking it out until the end, is a skill in itself, I know a lot of people with half finished projects they say that "they will finish some day". Yeah, right!
Don't be that person!
“Being pissed off and bothered by our own flaws and mistakes is part of the human experience.” Wise words, Steve. You speak the truth.
lol, agreed, true and wise
Along with woodworking, I also do bookbinding. Awhile back I printed and bound a 4 volume set of books from an author from the 1500s. I poured my heart and soul into that work and went all out on it. I used real leather. I hand sewed the book on cords (which is why old books have the horizontal bumps on the spine, it's a piece of cord that attaches the text to the cover). However, in volume 3...I accidentally sewed it upside down. Normally, you leave a larger space on the bottom, because perspective makes it look weird on the shelf if space between the cords is identical. Perspective makes the bottom gap look smaller, so you compensate by making it slightly bigger. However, I wasn't thinking when I sewed the book together and did it upside down, so the larger gap was at the top. To fix it, when I stamped the titles on the outside of the book, I did it upside down (so that when on the shelf, all the books would line up correctly). However, the text in volume when on the shelf is now upside down. It still bugs me to this day and it's been like 7 years since I made them. However, at the same time, I understand that what I made is completely unique. And...a little part of me chuckles that my grandkids or great grand kids (or some random person 100 years from now) will open the book and see volume 3 upside down and be baffled by why it was done that way. Was he trying to say something profound? No, I just wasn't paying attention to the text block when I was lining up the holes for the sewing the book together lol.
Door hinges were done the same as that, for perspective.
Steve, I've been watching for years. When you speak of the simplicity of woodworking and the fact that the "best tool for a project is the one you own", "perfection is unachievable" and to stop listening to influencers about how good or bad a technique is", it speaks the highest of truths. Your words can ground us all and bring light to what woodworking is and is not. Thank you Steve, thank you!
Hi, It seems that you have a great experience.
I am a student eager to learn about construction work, I'm actively seeking someone in this field who can share their expertise with my student team. Really need insights from you, feel free to hit me up!
Great video. I think it speaks to 95% of home woodworking. My trade is machinist, so I had to rethink tolerances when I retired and took up woodworking. My main project for a few years is building children’s rockers. All cut out and fitted by hand and common power tools. It’s a design passed from my grandfather to my dad to me. I don’t sell them, only give them away mostly to random children I see at the store or a restaurant. The smile on their little faces makes it all worthwhile. I keep a completed rocker in my truck to give out.
That's pretty awesome...
Way to go!! Doing something just for the reward of seeing someone else's joy in receiving it is wonderful. We need more people like you.
Thank you for what you are doing.
That's amazing and very kind. Making someone smile is a reward that's hard to beat.
Hell yeah ! I have no doubt that you have changed a few lives, and gave a random child a great perspective to go along with that rocker.
Hit the nail on the head, the “left behind” feeling makers get when they can’t either afford or they do not have the confidence level to try digital fabrication is a very important topic. I’ve been on both sides of this exact feeling and for whatever my two cents are worth… It’s OK to have this left behind feeling, it’s OK to embrace it. But every maker has a choice to either let it stifle their creativity, or make them better. Steve, I love your insight I don’t comic much, but I always listen when you speak. Thank you for what you do.
This kind of sounds like more digital is better, which is not the point, Steve was trying to make.
Going to Digital is not a way forward, it is just a way into a different direction. It arguably might be a way backwards, if your goal was to reconnect with your mind and body, and to get away from a computer screen.
@@seregruin no not at all better just different. Carving spoon with a sharp blade is very satisfying. But also designing a complex three-dimensional structure that goes together for a storage solution that you cut on a laser or a cnc is a good feeling as well.
I genuinely dig these "insights" videos. One, you've got a lot more experience with the entire woodworking process/experience than I have. But also because it helps ground those of us who get too caught up in the details that don't apply to the actual experience.
Amen!
Steve,
I'm a member of your WWMM and I so appreciate your approach to this hobby/passion. Thank you. Tony
Well said Steve. Nothing but sage wisdom. Thank you for tackling the subject.
This is why I watch your videos Steve. Bringing a calming philosophy to WHY I love working with wood. I don't care what tool I use, I love DOING it. I do find that finishing machine tool use with hand tools is the most satisfying to ME. Thanks again for reinforcing my love for this wonderful zen hobby.
