No Finish Line
One of the things I love most about woodworking in general and woodturning as part of that discipline is that there is no finish line, you never arrive. Your skills increase and you can expect to achieve a certain level of professionalism after lots of practice, but there will never come a day when you say, “That’s it. I’m the best I will ever be!”
I bore easily and I’m just ever so slightly obsessive-compulsive. I decided to learn to make spinning tops. I got very good, very fast, and developed specialty tools to help with that activity. I’ve made somewhere over 15,000 so far. I’ve made small tops, ½” high and bigger tops with 8” disks and a stem to match. I’ve made them from pine 2x4’s and from ebony and cocobolo. But with all of my accomplishments regarding spinning tops, all I have to do is look at the internet and realize that I’ve only scratched the surface.
I’ve turned hundreds of fancy Christmas ornaments with very fancy ebony finials; some have spectacular inlays while others feature highly figured exotic wood. And yet for all of that sophistication, I have miles of room for improvement. The list of different kinds of things I’ve turned would fill up this page and yet, I have not arrived because there is no finish line.
Before I figured out my way around a wood lathe, I used to build custom furniture and custom cabinets. Some of my work is an integral part of the University of Georgia football stadium and the Debate society’s hall. All totaled, I have made over a thousand pieces of custom furniture. I love it, but there is still room for improvement because there is no finish line.
I started a woodworking club, the Gwinnett Woodworkers Association and personally taught the first 200 classes before we began to allow others to teach. The GWA has served several thousand members over the past 20 years and are still going strong because there is no finish line. About the time I think I’ve kind of sort of got it down, a new challenge comes my way and its back to school. I am embracing that new challenge even as I write this newsletter because there is no finish line. I’m glad I finally figured that out because wherever you go there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this week’s message.
Proverbs 18:15 KJV The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Phl 3:12-13 The Message Bible: I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus.
Colossians 1:10 MSG We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you ever have a question about an item listed on our website or something you see in a video, please drop me a note or pick up the phone and call us at (770) 962-3821. We are always happy to answer your questions. Eastern time zone please.
THANK YOU!
<Video>
Other Related Chuck Videos:
Ron's YouTube Channel - Coolhammerman
https://www.youtube.com/user/coolhammerman
<Go Here>
