Professionals Don’t Make Mistakes
We do, but you will never see most of them. Before I give a public demonstration, I have practiced and practiced. I know what I need to get the job done, materials, tools, equipment, etc. and I have it on hand. I have rehearsed the steps and sequence things will happen and I’m ready to give my presentation/demonstration.
I never do things for the first time in front of a crowd, because I don’t want someone to get hurt (including me) if something goes wrong. The mistakes and failures I make are in private so I can correct the issues before hand. It has always baffled me how some Youtubers post videos of their first attempt at something knowing they are clueless and the possibility for catastrophe is enormous.
As many of you know, as I write this newsletter we have just completed 7 Woodworking shows in a row. I am demonstrating texturing methods and techniques this year just as I have done for many years previously. To say that I’ve made thousands upon thousands of samples is very accurate. Still, before each show opens, I double check my supplies and my tools. I make a couple of warm up practice samples in order to get ready for my guests that day. Folks who don’t care wing it and often fail due to lack of diligence and proper preparation on their part.
When you are called on to do a public demonstration for your club, or at a turning symposium, or some other event in front of a crowd, practice first, get yourself ready, rehearse a few times. Know what you are doing and you will discover the tremendous confidence it brings.
I recently had a long time customer ask me a serious question “How often do you get catches?” I said “Never unless I’m distracted or not paying attention. I never get an unexpected catch anymore because at this point I’ve learned how the tools work and I understand how they cut. I’ve studied to the point that I understand them thoroughly.” When is the last time you saw Richard Raffan, Mike Mahoney, Jimmy Clews, Nick Cook or Stuart Batty make a mistake? They are all practiced professionals who have spent the time and effort to perfect what they are demonstrating. Although we all do make mistakes eventually, they are few and far between.
Of course when a professional does make a mistake, they know exactly what they did wrong and normally use it as an object lesson for their audience. At the same time you shouldn’t be afraid to fail in front of a crowd because it does happen. Just know that you’ve put in enough practice and prep time so that mistakes are not likely. Fear of failure is one of the greatest causes of folks not trying in the first place. Overcoming that fear is easy with enough practice. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
2Tim 2:15 NIV2 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Prov 21:31 MSG Do your best, prepare for the worst - then trust God to bring victory.
2 Peter 1:12 MSG Because the stakes are so high, even though you're up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I'm not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it.
No Show This Week
Next show New Jersey Meadowlands Exposition Center March 2-4, 2018
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
Hollowing Carbide Turning Tool & Turners Laser Guide Combo
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Reg Price $179.99, Save 28%
$129.99 Free USA Shipping
Includes Turners Laser Guide and Savannah Carbide Hollowing Tool
MadeBy Medallions
This week only! Order a full sheet at regular price and get a half sheet free with your order.
Valid Feb 20 - 26, 2018 Only
VariGrind 2
Universal Setting Jig Does Work!
John Atkins sent me this photo which answers a question I get regularly. Will the Universal Setting Jig work with the OneWay Varigrind 2. Yes it will by placing the foot of the Universal at the location indicated in the photo. Now we know! Thanks John.
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.