3:24 is a very important subject. I've unsubscribed from many channels that stopped building projects, and started simply pushing tools
Great discussion, Steve. I tell people that my hobby is not wood working. The world has plenty cutting boards and bookshelves, most of which can be acquired far more cheaply than by making them myself. My hobby is assembling and perfecting a woodworking shop. I get joy from having tools and being able to make things with them. Here's how it all comes together for me. My wife was having a bath. She complained that there was no hook for a towel within reach of the bathtub. I immediately walked out of the bathroom and into my adjacent shop, found a small block of 3/4 inch scrap hardwood (Brazilian cherry I think), drilled a two inch hole in it with a forstner bit, slapped it down on the bandsaw and cut it into a hook shape, switched to the oscillating spindle sander to smooth it up a bit, but a hole in it for a screw (off center because I was in a hurry) with my battery powered drill using the bit that adds a countersink, and had it screwed to the wall with a shiny brass screw before she finished her bath. The result is elegant and unique, and I feel pride every time I look at it, even with the screw hole off center. Now that's the joy of having a shop for me. My tools can wait until I have something to make, and then I have everything I need to make it.
out of all the sites i have visited, you are the one who touches my soul. I go to others to view tools or techniques or tips and tricks, but i come to you to gain purpose and satisfaction for my completed work. thank you for your wisdom
Hands down, the best woodworking video I’ve ever seen. I love the way you think and how you communicate with your viewers and help each one to be comfortable at whatever woodworking level we happen to be at. Thank you.
My therapist once asked me if I was always aiming for perfection (not necessarily in woodworking but in general). To which I answered yes of course. Then he asked if I thought it was possible to achieve perfection. My answer was of course not. He then told me I was thus aiming for failure!
That helped me a lot dealing with imperfections in my actions and I apply that to my woodworking now. Put your focus where it really matters. Don't sweat to much with the rest.
Here's the thing though, perfection is absolutely achievable. At least, perfection as you see it. You can achieve what you call perfection, even though others might not agree that it's perfect.
I call it universal perfection, which is nearly if not completely impossible due to a lack of agreement on perfection, and personal perfection, what you think is perfect.
@@JohnClark-tt2bl It sounds like you are describing complacency, not perfection. I don't want to have to lie to myself about the quality of my work, I want to be content with what I have done while still improving my craft.
Along the same line, a quote from a building magazine I read years ago: "Do things only as good as they need be". A real world example is I worked for a plumbing and air company. The old plumbers insisted the writing on the pipe had to be facing down or in; in such a way you didn't see it looking in. I get it, taking pride in work and doing things right so you don't get call backs or worse. But obsessing over inane details that don't matter, out of ego, doesn't help anyone
Hi Steve, I agree with most of what you have stated. My Daughter is an artist and she has now moved from painting to ceramics because she gets more enjoyment from it. She told me that people do not want to make things for themselves because of the learning curve they have to go through to get what they want. They would rather go out and buy what they want. I enjoy making things for myself, even if it is the most simple thing. I get the satisfaction of accomplishment of saying I made this or that. I am looking at replacing most of my power tools now and I have decided to go the hand tools route because of the expense, and the garage space I have to work in and my age. I am 75 going on to 76 soon and I do not want to have to get in a production mode to pay off the tools by making items to sell. I do woodworking for the enjoyment of it. I am still learning new techniques and will always learn something new because no one person can not learn it all. Woodworking is a challenge because of the skills needed and the creativity involved. I guess when I have made my 10,000th Segmented Wood Knitting Bowl I will have become an expert in the field. I am always surprised when I finish one of my Segmented Knitting Bowls as to how well it turned out. I look at it and say WOW, I made that.
The more we can eliminate ourselves from woodworking, the better our projects will turn out. So how can we find meaning in our work?
PDF version of this essay: bit.ly/3ksgvYR
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I love what you do, but I really have to disagree with you. While it is certainly true that "wood working" means making something out of wood, you are ignoring the other related term "wood worker," which denotes the entity doing the work. I used to work at a GM plant making the Silverado, at various points on the line were robots that would weld things on the frame. The people that programmed the robots were programmers, no one, not even the programmers themselves would ever call them a welder. So why, when we move from an industrial setting to a home shop, do we now call people that programs robots (as that is what CNC or laser machines are) "wood workers?" A wood worker either moves the wood through a stationary tool, as is the case with a table saw, or moves a tool through a stationary piece of wood, such as with a circular saw. If the results are of poor quality it is the person to blame, as the saying goes, "It is the poor craftsman that blames his tools." Conversely, even programmed correctly, a robot can break and do completely random things (I once saw a robot start throwing trucks across the floor). Now, some will argue that even after the robot completes it's assigned task, the "wood worker" then has to assemble the parts. However, by that logic then my wife is also a "wood worker," as before we met, and much to my chagrin, she was a huge fan of IKEA, and anyone that buys furniture from that store or others like it, have to assemble the furniture themselves. Again, why the difference? Why does one form or assembly qualify as, "wood working" and not the other?
