Far Above Average
Some folks have natural talent. We see that all the time in sports, on the big screen and in the art world. For the rest of us, we can learn skills, secrets, methods which allow us to appear far above average. One of the two edged swords of our modern information age is access to educational information in abundance.
I have abilities, but I’m no Tom Brady, Albert Einstein or Richard Raffan. To some folks who know me, I do pretty well so I must have a lot of natural talent. My secret is that I dig until I find the answer or solution. If I can’t find the answer I go with what I know at that point knowing that success comes, on average, on the 10th to 12th attempt. My personal talent is tenacity and being willing to fail in order to succeed.
I was talking to a couple of other professional turners recently who admitted to not being very good with a skew chisel. I have become very proficient with a skew, but only after much research and effort. Many years ago a fellow came to my booth and seemed to hang around much longer than usual. Finally when everyone else had gone, he said “I would like for you to teach me how to use the skew.” I replied that “I was struggling with the skew myself.” I will never forget the look of disappointment on his face as he said “I drove 400 miles just to see you. You are a professional wood turner and you of all people should know how to use a skew.” He was right but I still let him down that day.
When I got home I set about to not only learn the skew, but to become its master. Alan Lacer knows more about the skew than I ever will, but I’m definitely closing in. It took about 100 catches and several spindle blanks before I understood how to use a skew safely and catch-free, but it finally clicked. Now I love skews and use one effectively much of the time but only because I decided to and didn’t quit after the first several dozen failures.
I paid full price to attend a hands-on class with David Ellsworth for the single reason of understanding his grind; how and why. I like to think that I’m teachable. You too, can learn if you apply yourself and if someone else has already experienced the 100 catches ahead of you and is willing to share what they discovered in the process, it will save you a lot of time. Add several of those lessons together and you will appear to be far above average. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this week’s message:
Prov 23:4 NIV Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.
Matt 11:29 MSG Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Luke 6:40 MSG An apprentice doesn't lecture the master. The point is to be careful who you follow as your teacher.
This week's show is in Tampa, Florida. Thank you for a wonderful 2017.
Show Schedule Here
Reminder:
During the show season we travel each week from January through March. I can check my email morning and evening and answer your questions in a timely manner. The phone is a different story. Please use email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the best results.
This Week's Sale
Gouge Set-Up Blocks (Set of 2)
Every Day Price $29.99
Special $24.99
Save 25% with free USA shipping
Quickly and repeatably set up the pocket on your OneWay Wolverine Sharpening Jig. Instructions for 4 different grinds included.
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 DVD'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 permanently 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 down-loadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
