When Nothing Changes
Today is New Year’s Day 2018. Sweet Janice and I are really looking forward to a fantastic new year with a feeling of excitement and expectation that is stronger than ever. We feel such good things are coming that we can’t wait for each new day. We leave for our first Woodworking show of the 2018 winter season in less than 48 hours and I think we are finally ready. Well, mostly ready anyway.
A very wise man recently said “When nothing changes, nothing changes.” Simple, profound, true. Albert Einstein was to have said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” So if they typical New Year’s resolutions don’t cause change, what does?
Decide what you want and what is worth the effort to accomplish and write it down. Only pick 1 or 2 things. Sign it. Date it. Develop a workable plan for its achievement with weekly and monthly incremental levels of success. Assign a reasonable time frame for completion and dates to measure progress. Develop penalties for stepping outside the plan and rewards for your progress at regular intervals along the way. Accept forgiveness when you mess up and get back on track. Keep running written records of your progress. At the completion date assess your progress and congratulate yourself for all that you accomplished. Pick something new and proceed.
Without going into specifics, 2017 was a difficult year in that I suffered a broken leg and spent three months sitting on the couch unable to bear any weight whatsoever on my left leg. Then rehab. Now I’m steel reinforced! Our business didn’t suffer only due to the tremendous support I received from my family. It actually grew. Sales are up and so are profits. I developed several new products the majority of which are a roaring success. Some were a bit less successful, not bad since the average success rate is 1 in 20 for new products. Our mailing list is growing. Our internet business is succeeding. Our family is healthy and happy. There is money in the bank and the bills are all paid. What more could you ask for? We are asking for directed prayers this season. We know this winter will probably be a tough one and winter travel is always dicey. As we travel to 11 major USA cities, we would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and protection in the cities we visit. Thank you.
Sweet Janice, Christopher and I all wish you a very happy and successful New Year for 2018. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you help and support. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message.
Prov 14:22 NIV2 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
Isa 28:29 NIV2 All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.
Phil 3:13-14 NIV2 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
We will be getting on an airplane on Jan 3, 2018 for Baltimore, Md and the season opener for The Woodworking Shows. Thank you for a wonderful 2017.
Show Schedule Here
Simple Jam Chuck
(only 2 left)
(New Item)
My son, Christopher, loves to turn cast resin and burl projects. He has developed a simple jamb chuck which you will find very useful and durable. Cast from Alumilite resin so it is almost unbreakable the Simple Jam Chuck is meant to be used between centers. Simply expand your chuck jaws into the cast recess in the back of the jam chuck and mount your project using the tailstock. <more> Very Limited Quantities Available.
Shipping policy until further notice:
Free USA shipping for all domestic orders over $50. For orders less than $50 a flat rate of $7.99. I simply cannot afford to continue shipping the smaller orders for free.
Just so you know, here is a partial list of the items we make right in our own shop in Atlanta, Georgia, USA:
Amazing Doughnut Chucks, Amazing Bucket Caddy, Universal Setting Jig, Quad Setting Jig, Golden Mean Calipers, Indexing Wheels, Laser Cut Kits and Inlays, Gluing Guides for Laser Cut Kits, Made By Medallions for your work, Gouge SetUp Blocks, Angle Gauge SetUp Blocks, How-To DVS's 100% produced and published in-house
Special prices for Club Buys
If your club is interested in putting a Group Buy together, CBN Wheels for example 10 or more, Laser Cut Kits 50 or more, Turners Laser Guides 10 or more, Amazing Doughnut Chucks or Longworth Chucks, I can provide very special pricing. Drop me a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Made By Medallions Identify your work
This year, mark your treasures with a professionally created wooden "Made By Medallion" available in 1" and 1-1/4" disks with your name and information. Cut from 1/8" Baltic Birch, you simply drill a shallow recess with a Forstner bit and glue it permenantely in place. Those who receive your treasure know exactly who made it and if you wish, how to contact you.
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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.