@@Arbbal pretty much what I came here to say as well. There's woodworking and there's the wood worker. There's the medium of wood, which doesn't have to be exclusive, and then there's the human being of action WORKING the wood. At some point, the separation between the wood and the working/worker essentially changes what is happening. Designing wooden kitchen cabinets that are made in a woodshop by other human beings does not make one a cabinet maker, but a cabinet designer.
Somehow for me this brings to mind what JPII said (in paraphrase) - work is for man, not man for the work, man is always the purpose of the work - "the basis for determining the value of human work is not primarily the kind of work being done but the fact that the one who is doing it is a person." Laborem Exercens
I work primarily with metal and don't have a whole lot of time in the shop. A CNC plasma cutter for some components would be great just to cut some time and have more time building. Like you said I still spend a majority of time with prep before building than doing any other part.
I partially agree with you and I think for a hobby you are mostly correct. I see a future were some people design in imperfections to their CNC designs to give it that handmade feel.
This topic is SOOO on point. I got into woodworking because I wanted to see if I could make things. I tried to explain this to someone who wanted me to make copies of garden planters I'd made for myself. I pointed out the possibility that as a customer there might be a request to make "corrections" to please them and THEN woodworking would no longer be fun for me. There was a very puzzled look that followed. I woodwork to make things I need. I woodwork for relaxation. I woodwork to challenge myself to see how close I can get to something I've seen or imagined. I woodwork to remind myself that things DON'T have to be perfect and as long as I'm OK with it, it's all good. Thanks for bringing up this topic!!
There's no woodworking in this video an yet it's the best woodworking video I've seen all week.
Thanks Rex! 👊👍
Steve, agreed! Woodworking is art! Each piece is unique even if it came from a pattern. When I was a little kid, maybe back in the late 70’s early 80’s, my dad handcrafted 4 bookcases in our “shop” garage and lined them up on a track which we called “the wall unit.” I have them today and every day I look at them to remember him, and that process of building them, and sometimes I stare at the splintered hole in the back where he ran the wires from the tv and such equipment, and the sagging laminate on one shelf, and the doors glued a tiny bit wonky and know he ran out of patience and time. And I smile. It’s those little things that are devoid in store-bought “perfect” furniture. Besides, crafting it yourself creates fantastic memories and stories! ❤
as a wood worker with disabilities THANK YOU for not forgetting that we exist!
Hey Steve I want to say thank you for this video. I have been wood working for a few months now. I’ve built mostly cutting boards, and a few pieces of furniture and my prized work is a barn house door for our master bathroom.
However, one of my biggest issues is the seams whenever I make panels. Since I don’t have a jointer, or a planer or a high end table saw that allows for repeatable perfect 90 degree cuts, a lot of the times I have to fill in the seams with some kind of wood filler. This has often embarrassed me and lowered the sense of pride on my work. However, without fully removing the sense of trying to be as seamless as possible, this video has helped me to still feel pride in the work I’ve been able to accomplish. Those “imperfections” are quirks that make that work, unique. Thank you for this video. This perspective has helped me continue enjoying this beautiful hobby and continue to strive to be as perfect as possible without expecting perfection.
Thank you.
Hi Steve. In the US / Canada, woodworking is a thing. I'm french and I started doing some woodworking at home to build radiator screens "sur mesure". 3 years ago, I wanted to do something in the "art of woodworking" to complement our beautifully crafted and "modern" furnitures made of oak by a gifted professionnal . So I bought a router, a circular saw, some wood and voilà. And I started watching many videos mostly in english because french youtubers/woodworkers are quite rare. Watching these videos was overwhelming in fact. I just thought it would be easier but this culture of showing off, of the absolute perfection, of the dogma sometimes just tended to make me shy about my own skills. I thought that without all the tools I would not be able to do something meaningful and robust. I started to do my thing and it was not perfect but it was OK. Many people in my family found that it was really beautiful but all I was seeing was these small imperfections. I quickly understood that all these videos were really a business. Not a way to learn things because most the time, key elements are not shown. I went back to basics and I bought 2 books (in french) that changed everything. One is used by woodworking students and is explaining ALL the techniques you need, with pictures, simple templates to more complicated one. Most of the things in this book, I had never seen them in any videos before I bought it. It was made professionnals with a ton of real world experience. So... this stupid perfection thing just vanished and I just do it now. I've learnt to use the tools I have (router, planner, saw table, router table), and it works perfectly. I'm happy in my shop and I don't care if something is not perfect. I don't intend to make some macro photography or video from it... So again, my 2 cents : first learn the real and traditionnal way. By reading books written by real woodworkers for students. Take notes. You will gain some time. I remember of a series of 5 videos to make your own table router guide, when a simple page in my book just show the basics, with no fancy blah blah of impossible to find or costly features... Thank you for this video (and sorry about my long comment, but I really like your channel and your video is totally relevant!)
