Old School
We always strive to be better, to improve things, to make changes which will bring better results. Have you ever noticed that we often improve something so much that it doesn’t work anymore? That is when you hear the oft repeated phrase “Get back to basics.” You hear it in sports all the time, usually just after a loss.
I would remind you that with all of your learning, don’t forget the fundamentals. When you turn a spindle use Anchor, Bevel, Cut – ABC even though you’ve been turning for a long time. It still works to avoid catches. Sharp tools are better – safer, easier to use, easier to control, require less effort and leave a better finish. Sharpen your tools as soon as they need it.
Wear face shields, wear a dust mask when sanding, use gloves when applying toxic finishes and ventilate the area (especially when using CA glue). Don’t store oily rags inside your shop building to avoid spontaneous combustion. Empty the trash every day. These are fundamental.
Moderation leads to success more often than excess. Not everything has to have a CA finish, or only an oil finish. Not everything has to be sanded up to 12,000 grit. There are other tools besides carbide. Bowl gouges can have more than one grind but there are only three that you will use 95% of the time.
YouTube has provided one of the greatest advances in How-To education in my lifetime. Your education can be never ending on just about any subject. However, there is nothing like a face to face demonstration with an expert, nothing like attending hands-on classes, nothing like getting your hands dirty. I used to work with a fellow whose favorite phrase was “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” He is gone now, but his wisdom remains.
Don’t be afraid to try new things, but not all new things are actually an improvement. Remember the basics and stick to the fundamentals. Don’t be “too clever by half.” Because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message.
Eccl 1:9 NIV What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
Proverbs 4:7 NIV The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Colossians 3:14 MSG And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
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Easy Set Up Sharpening Package
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Quad, Universal Setting Gauge, Angle Checker, Set Up Blocks, Sharpen Like An Expert DVD (2 Disks)
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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.
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.
