Why?
When catastrophe strikes, everyone tries to figure out what went wrong in the hope of avoiding a repeat in the future. The same holds true in our workshops. When we get a bad catch, when we cut through the bottom or side of our vessel we stop and examine what happened so we can avoid those mistakes in the future. Or at least we should be learning from our mistakes. The wise among us also ask why when things go well.
Today your bowl turned out to have a very pleasing shape, the piece of wood was a joy to turn, and there was no torn end grain on the inside of this bowl, the shavings peeled off in delightful ribbons. Why? How did it happen? What was different this time? You would like to do this again. What was the magic formula that succeeded and made this session so successful?
Today you had just sharpened all of your gouges and scrapers right before you started. No reason in particular, you just thought it might be a good time to freshen up the edges on your tools. The tenon seemed to fit your dovetail jaws particularly well and it was exactly the right size. Yes, you used calipers to get it a little bit closer this time. Although it took a little longer to turn this bowl, the cuts seemed easy and not forced and you were in control on both the outside and inside. The resulting shape was exactly what you were going for when you started.
You had recently softened the bottom edge of your new negative rake scraper and sanded your tool rest smooth so it didn’t catch when you moved the scraper up the side of your bowl. In fact you started sanding at 220 grit because there were no discernable tool marks when the scrapers did their job so well. You enjoyed turning this piece more than you have in some time.
So, why this time you ask? Sharp tools, proper size and shape tenon, excellent bowl blank, moderate controlled cuts, properly prepared tool rest, didn’t rush the cuts, took time to get the shape right, proper finishing tool (NRS), didn’t stress or rush this one.
At the end of the day, reflect on your successes and the elements which helped you succeed so you can repeat them next time. Of course you want to avoid the failures as well, just don’t overlook your victories. Because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Proverbs 4:7 MSG Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
Proverbs 28:26 MSG If you think you know it all, you're a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others.
Ephesians 5:1 MSG Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.
One More Week!
Christmas In July
Featuring Type 2 Family & Sharpening Setup Aids
(I've included the Longworth Type 2 Basic series this week)
Amazing Longworth Chuck Type 2 Combos
Save $30 & Free USA Shipping Plus Bonus Pack Valued at $71 - Total Savings of over $120 for most folks.
Save $30 to $50 & Free USA Shipping Plus Bonus Pack Valued at $71 - Total Savings of over $120 for most folks.
12" Reg. $259.99 Sale $229.99 Save $30
16" Reg. $279.99 Sale $249.99 Save $30
20" Reg $379.99 Sale $329.99 Save $50
And receive at No Extra Charge:
8" Bolt set, Storage Stand, Riser Rings, Instructional DVD a $71 value
12", 16" & 20" Combos Include:
Big Hole Top Plate 8" or 9" Opening
Doughnut ring with 6" Opening
Solid Ring Set with Openings of:
2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5" which snap into the 6" Doughnut Ring so you can successfully work on much smaller pieces.
Longworth Chuck Type 2 <More>
Longworth Type 2 Basic Save $20 and Free USA shipping
10" Longworth Type 2 Basic
Reg $149.99 Sale $129.99
12" Longworth Type 2 Basic
Reg $159.99 Sale $139.99
16" Longworth Type 2 Basic
Reg $199.99 Sale $179.99
For this sale only, receive free riser rings and a storage stand with your order. The basic set does not include any doughnut rings. You can purchase them later if you wish.
Steady Rest Type 2
Save $30 & Free USA Shipping
All Sizes: 10/12", 14/16", 18/20"
Free USA Shipping on Mini Steady Rest Family
Sharpening Setup Aids
#1) Sharpen Master Kit
Reg $149.99 Sale $99.99 + S/H Save $50!
#2) US Jig + Setup Blocks Get Quad and DVD Free
Plus $59.98
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and DVD - Save $45
We Are Proud To Indtroduce The
"Amazing Ladle Chuck"
Introductory Price -Save $40
Reg $179.99 Sale $139.99
<Video>
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.