In my opinion, Frank Howarth is at the zenith of this argument. He uses his CNC a lot, but his creativity in design and execution is the real work. Thanks for your insight, Steve. Keeping us grounded, as always. 👍
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Steve Ramsey the Ultimate Woodworking Philosopher. For a garage monkey you have some valuable insights to not only woodworking but life in general. Can’t wait for the Steve Ramsey Life Documentary. 🤪 I am a long time sub and seem to fine value in each of your videos even just watching a tape measure be pulled a million times. I know people who have been seeing therapist for years and would get a quality view of life improvement from just watching your videos. Thank you for making society a much better place.
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Well said. Your perspective is gold. And I appreciate the shout out to woodworkers with disabilities.
INCREDIBLY wise words. Love the focus on making meaningful things, not necessarily how those things are made. It gets to the root of why many of us started making things. It was because we had an idea in our head we couldn't find and decided to make it, that sets the journey off. Along the way, things like what the "right" tool is stray us from that path.
I thank Steve for his wisdom and validation. The joy of designing projects in my shop on the fly and creatively finding solutions to unexpected problems is very fulfilling. It is fulfilling in a different way to complete one of Steve's designed projects, especially if I deviate, even slightly, from the written plans.
I also appreciate that Steve shows mistakes in his videos and does not attempt to appear to always make flawless woodworking items. I find a truly human Steve refreshing!
Great commentary. I was just "lurking" when I found this and listened to almost all of it before I actually opened it. I only opened it so I could like and comment to help boost it. A lot of folks should hear this.
"Wabi Sabi" I have this written on my workshop wall:
"Wabi-sabi In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. It is prevalent throughout all forms of Japanese art. Wikipedia" Thanks Steve.
You talk more sense than most woodworkers I've seen on CZcams
I am a CNC hobbyist, and I love it. I have contemplated many of the topics in this video over the years.
My CNC "journey" has evolved to me making my own rotary CNC to make drums, and I love it. The drums / designs I have made would not be possible without a CNC (yes I have a few videos of some of these crazy drums).
I love the positive outlook you have.
That was so wonderfully stated, Steve. The only thing I would add to the "enjoyment of working" is the profound sense of accomplishment that can be found in it. Like a runner's high or a perfect shot in golf it makes you want to do it all over again.
Thanks for taking us down the rabbit hole.
Thank you for being inclusive instead of divisive.
Thank you for stressing the bottom line (for hobbyists) of “Did you find joy in the process and is it meaningful to you?”
Thank you for embracing imperfection and making it about “you” and not the tools.
I am very much a hobbiest. I just ordered a desktop CNC yesterday as an extension to my shop. Do I *need* one nope. One thing I do enjoy about this hobby/skill set is there is ALWAYS something to learn. A CNC is just another tool to learn and use. I travel for my job and while I am in the hotel at night, after the conference calls and paperwork, I can create a project, so in a sense it keeps me 'in the shop.' Thank you for your channel I have learned a lot from you.
This needs to be shared by every youtube and social media woodworkers who actually care about the skill...no matter how you wood work
Thanks Steve. Social media needs more positive thinking like you’ve shared. Rather than being embarrassed by how our skills compare to more advanced folks, we need to appreciate ourselves and each other more.
You've got the best words, Steve. Thanks for sharing. I agree with everything!
You got my number Steve. I’ve been an IT for 38 years. I can’t wait to leave that computer screen behind and get on a saw, or a drill etc. when I get home.
Sir I’ve been watching your channel for years, pre 2016 and I salute you and thank you for thoughts!😊😊
I bought a used CnC 2 years ago and love the process of learning how to use it to make projects that I want to make--things that are meaningful to me. I enjoy the precision it allows, which is different than striving for perfection because believe me, you can screw up a CnC project just as quick as anything! Think of it as a different way to do template router work without all the mucking about with a bandsaw, templates, and flush trim bits.
