I've missed the last two shows due to my broken ankle, but will make an appearance on Saturday at The Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, Ga. I can't demonstrate but will be available to answer your woodturning questions.
Sweet Janice and my son Chris, will be available for the entire three show days.
A Mile In Their Shoes
I was recently asked a simple question, “Why buy something you can make yourself?” I think the best example comes from another customer’s request and its revelations. A customer was on the phone ordering a bunch of laser cut kits when he asked if I would also be willing to supply the core blocks for a fee. I named a price and he placed my first core block order then and there along with the laser cut kits.
I wanted to understand why he didn’t just mill his own core blocks and that is when the revelations began. He had a band saw but not a table saw. He was set up for turning activities, not for straight smooth glue ready cuts 2” high in kiln dried walnut. That was just the beginning; not everyone has a source for 2” thick kiln dried hardwood, not everyone with a table saw can make a glue ready square cut 2” high. Some folks don’t have access to jointers and planers for square and true cuts. Some folks are fighting health issues and can’t physically manage these kinds of cuts, but they still want to turn fancy laser cut kit projects on their lathe if only they could get the cores. Others would rather not be bothered or don’t have the time. Before I had to suspend this offering, I had received dozens of orders from 10 pieces up to 100 at a time.
My point is that everyone’s circumstances are different. What we may take for granted because it has become routine or ordinary, may be extraordinary or seemingly impossible for someone else. I can tell you after so very much traveling that the best cook I ever met has been married to me for 48 years. We still eat out, a lot, even when we are not on the road. From time to time we purchase art pieces others have made, because of their uniqueness, craftsmanship and beauty. Many of them, I might be able to make myself, but I don’t have the time or inclination to make all of the mistakes I would have to before I got an acceptable piece.
Most of you know that I design and sell various turning jigs and accessories. Given enough time, many folks could make something similar in their own workshops. The first dozen or so prototypes are usually pretty rough. Most of the time, it is cheaper and easier just to purchase one of the professional refined versions from me after I’ve spent all of the time and energy to perfect and refine it into something you are proud to own.
The revelations are these; not everyone has what we might have or knows what we might know. Everyone’s situation is different and that is a good thing. Don’t limit your own visions or expectations by the world you know. Reach far beyond because wherever you go there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Eph 3:20 Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,
Deut 29:4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.
2Kgs 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
I have prepared a very short video showing a typical texturing demonstration which I do for audiences at The Woodworking Shows each weekend this time of year. Although I’ve done many thousands of these, they never get old. I hope you enjoy this three and a half minute video.
Short Texturing Video (3-1/2 min)
Here is a quick tour of our Woodworking Show Booth for 2017. Hope you will come see us when we come to a city near you. https://youtu.be/2Owz3p3axzY
I check email when I'm on the road twice a day. The office phone, not so much. The other office staff have been instructed not to answer questions they are not equiped to handle.
The 2017 Woodworking Show season is in full swing. See you in Atlanta March 11 - April 2nd, 2017.
For dates and venue locations, Click HERE
Janice and I are scheduled to be at all of these shows. We look forward to seeing you again and we have lots of new items this year. Please understand that during the show season, phone calls can only be returned when we are in the office (Mon-Wed). Orders will follow the same schedule. I am able to answer eamils from the hotel, usually, in the evening.
Available again May 2017? As the ankle permits.
I continue to receive many questions about when this family of items will be available for purchase. The answer is after the show season is over and I can focus on manufacturing it. We are currently accepting First-Come, First Served reservations at www.ronbrownsbest.com. No money is due until your reservation is confirmed some time in April 2017. After I get a handle on those first, I'll list it on the web site for general purchase.
We appreciate your interest and will notify you via the newsletter and the web site when you may place your order. Thanks again.
Ron and Janice Brown
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