I Can – I Will
I love to invent widgets of all kinds. I always have. I run through a million “What If” scenarios with each new challenge. I was watching someone on TV last week, (I have lots of time lately since I’m rather immobile due to a badly broken leg), who said “I can do this. I don’t know how I’m going to do this, but I will do this.”
I began running through a process I’ve come to embrace over time which helps me succeed more often than I fail. It is the same way you would eat an elephant; one bite at a time. I begin at the beginning by asking questions such as 1) What is the end result I’m after? 2) What does it absolutely have to be capable of (the fixed characteristics)? 3) How will it be used? 4) By Whom? 5) Are there absolute maximums and absolute minimums? And so on.
I write them down, draw them out, sometimes I make paper models or pine wood models or use SketchUp or Delta Cad or ArtCam software to help me “SEE” with my real eyes what I see in my mind’s eyes. I chew on it, sleep on it, think about it, draw some more and kick it around usually a lot. Then it is time to do something. Most of the items I have successfully designed had between 5 and 20 prototypes or versions before I went into production. Most involve cutting out parts on a scroll saw or band saw, a pocket knife and lots of sandpaper. Don’t forget the glue and fillers.
My point is that most of the time we can’t see exactly how we will accomplish something, but if we never begin the journey, we will never get to where we want to go. Consider your idea carefully, prayerfully and adequately. Do your homework and then make the first one knowing that there is likely to be several versions following. Very few people get it right the first time they try. Know that chances are that the final result won’t look much like the first attempt. That is true with us as people too. Most of us don’t look very much like what we expected when we began. But that’s OK that is just how it works.
I find with most things that The Simpler, The Better holds true. I used to try to anticipate all of the possible issues and solve them in advance. I discovered that if I made it simple to begin with, I often didn’t need to worry about the rest. I would encourage you to get a notebook and begin to record your thoughts, draw your ideas and record your observations. Looking backward will help you look forward.
Don’t get hung up on one idea. God gave you a good brain and it has tremendous capabilities. My experience is that only one out of twenty-five or thirty ideas is actually any good in the long run. So you need to get going if you want to find the good one because wherever you go there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Prov 8:12 KJV (My personal most favorite scripture)
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
1Cor 13:12 KJV For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Matt 11:15 ESV2011 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
New Video - Detailed discussion about the Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ and accessories. If you have been wondering what all of the talk is about, Ron answers your questions in this short YouTube video.
Continued by popular demand
This Week's Sale
(Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Product Line is
Included in this sale)
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™
Two New Additions:
Big Hole Top Plate for 12" Size
Previously only available with the 16" size, we are now offering a top plate with an 8" opening for the 12" size Amazing Doughnut Chuck™. This allows maximum accessability for the larger projects.
6" Rings with No-Center Hole
For those times when the standard sizes are either too large or too small, we now offer 6" rings with no holes ready for you to make those in between sizes. They are sold in pairs and come drilled with bolt holes and a lip for use with the top plate if need be.
I have included a price schedule and list of accessories for your consideration and review at the end of this newsletter. The package deals do save money over ordering the parts individually. There are also some new accessories listed.
Thanks for your patience, your loyalty and your friendship.
Ron Brown
The Amazing Off-Center Assembly is now ready for immediate delivery
Available as an add-on to your Amazing Off-Center Chuck™
or it can be purchased as a stand-alone unit. It comes with a stud (1"x 8 for 12" size or, 1-1/4" x 8 for the 16" size)
suitable for mounting your 4 jaw scroll chuck for secure work holding.
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.
Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one downloadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