I rarely comment on youtube videos, but I couldn't help but leave a message of thanks. The last few minutes of the video where you break down the meaning of imperfection and the fundamental question "is what I produce meaningful" really moved me. I am new to woodworking, and after hours of viewing various videos on the topic, I have to say this was my favorite one. Cheers and God bless.
Steve the Woodworking Philosopher 💕👍 Great things to think and ponder on Steve. Have a nice weekend 🤙
My degree is in Electrical Eningineer which led to my electronics hobby which led me to build a CNC machine which led to wood working. I just finished building very custom kitchen cabinets for our kitchen remodel, using all the tools and skills I just mentioned, they came out great and I saved a ton of money. Talk about a journey, wow!
Now you can sell the plans. Is it cheaper/ better than pre-built machine? Is it something a non -electrical engineer could do?
@@keithmarlowe5569 Cheaper ? Oh yeah. Better ? Depends, probably not but it is real close. Is it something a non-EE can do.? Oh yeah, foresure, tons of how to resources on you tube and google and part availablity available on amazon. Best advice is to go with closed loop stepers.
@@mrkattm Thanks for that. I have looked briefly at plans for making them but not to point of drawing up a plan and list. I am so far behind on my DIY projects from watching CZcams and getting more ideas. Basement finishing, to speaker building, to a mini fridge steak ager....I will never get caught up!
Thanks for the debate, Steve! 😊
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
I just got back into woodworking in the last two years, the pandemic had a lot to do with it. Not ready for cnc, or have room. Doing the work is my pleasure.
Always a voice of reason in the sea of “sponsored” video-mercials from other content creators; thank you for that!
Hi Steve you probably won't see this comment but, i am a professional furmiture maker based in eastern Europe. I worked in a big shop which was making custom furniture and also parts for Ikea furniture. Funny think is that a human is involved a 100% in making Ikea stuff using in our case only traditional power tools like spindle moulders multi bit drills planers tablesaws ect. The "perfection" comes from the shear volume of the stuff you're requiered to build like 4 trucks of one drower type a weak. Another funny part is when the smug well dressed Ikea sells exec comes to your shop and tells you based on one knot on a drawer side that he wont take the whole load and ppl who worked 85 hours that weak dont get paid on time. Great company. They make good meatballs though.
"It's about you." Simple and absolutely accurate! Thanks for expressing something I have been trying to explain to my wife for a long time. She now gets it! :)
Your ethos and grounded-perspective is precisely the reason I joined your WW class. Thank you for recording and sharing this.
Thanks Steve. Great words. I want all the time in my shop that I can get and I learned from you we can have joy in woodworking with limited funds and wood that is affordable and available.
Hey Steve, I’ve been using your version of the tapering jig with the screw for over a year. It’s been great and made some really nice legs. Just wanted to thank you
one of your VERY BEST vids, Steve ! thank you for iterating what I know to be of value in my head....People often need to hear it said out loud...thank you 😊😊
Very thoughtful, hey Steve...I have for about 3 years an air compressor that is quiet, is not that big but does the job, is 8 gal. 1.0 HP and Oil-Free; is called California Air Tools. I bought it on that well known orange big box store. I took time to write this because I've seen some of your videos have your compressor orchestrated a play and probably gets anoing inside your garage and makes me think that you might be interested in this suggestion.
Some uses that I have was at times that I needed to fill my bad tire every 2 or 3 days and I was able to used at night time when I got home from my 2nd shift. No one ever heard anything and sometimes with the garage door open.
Well that's it, thanks for all the shared woodworking and sketchup knowledge. They are very handy!!
This reminds me of "camera youtube" obsessing over the latest and greatest gear which is totally overkill for most people. Interesting video!
You make some great points particularly regarding CNC and laser cutters. I enjoy the time I spend in my workshop just fiddling about.
Neither "absolute perfection" nor "imperfection" are my goals. In Germany we have a saying: "The way is the goal". So the woodworking as process is the most important part for me, not necessarily and only the result, whether perfect or not. So I'm completely on your track, just putting less meanning on the result. Your example of the office workers enjoying the process is my situation.
So, once more: Thank you for your open mind, your inspiring words, and your tolerance against others and their words, in so many of your videos.
By the way, I feel this particular video more philosophical than striving for a final decision of 'right or wrong'.
Thank you, Seve, for this and the other videos and for your effort to explain the meaning of woodworking at all. They enrich my life!
Steffi, a mere mortal
Thank you for being so thoughtful and earnest. Legend!
Very, very, very well said Steve! So glad you took on this subject !
Absolutely Fabulous. This is one of your best videos. Not because you showed me about woodworking, but you talked about defining my enjoyment of the craft/hobby. THANKS.........................................JImS
Awesome video Steve! When I think of my project as being flawed, that takes the pride & fulfillment away. But when I think of it as being unique, it brings satisfaction. Thanks for this message. You do a very nice job of articulating your topic.
Well done Steve. Thank you for sharing… Best to you and yours.
Thanks Steve! Well said. You taught me long ago ...accuracy isn't as important as consistency. I've made many lawn tables since I learned this and now I do enjoy the imperfections of each (probably only noticed by me) because the process was so fulfilling. I am proud to say each is square and solid if slightly different in some way!
I had no idea when I clicked on yet another one of your videos, I would be re-examining woodworking philosophies. Thank you for expanding my thought horizons yet again in this craft. As I like to say about my work: my woodworking is fine, but I wouldn't call it fine woodworking, and it may look perfect from afar, but it's far from perfect.
I come from an Arts background with degrees in painting and Art History. I remember what a really great Art professor told our class once. He said to use whatever means it took to produce a painting. He said go ahead and use paint rollers, airbrushes, hairdryers, projectors, whatever to get the work done. He explained: When someone is willing to pay for a piece of Art that you produced, they don't care how you got there, but that you did." The same applies to woodworking. A buyer isn't going to care if you made the piece by cutting the wood with a table saw, or a hand saw. Only that you produced a piece worth buying.
Thank you Steve for accurately expressing my raw feeling about my love and passion for woodworking and in particular for forgiving myself for my imperfections and mistakes in the work
How have you not been a guest on The Shop Talk Live Podcast. You have well thought out talking points and hit the nail right on the head!
Great insight Steve! One of my other hobbies is Model Railroading, and I enjoy building what are called "Craftsman Kits". They are buildings that are made from wood, and the kits are made using a laser cutter.
Really good talk! Thanks Steve!
I am a digital woodworker. I have hands, and they have digits.
When I need a drawing for a project, I pull out my non-digital drawing board and associated tools, try to remember classes taken over 50 years ago, and then use those digits on my hands to place lines on paper. Very occasionally, the lines can be understood later.
When it comes to creating the actual wood product, I digitally operate my power and hand (digital?) tools as required. The wood is moved and placed using digits. In the rare event that I might make a misteak, the wood is recyled as fuel for the fire. A nice way to warm the chilled digits at this time of year.
High fives all around.
Steve…. You’re an inspiration and a national treasure. Thank you for sharing your videos and for sharing your wisdom
Thank you Steve, I needed this. Now it's time for me to get back in the shop.
Hi Steve, years ago (1982-1983) I made a grandfather Clock, I followed the pattern took care with the cutting and assembly sanded for days, stained and lacquered the Clock, now the fun part was putting the bonnet and pendulum door on, added the wooden clock works (all made out of black cherry) once everything was done I looked at my handy work and noticed the I routed the pendulum door wrong, the bonnet door opens from left to right and the pendulum door opens from right to left, I was pissed spending a year on the Grandfather clock, my family and friends tells me that my clock is 100% Unique, it still pisses my off to this day but I still love my grandfather clock
Thanks Steve I appreciate your honesty makes me feel better about my woodworking. 😊👍
Steve, Thank you for validating what many of us hobbyists enjoy. I am not in the 'tech' world, by like so many in the 'service' industry, at the end of my day, I don't have anything to look at except a clean office. My cousin, a home builder, at the end of a day, where nothing was before, can be the skeleton of a house!!! That is why I love your channel, Frank Howarth's, Matthias Wandel's, Jay Bates, Ron Paulk, .. .and many others as they look to solve a problem for themselves or a clients/ customer, and their thought process, maybe they will toss in why they did not use a certain tool. Bob at 'I like to make stuff' is great with that - he will say "I am using this because I have it, but you can totally do this with a jigsaw (or whatever appropriate tool). I love Ron's '$20 cnc' video talking about a pattern router bit. I think most hobbyists enjoy their hobby because at the end of the day, there is _something_ where before there was nothing, and iwth 'old' tools. One of the first projects I did on my brand new shopsmith my wife wisely encouraged me to buy, was a changing table (from plans in a woodworking magazine - that would grow with cloths and hold games) for my oldest daughter back in 1991. My 3 brothers got together one weekend and made teh same changing one at his house. At my brothers, we sanded to much of the veneer of plywood in one spot. But we all signed the bottom of one of the drawers (full extenstion glides btw). Now my grandchildren use the first one I made , that has a glip where I was rounding over the mirror frame with my router table... and as my daughter changes her child, and they are looking in the mirror... and I see that 'glip', I smile and recall the love that was put into that work. Thank you for reminding us of that. This should be required viewing for every hobbyist every september as we prepare/ plan the Christmas gifts we want to make. It seems so trite, but a very sincere thank you.
Finally, someone who describes exactly how I feel about woodworking. I get to leave the computer to use my tools with my hands in the middle of my garage. Great video.
Louie.
My first woodworking class I took as an adult, my dovetails weren't nearly as good as I wanted. My instructor said to me "You see mistakes, others see the marks of a craftsman. If they want perfect, they'll go to IKEA!" The other thing he said that stuck with me: "Perfection is a barrier to complete." Thank you for celebrating the craftsman in all of us.
I feel like Steve should have been sitting in an oversized comfy chair and wearing a sweater for this video 😂 Good stuff as always
Steve, thanks for having a pdf of your video. I want to share the conversation, but not everyone wants to watch a video. I do, but that's just me!
Steve, you rock. Our imperfection and unique habits lead to imperfect and unique pieces no matter the toolsets. Love that perspective on meaningfulness. I make things because I love to make and I love to make things for the people I love, imperfections and all.
I love your sanity.
Great video Steve! It's all about the journey, and that's a highly personal thing.
I specialise in turning wood into shavings and sawdust. Nothing i've made has lasted longer than a couple of minutes and I'm happy with that. I do it because the act of using a handplane or handsaw brings me pleasure - the end results are of no consequence to me but I will also admit to not enjoying sweeping up all those shavings/sawdust as much.
But that's what makes ME happy and (thank goodness) there is nobody else exactly like me so i'd urge everyone to do the woodwork that brings YOU joy.
Great video Steve that every crafter/maker needs to hear more than once. Thanks for making this👍🏻👊🏻
Thank u so much for this insight video, I'm from Bangladesh and I can say from all the great woodworking content makers urs is the one that made it possible for me to make the decision to be a hobbyist woodworker. I live in Bangladesh obtaining power tools is not an option and if it is then it is way over priced than what it is in the USA. The explanation point of view in ur videos absolutely resonates with hobbyists like me. It felt so good to hear ur bookcase eg having a router gouge imperfection is part of the joy. I sure don't have the courage to post my creations and ur this video feels like a pat on the shoulder.
My only regret is I wish I had delved more into ur insight videos before deciding on which power tool brand to go with, I surely got conned into the big brands influencers. I got petrified and ended up going with Dewalt thinking it will reduce my errors and now I'm stuck at the point of no return.
Coming back to other relevant points of this video. I'd like to share my reasons for considering a cnc machine maybe at least a 4x4 in the future when I can afford it some day. I truly love the design process as much as the building process, I love to challenge and one of the silly challenges I take on is the 1 sheet plywood projects. I ended up designing a few project close to a 100 parts. I tried my best not to make any errors during the cutting process but still ended up making mistakes, believe me i have not left any stone unturned cutlist extensions in sketchup, printing labels, orientation markings, I just could not finish the cutting process without errors . So for me a cnc is something i will consider if I make too many projects which frequents 100 parts from a single sheet of plywood. I
know what ur all gonna say I'm still gonna make mistakes with the CNC but right now I'm a tool guy enjoying building my work shop & jigs hoping to add a few more tools (cross my fingers) & then stop obsessing about tools I don't have.
I love this discussion and the thoughts is provokes. I can’t say enough about having these kinds of opportunities to think deeper about the things we do and how we can help keep ourselves in moral check
Terrific video, Steve. I’ve been following your videos for many years and like many others, actually came to woodworking via tech, starting with programming then an interest in CNC that later led to traditional power tools and finally building projects with just hand tools (mostly for the challenge of it.) I love all the tools and toys regardless of power and automation, but your essays are remarkably insightful.
I guess it all boils down to the simple fact that we, as makers/woodworkers/metalworkers, all like to go about creating things in our own ways...the ways that make us the happiest and thus provide fulfillment. There is simply no wrong way to do anything. My way works for me. I gain peace and satisfaction from the things that I create and the manner by which I create them. That level of satisfaction is then enhanced when my creations are given to others (family and friends). The reactions and the thanks I receive make me want to create more things, for both myself and others. Could I gain fulfillment from using a CNC...possibly in the future. For now, though, I'm content with the tools I have. We are always evolving, as human beings, and how we create things will continue to evolve with us. Great video, Steve.
Sir, when I see an online personality or celebrity, I often ask myself, "Can I see myself having a beer with this person?" If the answer is yes, then they are an alright human being. Thank you for taking the time to post these videos. You are my go-to for learning how to do the most complicated tasks in the most simplest of ways with minimal tools. I appreciate you taking the time to share your passion of woodworking with those of us seeking the guidance to improve our skills. Thanks Steve!
As a new woodworker, I do find the whole extreme precision thing a little over whelming. I tend to over think things as it is and when I decided I wanted to get into wood working and dove into the woodworking rabbit hole on YT it got frustrating. A couple channels really helped me step myself back and "re-tool" myself and expectations. Thanks for this video.
RIGHT ON!!
I believe the founder of Lee Valley/Veritas tools once said his company sells expensive but excellent tools to woodworkers who could by their same finished projects for far less. But they have immense joy fulfillment and satisfaction in making them
Thank you Steve❤
I find a lot of appreciation for knowing the origin of the components. I built a couple of beds and can say, this part was from a scaffolding board, this was from some pallets, this bit here is from my old shed that I chopped down. It makes the project much more personal than "this came from woodworking source"!
“Every defect gets its respect” Laura Kampf
I'm a "hobbyist" and take a great deal of satisfaction from hand butchering timber. There are few pleasures to beat presenting a couple with a hand-turned quaich to be used on their wedding day. Either to be sipped from, or as a vessel to bear the rings.
Yes it may be more efficient to set a machine to do this. A machine cannot replicate love.
Another great video - thank you! You always seem to speak directly to the little voice inside the head of the little person inside my head.
I love how you brought up that "pain" you feel when you see an imperfection in a finished piece... It's a real thing for sure! I just wanted to chime in, I'm lucky enough to have a CNC, and I don't see it as a "perfection engine" or a production engine, because anyone who has used a CNC knows that there's all manor of room for error with those things. But rather I look on it as a tool that takes some of the most boring or least enjoyable parts of woodworking and does it for me, for example I was doing some hand carving of wood but the base pieces had to be cut out in a specific shape, I had already drawn up the shape on computer (which I would have needed if I was to print it, glue it to a piece of wood and then cut it out with a band/scroll saw), instead the CNC just cut it out directly while I was doing other things. I do confess what I use the CNC for is more carving / decoration / engraving, I have a graphic arts background and the ability to draw a design on computer and then have the CNC do it (for example "rays of light" emanating from a central point) is such a time and stress saver, as I would be trying my best to make the rays straight and look even, and mess up countless times... Again, the CNC just does it, and I can enjoy other aspects of the craft. I think people need to look at CNC less as a cheat and more a short cut to get to their favorite parts of woodworking... Use it in a way that makes your hobby more pleasurable, rather than worrying about anything else. Like for real, who loves sanding? And I would love a sanding robot if anyone is making one...
Thank you, Steve.
I started woodworking to feel satisfied with making something regardless if it's perfect or not. When you make something whether from wood, metal, fabric etc you will always see some sort of imperfection. For me what's the point in sitting at a desk and whacking a design on a computer. I like to make personalised gifts or something for the home. I like to upcycle things and use scrap wood and pallet wood. Making something out of that type of wood is good for the environment and makes me a better woodworker. I strive to learn more and new techniques finding out what works and what doesn't. I love being in my shop knowing at some point I'll come out satisfied with making a family member or a friend smile when they see what I've made them with my own hands and love and passion thrown into it. That means more than CNC machining.
Steve, you almost always make me smile and nod in agreement with your point of view. So down to earth and OPEN. The only thing I would add to this video would be the problem caused by CNC "hobbyists" selling at craft fairs and the like. I can NOT sell the same/similar items at the same/similar price when I spent two hours doing something someone spent 10 minutes doing. I hope that makes sense. The second aspect of that problem is buyers do not understand that items cost far less when inferior supplies and almost no skill were used to create them.
I have no problem with using machines/robots but don't label it as a homemade, hobby, or hand crafted product. And veneer doesn't make something worth 3x what the mdf cost to make it. Sorry. Lol